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For just the second time in program history the Buffalo Bulls are going to a bowl game. After wrapping up an 8-4 (6-2 MAC) regular season and hearing their names tossed around with multiple bowls, the Bulls got the official word that they will be playing in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Buffalo will face the San Diego State Aztecs (7-5, 6-2 MWC) in Boise, Idaho on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 5:30 p.m. (ET) on ESPN.
Buffalo got the nod for the Mid-American Conference's third-tier bowl, despite finishing fourth in the MAC, after Northern Illinois opted to go to the Poinsettia Bowl. The Bulls had a fantastic season, shocking the rest of the MAC and finding themselves in a hunt for the MAC East title on their last game of the season. The Bulls lost to eventual MAC Champion Bowling Green, but still wrapped up the team's best season since 2008, when the Bulls won the MAC Championship by defeating then No. 12 Ball State and earning their first bowl bid in program history. Buffalo went on to play Connecticut in the International Bowl, losing 38-20.
Now looking to capture their first bowl win in school history, the Bulls are taking on a tough San Diego State team. The Aztecs finished second in the Mountain West Western Division, behind conference champion Fresno State. SDSU started off the year 0-3, losing to Eastern Illinois, Ohio State and Oregon State before flipping a switch in conference play. The Aztecs won seven of their last nine, including three overtime victories. They lost in overtime to Fresno State, and fell 45-19 to UNLV on Nov. 30 to end their season.
SDSU features a balanced offensive attack, led by junior running back Adam Muema and junior quarterback Quinn Kaehler. Muema has ran for 1,015 yards and 12 touchdowns, while Kaehler has thrown for 2,796 yards and 17 touchdowns. But, the Aztecs defense is suspect at best. They've allowed an average of 32.3 points per game, and should give the Bulls a great opportunity to flex their offensive muscle.
The game also gives Buffalo senior linebacker a shot at showing off his freakish skill set once more, in front of a nationally televised audience.
Toledo lost to Utah State 41-15 in last year's game.
