With another win Saturday and a winning record, the Idaho football team is on an upward trajectory.
After traveling over 2,000 miles to face the Rajin’ Cajuns, Idaho came up with big defensive stops and key special teams performances in a 23-13 victory.
“It was a great team victory,” Idaho head coach Paul Petrino said in a news release. “You just couldn’t be more proud of them.”
A 12 play, 75-yard march down the field ended with freshman running back Denzal Brantley pounding his way into the end zone.
Idaho’s defense started the game on its heels when Rajin’ Cajuns quarterback Anthony Jennings completed a 52-yard pass to receiver Michael Jacquet. The Vandals held Louisiana-Lafayette to a field goal.
Senior kicker Austin Rehkow came up with a field goal of his own for Idaho and securing a 10-3 lead to end the first quarter.
The Rajin’ Cajuns scored their first touchdown after a slow but steady 18 play grind. Jennings used a three-yard read-option on the right side and tied the score 10-10.
In response, sophomore running back Isaiah Saunders powered through tacklers and used his hands to keep his balance on a one-yard touchdown.
Senior defensive lineman Kevin Shelton contained Jennings near the end of the half to force Louisiana-Lafayette into another field goal.
Idaho attempted to score again before halftime, but failed to move down the field quick enough. As the teams left for the locker rooms, the Vandals led 17-13.
Tailback Darius Hoggins opened the second half by pushing his way through the line on fourth down and short, but was stopped by senior cornerback Jayshawn Jordan and junior defensive end Aikeem Coleman.
Idaho extended its lead after Rehkow nailed a 50-yard field goal, the longest in his college carreer. Another field goal halfway through the fourth quarter put Idaho up 23-13.
Louisiana-Lafayette tried to convert on the fourth down again to close Idaho’s lead.
Jennings was sacked by sophomore linebacker Kaden Elliss. Idaho took over and ran the clock out to end the game.
Sophomore linebacker Tony Lashley led the defense in tackles with 13. Ellis and Coleman each had two sacks on the day.
On offense, junior quarterback Matt Linehan completed 20 of his 30 attempts with no interceptions and 227 yards.
Petrino said Saunders was the difference maker late in the game.
“In the second half, Isaiah stepped up and was a stud,” Petrino said. “Sometimes you just need someone to will you to victory.”
Saunders led the ground game with 86 yards on 21 carries. After the game, he credited his strong performance to the presence of his family.
“I love playing in front of them,” he said. “It gives me an extra bit of motivation.”
Idaho is one victory away from bowl eligibility.
Idaho kicks off against Texas State 1 p.m. Saturday in Texas.
Brandon Hill can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @brandonmtnhill