Buffalo @ San Diego State preview

FAMOUS IDAHO POTATO BOWL STORYLINES

1. Buffalo makes its second bowl appearance Dec. 21 when it meets San Diego State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise. The Aztecs are playing in their school-record fourth consecutive bowl, and have fond memories of playing in Bronco Stadium after dashing Boise State’s BCS hopes last year with a 21-19 upset. Both teams overcame slow starts as Buffalo has won eight of its last 10 games and San Diego State seven of its last nine.

2. Buffalo senior running back Branden Oliver had a phenomenal season, rushing for 1,421 yards and 15 touchdowns, but struggled against elite opponents. He averaged 2.8 yards per carry or worse against Ohio State, Baylor and Mid-American Conference champion Bowling Green.

3. San Diego State ranks 35th nationally in passing as junior Quinn Kaehler averaged a healthy 7.8 yards per attempt, with 17 touchdowns against nine interceptions. Top target Ezell Ruffin caught 63 balls for 1,061 yards and three scores and is considering leaving early for the NFL.

TV: 5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Buffalo -3.5

ABOUT BUFFALO (8-4, 6-2 Mid-American): The Bulls rank tied for 27th nationally in scoring defense (22.3) thanks in large part to senior Khalil Mack, the Lambert Award winner as the nation’s top linebacker. He has 94 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks and three interceptions this season, two of which he returned for touchdowns, and a whopping 16 career forced fumbles. Mack also is a big reason why the Bulls are fourth nationally with a plus-15 turnover margin.

ABOUT SAN DIEGO STATE (7-5, 6-2 Mountain West): The Aztecs will be healthy, with offensive tackle Zach Dilley returning from a knee strain that kept him out of the regular-season finale against UNLV and fellow tackle Bryce Quigley and tight end Adam Roberts coming back from foot injuries they suffered in that loss. San Diego State’s biggest problems are on defense as it ranked 96th in points allowed (32.3). The Aztecs played four overtime games this year, winning three.

PREDICTION: Buffalo 27, San Diego State 24