The #14 Idaho Vandals defeated Cal Poly 34-29 on Saturday, in a game where the Vandals offense exploded for 28 points in the 2nd half to overcome a 14-6 halftime deficit.
The offense had themselves a great second half, totaling 349 of their 453 yards of offense in the final thirty minutes of play.
Redshirt freshman Jack Wagner put on an impressive showing, completing 17 of his 23 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns, and an interception. Wagner had himself a career high 15 yards per attempt.
Wagner also connected with 7 different receivers, finding his two favorite receivers Mark Hamper for 4 receptions and 103 yards and Jordan Dwyer for 7 receptions, 87 yards and a touchdown.
Idaho came out struggling in the first half, not being able to find their groove, and only posting 104 yards of offense. Their only points of the half came off two field goals by kicker Cameron Pope from 44 yards and 25 yards. The defense was their own struggles as well, allowing 227 yards of offense to the Mustangs in the first half, and falling behind 14-6 heading into the locker room.
“I didn’t like at all how we played in the first half,” Head coach Jason Eck said. “Credit to Cal Poly, coaches did a better job at having their guys ready to go than I did. They were playing harder and faster.”
Idaho came out stronger in the 2nd half, starting off with a 7 play 93-yard drive capped off by a Jack Wagner touchdown pass to senior tight end Mike Martinez for an eight-yard touchdown, and a two-point conversion by freshman Rocco Koch to tie the game at 14. The Vandals went on to score on their next two drives, extending their lead to 27-16, after one of the extra points was blocked and returned by Cal Poly. Idaho’s defense anchored down in the third quarter, allowing zero points from the Mustang offense, and forcing two punts.
“I think we had a good conversation at half. I thought we played really well in the 3rd quarter by building a lead.” Coach Eck said.
After Cal Poly was able to force an interception, Idaho’s defense was able to make a big play where Keyshawn James-Newby forced a batted pass, which was intercepted by redshirt junior linebacker Isiah King.
Idaho was then able to take a three-possession lead on a Wagner touchdown pass to Jordan Dwyer to make it 34-16 with 6:11 left in the 4th quarter.
Cal Poly was able to make things interesting, scoring a touchdown and then forcing running back Art Williams to fumble, with the Mustangs taking it back to the house to make it 34-29.
The Mustangs attempted an onside kick with Idaho recovering to seal the deal, winning 34-29.
“Conference games are hard to win, and we aren’t playing our brand of football, things aren’t going to go the way we want” Jordan Dwyer said. “We just had to lock in and execute.”
Idaho moves to 5-3 on the year, with a 2-2 conference record. The Vandals look to defend home turf again in their upcoming battle against rivals Eastern Washington, who sit at 2-5 on the year and 1-2 in the conference. The two teams battle for the Che-scow cup, which has been in the hands of the Vandals for the past two seasons.
“Eastern Washington is always a tough game, that’s a great rivalry for the Che-scow cup,” Head Coach Jason Eck said.
The Vandals and Eagles face off on Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. at the Kibbie, or you can watch it on ESPN+.
Byrce Norwood can be reached at [email protected]