Thursday Potato Bowl Betting Trends 2016

There were a few good trends we were spotting for Thursday’s Potato Bowl game between Idaho and Colorado State.  Be careful, however, as the positive trends tied to the Rams may be offset by their double digit line of -15.

Rams Red Hot Against The Spread This Season

On the surface, Colorado State’s 7-5 record Straight Up might not seem especially enticing, however, the Rams have performed well above expectations this season.  That’s been reflected in their record Against The Spread – one of the best in College Football – 10-2.

Idaho comes into this game with a better record Straight Up (8-4) and an impressive record Against The Spread as well (8-4 also).   The Vandals are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games overall.

Colorado State averaged 47.4 points and 520.6 yards over its final five games and the four victories during the stretch were by an average of 26.5 points.

It should be noted though that the Idaho defense limited three of its last four opponents to 14 or fewer points.

Idaho Tough Time Against Winning Teams

Idaho has been largely uncompetitive in 21 seasons at the FBS level, so the program is dropping down to FCS status, beginning with the 2018 season.  They were really not expected to be part of this Bowl season.  In fact, this will mark only their third bowl appearance.

Idaho is just 17-34 Against The Spread when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.  In other words, they have only covered in 17 of 51 games versus winning teams.

Can Colorado State Cover This Big a Line?

As a favorite of 10.5 to 21 points they won both their games this season and five of seven over the past three seasons.

They have won all seven of those Straight Up.  You will need to bet $65 to win (or profit) $10.  This may not be a bad option.  Colorado State has won 34 of 39 games Straight Up with a line in this range whereas Idaho has won a single game out of eleven as a dog within this range over the past three seasons.

- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com