BOISE, Idaho — The University of Idaho and Idaho State University on Sunday unveiled a new prize for the winner of the annual football game between the in-state rivals.
The Big Sky Conference squads previously played for the Battle of the Domes Trophy, which was retired prior to the 2023 season. The Bengals and Vandals will now compete to claim the Potato State Trophy, a traveling award honoring the Gem State.
A member of the Idaho athletic department staff carved the large wooden potato out of a piece of North Idaho Douglas Fir this offseason. The new Potato State Trophy was unveiled during the Big Sky Kickoff event in Spokane.
The 19.4-pound potato prize features a metal cutout of Idaho featuring etched Vandal and Bengal logos in the area of their respective campuses in the northern and eastern portions of the state. The metal piece – created and donated by Vandal booster Nick Davis – is mounted on the base's left side.
"Potatoes are synonymous with Idaho and the University of Idaho is a big part of the potato industry," Idaho head coach Jason Eck said. "We look are excited to compete for the Potato State Trophy."
After the Battle of the Domes Trophy sponsor adjusted its sponsorship with the two institutions, Eck made a temporary solution for the 2023 rivalry game, with a Mr. Potato Head on the base of the old trophy. He titled it the Potato State Trophy.
The new traveling trophy includes space for it to be passed between the programs for years to come. The Vandals lead the all-time series 32-13 and are 3-2 against the Bengals since returning to the Big Sky in 2018.
"The Big Sky Conference is the greatest conference in FCS football, complete with rich traditions and storied rivalries that go back over 50 years," Idaho State head coach Cody Hawkins said. "Having grown up in Idaho, I understand the great privilege it is to coach at one of these prestigious universities and am excited to be part of the new chapter of our rivalry with the Vandals. The Potato State is my home, and I'm excited to get our Bengals ready to compete for the Potato State Trophy for years to come!"
Idaho was picked to finish third in both the Big Sky media poll and coaches' poll, with only Montana and Montana State receiving more votes.
Idaho State was picked to finish eighth in the media poll, ahead of Northern Arizona, Portland State, Cal Poly and Northern Colorado. The Bengals were picked to finish 10th in the coaches' poll.
The Vandals won last year's bout 63-21 in Moscow and finished 9-4 overall and 6-2 in conference play. Hawkins and Idaho State went 3-8 overall in 2023 and 3-5 against Big Sky opponents.
This year's rivalry matchup, which serves as the regular-season finale for both teams, is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 23 in Pocatello. A kickoff time is yet to be announced for the game on ESPN+.
