It’s finally rivalry week in FCS football! #6/8 Idaho (7-3, 5-2) will host Idaho State (3-7, 3-4) for the first time in four years in the Battle of the Domes.
Idaho leads the all-time series 31-13, but it’s been much closer since the Vandals returned to the Big Sky. Idaho State has won two of the four games played in Pocatello and Idaho won the one game it’s hosted since returning. The Bengals won game one 62-28 and game three 24-22. The Vandals won game two 45-21, game four 14-0 and the most recent game 38-7.
Of all the games these two teams have played, this matchup might be the most important. Going into last season’s game, Idaho needed a win to secure a playoff spot, but a win was expected. This time around, the Vandals hold a playoff spot, but they need a win, which isn’t even close to guaranteed, to have a chance at a first-round bye and (almost) guaranteed home game.
“We still have a ton to play for,” Head Coach Jason Eck said during a press conference “We have a great opportunity, if we can win this week and play really well, to be one of top eight seeded teams in the country.”
Meanwhile, Idaho State is out of playoff contention, but would still love to play spoiler. A Bengals’ win would also help them be seen as a true contender in the Big Sky going forward. Outside of their impressive comeback win over then-ranked #22 Eastern Washington, the Bengals haven’t really had a huge win this season.
The biggest key to this game will be shutting down the quarterback. Idaho State has the second-worst defense in the Big Sky, but the number one passing offense in terms of average yards per game. Meanwhile, Idaho has the best passing defense and fourth-best passing offense. The Vandals also have the sixth best rushing offense while the Bengals have the worst.
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Gevani McCoy has the third-best completion percentage in the conference at 66% and second most passing yards with 2,410. He’s been able to reach that mark behind the efforts of three main receivers.
Leading the group is redshirt junior wide receiver Hayden Hatten, who has 911 yards and seven touchdowns on 70 receptions. Idaho also has two more WR’s in the top 25 with redshirt senior Jermaine Jackson at 11 and redshirt junior Terez Traynor at 24.
On the other hand, sophomore QB Jordan Cooke has the eighth-best passing percentage in the Big Sky at 59%, and the third-most yards with 2,389. However, luckily for the Vandals’ secondary, Cooke’s 12 interceptions are the most in the conference.
While McCoy has three targets in the top 25, Cooke has three in the top 10. Sophomore WR James Chedon leads the group with 900 yards (second in the Big Sky) and eight touchdowns on 92 receptions. Junior WR Christian Fredrickson is fourth in the conference with 768 yards and four touchdowns on 51 receptions. Rounding out the group is senior WR Cyrus Wallace, who sits at ninth in the Big Sky with 531 yards and three touchdowns on 45 receptions.
“This team has caught our attention,” Eck said. “(They have) a different style of play. They’re going to be in four wide every snap, which is a little different than most of the offenses in our league. Their defense is a little different (with) a three-man front… (so) they present unique challenges on each side of the ball.”
For the first time in a long time, the Battle of the Domes feels like it will actually be a battle. Idaho comes in with a top-eight seed in the playoffs and out-right second place in the Big Sky on the line. Meanwhile, Idaho State could be the team to push Idaho down the bracket and into a potential three-way tie for second.
The matchup between the best passing offense and best passing defense in the Big Sky kicks off at 4 p.m. on Saturday. For those who can’t make it to the P1FCU Kibbie Dome, the game will be available on ESPN+ and SWX.
James Taurman-Aldrich can be reached at [email protected] or on X @jamesaldrich25