The University of Akron football team announced on Sunday, Dec. 6, that they will be playing Utah State Aggies in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise, Idaho on Dec. 22.

The appearance in the bowl game is only the second time that Akron has been in one since the program moved to Division I-A (FBS) in 1987. The other appearance was 10 years ago when the Zips lost to Memphis 38-31. That Memphis team featured NFL player DeAngelo Williams who ran for 233 yards on 30 carries.

This will be the first meeting between the Akron and Utah State football programs.

Utah State began the season with just one win in their first three games and lost starting quarterback Chuckie Keeton to a knee injury. The Aggies finished the season by winning five of their last nine games to become bowl eligible.

They finished second in the Mountain Division of the Mountain West Conference.

The strongest part of the Aggies team continues to be its defense. They finished the season seventh in fumble recoveries (12), ninth in three-and-outs forced (5.10 per game), 13th in passing defense (180.4 yards per game ), 20th in defensive touchdowns (3), 23rd in total defense (336.7 yards per game), 26th in first downs allowed (17.7 per game) and 28th in opponent third down conversions (.341).

Kickoff time is set for 3:30 p.m.