POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State football returns home to host Lincoln (CA) this Saturday inside Holt Arena at the ICCU Dome. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on ESPN+, with radio coverage provided by KISU.
Matchup Overview
The Bengals enter their home opener with a 0–3 record following a competitive non-conference slate against UNLV, Southern Utah, and New Mexico. Lincoln (CA) also sits at 0–3 after losses to Lincoln (Mo.), Texas A&M–Kingsville, and Arkansas–Pine Bluff.
This is the first-ever meeting of the two programs
How to Follow
Coming Into the Game
Idaho State has opened the 2025 season with three competitive road contests, falling to UNLV, Southern Utah, and New Mexico to sit at 0–3 entering the home opener. The Bengals have shown firepower through the air, averaging 332.7 passing yards per game, with
Jordan Cooke throwing for 714 yards and four different receivers hauling in touchdowns.
Michael Shulikov leads the team with 261 receiving yards, while
Ian Duarte has a team-high 19 catches. The New Mexico game saw contributions from a wide range of players, with
Davis Harsin throwing a touchdown pass,
Michael Shulikov finding the end zone through the air, and multiple running backs sharing carries to keep the offense balanced. On the ground,
Dason Brooks sparked the rushing attack with 132 yards and two touchdowns in the opener against UNLV, and the Bengals have averaged 101.3 yards per game on the ground overall.
Defensively, Idaho State has generated six sacks across its first three games, highlighted by
Cam'ron Willis with two, and
Mason Young added a fumble return touchdown at Southern Utah.
Rylan Leathers has paced the team with 32 tackles, followed closely by
Nathan Reynolds with 27. Special teams have been a bright spot, as kicker
Trajan Sinatra is a perfect 5-for-5 on field goals, including a long of 56 yards at New Mexico, while
Gabe Russo averages 43.4 yards per punt.
Despite the challenging start, the Bengals have outgained two of their three opponents in first downs, and their offense has produced over 1,300 yards. Idaho State looks to turn that production into results with its first game inside the ICCU Dome this weekend.
Scouting the Oaklanders
Lincoln has struggled to find rhythm offensively, averaging fewer than 200 passing yards and under 40 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Rob Brazziel has been the primary signal-caller, throwing for 194 yards at Texas A&M–Kingsville and 130 at UAPB, though turnovers have been costly with four interceptions already this season. Jay Carney III has also rotated in at quarterback.
On the ground, Brazziel broke free for a 34-yard touchdown run at TAMUK, but overall the Oaklanders are averaging just 38 rushing yards per game. Versatile back El Arnold has seen work both in the run game and special teams. In the passing game, Seth Maldonado and Trey Dimmings lead the receiving corps, with Chase Cross adding a big-play element on the perimeter.
Defensively, Lincoln has leaned on takeaways to create momentum. The Oaklanders picked off three passes at UAPB and scored twice on defense at TAMUK, including a 49-yard interception return for a touchdown by safety Jalen Henderson. Henderson leads the team in tackles and has multiple takeaways this fall.
Special teams have produced some of Lincoln's most impactful moments, highlighted by Rodney Washington's blocked punt return for a touchdown at UAPB. Cross has contributed in the return game, while punter Owen Meister averages just over 35 yards per kick.
Idaho State Leaders
Passing: Jordan Cooke – 50-85, 714 yards, 3 TD, 5 INT; Davis Harsin – 15-30, 181 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Dason Brooks – 26 carries, 149 yards, 2 TD; Davis Harsin – 17 carries, 91 yards
Receiving: Michael Shulikov – 18 receptions, 261 yards, 2 TD; Ian Duarte – 19 receptions, 203 yards, 1 TD; Damien Morgan – 9 receptions, 152 yards, 1 TD
Defense: Rylan Leathers – 32 tackles, 1 forced fumble; Nathan Reynolds – 27 tackles; Mason Young – 17 tackles, 1 fumble return TD; Cam'ron Willis – 14 tackles, 2 sacks
Special Teams: Trajan Sinatra – 5-5 FG (long 56), 8-8 PAT; Gabe Russo – 10 punts, 43.4 avg, long 74
Lincoln Leaders
Passing: Rob Brazziel – 28-59, 324 yards, 4 INT
Rushing: El Arnold – 12 carries, 34 yards
Receiving: Seth Maldonado – 11 receptions, 145 yards
Defense: Jalen Henderson – 24 tackles, 2 INT (1 TD)
By the Numbers: Comparison
Through three games, Idaho State is averaging 434 yards of total offense per game compared to 231.7 for Lincoln. The Bengals have leaned on their passing attack at 332.7 yards per contest, while the Oaklanders sit under 200. On the ground, Idaho State averages just over 100 yards rushing, more than double Lincoln's 38 yards per game. Defensively, both teams have given up big numbers, with the Bengals allowing 488.7 yards per outing and Lincoln 453.3. The Oaklanders have been sturdier against the run, holding opponents to 241.7 yards rushing compared to 279.7 for Idaho State, while the Bengals have been a touch stronger against the pass. Time of possession has tilted toward Lincoln at more than 32 minutes per game, but Idaho State has made better use of its opportunities, scoring on 73 percent of red zone trips compared to Lincoln's 50 percent.
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