Freshman quarterback Matt Linehan eclipsed 300 passing yards for the fourth time in his young five-game career, but it was his two interceptions that proved to be costly in Idaho’s 35-30 loss to Texas State.
Down five with under two minutes remaining, Linehan and company took the field with the opportunity to win the game. After two plays though, Linehan threw his second interception of the game.
Texas State took over, took a knee and took the game. Idaho fell to 0-5 on the season, and has now lost 19-straight road games.
Linehan’s second interception happened early in the second quarter. With Idaho threatening in the red zone, the young quarterback tried to fit a pass between two Texas State defenders and was picked off in the end zone.
On the next play, Texas State running back Terrence Franks took a handoff and rushed the ball 95 yards for a touchdown.
In the matter of seconds, Idaho went from about to take the lead, to being down 14-3.
Including that play, Franks had three touchdowns that were 70 or more yards. He finished with 284 yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries.
A bright spot for the Vandals came from their rushing attack. Idaho entered the game ranked 123rd in rushing yards. Led by senior running back Kris Olugbode’s 80 yards, the Vandals finished with 176 rushing yards.
Idaho will attempt to win its first game next week when it travels to the South once again to take on Georgia Southern.