Bengals secure victory over Utah Tech with two fourth-quarter defensive scores

SAINT GEORGE, Utah (KIFI) – The Idaho State Bengals executed a comeback win over the Utah Tech Trailblazers on Saturday, winning 34-27. Their defense dominated the turnover battle, snagging 2 picks, recovering 2 fumbles, and scoring 2 defensive touchdowns in the 4th quarter.

After the first quarter, Utah Tech led 14-0. The freshman standout Trehsyn Fasili forced a strip sack in the second quarter, securing the ball for his offense. The Bengals capped off the ensuing drive with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Cooke to Tommy Poe. The very next Trailblazer drive also ended with a turnover, when Titan Saxton caught the first interception of his career. The Bengals would turn that turnover into three points by way of a Mason Lindberg 47-yard field goal.

The Bengal defense registered their other 2 turnovers in the 4th quarter. After the ISU offense failed to convert on 4th down, Utah Tech took over. On their first play, Zion To'oto'o dislodged the ball from Trailblazer quarterback Bronson Barben's hands and ran it all the way back for the game tying touchdown.

Still tied late in the 4th, Idaho State's offense took over after Utah Tech's kicker Max Shepherd missed a 41-yard field goal. ISU's offense was not able to move the ball and were forced to punt. Utah Tech's QB Bronson Barben threw an interception to Trehsyn Fesili, and the freshman returned it all the way for the go-ahead touchdown.

Fesili finished this game with six tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and a pick-six. Zion To'oto'o had five tackles, two TFLs, a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble return for a touchdown.

The Bengals now have a 6-3 record overall and a 3-3 record in Big Sky play. Next week, on Saturday, November 7th, ISU welcomes the 3 team in the country, Montana State, to the ICCU Dome. Kickoff is slated for 4:00 PM MST.