Watchability Index: Ranking all bowl games by interest level
By Zach Bigalke
36. Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: BYU vs. Western Michigan (Dec. 21)
BYU went independent nearly a decade ago at this point, seeking relevance that the Mountain West ostensibly could not give them as the 21st century turned into its second decade. Since going independent, though, the Cougars have lost a head coach and failed to reach even the modest heights they achieved under their previous league.
BYU simultaneously fields one of the best defenses in the country and one of the most awful offenses. While the Cougars finished their first dozen games ranked 18th in yards allowed and 28th in points given away each game plan, they also finished 94th in points scored and 108th in yards gained.
Kalani Sitake’s Cougars have already played on the Smurf Turf once this season in Boise, when they were downed 21-16 by Boise State. Heading back to Albertsons Stadium is hardly a novelty to BYU supporters. They will take on a Western Michigan team that was among four different teams in the MAC West who all sported 7-5 records this year.
Between the venue, the pair of mediocre teams, and the fact that Boise is a regular destination for one of the two participants, the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl doesn’t factor among the more watchable games this bowl season.