Staying in Boise to play in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl is becoming a more realistic possibility for the Boise State football team, multiple sources told Bronco Nation News on Thursday.
Boise State (7-5) has expressed interest in potentially wanting to play in the game, according to sources, due to the potential dates of other options.
According to sources there is a growing sentiment among players to finish the season prior to Christmas instead of potentially missing an extra week with family to play in a bowl such as the Arizona Bowl on Dec. 31. If that means playing in the Potato Bowl, they would like be for it.
The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl is Tuesday, Dec. 21, at 1:30 p.m. on ESPN. The Broncos haven’t played in the game since 2005.
One source told Bronco Nation News that a lot of juggling among teams and bowls would have to occur to make it happen, but that it’s a realistic possibility – which hasn’t been the case for the Broncos in well over a decade.
Boise State has long preferred to play elsewhere to give players a final trip and experience to finish the season. The Potato Bowl also ranks lower on the Mountain West pecking order, and the Broncos typically have much more attractive options and opponents.
But after losing five games in the regular season for the first time since 1998, it might be the best option to get the season done before the holidays while also giving the seniors one final chance to play on The Blue.
Boise State athletic director Jeramiah Dickey indicated the Potato Bowl might be an option for the Broncos during a live social media interview with Bronco Nation News on Wednesday.
“I think every option is on the table,” Dickey said. “Playing in your home stadium and at home, my priority going into this has been I want the best possible student-athlete experience. They’ve earned it. It’s hard to win and get to a bowl and I know what our expectations are but this is something that should be celebrated for these kids and the hard work they put into it.
“I want the best possible experience and if that ends up being here, wherever it ends up being, we’re going to embrace it and make sure it’s the best possible experience for the staff, their families and the student-athletes.”
A source told Bronco Nation New that even if Boise State indicated it would play in the Potato Bowl other things would have to be juggled and moved around to make it happen. That could mean finding a more attractive opponent to play, or having to juggle the other games and dominoes that would come from Boise State no longer being an option elsewhere.
Bowl bids will officially be announced on Sunday. Stay tuned to BroncoNationNews.com for the latest.
Am torn – but I get the balance between a fun trip and a full Christmas vacation. Still thinking we are headed to one of the Texas Bowls, all before Christmas.
In my opinion it just depends on the opponent. If they play a good team then I’m all for it but if it’s a no body team then I’d prefer a different bowl game.
It sounds like the only way we stay home for the Potato Bowl is by luring a very attractive opponent. Would be fun to see a P5 school come to the Blue to finish the year. Wishful thinking.
I see the players wanting to spend another week with their families during the holidays, plus, it would no doubt save athletics a significant amount of money, but wouldn’t it hurt our visibility and possibly recruiting? Especially in areas where we already have had success?