FAMOUS IDAHO POTATO BOWL (Boise, Idaho) -- The transition of Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen (shoulder) from questionable to definite understandably moved the spread from even to the Cowboys at minus-3. It makes sense as Allen began the season in contention for the projected No. 1 overall draft pick. So what's with the total? It has shrunk by 1.5 points. A banged-up Cowboys offensive line is partly to blame but is offset by Central Michigan sailing over the total in five straight games. In last year's bowl, the Chippewas' opponent cleared this total alone with 55 points. These teams ranked first and second in turnovers forced, which does not hint at a low-scoring game. Bottom line: a game involving Allen should not carry such a minuscule total.

IDAHO POTATO BOWL (Boise, Idaho) -- I love potatoes and Central Michigan -- even if Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen plays, which I don't think he will as he could be a first-round NFL draft pick. As good as Allen is, he was unable to carry the Cowboys to a great season. The Chippewas ended their season on a five-game winning streak and a huge victory over a very good Northern Illinois squad. If Allen plays, I still have Central Michigan as a 3-point favorite. But if he's out, I have the Chippewas winning by 10! Central Michigan is the play.