Bengals improve to 3-0 following 59-17 victory over San Diego

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho State University defeated the University of San Diego 59-17 in Pocatello. The win gives the Bengals a 3-0 start to the season for the first time since 1995.

Quarterback Jordan Cooke led the Idaho State offense, throwing for 331 yards and three touchdowns in the contest. The victory featured key plays from both the offense and defense as the Bengals pulled away in the second half.

Idaho State opened the scoring when Davis Harsin checked in at quarterback and dove for the pylon for a rushing touchdown, giving the Bengals a 7-0 lead. On the following drive for San Diego, Jackson Daniels intercepted a pass from Toreros quarterback Dom Nankil. Idaho State capitalized on the turnover when Cooke threw a touchdown pass to Carson Sudbury to extend the advantage to 14-0.

San Diego answered later when Nankil scrambled for a 7-yard touchdown run, cutting the Bengals' lead to two scores. Later, while holding a 24-10 lead in the third quarter, the Idaho State defense produced another big play. Bronson Childs batted a pass from Nankil, and Bengal D-Lineman Collin Lewis caught the ball. He made an impressive 28-yard return for the touchdown, running over a San Diego offensive lineman in the process. Idaho State took a 31-10 lead off of that big play.

With 7 minutes remaining in the third quarter, Tytan Mason added a 21-yard rushing touchdown to stretch the lead to 38-10. Late in the 4th quarter, Davis Harsin connected with Zedekiah Anahu-Ambrosio for a 90-yard touchdown. According to the records database on Idaho State Football's website, that is good for the 4th longest play in Bengal Football history.

Idaho State continued its scoring push through the remainder of the game to secure the 59-17 win. Next up for the Bengals, a period of rest. They have a bye week. Idaho State returns to the field September 26th, when they take on Southern Utah in Cedar City.