BOISE, Idaho (AP) Akron claimed its first-ever victory in a college football bowl game by defeating Utah State 23-21 on Tuesday in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, with Robert Stein kicking three field goals.
In the day’s other bowl game, Toleldo beat Temple in a rain-affected Boca Raton Bowl.
Akron’s Stein, who became the school’s career scoring leader with 268 points, connected from 29, 33 and 46 yards, and was selected the game’s MVP. His longest kick gave the Zips a 23-14 with 8:15 remaining.
Akron (8-5) finished with eight wins for the first time since moving up to the Football Bowl Subdivision – the highest level of the collegiate game – in 1987. The record came four years to the day after the team hired coach Terry Bowden.
While Stein provided the difference in scoring, it was Akron’s defense that made the lead stick.
Jatavis Brown, the Mid-American Conference defensive player of the year, had eight tackles along with 1 1/2 sacks, 2 1/2 tackles for loss, and a critical forced fumble.
Utah State (6-7) mounted a comeback, with quarterback Chuckie Keeton throwing a 2-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Sharp with 1:12 remaining to pull to 23-21. But Akron recovered the onside kick and then stopped one final play by Utah State as time expired.
Toledo’s Phillip Ely hit Cody Thompson with an 80-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter to secure a 32-17 win against Temple in a soggy Boca Raton Bowl.
It gave the Rockets a victory in the first game under coach Jason Candle, who was promoted from offensive coordinator three weeks ago when Matt Campbell took over at Iowa State.
It was the first time in 14 years that the Rockets (10-2) won 10 games in a season.
Temple started 7-0 but lost four of their last seven games to finish 10-4.
Frequent driving rain hampered both offenses, but Ely went 20 for 28 for 285 yards and two scores with no turnovers. Ely and Toledo linebacker Ja’Wuan Woodley were chosen the game’s most valuable players.
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