EAGLE, ID - The Idaho Potato Commission’s Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl witnessed another year of great ball playing, with BYU freshman Zach Wilson throwing a perfect game and carrying his team to victory against the Western Michigan Broncos at the 22^nd annual event.

“For more than two decades, college football teams have been traveling to Boise to play their hearts out at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, which is, for many players, one of the biggest events of their lives. The Idaho Potato Commission is extremely proud to host these athletes, their families and friends, cheerleaders, and band members to help create an unforgettable experience for everyone,” said Frank Muir, Idaho Potato Commission President and CEO.

According to a press release, Zach Wilson completed all 18 passes totaling 317 yards and threw four touchdowns, setting a new single-game BYU record for completions. The BYU Cougars went on to beat the Western Michigan Broncos 49-18, with close to 20,000 attendees cheering the two teams on at Albertsons Stadium and two million fans watching it live on ESPN.

“In my opinion, the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl is one of the most exciting of all college bowl football games. Every year, long-standing records are broken and talented young men are recruited to the NFL to become all-star players. It’s unpredictable, it’s exciting, it’s fun, and it represents what college athleticism is all about,” Muir continued.

The event proved to be even more successful thanks to the help of past alum and current NFL players, who posted creative Instagram and Twitter posts in which they rooted for their alma maters and shouted out Idaho® potatoes. This included Josh Allen, Quarterback for the Buffalo Bills and player for Wyoming in the 2017 FIPB. Other players who posted included:

• Kyle Van Noy, New England Patriots (BYU)
• Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints (BYU)
• Jamaal Williams, Green Bay Packers (BYU)
• Greg Jennings, Retired (Western Michigan)
• Corey Davis, Tennessee Titans (Western Michigan)

The game also provided an opportunity to promote some of the commission’s other important programs, including:

• The iconic Big Idaho® Potato Truck was parked amidst all the tailgating activities, providing a backdrop for thousands of selfies!
• Miss Idaho, Nina Forest, greeted fans at the Big Idaho® Potato Truck and was on the field for the coin toss along with Frank Muir; Randy Hardy, IPC Chairman; Spuddy Buddy; Dave Bieter, Mayor of Boise and Kevin McDonald, Executive Director of the FIPB.
• The IPC presented its long-time charity partner RODS, a non-profit organization that helps find homes in the U.S. for orphaned children in other countries with Down syndrome, an oversize check for $25,000. Frank Muir and Randy Hardy, Chairman of the IPC, presented the check on the field during the second quarter to RODS President, Rob Wight and his son, Alex.
• Spuddy Buddy, the IPC’s famous mascot who entertains fans from the sidelines, was named the #1 College Football Bowl Mascot by SBNation this year.

Lastly, the commission also ensured that no matter who was watching or where, every football fan around knew who the naming sponsor was thanks to the famous “Grown in Idaho®” seal showcased via the following features:

• Permanent signage in prominent locations throughout Albertsons Stadium
• Nine ESPN television and radio ads
• A 30-second welcome message from Frank Muir
• Several public address mentions and video board announcements
• Idaho® potato logos on the field, in the end zones and on the sidelines and fences
• Multiple mentions by the sportscasters
• Game day program advertising with the IPC logo on the cover and three-page spread

For more produce play-by-plays before the best season, aka football season (duh!), is up, keep following AndNowUKnow.

Idaho Potato Commission