BOISE, IDAHO — Shuman Farms and the Idaho Potato Commission celebrated the first-ever matchup between college football teams Boise State Broncos and Georgia Southern Eagles with a friendly competition between onions and potatoes.

The Rooted Rivalry: Onions vs. Potatoes tailgate event took place Aug. 31 at Georgia Southern’s Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Ga.

The Idaho Potato Commission brought its Big Idaho Potato Truck, and Shuman Farms rolled out its Giant Sweet Onion, making the tailgate at the entrance to the stadium hard to miss, the companies said.

Eagles and Broncos fans enjoyed snacking on Idaho potato chips with Shuman Farms sweet onion dip, taking photos with Spuddy Buddy, and playing games to win sweet onion and potato prizes.

On the field, the Rooted Rivalry turned into a race between fans carrying potatoes and onions from the 15-yard line to the endzone while the Georgia Southern cheer team threw Rooted Rivalry t-shirts to fans. The video board also showcased fun facts about potatoes and onions throughout the game.

“When you combine two amazing college football teams like Boise State and Georgia Southern playing for the first time and a tailgate taste-off between Idaho potatoes and sweet onions, you get the Rooted Rivalry, a ‘mash’ made in heaven,” said Jamey Higham, president & CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission. “We’re always looking for unique and engaging opportunities to promote Idaho potatoes and this checked all of the boxes.”

“It was a first-time meeting on the football field for Georgia Southern and Boise State, but sharing a tailgate spread is a time honored tradition for sweet onions and Idaho potatoes,” said John Shuman, president and CEO of Shuman Farms. “Sharing delicious food and engaging with fans on how to include fresh produce in their game day dishes is a win all around.”