POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State built on the momentum from last week's road win over a nationally ranked opponent to capture its second straight victory, a 27-17 win over Cal Poly inside the ICCU Dome.
Postgame Remarks
The Bengals started fast and never trailed, scoring touchdowns on their first two possessions. Jordan Cooke flawlessly directed a six-play, 74-yard opening drive capped by a 17-yard touchdown pass to Michael Shulikov, then marched the offense 91 yards in 12 plays on the next series, finishing it himself with a 3-yard keeper for a 14-0 lead.
After a scoreless stretch through most of the second quarter, Cal Poly got on the board with 1:31 left in the half on a 17-yard run by quarterback Ty Diffenbach. The Bengals immediately answered, driving 75 yards in seven plays with Dason Brooks punching in a 5-yard touchdown with eight seconds remaining to make it 21-7 at halftime.
ISU's momentum continued into the third quarter. Mike Lindsay intercepted Diffenbach on the Mustangs' opening drive, his second career interception and the game's only turnover, which set up Trajan Sinatra's 19-yard field goal. Sinatra later added a 20-yarder midway through the fourth to extend the margin to 27-10. Cal Poly scored on its final possession with 2:27 left, but Idaho State recovered the onside kick and reserve quarterback Davis Harsin broke free for a 31-yard run to close out the win.
Cooke led a balanced offense, completing 27 of 37 passes for 275 yards and a touchdown while adding 40 rushing yards. Brooks carried 20 times for 106 yards and a score. Jonah Burton, Damien Morgan, and Tsion Nunnally each caught six passes, and Shulikov added four receptions including his touchdown grab.
The Bengal offensive line was exceptional, not allowing a sack for the second consecutive week and giving up just four all season.
Defensively, Gabe Tahir, Nathan Reynolds, and Bronson Childs each tallied seven tackles, a career high for Tahir. Teilor Tuiloti and Trey Shorty each recorded six stops, while Cam'ron Willis broke through on a key fourth-quarter series for Idaho State's lone sack of the night. Davion Ross broke up two passes to anchor the secondary.
Gabe Russo quietly turned in one of the most complete special-teams efforts of the day. The punter and kickoff specialist posted a career-best 49.0-yard average on three punts, with two landing inside the 20-yard line, and blasted four touchbacks on six kickoffs to consistently flip field position in Idaho State's favor. Sinatra finished 2-for-2 on field goals and 3-for-3 on extra points, improving to 14-for-17 on the season.
The Bengals outgained Cal Poly 451-409, converting 8 of 13 third downs while committing only two penalties in one of their most efficient all-around performances of the season.
Bengal Bites
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Idaho State has won back-to-back games for the first time this season and sits at 3-3 in Big Sky play.
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The Bengals improved to 2-2 at home with one game remaining in the ICCU Dome.
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Jordan Cooke has topped 25 completions in four games this season.
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Dason Brooks recorded his fourth 100-yard game and seventh rushing touchdown of the season.
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Trajan Sinatra is now 14-for-17 on field goals this season.
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Gabe Russo recorded a career-best 49.0-yard punting average with two punts inside the 20 and four touchbacks on kickoffs.
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Gabe Tahir set a new career high with seven tackles.
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Mike Lindsay recorded his second career interception.
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The Bengal offensive line has allowed only four sacks all season.
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Attendance: 5,646 inside ICCU Dome.
Media Bites
]Up Next
Idaho State will close its home schedule next Saturday against Weber State for Senior Day. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. on ESPN+ and KISU 91.1 FM.
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