The Idaho Vandals are 8-3 on the season and with the final regular season game of the season on Saturday, they are not just battling for playoff position, the Vandals will take to Pocatello to face Idaho State for bragging rights and a shiny new trophy. The brand-new Potato State Trophy was constructed during the offseason, renewing the rivalry between UI and Idaho State after sponsorship terms with both schools were adjusted.
After a nail-biting victory against Weber State last week, the Vandals officially went undefeated for the 2024 regular season. The team has done this only twice, one in 1996 and now in 2023. With Jason Eck taking over as head coach in 2021, Idaho has become one of the strongest football programs in one of the strongest FCS conferences, and they continue to improve. After losing tons of talent the transfer portal and graduation last year, many doubted that UI would be able to keep up the high-level play. However, their record this year speaks for itself. With only 3 losses to teams with a combined 31-2 record (Oregon 11-0, Montana State 11-0, UC Davis 9-2). Idaho currently sits at #7 in the FCS rankings, Idaho State is not ranked.
Idaho State has had one of the best seasons in their school’s recent history, reaching the 5-win mark for the first time since 2018. The Bengals have had defensive issues for much of the season but have one of the most potent offenses in the Big Sky and the FCS. Led by QB Kobe Tracy, the Bengals have amassed well over 3000 yards passing, with receivers Jeff Weimer and Christian Frederickson sitting very close to the 1000 yards receiving mark while also combining for 15 TD’s.
Idaho State’s rushing attack is led by Dason Brooks, who has 450 yards and 4 TD’s, while also averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per carry.
Idaho State’s defense is allowing almost 40 points per game, with their last matchup against Eastern Washington ending in a 77-42 final score with the Eagles taking the win. The Eagles were able to score on every single offensive drive of the game.
The Bengals defense has been very weak against the running game allowing opponents a combined near 3100 yards on the season and 5000 total yards across both passing and rushing.
UI has had QB room struggles all season. With starter Jack Layne, backup Wagner, and third string Nick Josifeck all suffering injuries at least once during the season. Layne returned three weeks ago, but then was injured again and sat out against Portland State. Layne returned to the lineup again last Saturday against Weber State, posting an impressive 3 TDs and 280 yards passing with one interception. He found paydirt three times while passing to WR Mark Hampton, including a 75-yard touchdown that electrified the P1FCU Kibbie Dome. His return to the starter role has been great for the Vandals.
Idaho’s air raid will be led by Jordan Dwyer and Mark Hampton, who have been the favorite targets this season sitting at a combined near 1500 yards and 11 TDs. However, the Vandals have been excellent about sharing the ball this season with 7 of the 14 pass catchers on the offense having a TD.
Idaho’s rushing attack has been strong all season. With four rushers sitting at 300 yards or more. Elisha Cummings leads the pack with 500 yards and Nate Thomas leads the group with five TDs. Art Williams and Deshaun Buchanan have also seen increased production, stepping in and performing very well when Elisha Cummings and Nate Thomas were out.
The Vandals will take the field in Pocatello on Saturday at 3 p.m. The game can be watched on ESPN+ or tickets can be purchased here.
You can reach Jack DeWitt and [email protected]