Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Toledo vs. Utah State, 4:30 p.m. EST, ESPN
2013 NFL Draft watch notes for Toledo vs. Utah State, Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE
Bowl season gets off to an unceremonious start on Saturday with a pair of games that probably aren’t on your radar. However, some NFL prospects will be on display for the final time in their collegiate careers.
Utah State and Toledo will take the field in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, which is the second of two bowl games on Saturday’s schedule.
The Aggies have an edge on the Rockets in terms of potential NFL talent, but Toledo has been a dangerous team in the MAC, particularly on offense, all season long. Toledo enters the game with a 9-3 record, while Utah State sits at 10-2 on the season.
When Toledo has the football
The Rockets enter their bowl game ranked No. 39 in the country scoring just over 32 points per game. Toledo is particularly strong on the ground, where mobile junior quarterback Terrance Owens. The Rockets best offensive weapon, though, is junior running back David Fluellen.
Utah State's defense should be up to the task. Senior cornerback WIll Davis has been rising up boards, and with good reason. He has very fluid hips in coverage and terrific ball skills. He has solid size and even better leaping ability. He also has shown an ability to get his head turned around quickly and locate the football. Bojay Filimoeatu, a defensive end for the Aggies, is also one to watch. He's shown a solid motor and flexibility around the edge in games I've watched this seaosn.
When Utah State has the football
The Aggies offense lives and dies by running back Kerwynn Williams, who is an explosive player with solid receiving ability out of the backfield. He will likely be the focal point of the offense and again this week.
Toledo's defense will have a tough time keeping up with Williams. Safety Jermaine Robinson is the only NFL prospect worth noting. Wide receiver Chuck Jacobs is Utah State's biggest threat in the passing game.
Key matchup: Bojay Filimoeatu against Toledo’s running game
Bojay Fillmoeatu has been very impressive for the Aggies’ defense this season. He seems to fit as a 3-4 rush linebacker at the next level. Saturday’s contest will present him with one final challenge, as the Rockets boast a solid ground attack. He is the type that can penetrate and blow plays up in the backfield, so we’ll see if he can keep the Rockets’ runners at bay.
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