What Is 2015 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Overview

The 2015 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl was the 19th edition of the annual NCAA college football bowl game, held on December 22, 2015, at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. It featured the Colorado State Rams from the Mountain West Conference and the Idaho Vandals from the Sun Belt Conference, marking a rare postseason matchup between two programs with contrasting recent histories.

Idaho entered the game with a 6–6 record, while Colorado State finished 7–5. The game was notable for its high-scoring offense and dramatic momentum swings, ultimately culminating in a historic victory for Idaho. This win was especially significant as it was the Vandals’ first bowl win since 1998 and their final bowl appearance before moving to the FCS level in 2018.

• December 22, 2015: The game was played on this date at Albertsons Stadium, home of the Boise State Broncos, with a crowd of 27,128 in attendance.
• Final score of 61–50: This made it the highest-scoring game in Famous Idaho Potato Bowl history, surpassing previous offensive records.
• Idaho’s Matt Linehan: The quarterback threw for 381 yards and 4 touchdowns and added 2 rushing touchdowns, earning Most Valuable Player honors.
• First bowl win since 1998: Idaho’s victory ended a 17-year bowl win drought, with their last win being the 1998 Las Vegas Bowl.
• Final FBS bowl game: Idaho dropped to the FCS level in 2018, making this their last appearance in an FBS bowl game.

Game Highlights & Key Performances

The 2015 bowl game was defined by explosive offensive plays and record-setting performances, particularly from Idaho’s offense. Both teams traded touchdowns throughout, but Idaho pulled away late in the fourth quarter with key defensive stops and timely scoring.

• First quarter: Colorado State opened with a 14–0 lead, but Idaho responded with 21 unanswered points to take control early.
• Second quarter: Idaho’s Joel Thomas rushed for two touchdowns, helping the Vandals build a 35–28 halftime lead.
• Third quarter: The Rams tied the game at 42–42 after a 97-yard touchdown drive led by quarterback Garrett Grayson.
• Fourth quarter: Idaho scored 19 unanswered points, including a 75-yard punt return by Trevor Homey and two Matt Linehan touchdown passes.
• Defensive impact: Idaho’s defense forced three turnovers, including a critical fourth-quarter interception that sealed the game.
• Garrett Grayson: Despite the loss, Grayson threw for 396 yards and 3 touchdowns, setting a Colorado State bowl record for passing yards.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of key statistical categories between Idaho and Colorado State during the 2015 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl:

The statistical similarity between the two teams underscores the competitive nature of the game. Despite Colorado State’s strong offensive output, Idaho’s ability to capitalize on turnovers and maintain possession in key moments proved decisive. The Vandals’ balanced attack and explosive special teams plays were the difference-makers in this high-scoring shootout.

Why It Matters

The 2015 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl holds a unique place in college football history due to its dramatic narrative and program-defining significance for Idaho. It showcased the potential of underdog programs to rise in high-pressure situations and provided a memorable send-off for Idaho’s FBS era.

• Historic win: Idaho’s 61 points set a new record for most points scored by a team in the bowl’s history.
• Program milestone: The victory improved Idaho’s all-time bowl record to 3–7 and marked their first winning season since 2009.
• Player legacy: Matt Linehan’s performance elevated his status as one of Idaho’s most impactful quarterbacks in school history.
• Media attention: The game drew national coverage due to its high score and the novelty of Idaho’s bowl eligibility after years of losing seasons.
• Transition significance: As Idaho’s final FBS bowl, the game symbolized the end of an era before their move to the FCS level.
• Entertainment value: The game’s 111 combined points and back-and-forth action made it one of the most entertaining bowl games of the 2015 season.

Ultimately, the 2015 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl was more than just a postseason game—it was a celebration of resilience, offensive firepower, and program pride. Its legacy endures in college football lore as a classic example of how a single game can redefine a team’s trajectory.