The most anticipated day of the year, opening day of Big Sky Conference football, is almost here. Seventh-ranked Idaho (2-1) and #5 Sacramento State (3-0) will be the second game of the day.
“We’re just happy to be at home, happy to get a chance to play a really good football team,” Head Coach Jason Eck said.
Idaho comes into this game after a 31-17 loss to Cal. Redshirt sophomore QB Gevani McCoy threw 46 total times in that game, the most he’s thrown in his career. He completed 28 of those passes for 279 yards.
The Hornets enter after a 30-23 win over Stanford. Sac State not only beat an FBS team, but also its former coach. Junior QB Kaiden Bennett got it done both on the ground and through the air. He passed for 279 on 21 completions and ran for 100 yards on 13 attempts.
In order for Idaho to make this the close game it’s expected to be, they need to keep the backfield in the backfield.
“We’ve got to stop the run,” Eck said. “Even though they’re balanced, they don’t want to throw it 40, 45 times a game. They want to run the ball.”
Despite having a bolstered defensive line this season, the Vandals have struggled to stop running backs early. Opposing teams are averaging 148.3 rushing yards per game and 4.4 yards per attempt.
On top of stopping the run, Idaho will need to also establish a run game. Sophomore RB Anthony Woods broke records against Lamar, but he hasn’t been as productive in the last couple of games. He put up 56 yards on 11 attempts against Cal and 71 yards on 18 attempts against Nevada.
Idaho’s lines are going to have to play almost perfect football to make either of those things happen. If the offensive line can’t hold up, Woods won’t be able to get up field. If the defensive line collapses, Sac State will run right through the roof of the P1FCU Kibbie Dome.
On top of that, both teams will have to play almost perfect football. Idaho and Sac State will both be looking for the other to make a mistake. However, these two teams are near the top of the rankings for a reason.
“You’re going to see two really good football teams,” Eck said. “You’re going to see very high quality football on both sides of the ball, and it’s going to be an exciting game.”
Idaho and Sac State’s playoff hopes may not be gone with a loss here, but a win could prove crucial to seeding. It could also be the difference between a Big Sky Championship.
The Vandals and Hornets will look to put on a show at 1 p.m. on Sept. 23. Tickets can still be purchased online, and for those who can’t attend in person, the game will be streamed on ESPN+.
As for students, tickets are free and, according to Assistant Athletic Director for Brand Engagement & Digital Strategy, Jerek Walcott, President Scott Green will be giving out a scholarship.
James Taurman-Aldrich can be reached at [email protected] or on X @jamesaldrich25