Idaho traveled to Cheney in their first away game of their Big Sky Conference schedule. The Vandals defeated #19 Eastern Washington 44-36, winning their first game in Cheney since 1994, and retaining the Che-scow Cup.
After what many would consider a great running game last week, the Vandals exploded for 363 yards on the ground this week. Sophomore running back Anthony Woods had the best game of his collegiate career, netting 183 yards and five touchdowns, which is second all time for a single game in Idaho Vandals Football history. Woods originally had 213 yards but lost 30 when recovering a snap that went awry.
“That’s the finest game you’ll see a college football player have,” Head Coach Jason Eck said about Woods’ monster game during a press conference. He also spoke on senior running back Nick Romano’s performance. “Nick Romano ran his tail off, I’m so proud of him and what he did.”
Nick Romano had himself quite the game as well, as he posted 129 rushing yards, averaging 7.2 yards per carry.
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Gevani McCoy did not have the biggest role in Saturday’s game when it came to passing. He completed 8/18 passes for 128 yards, a touchdown and one interception. Due to the dominant run game, McCoy only attempted one pass in the entirety of the second half.
Eastern Washington was without redshirt sophomore starting QB Kekoa Visperas. In his place was junior QB Jared Taylor, who had himself a valiant game completing 10/23 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 121 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
“Jared came in and didn’t skip a beat,” Eastern Washington Head Coach Aaron Best said about his quarterback’s performance. “I mean, 22 rushes for 121, two touchdowns, and a two-point conversion is incredible for a guy who hadn’t played a live snap here.”
In a back-and-forth first half, the game went into halftime with the score being all knotted up at 21. To start the third quarter, Eastern Washington led a six-minute touchdown drive, but that was the last lead for the Eagles. The momentum started to heavily shift towards Idaho when redshirt senior wide receiver Jermaine Jackson took a kick return 84 yards all the way down to the Eagles seven-yard line. Anthony Woods punched it in the endzone two plays later.
Idaho’s defense was able to show turn the game around halfway through the third when they forced a turnover on downs and then two straight three-and-outs to help the Vandals score 16 unanswered points.
“We just stayed disciplined. Each player 1-11… (did) their own individual job,” redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Keyshawn James-Newby said when asked about the second half defense. “When we do that and we are tackling, we’re a good defense.”
Idaho’s defense only allowed Eastern Washington to have possession for 3 minutes and 7 seconds in the fourth quarter, and the Vandals were able to pull off the 44-36 victory.
Idaho’s next game is on the road again against Cal Poly, who is 2-3 overall, and 0-2 in Big Sky Conference play. The Idaho Vandals and Cal Poly Mustangs will match up at Mustang Memorial field on Oct. 7 at 5 p.m. as Idaho looks to advance to 3-0 in Big Sky Conference play.
Bryce Norwood can be reached at [email protected]
George
Great article! Go Vandals!