Idaho took to Pocatello to face off against their rivals the Idaho State Bengals with a lot on the line, including a first-round bye in the 2024 FCS Championship Playoffs. And with the motivation to hold a home playoff game in the Kibbie Dome, the Vandals got business done with a massive 40-17 victory over ISU.
Idaho was powered behind huge games from Nate Thomas and Jordan Dwyer, with Thomas posting 171 rushing yards on 21 carries, averaging over eight yards a carry. Dwyer was one of the three Vandals to reach the endzone through the passing game, and led the team in receptions and receiving yards, with 11 catches for 134 yards.
The defense came to play against a Bengal offense known for airing it out against their opponents, intercepting ISU quarterback Kobe Tracy three times, with Tommy McCormick, Matt Irwin, and Zach Krotzer posting an interception each. The Vandals also posted 2 sacks, and 4 tackles for loss.
Idaho started off strong, forcing two Idaho State Punts and scoring on both their offensive drives, to go up 10-0 after the first quarter. After one quarter of play, it was all Vandals, with Idaho State only having 1 first down and 2 three-and-outs.
After trading punts, Idaho State was able to drive down and cap off a long drive to bring them within three of Idaho. That didn’t last long, as Andrew Marshall started off his gigantic day on special teams with a 62-yard return down to the ISU 27. This led to a three play, 27-yard drive that only lasted 14 seconds, and resulted in a Mark Hamper touchdown catch to put Idaho back up 10.
The Vandals took their 17-7 lead into halftime, getting ready to receive the 2nd half kickoff. Idaho came out of the locker room in the strongest way possible, with Andrew Marshall continuing his monster day, taking the 2nd half opening kickoff 100 yards to the house.
Andrew Marshall has been very impactful this season for the Vandals as the returner, with 419 return yards and two return touchdowns.
Idaho continued to have the upper hand the whole third quarter and took a 30-10 lead into the final 15 minutes of play. The Bengals were able to get within two possessions after a rushing touchdown, but could not mount a full comeback, with the Vandals scoring the final 10 points of the game, winning 40-17, claiming the Potato State Trophy.
For the fourth time in a row, Idaho can call themselves big brother in the Idaho-Idaho State rivalry. Idaho finishes with a 9-3 record and receives the 8 seed in the FCS Playoffs. What does this mean for Idaho? Well, the Vandals will have a bye for the first round of playoff games on Nov. 30 and will play the winner of No. 9 Richmond and Lehigh. Idaho will host the winner in the P1FCU Kibbie Dome on Dec. 7 at 6 p.m.
Bryce Norwood can be reached at [email protected]