After two ranked matchups to open conference play, the #3 Vandals are taking on the second-to-last team in the Big Sky Conference.
Cal Poly hasn’t had much success over the last two seasons. They finished 2-9 last season, and currently sit at 2-3. They beat San Diego 27-10 to start the season, then beat Lincoln University, a D2 school, 41-20.
While the Mustangs might not be in the upper echelon of the Big Sky, they have a few bright spots.
“I think they’re pretty good on the line of scrimmage,” Head Coach Jason Eck said during a press conference. “Their O-line does a good job in pass protection. They throw it a lot, and they have a lower sack rate than we do with a lot more attempts.”
The Mustangs have gained 1,197 yards through the air, completing 105 of their 181 total attempts. They’ve only thrown four interceptions while racking up 10 touchdowns.
Leading the passing game is redshirt sophomore quarterback Sam Huard, who missed the game against UC Davis due to injury. He’s passed for 862 yards and eight touchdowns, completing 67 of his 109 total passing attempts.
Behind Huard is redshirt freshman Bo Kelly. Kelly started in the Mustangs 31-13 loss UC Davis. He threw for 191 yards and one touchdown, going 19/37 on passing attempts.
One other QB who could be in the mix against the Vandals is redshirt sophomore Jaden Jones. Jones went 3/3 on passing attempts against UC Davis, and also got playing time against San Jose and Lincoln.
“There are really three quarterbacks who have played now,” Eck said. “It’s a little bit like last week, (but) I think we have a little bit more of a tip. We’ve got to be ready for all of those guys (as) they’re all a little different.”
On the other hand, Cal Poly doesn’t really utilize the run. It’s put up 343 yards on 140 attempts, averaging 2.5 yards per rush and 68.6 yards per game.
Although they don’t run well, the Mustangs opponents have been able to run all over. Teams are averaging 207 yards per game and 5.4 yards per rush against Cal Poly. Other teams have also been able to pass well as Cal Poly has given up 838 yards through the air, averaging 9.6 yards per catch.
Despite the fact that opposing teams have put up numbers both on the ground and through the sky against the Mustangs, the Vandals can’t just expect to walk in and win. Cal Poly is 2-1 at home, with their only loss coming against #20 UC Davis.
Idaho and Cal Poly have matched up three times, but they’ve never met on Mustang Memorial field. The Vandals have won all three matchups, taking game one 38-33 in 1996, game two 20-13 in in 2007 and game three 21-9 in 2019.
According to a Spokesman review article written by Jim Meehan in 1996, Idaho won the first game through the air. Ryan Fien put up 305 yards, completing 17/34 passes. In 2007, Deontae Jackson ran for 214 yards on 30 attempts. In 2019, it was a similar story as Aundre Carter racked up 179 yards on 23 attempts.
Whether it be on the ground or through the air, the Vandals will look to keep their spot atop the Big Sky this weekend. Meanwhile, Cal Poly is looking for another weekend of big upsets in FCS football.
James Taurman-Aldrich can be reached at [email protected] or on X @jamesaldrich25