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Logan • On Saturday afternoon, Utah State became bowl eligible for the first time since 1997 by defeating Nevada 21-17 at Romney Stadium.
Now, the Aggies have an idea of where they will play their postseason.
Kevin McDonald, the executive director of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, told The Salt Lake Tribune on Sunday that he and Utah State have had extensive talks for the past two weeks concerning an invitation. All that was needed on USU's part was the sixth win to qualify for a bowl game. McDonald said the Bowl Committee is set to have a meeting on Tuesday morning. No official invitation is imminent, McDonald said, but the interest on both sides is mutual.
"There is definitely a high level of interest in Utah State," McDonald told The Tribune. "Utah State makes sense because of where they are geographically. They have a great fan base, and they will do a great job of traveling. They are a feel-good story because of their winning streak. We feel like they've earned a shot at playing in a bowl."
Should there be an invitation extended, USU (6-5) will likely accept.
Utah State Athletic Director Scott Barnes, when reached by The Tribune on Sunday, said that Utah State would like to play in the Dec. 17 game. The short travel to Boise, where the game would be held, likely against a member of the Mid-American Conference, is ideal for a base that wants to see the Aggies play in the postseason.
"For obvious reasons, the Potato Bowl would be a very good position for us to be in," Barnes said. "We're honored that we're being considered for an invitation."
First, there is a game to play on Saturday at New Mexico State for the Aggies. On Sunday, USU coach Gary Andersen said that getting a seventh win to close out the regular season is important for the confidence of his team.
"Every game is meaningful, no question," Andersen said. "To get to seven wins would be huge. We have to walk into the game and play well. The last time we went there, we got beat."
There has been a question of whether a 7-5 record is needed for the Aggies to actually be invited to a bowl game. McDonald said that while a win against NMSU would make Utah State more attractive, a loss on Saturday wouldn't preclude the Aggies from receiving an invite.
Twitter: @tonyaggieville —
Spud possibilities
• The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 17, at 3:30 p.m. (ESPN) at Bronco Stadium in Boise.
• A team from the Western Athletic Conference — possibly Utah State — will face a team from the Mid-American Conference• The top team from the MAC this season are: Ohio (9-3), Northern Illinois (9-3), Temple (8-4), Toledo (8-4), Western Michigan (7-5), Ball State (6-6), and Eastern Michigan (6-6). —
Utah State at New Mexico St.
P Saturday, 1:30 p.m.