What Is 2013 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl was played on December 21, 2013, at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, featuring the Colorado State Rams and the Washington State Cougars, with Colorado State winning 48–45. It marked the first time two teams with 7–6 records faced each other in the bowl's history. The game set a record for combined points scored in the bowl's history.

Key Facts

The 2013 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl was held on December 21, 2013
Colorado State defeated Washington State with a final score of 48–45
It was the first bowl meeting between Colorado State and Washington State
The game set a record with 93 combined points in Famous Potato Bowl history
Quarterback Garrett Grayson threw for 369 yards and 3 touchdowns for Colorado State

Overview

The 2013 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl was the 17th edition of the annual NCAA college football bowl game, held on December 21, 2013, at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. It featured the Colorado State Rams from the Mountain West Conference and the Washington State Cougars from the Pac-12 Conference, both finishing the regular season with 7–6 records.

The game was notable for its high-scoring action and dramatic finish, drawing national attention due to the offensive showdown between the two teams. Sponsored by the Idaho Potato Commission, the bowl continues to promote Idaho’s signature crop while hosting competitive matchups from different Division I FBS conferences.

Game Date: The 2013 edition took place on December 21, 2013, kicking off at 1:30 PM Mountain Time, broadcast nationally on ESPN.
Location: The game was played at Albertsons Stadium, home of the Boise State Broncos, with a capacity of over 32,000 spectators.
Teams: The Colorado State Rams (7–6) represented the Mountain West, while the Washington State Cougars (6–7) represented the Pac-12.
Final Score: Colorado State won 48–45, marking the highest-scoring game in the bowl’s history at the time with 93 combined points.
Attendance: A crowd of 27,422 attended the game, one of the larger turnouts in the bowl’s history up to that point.

Game Highlights & Key Performances

The 2013 matchup was defined by explosive offensive plays and quarterback duels, with both teams showcasing strong passing attacks. Despite turnovers and defensive lapses, the game remained close throughout, culminating in a dramatic final quarter.

Garrett Grayson: Colorado State’s quarterback threw for 369 yards and 3 touchdowns, leading key scoring drives in the second half.
Dominique Williams: Rams running back rushed for 75 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a crucial 1-yard plunge late in the fourth quarter.
Connor Halliday: Washington State’s QB passed for 410 yards and 4 touchdowns, but also threw 2 interceptions.
Record-Breaking Offense: The two teams combined for 934 total yards, with 528 from Colorado State and 406 from Washington State.
Fourth Quarter Drama: The Rams took the lead for good with 1:41 remaining after a touchdown following a Washington State fumble.
Defensive Plays: Colorado State’s defense forced 2 turnovers, including a critical fumble recovery in the final minutes.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a statistical comparison between the two teams in the 2013 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl:

Category	Colorado State	Washington State
Final Score	48	45
Total Yards	528	406
Passing Yards	397	410
Rushing Yards	131	−4
Turnovers	2	3

The data shows Colorado State’s balanced attack and better ball security were decisive factors. Despite Washington State gaining more in the air, their negative rushing total and third-down inefficiency hurt their chances. Colorado State capitalized on short fields and red zone opportunities, converting 5 of 6 trips into touchdowns.

Why It Matters

The 2013 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl stands out in college football bowl history for its offensive fireworks and dramatic finish. It highlighted the growing competitiveness of mid-tier bowl games and the importance of quarterback performance in high-stakes matchups.

National Exposure: The game drew a 2.1 national TV rating, boosting visibility for both schools and the Mountain West Conference.
Idaho Potato Promotion: The Idaho Potato Commission used the platform to distribute over 10,000 free potato samples to fans.
Player Development: Several participants, including Grayson and Halliday, went on to sign NFL contracts or attend training camps.
Bowl Prestige: The high-scoring nature elevated the profile of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl among secondary bowl games.
Historical Record: The 93 combined points set a new benchmark for the bowl, surpassing the previous record of 83.
Program Momentum: Colorado State’s win marked their first bowl victory since 2008, helping build momentum under head coach Jim McElwain.

The 2013 edition remains a fan favorite due to its thrilling finish and offensive showcase, underscoring the entertainment value of college football’s postseason.