One win away from bowl eligibility, the Idaho football team plays conference opponent Texas State Saturday in Texas.
Idaho (5-4, 3-2) came one step closer to reaching a postseason berth with a 23-13 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette Nov. 5. Idaho head coach Paul Petrino credited strong defense and special teams for the win.
“Tueni (Lupeamanu) is doing a great job up front,” Petrino said. “It’s starts with those guys up front. I think our three linebackers are playing really well.”
Lupeamanu finished the game with six tackles.
Idaho’s defense kept Louisiana-Lafayette scoreless in the second half.
The secondary held quarterback Anthony Jennings to 161 yards and no touchdowns.
Louisana-Lafayette converted six out of 16 third downs.
On special teams, senior kicker Austin Rehkow came in clutch with a 50-yard field goal and put Idaho up 20-13.
“I think when Austin is able to pin them back there, is really big for the defense,” Petrino said. “He’s a big part of the defensive success. He’s a part of the offensive success too when he can nail 50-yard field goals. He plays a big role on both sides of the ball.”
Rehkow had three punts land inside the 20-yard line and averaged 41 yards per punt.
Petrino said his success came from personal endurance.
“It’s been a lot of hard work,” Petrino said. “He made himself better.”
Sophomore running back Isaiah Saunders carried the load for Idaho offense with 86 rushing yards. His tough runs let Idaho run time off the clock and hold the ball during fourth quarter.
Petrino said Saunders has stepped up this season.
Saunders, Rehkow and the Vandal defense look to continue their strong performances against Texas State (2-6, 0-4).
The Bobcats recently suffered a 35-10 defeat at the hands of Appalachian State Nov. 5.
Quarterback Tyler Jones had a rough day against the Mountaineers, throwing for 183 yards, one interception and was sacked four times.
Petrino said Jones can be diverse.
Jones hit 10 different receivers and racked 24 positive yards of rushing, despite losing 34 yards evading sacks.
Idaho’s defensive line could make the difference if the front players pressure Jones.
The game could be Idaho’s bowl game tipping point.
Petrino said even though the stakes are high, his team treats every game like it is the most important moment of the season.
“It’s a one-game championship every single week,” Petrino said. “Let’s prepare the very best we can.”
Idaho kicks off against Texas State 1 p.m. Saturday in San Marcos, Texas.
Brandon Hill can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @brandonmtnhill