POCATELLO, Idaho — On a night built for memory, Idaho State delivered the kind of performance that felt like a punctuation mark on the program's climb. The Bengals dominated Weber State 31 to 3 inside a loud and energized ICCU Dome, securing back to back wins over the Wildcats for the first time since 1984 and keeping the Train Bell Trophy in Pocatello.
Postgame Remarks
Senior Night, rivalry stakes, and a late season surge of confidence all collided into Idaho State's most complete showing of 2025. And Head Coach Cody Hawkins felt every part of it.
"Really proud of the team," Hawkins said. "The Weber game's special, but there are so many things that have gone into making this time of year special. It's the guys' persistence, resilience, and their attitude during the rough part of the season."
Idaho State set the tone immediately. Quarterback Jordan Cooke opened the game with three straight completions to Damien Morgan, sparking a five play 75 yard march capped by Cooke's two yard touchdown run. It was the first glimpse of what Weber State would struggle with all evening, a decisive return of Cooke's mobility that Hawkins said has shifted the offense late in the year.
"What you're seeing now is what that kid is capable of," Hawkins said. "We're a hard offense to stop when he can run."
Cooke finished with 363 passing yards, two touchdown throws, and 65 yards on the ground, extending an offensive rhythm that has grown steadily over the Bengals' three game win streak.
After the opening score, Idaho State's defense took its turn to lift the Dome. Weber State managed only 227 total yards, including 35 rushing yards on 23 attempts. The Wildcats reached the red zone only once and converted just 3 of 15 third downs.
"Really proud of the way our defense played," Hawkins said. "We knew if we could get them behind the sticks and make them a throwing team, we were making them play left handed."
Much of that came from the Bengals' front, which registered seven tackles for loss and two sacks. Maka Tu'akoi led with 2.5 TFLs and a sack, while Cam'ron Willis added one of his own. Hawkins credited his defensive line's technique and effort.
"The D line is playing really well and retracing well," Hawkins said. "Ricky's done a great job getting them to play really hard."
Idaho State kept stacking momentum. After Cooke connected with Morgan, Burton, and Shulikov throughout the first half, it was Dason Brooks who finished another quick strike drive with a three yard touchdown to push the lead to 14 to 0. Morgan later added a 29 yard touchdown grab, part of a career high 122 yard performance on eight catches.
Shulikov added two catches for 75 yards, including a 52 yard strike, while Burton hauled in five receptions for 83 yards. When Duarte grabbed an 11 yard touchdown in the third quarter to stretch the lead to 31 to 0, the Dome could already feel the outcome settling in.
The secondary delivered one of its strongest games of the season as well, staying tight on underneath throws and forcing Weber's receivers into immediate contact. They helped limit explosive plays and kept everything in front of them, including on sweeps and perimeter actions.
"Our secondary is doing a great job," Hawkins said. "Those guys flying around and playing with passion."
Special teams added another layer of control. Mason Lindberg delivered six kickoffs for 390 yards and four touchbacks, while the punting duo of Gabriel Russo and Matthew Sebade averaged a combined 52.0 yards per punt. Russo's night included a booming 58 yard effort.
By the fourth quarter, with a 28 point lead and the Train Bell Trophy moments from staying home, the only thing left was letting Senior Night breathe. Hawkins acknowledged what it meant for those closing their careers inside the Dome.
"You always want the guys who have their last memory in the dome to have a really positive experience," Hawkins said. "Keeping the bell home is a really big deal."
The win lifts Idaho State to 5–6 overall and 4–3 in Big Sky play, setting up a rivalry finale at Idaho next Saturday. The Bengals have not beaten the Vandals in several seasons, but with consecutive rivalry wins and the program's best late season momentum since Hawkins' arrival, belief continues to grow.
"Our guys believe that we're playing as good a football as anybody in the country right now," Hawkins said. "Let's figure out how we can be the best version of ourselves throughout this week and end the season on a high note."
Bengal Bites
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Idaho State defeated Weber State in back to back seasons for the first time since 1984.
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The Bengals held Weber State to 35 rushing yards and 227 total yards, the second fewest allowed this season.
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Idaho State recorded seven tackles for loss and two sacks, led by Maka Tu'akoi with 2.5 TFLs and one sack.
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Jordan Cooke posted 363 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a rushing score in the win.
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Cooke now sits at 2,840 passing yards and 14 touchdowns on the season, completing 58.7 percent of his throws for 284.0 yards per game.
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Damien Morgan's eight receptions for 122 yards mark a new career high.
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Mason Lindberg produced four touchbacks on six kickoffs while Idaho State's punters averaged 52.0 yards per attempt.
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Idaho State improves to 5–6 overall and 4–3 in Big Sky play.
Next Up
Idaho State closes the regular season on the road at Idaho next Saturday. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. in Moscow.
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