The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl kicked-off its bowl week activities Tuesday afternoon with the Strikes for Spuds charity bowling event at Pinz Bowling Center at the Wahooz Family Fun Zone in Meridian, Idaho.

Utah State and Toledo jointly raised a donation of 1,700-pounds of potatoes and 400-pounds of ground beef to be given to two Boise-based charities and two team-hometown charities. USU competed for donations to the Idaho Food Bank and Utah's Cache Food Pantry, while UT bowled on behalf of Boise's Life Kitchen, as well as Toledo's The Beach House charities.

"It's a big part of who we are and any opportunity we get to be involved in the community is important to us, and this is part of it," said USU head coach Gary Andersen.

The potato product donations were given by Idaho-based companies, the J.R. Simplot Company and Potandon Produce, while the ground beef was donated by Food Services of America.

"I think it's awesome that we're able to help the food pantry in this way. It's cool we can chip in and do our part," said junior offensive lineman Kyle Whimpey.

The teams battled through two-rounds of 12-frames each, with Toledo winning with a score of 310 total pins to Utah State's 248 pins. In the first round, the Rocket defense took on the Aggies offense winning in the last frame, 142-138. UT's offense sealed the win in the second round, topping the USU defense, 168-110.

Utah State and Toledo will square off in The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Saturday at 2:30 p.m. MST at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Utah State is ranked #18 in the nation and is representing the Western Athletic Conference after finishing their season at 10-2. Toledo finished the season with a record of 9-3 and will be representing the Mid-American Conference.