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Two solid teams who finished one game away from their conference title games will square off on the blue turf, as Buffalo and San Diego State face each other in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
The Aztecs lost their first three games of the season, including a blowout to FCS powerhouse Eastern Illinois and a close loss to Oregon State (who lost to FCS powerhouse Eastern Washington) before winning six of their next seven games. Their most impressive wins came against San Jose State and Boise State, with conference losses to Fresno State and UNLV.
Buffalo's first two games were as difficult as anyone's, as they lost in blowout fashion at Ohio State and at Baylor. The Bulls responded nicely, winning seven games in a row (with five conference wins), before finishing the year 1-2 to bow out of the MAC title race.
Must Reads
The numbers
Rankings and records: Neither team is ranked. The Bulls went 8-4 this year, with a 6-2 record in conference play good for second in the MAC East. San Diego State went 7-5, with a 6-2 record good for second in the West Division. This is the first-ever matchup between the two teams.
Vegas: Buffalo is a 2-point favorite. The over/under is 51.5 points.
Weather: Very, very cold.
Three names to know
Khalil Mack. The Buffalo outside linebacker is one of the top prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft and is approaching Jason Babin's record for career tackles for loss.
Branden Oliver. The Bulls have received solid offensive play in the passing game, but it all starts with the running back Oliver, who is averaging more than five yards per carry with 15 touchdowns.
Adam Muema. The Aztecs' powerhouse back has 12 touchdowns on the year and is an absolute bulldozer out there.
Two things at stake
After a hot start to the season, Buffalo fell off a bit at the end. A win here would provide momentum for next season.
San Diego State has made four straight bowl games, but has only won one.
Happy bowl season!
How to witness
TV: 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Radio: For Buffalo, try 1230 AM, 1340 AM and 1280 AM. For San Diego State, tune in to 1090 AM.
Online streaming: WatchESPN.
Location: Boise, Idaho
Stadium: Bronco Stadium -- capacity 36,387
Tickets: Find available seats here.
Last year's score: Utah State 41, Toledo 15
Last year's attendance: 29,243
Last year's TV rating: 1.9
Last year's payout for each school: $750,000
Team with the most all-time appearances: Boise State (4)
Team with the most all-time wins: Boise State (3)
Further reading
Head to Bull Run for all your Buffalo news, with Hustle Belt and Mountain West Connection for coverage of the conferences involved.
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