Matchup: Ohio vs Utah St. - Ohio under Frank Solich has been an interesting second level MAC team (need a conference title that continues to it in the CCG) for quite some time while Utah St. couldn't find a lead it couldn't blow in the first half of the season, then couldn't find a close game it could lose in the second half of the season.
Matchup Pedigree: Almost nil. Ohio has Frank Solich. Utah St.'s tradition is so bad, blowing the Auburn game on the onside kick is a high point.
Locale: Boise is cold, really cold. And the game is played on Boise's blue turf. Ugh, especially if Utah St. is in blue jerseys as the home team.
Entertainment Value: Lots. Utah St. pretty much hasn't been in a boring game all season. It's 2-5 start was punctuated by close games and blown leads. It's great finish was figuring out how to hold on for dear life.
Corporate Nonsense: This is one of the best corporate sponsors out there, at least in context of the game. The bowls were originally created to promote states, areas and tourism. While this doesn't explicitly promote tourism, there's not much better a corporate sponsor can be than from the backing of the state it's ins largest industry.
Bowl Pedigree: Generally a fun game between either a decent mid-major and a 6-6 BCS also ran or two good mid-majors. There are a whole lot of bowls that settle for worse every season.
Game Prediction: Ohio's punter complained about the cold the day after this game was announced. Sounds like a member of a team that really doesn't want to be in this position meaning a slow start is in order. Ohio will come back though, but Utah St. learned how to hold a lead and not blow it during the second half of the season.
Utah St. 34, Ohio 28
Should you watch: Maybe. There are some of us that enjoy watching Utah St. this season. Also, Ohio is in the game and the MAC has looked more like the WAC than the WAC did this season. Should be entertaining, but there are other things to do.
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