It will be a repeat of the Humanitarian bowl won by Idaho in 2009 the only previous match up between these too. Bowling Green was in a rebuilding year last year but they still return one of the youngest rosters in college football with 54 freshmen or red shirt freshmen and 27 sophmores or red shirt sophomores. This team last year struggled big time on defense in both stopping the run and pass. They lack size and add in that they just were not very good on special teams and this team has nothing to do but improve, but I like Idaho out of the WAC. They had a disappointing year last year and gave up a bunch of sacks (main issue) with 45 sacks to QBâs. They return both tackles and a new QB. Most importantly in this match up is Idahoâs talent on offense should be able to take advantage of Bowling Green. Idaho usually bombs all over the field, but with the transfer of Arizona State Ryan Bass and speedster Princeton McCarty out of the backfield I think they can get over 100 yards rushing tonight at home. Bowling Green also only had 17 sacks a year ago while Idaho who struggled in this department improved in 2010 with 31 sacks and 88 tackles for loss becoming more aggressive which theyâll have to do against the young QB Matt Schilz who returns after throwing for over 2,000 yards but just 8 TD to 14 interceptions. I like the skill of Brian Reader at QB for Idaho and the overall special teams should give them a huge edge as they feature some good kickers and Kama Bailey is one of the best kick returners in the nation. They were 10th last year in passing and I figure theyâll finish in the top 25 yet again. If they get balance tonight I think they win easily. Their defense should take a huge step this year with the depth and potential they have at linebacker. Look for DT Michael Cosgrove to command double teams as Bowling Greenâs offensive line that returns 4 starters gave up 35 sacks a year ago.
