The 2019 Potato Bowl… The only interesting thing about this game is the name. Not so much the teams, unless you happen to know someone affiliated with the program. On paper this looks like a clear advantage for the Bobcats, as Nevada, on average is getting outscored by over 11 ppg and only averages 21 ppg themselves. Ohio, on the other hand, has a formidable offense so it is a clear advantage on paper. Nevada has had four losses of 26+ points this season including a 77-6 loss to Oregon and a 54-3 loss to Hawaii. On top of that, five of Nevada’s seven wins were by one score or less. So the outcome seems to be either a big win for Ohio or a close win for Nevada.

How They Got Here: Ohio

For Ohio, it was a season of two halves. They started off 2-4 then ended year winning four of their last six. The reason for that was the consistency from their QB Nathan Rourke, who finished the second half of the season with a 12-1 TD-INT ratio, was a lot more accurate with the football, and maintained his presence in the running game. Not really a banner season for Ohio, but considering the expectations of the program, getting a chance to have a winning season and win a bowl game is a success in most peoples minds.

How They Got Here: Nevada

As mentioned before Nevada hasn’t had the prettiest of paths. They may be 7-5, but considering how they got those wins and losses really paints a not so good picture. As mentioned, they have had four losses by 26 points or more. When you take out the obvious blowout by Oregon they lost by four scores to: Hawaii, Utah State, and Wyoming. Not great. Then mixed with fives wins being by one score or less and no wins by more than two scores. As a fan of a team who has had seasons like this where they either win close or lose by a lot, it doesn’t necessarily end in great post-season play. Even if it is the Potato Bowl.

Player To Watch: Nathan Rourke, QB, Ohio

The aforementioned QB is riding high heading in to the bowl game. Not only has he been hot the second half of the season, the last two game that got them into the bowl season have been particularly impressive. Granted, it was against BGSU and Akron who have a combined three wins, but I doubt that’ll be too much of a difference against Nevada. If he plays great again…look out.

Degenerate Section: Ohio -9 (O/U 59.5)

If you haven’t guessed it already I don’t have a lot of faith, and neither does Vegas. I don’t look at spreads or anything til I get to this part of article. If I were a gambling man I’d put a lot of money on Ohio -9 and definitely smash the over for the 2019 Potato Bowl. Always smash the over on MAC teams. If you want to make this game watchable, then bet on it.

You can view the rest of our 2019 bowl previews here.