BOISE, Idaho - Akron defeated Utah State 23-21 Tuesday to capture the Idaho Potato Bowl, its first bowl win in school history.
Robert Stein made three field goals and Jatavis Brown led a smothering defense, propelling the Zips to the victory.
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 FBS in 1987. The record came four years to the day after the school hired coach Terry Bowden.
While Stein provided the difference in scoring, it was Akron's defense that made the lead stick.
Brown, the MAC defensive player of the year, had eight tackles along with 1.5 sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a critical forced fumble.
Utah State (6-7) mounted a comeback behind senior quarterback Chuckie Keeton, who threw a two 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 flea flicker play by Utah State as time expired.