---

Akron vs. Utah State Famous Idaho PotatoBowl recap, score and what’s next for the Zips and Aggies.

---

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Recap

Score: Akron 23, Utah State 21

And You Care Because … For the first time in school history, Akron is a bowl champ, holding on to defeat Utah State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. The Zips started quickly in Boise, jumping out to a 10-0 lead on a touchdown reception by QB Thomas Woodson and the first of Robert Stein’s three field goals. TheAggies battled back to take their first and only lead of the game on a 19-yard scoring strike from Kent Myers to Hunter Sharp early in the third quarter. However, a few minutes later RB Donnell Alexander scored from two yards out to give Akron a cushion it wouldn’t relinquish. Utah State drew to within two points on a Chuckie Keeton touchdown pass to Brandon Swindall with 1:12 left, but a failed onside kick attempt ended the Aggies’ last-gasp shot at a comeback.

What Else?

– Akron’s Woodson was named the game MVP after throwing for 168 yards, rushing for a team-high 47 yards and opening the scoring with a touchdown catch.

– Utah State RB Devante Mays led all ballcarriers with 124 yards on 12 carries, highlighted by a 61-yard burst.

– Utah State’s Sharp paced the game’s pass-catchers by making 11 receptions for 93 and a score.

– Akron won despite being outgained, 363-282, by Utah State.

– The Zips dominated time of possession, 34:07 to 25:53.

– Three of the game’s four turnovers were committed by the Aggies.

– Keeton and Myers both played extensively for Utah State, with each completing 14 passes.

Game Rating: C+ … The good news was that the game was competitive throughout, with neither team enjoying a double-digit lead after halftime. The bad? Offensive execution left plenty to be desired, and a matchup between MAC and Mountain West also-rans in Boise hardly qualified as a must-see event.

What’s next for Akron?

The offense that struggled do much has even more work to do, but QB Thomas Woodson is back after throwing for over 2,000 yards. Woodson can run a bit, but the Zips need to find a regular running back to replace Conor Hundley and Donnell Alexander. Jerome Lane is a dangerous playmaker who’ll carry the passing game, but the offense loses Imani Davis and Andrew Platt from the receiving corps. The big problem? The O line loses all five starters.

The defense needs just as much of an overhaul losing do-everything LB Jatavis Brown and four of the top five tacklers. Se’Von Pittman has to be a star on the line along with Jamal Marcus on the outside, but the linebacking corps is all but starting over. The secondary should be okay at safety around Zach Guiser, but the corner situation will have to be figured out early on in spring ball. Solid PK Robert Stein is done along with excellent P Zach Paul.

What’s next for Utah State?

Yes. Really. Chuckie Keeton is finally out of eligibility. Kent Myers is a veteran now who should be ready to make the team his. Along with Myers, all the top rushing options are back with Devante Mays and LaJuan Hunt forming a good 1-2 tandem behind what should be an outstanding line returning four starters. Losing Hunter Sharp is a big deal for the receiving corps and not having Devonte Robinson around won’t help, either. TE Wyatt Houston will be the main target early on, but finding new top receivers to stretch the field will be Job One.

There’s still a Vigil. Nick Vigil returns and should be in the mix for Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors, but he’ll need help with star OLB Kyler Fackrell done along with three of the four starters. The line needs help, too, losing top end Jordan Neilson and David Moala, the anchor on the nose. The secondary might not have SS Marwin Evans or CB Deshane Hines, but Jalen Davis is a keeper at the other corner. PKs Brock Warren and Jake Thompson are good, while P Aaron Dalton is back after averaging over 41 yards per kick.