Here I am on a plane bound for Boise. The whole reason for this trip...to cover the Idaho Vandals in the Humanitarian Bowl. The first thought that comes to mind is...the Vandals? I don't want to sound like I'm knocking the University of Idaho football program, but I still can't believe it. When I took a job at KREM three years ago, I dreamed of covering a bowl game, but always assumed it would be Washington State (that seems EXTREMELY far-fetched now).
All I know is that I'm pumped to be covering my first ever bowl game. I've covered an NFC Championship, other major pro sporting events, and the NCAA men's basketball tournament several times, but never a bowl. This is going to be a blast (especially with Robb Akey by my side)!
That doesn't mean I haven't been to a bowl game before. I was one of those whacky college kids who would do anything to get to a post season contest. I graduated from Wazzu in 2003, so I followed the Cougars to two bowl games. The first was the Sun Bowl in 2001 against Purdue (I drove 36 hours straight from Pullman to El Paso with four of my best friends…we hit Las Vegas on the way home). I also watched WSU get pounded by Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl in 2003.
The Humanitarian Bowl is not the most high-profile bowl game in the country, but I don’t care. I think I speak for all Idaho fans by saying “a bowl game is a bowl game.” Bowling Green doesn’t exactly scream a major opponent, but that doesn’t mean the game won’t be exciting to watch. If you love football…you’ll love this football game. Both teams love to put up massive amounts of points (as much as Robb Akey would love his defense to come prepared to play on Wednesday). What’s not fun about that?
I also understand that there is no “I” in team, but keep your eyes peeled for some awesome individuals. Idaho offensive lineman Mike Iupati is one of the best in the country. He was a consensus All-American and he was one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy, which is awarded to the best interior lineman (offensive or defensive) in the nation (an award that went to Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh). Bowling Green has one of the best receivers in the country in Freddie Barnes. He was a finalist for the Fred Biletnikoff Award. Barnes has caught 138 passes (just five receptions shy of the NCAA single season record) this year for 1,551 yards and 16 touchdowns. His career numbers are even more amazing: 281 receptions for 3,080 yards and 27 TDs.
I can’t wait to see how this game shakes out. The Falcons are a one point favorite right now. The over/under is set at 68.5 points (which means oddsmakers expect scoring, scoring, and more scoring).
Our coverage starts the minute this airplane’s wheels hit the ground. We are getting our rental car and jetting straight to Bronco Stadium (believe it or not…this is my first ever trip to Boise) for Vandals practice. If we don’t catch any on the field action (we’re cutting it close), we’ll at least get an interview with Robb Akey. I’ll let you know how everything goes.
Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@TLKREM2). I’ll be posting pictures, inside information, and so much more over the next couple of days. I’ll also be Tweeting from the sideline during the game. Keep your eyes peeled for more blogs as well. I’ll let you know what’s going on in Boise, what the team is doing and saying, and much more. We’ll also have great coverage on KREM 2 News and KREM.com.
They are making me shut down my electronic device, so it’s time to go. We’ll talk again soon!
Go Vandals!
