Potato Bowl: Georgia State vs Utah State Odds, and Picks (Dec 23)

• Georgia State closed out the regular season on a 5-game losing streak.
• Utah State claimed bowl eligibility by winning their final game, 44-41.
• This will be the first time in program history that these two teams face off.

College football has made it to bowl game season! Let’s preview the upcoming 2023 Potato Bowl taking place between the Georgia State Panthers and the Utah State Aggies, two of the 6-6 Group of Five teams.

How to Watch

• ESPN

Preview

Georgia State claimed bowl eligibility very early in the season, after starting out 6-1. Unfortunately, they went on to lose five consecutive games following their hot start, stumbling their way into this bowl. The Panthers will aim to get back on track in this game, with an opportunity to win their third bowl game in the last four seasons. Their defense allowed nearly 42 ppg during their losing skid, and needs to bounce back.

Utah State finished .500 on the season in both conference and overall records, doing just enough to claim a spot in this bowl game. Their defense has allowed about 34 ppg this season, making it difficult for their offense, which scores the same amount. They’ll have an interesting matchup here, against a team with a similarly poor defense. QB Cooper Legas annoucning his return should give the Aggies some momentum.

Prediction

It would be difficult to pick Georgia State in this matchup after they lost five straight games, but often the long gap before bowl games helps right the ship. Both of these teams have capable offenses that can’t be overlooked. They actually match up very well, with each being carried by their offense and held back by their defense this season. Ultimately, I like the more consistent Aggies winning a very high-scoring match.

NCAAF Picks:

• Utah State 38, Georgia State 33 ()