What Is 2012 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Overview

The 2012 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl was the 16th edition of the college football bowl game, held annually in Boise, Idaho. It featured two strong Mountain West Conference teams, the Colorado State Rams and the Utah State Aggies, both finishing their regular seasons with 6–6 records.

This matchup marked a significant moment for Utah State, aiming for its first bowl victory in two decades. The game delivered high-scoring action and dramatic finishes, becoming one of the most memorable editions in the bowl’s history due to its offensive fireworks and tight finish.

• December 22, 2012 was the official date of the game, played at 1:30 PM MST at Albertsons Stadium (formerly Bronco Stadium).
• The Utah State Aggies represented the Mountain West Conference after accepting their first bowl bid since 1997.
• The Colorado State Rams earned their spot with a late-season surge, finishing 6–6 under head coach Jim McElwain.
• Final score: 48–45, with Utah State edging out Colorado State in a back-and-forth offensive battle.
• David Fales was named MVP posthumously after a fan vote, though he did not play; actual standout was Utah State QB Chuckie Keeton.

How It Works

The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl operates as an NCAA-sanctioned postseason game typically matching teams from the Mountain West and Mid-American Conferences. Invitations are extended based on conference tie-ins, win-loss records, and national appeal, with the game emphasizing regional promotion and sponsor involvement.

• Eligibility: Teams must have at least six wins to qualify. In 2012, both Utah State and Colorado State finished 6–6, meeting the minimum threshold.
• Broadcast: The game aired on ESPN, reaching a national audience, with kickoff at 1:30 PM MST on December 22, 2012.
• Venue: Albertsons Stadium, home of the Boise State Broncos, has hosted the bowl since 1997, with a capacity of approximately 32,000.
• Sponsorship: The Idaho Potato Commission sponsors the bowl, promoting Idaho’s signature crop through giveaways, including 100 pounds of potatoes to the winning team.
• Team Payout: Each conference received about $175,000 in 2012 for participation, part of the bowl’s revenue-sharing model.
• Player Awards: The MVP award was controversially given to David Fales via online vote, despite him not playing; actual game leader was Keeton with 229 passing yards and 2 TDs.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key aspects of the 2012 bowl matchup between Utah State and Colorado State:

This comparison highlights the competitive parity between the two teams. Despite playing in different conferences, both entered the game with identical records and similar offensive strengths. Colorado State’s quarterback outgained Utah State’s, but the Aggies’ balanced attack and crucial defensive stops secured the win. The game marked Utah State’s first bowl victory since 1993, ending a 19-year drought.

Why It Matters

The 2012 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl had lasting implications for both programs and the bowl’s national profile. It showcased the rising competitiveness of mid-tier programs and highlighted the entertainment value of non-New Year’s Six bowls.

• Utah State’s 48–45 win marked their first bowl victory since 1993, boosting program momentum under new leadership.
• The game’s 93 combined points made it one of the highest-scoring editions in the bowl’s history.
• Controversy over the MVP fan vote led organizers to revise the selection process in future years.
• It was one of the final games for the Western Athletic Conference as a football-playing league before realignment.
• Colorado State’s appearance ended a 12-year bowl drought, signaling a potential program turnaround.
• The ESPN broadcast drew over 1.2 million viewers, enhancing the bowl’s visibility and sponsor appeal.

Ultimately, the 2012 edition helped solidify the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl as more than a quirky tradition—it became a legitimate platform for teams to close seasons on a high note and gain national exposure.