The MWC and the MAC will square off in the 2017 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Wyoming is the MWC representative while Central Michigan is the team from the MAC. Here is the 2017 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl:
Central Michigan Chippewas (8-4)
The Central Michigan Chippewas had an outstanding season and got to eight wins. They have wins over three bowl eligible teams, including Western Michigan, Ohio and Norther Illinois. Central Michigan has gone to a bowl game in every year since 2014.
On offense, the Chippewas put up a lot of points against sub-par competition. They average 29.7 points per game. The running game leaves a little to be desired, but they do have one productive back. Jonathan Ward has rushed for 988 yards and nine touchdowns on 5.9 yards per carry. He helps provide balance for the offense.
Shane Morris, the Michigan transfer, has been the starting quarterback for the Chippewas. He hasn’t been efficient, but has thrown for 2,908 yards, 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Mark Chapman and Corey Willis are the leading receivers for CMU. Chapman has the most yards with 805, while Willis leads the team with nine touchdowns.
The scoring defense of Central Michigan is average, allowing 26.8 points per game. They rank 90th against the run and are much better against the pass, ranking 23rd. Defensive end Joe Ostman is a star who ranks among the top sackers in college football with 12.
Wyoming Cowboys (7-5)
Wyoming has gotten to their second straight bowl game under Craig Bohl. They beat two bowl eligible teams: Colorado State and Utah State. This team doesn’t have much talent, but are centering around one star.
Josh Allen is that star. He hasn’t lived up to all the NFL Draft hype, but hasn’t had much help. The offense is averaging 22.3 points per game. Allen was hurt the last two games of the season, but thinks he can play in the bowl game. Austin Conway and C.J. Johnson lead the team in receiving. Conway has 520 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Johnson has 468 yards and six touchdowns.
The running game hasn’t really done much this season. They average 107 yards per game on the ground. Two running backs lead the way: Trey Woods and Kellen Overstreet. Woods has the most yardage and has 474 yards and two touchdowns. Overstreet has 396 yards and three touchdowns.
Wyoming has a great scoring defense that ranks 13th in the country, allowing 17.8 points per game. They rank 74th against the run and fifth against the pass. Defensive end Carl Granderson has 8.5 sacks on the season. Rico Gafford has four interceptions to lead the team.
Prediction
Wyoming’s defense will make life hard on Shane Morris. The running game for the Chippewas will get some yardage, but it won’t be enough. When Josh Allen is on the field, his supreme talent will take over. If Allen is unable to play the Cowboys will struggle.
Wyoming Cowboys 29 Central Michigan Chippewas 18
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