After finishing the regular season 6-6, the Georgia State Panthers take on the 6-6 Utah State Aggies as 2.5-point underdogs in a game with a 59.5-point total. Let’s dive into our Georgia State-Utah State odds, pick and prediction for this year’s Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. If you’re looking for more college football bets, check out our college football betting tools and our guide to betting on football.
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Pick: Georgia State-Utah State Bet
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Odds
Odds via bet365
Georgia State: +120 | Utah State: -140
Georgia State +2.5: -110 | Utah State -2.5: -110
Over 59.5: -110 | Under 59.5: -110
Expert: Matt Gajewski
Time: Saturday, Dec. 23 at 3:30 p.m. ET
Georgia State-Utah State News & Notes
Georgia State Absence: WR Robert Lewis, RB Marcus Carroll, OT Montavious Cunningham, CB Bryquice Brown, TE Kris Byrd, LB Jalen Tate
Georgia State Coaching Changes: N/A
Utah State Absences: S Devin Dye, iOL Tavo Motu’apuaka, WR Micah Davis, LB Bronson Olevao, CB Avante Dickerson
Utah State Coaching Changes: N/A
Georgia State-Utah State Comparison
| Metric | Georgia State | Utah State |
|---|---|---|
| Pace | 52nd | 5th |
| Overall Offense | 101st | 54th |
| Run Blocking | 101st | 104th |
| Pass Blocking | 20th | 114th |
| Pass Rate | 101st | 55th |
| Overall Defense | 109th | 124th |
| Run Defense | 40th | 133rd |
| Pass Rush | 105th | 121st |
| Coverage | 129th | 67th |
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Pick & Prediction
One of bowl season’s most interesting matchups, Utah State takes on Georgia State as as a slight favorite after both teams finished 6-6. Georgia State regressed significantly down the stretch, losing their last five games. Meanwhile, Utah State rallied, winning three of their last four to hit bowl eligibility.
Starting with the Georgia State offense, the Panthers will be without three of their best players in WR Robert Lewis, RB Marcus Carroll, and OL Montavious Cunningham. All three have already committed to Power 5 programs, leaving massive void in country’s 101st ranked offense.
With so many departures, veteran dual threat signal caller Darren Grainger will have to shoulder the load. Grainger did put up solid efficiency numbers, completing 66.6% of his passes for 6.9 yards per attempt and 17 scores, while rushing for 625 yards. Georgia State has decent depth at receiver, but the running back and offensive line look like major concerns.
Fortunately, Utah State’s defense doesn’t project to provide much resistance. Even before losing starting safety Devin Dye, this unit ranked outside top 100 in every key metric except pass coverage. Despite this clear weakness, the offense has been reliable enough to outscore opponents.
Diving into the Utah State offense, the Aggies have overcome multiple quarterback injuries this year. Both McCae Hillstead and Cooper Legas enter this game questionable with injuries. However, third-stringer Levi Williams has also shown the ability to command an offense. While the offensive line has been brutal, Georgia State’s pass rush ranks outside the top 100 and all three signal callers have enough mobility to navigate pressure. Lastly, whoever plays quarterback will retain elite wide receivers Jalen Royals and Terrell Vaughn, who combined for 1,870 receiving yards.
Like Utah State, Georgia State played some brutal defense last year. They only ranked inside the top 100 in run defense, which could be an issue against a throw-heavy Utah State team. Compounding issues, Georgia State lost their top corner Bryquice Brown to the transfer portal. In what looks like a potential shootout, Utah State remains the sharp side of this contest.
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Pick & Prediction and our Georgia State-Utah State Bet: Utah State -2.5 -110 at bet365
