A volatile Vandal performance lead to a fiery win against the defending Big Sky champions on Homecoming Saturday.
Idaho football asserted a 31-12 victory following a dominant performance over the Southern Utah Thunderbirds in the Kibbie Dome.
“When you play physical and you hit, it’s contagious,” Idaho Head Coach Paul Petrino said. “Passion is contagious and I thought we did a good job of that today.”
Idaho got off to a hot start with its first possession, with junior quarterback Mason Petrino leading the way for the Vandals.
Mason led a quick drive downfield before freshman running back Tyrese Walker found the endzone with a one-yard touchdown run at the goal line.
With the homecoming crowd in an uproar, Idaho entertained the fans by making the most of its possessions in the first half. The Vandals scored each time they entered the red zone, which helped lead to the 24-point shutout by halftime.
Idaho’s defense illustrated a dominating performance in the first half, holding the Thunderbird offense to only 22 passing yards. Southern Utah finished with 66 passing yards throughout the whole game.
Paul Petrino stressed throughout the week that controlling third down situations on both sides of the ball has been a key emphasis for the Vandals, and the squad answered the coach’s prayers.
“I think we were way better in the first half in third downs,” Paul Petrino said. “I think it was pretty good, we controlled the ball and we made big plays.”
Idaho converted four of seven third downs in the first half, which helped the Vandals build a lead against the Thunderbirds.
Sophomore linebacker Christian Elliss said the fieriness will be something Idaho will try to carryout for the rest of the season.
“I think we had a chip on our shoulder and homecoming’s always a fun day,” Elliss said. “We just wanted it. We’re tired of losing, we’re tired of giving up when we have the lead. I think today we did good with it … Pieces are coming together.”
Freshman wide receiver Cutrell Haywood led the Idaho receiving corps. The Petrino-Haywood connection scored three times throughout the day, making Haywood the 11th player in program history to score three touchdowns in a game.
“We’ve had all those connections in the spring scrimmage, so it’s about time,” Mason Petrino said. “We just have a lot of playmakers, and the unfortunate part is we can’t give them all the ball. It was Cutrell’s kind of day today and it was great to see him make plays.”
Junior running back Isaiah Saunders got some help through the running game, with freshman running back Tyrese Walker leading in rushing on Saturday with 115 total yards. Saunders finished with 96 total yards to give the Vandals 200 total yards rushing against the Thunderbirds.
“Tyrese and “Big Smooth”(Saunders) are doing really well reading holes,” Mason said. “Our o-line is getting a lot better, and their young, so next year their going to be really dominant in this conference.”
Paul Petrino said the victory was the perfect way to bookend homecoming weekend, which was highlighted by an appearance by former Idaho football player and Hall of Fame inductee Jerry Kramer.
“Good day to be a Vandal. I’m happy for our players, I’m happy for my kids and coaches’ kids.” Paul Petrino said. “Because life sucks sometimes when you’re not winning, so it’s just good for everybody to be happy.”
Idaho continued to stay undefeated at home and picked up its second Big Sky win of the season. The Vandals will look to take on Eastern Washington next weekend.
“We’re learning and growing,” Elliss said. “They need to know we’re something to look out for.”
Chris Deremer can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Cderemer_VN