Idaho State achieved a convincing 27-17 victory against Cal Poly on Saturday, showcasing impressive performances from quarterback Jordan Cooke and running back Dason Brooks.
Cooke began the game with a dynamic 74-yard opening drive, concluding with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Michael Shulikov. He later added a 3-yard rushing touchdown, completing a 12-play, 91-yard drive that put Idaho State ahead 14-0 by the end of the first quarter.
Cal Poly struggled to find the end zone early on, not scoring until Ty Dieffenbach rushed for a 17-yard touchdown with just 91 seconds remaining in the first half. However, Cooke quickly responded, leading the Bengals on a 75-yard drive that culminated in another touchdown, this time from Brooks, who ran it in from 5 yards out to restore Idaho State”s lead to 21-7.
In the second half, Trajan Sinatra added a 19-yard field goal in the third quarter and followed it with a 20-yarder in the fourth. Meanwhile, Cal Poly managed to score again when Noah Serna kicked a 36-yard field goal in the third quarter. Dieffenbach connected with Fidel Tau Pitts for a 15-yard touchdown pass with 2:32 left in the game, but it was not enough to close the gap.
Cooke completed 27 of 37 passes for 275 yards, while Brooks rushed for 106 yards on 20 carries. Dieffenbach had a solid performance, throwing for 172 yards on 18-of-27 passing, including one interception, and led all rushers with 142 yards from 18 carries.
The victory improved Idaho State”s record to 4-6 overall and 3-3 in the Big Sky Conference.
