#10 Idaho came into their homecoming matchup against #25 Northern Arizona looking to bounce back in conference play, and the Vandals were able to do so in defensive fashion.
The Vandal defense held NAU’s offense to 17 points on the day, which the Lumberjack offense had been averaging 33.8 points per game going into the matchup.
As a unit, the defense totaled two interceptions, 6 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. Senior defensive lineman Keyshawn James-Newby was able to get in the NAU backfield and tally a sack, putting him atop the FCS in a three-way tie for first place in the country.
Idaho had themselves a bit of a quarterback carousel, with redshirt freshman Nick Josifek completing 6 of 7 passes for 109 yards and a touchdown. Redshirt freshman Jack Wagner struggled in the contest, only completing 2 of 6 passes for 15 yards, but was able to tally a touchdown.
The passing game was not the main focus for the Vandal offense however, as the Idaho rushing attack totaled 189 yards, led by redshirt junior Elisha Cummings who eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the first time this season, with 119 yards on 17 carries, and an incredible 7 yards a carry. Redshirt junior Nate Thomas also had a good game, posting 67 yards on 15 carries, including a touchdown.
Idaho’s opening drive started with a punt, and then went on to score 3 touchdowns in 3 consecutive drives, and the score was 20-10 going into halftime. The second half started off hot, as the Vandals were able to make it a two-touchdown game with a 40-yard field goal from Cameron Pope.
That’s when NAU put themselves in great field position, starting their drive at the Idaho 37 thanks to a J’Wan Evans 63-yard kick return. The Idaho defense was on and off the field however, as the Lumberjack drive only lasted two plays, when linebacker Jaxton Eck intercepted a pass in the redzone, coming up big for the redzone stop.
Idaho stalled once more, giving the ball right back to NAU, and in back-to-back defensive drives the Vandals picked off quarterback PJ London, this time by Mathias Bertram, being deep in Idaho territory to help keep NAU two possessions behind.
To start the fourth quarter, Idaho needed to run the clock down, and it couldn’t have gone any worse for them, as Nick Josifek was sacked and fumbled the football, recovered by Tausagafou Ho Ching, and taken to the Idaho 5-yard line.
The defense came up big once again, as they made a gigantic goal line stand, stopping the Lumberjacks on gaining 5 yards in 4 plays to force a turnover on downs.
Northern Arizona was able to make it a one score game 23-17 with 4:11 left in the game, and after a 3 and out NAU regained possession. It was the lasts hope for the Lumberjacks.
That’s when Idaho made their final stand of the game, with Dwayne McDougle making a big stop on 4th and 7 to force a turnover on downs to seal the game.
Idaho moves to 4-2 on the year, and now sits at 1-1 in conference play. The Vandals have a real test next week however, as they travel to Bozeman, Montana to face #3 Montana State, who sit at 6-0 on the season. The two had an electric matchup last season, with Idaho sneaking out a 24-21 victory. The two teams clash on Oct. 12, at 7:15 p.m. live on ESPN 2.
You can reach Bryce Norwood at [email protected]