For the first time since 2000, Idaho looked like they might leave Pullman with a win.
Within the first two minutes, Idaho’s defense forced a fumble that redshirt freshman DL Malakai Williams recovered. The Vandals weren’t able to take advantage though, gaining one yard and punting.
The Cougars offense went back onto the field, but after 10 seconds of play, the Vandals forced another fumble. This time, sophomore DB Marcus Harris scooped it up and ran 45 yards for a touchdown. The point after attempt was good, putting the Vandals up 7-0.
Idaho’s defense would once again get the Cougs off the field quickly, forcing a three-and-out in just over a minute. The Washington State defense looked as though they were also going to get Idaho off the field quickly, but with five yards left to go on fourth down, coach Jason Eck kept the offense on the field. Redshirt freshman QB Gevani McCoy aired one down the field to redshirt junior WR Jermaine Jackson for a 42-yard gain, placing the ball within five yards of the endzone. Despite the great opportunity to get a touchdown, a false start penalty and loss of yardage would force the Vandals to kick a field goal to go up 10-0.
The second quarter continued to be full of defense, but the Cougs’ offense was finally able to get going. With six minutes remaining in the half, WSU drove 80 yards down the field in just nine plays.
Sophomore QB Cameron Ward showed why he was named the best freshman at the FCS level last year. He threw four passes over 10 yards, putting WSU in position for him to complete a three-yard pass for a touchdown, bringing the game to 10-7.
The next drive for the Vandals ended quickly as McCoy threw an interception, putting WSU’s offense back on the field with two minutes remaining in the half. On third-and-goal with 10 seconds left, senior LB Fa’avae Fa’avae ensured that WSU didn’t get ahead, sacking Ward. The Cougs were still able to get a field goal, tying the game 10-10 going into the half.
As every Vandal fan knows, halftime is one of the best parts of an Idaho football game, as the marching band takes the field. The Vandal and Cougar marching bands both did their individual shows before coming together for a tribute to Foo Fighters drummer, Taylor Hawkins, who passed away back in March. Former Vandal marching band member Martin Hiemstra captured the performance and uploaded it to Youtube
After the halftime show, Idaho and WSU came out of the locker room to continue a great football game. Idaho received the ball to start the half, but they were unable to capitalize. The decision to stay out on fourth and short was made again, but this time the pass was incomplete, placing WSU on their own 42. The Cougs would take advantage of the good field position, marching 58 yards in 8 plays for a touchdown, putting them up 17-10.
After once again stifling Idaho’s offense in the third, WSU would start the fourth only 39 yards from the end zone. Ward continued to show off his arm, throwing for the entire five play touchdown drive, putting WSU up 24-10.
Idaho would answer back with an eight play, 75-yard touchdown drive, leaving six minutes on the clock. McCoy also showed off his arm on this drive, throwing a 23-yard pass to freshman WR Jordan Dwyer to bring the game back within a score.
The final drive of the game for WSU showed just how good Idaho’s defense is. The Vandals were able to hold WSU on the one-yard line, forcing them to attempt a field goal. The Cougs decided to take a delay of game to add some room for their kicker, but the ball went left for their second missed field goal of the game.
With 53 seconds left to go and no timeouts, Idaho knew what they had to do. McCoy hit Dwyer again for a 19-yard gain. After two incompletions, McCoy found Jackson for a 28-yard gain. He would then find senior RB Roshaun Johnson for a five-yard gain, putting the Vandals 28 yards away from the endzone.
With five yards to go for a first down, 28 yards to go for a touchdown and 12 seconds left on the clock, McCoy went deep. The Cougs’ defense had every receiver down field covered, but McCoy aired it right to the middle of the end zone, hoping that a white jersey would rise up for the catch. It ended up going to a crimson jersey, ending the game 24-17.
This was the first time since 2011 that Idaho kept it within one-score of a Power Five opponent.
Although this game is in the losing column for the Vandals, it’s not really a loss in the eyes of fans, players or coaches.
“No one expects you to win,” Eck said.
In all reality, no one expected it to be close. This is an absolute win for the Vandals.
McCoy threw for 212 yards and a touchdown. Freshman RB Anthony Woods wasn’t listed on the depth chart, and he ran for 50 yards. Jackson had 113 receiving yards, averaging 18.8 per catch. The defense forced three fumbles, all of which were picked up by Idaho, and three sacks.
The Vandals will hope to continue playing well when they head to Indiana on Sept. 10 to take on the Hoosiers at 5 p.m. PST. They will play their first home game on Sept. 17 against Drake at noon.
James Taurman-Aldrich can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @jamesaldrich25