After a win against Louisiana-Monroe Oct. 8, the Idaho football team looks to extend its winning streak against New Mexico Saturday.
In Idaho’s game against the Warhawks, senior kicker Austin Rehkow proved to be a scoring threat. His longest field goal kick was 34 yards out.
The defense continued playing fast. The squad forced four turnovers, three of which were interceptions.
Sophomore linebacker Kaden Elliss continued his streak of forced turnovers with an interception. Junior defensive end Aikeem Coleman and senior safety Russell Siavii each came away with one interception.
“We looked slow on defense last year when you watch that game compared to how we are playing right now,” Idaho head coach Paul Petrino said. “We are just playing a lot faster.”
Petrino said belief has been crucial to this season.
“It’s something we talked about all summer,” Petrino said. “It was just everybody believing the whole time and fighting until the end.”
Junior quarterback Matt Linehan passed his father, Scott Linehan, in all time-passing yards. Matt is now sixth behind John Welsh.
Against Louisiana-Monroe, Matt threw the second most yards of the season. Senior wide receiver Jordan Frysinger led Idaho in receptions with four catches for 100 yards. His biggest reception was a 72 catch-and-run, resulting in a touchdown. Frysinger replaced senior wide receiver Callen Hightower, who sat out with an injury.
“Those are just guys who come to work every day, do what they’re told, work as hard as they can and are really team players,” Petrino said.
New Mexico State (1-1, 2-3 overall) comes off a 37-31 win against Louisiana-Lafayette in double overtime Oct. 1.
Aggies’ quarterback Tyler Rogers threw for 354 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Running back Larry Rose III ran for 112 yards and one touchdown.
The offensive line had trouble containing the Louisiana-Lafayette’s pass rush. Rogers got sacked five times.
The defense allowed 225 passing yards, 204 rushing yards, two interceptions and four forced fumbles.
Idaho (1-1, 3-3 overall) won the turnover battle against the Warhawks. A blocked punt combined with three interceptions gave the Vandals opportunity to score. New Mexico State will challenge Idaho’s knack for stealing by forcing fumbles from the tailbacks.
“The team is very focused now and excited,” Petrino said. “Now we need to make sure we get three more wins and take it one week at a time.”
Idaho kicks off against New Mexico State 2 p.m. Oct. 15 in the Kibbie Dome.
Brandon Hill can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @brandonmtnhill