On the last-minute game-winning drive of Saturday’s game, there were two big plays that determined the victor. After a clutch tackle for loss from Jhamell Blennman that took over 20 seconds off the clock, the first big play occurred. Sacramento State (7-4, 5-2) was facing a fourth and 14 near midfield, with 38 seconds left. Cardell Williams found Jordan Williams down the seam and connected on a 20-yard strike to pick up the clutch first down.
Though the Hornets’ chances of winning the game would have been over were it not for that play, there was a second play on the drive that benefited them more. With 17 seconds left, the Hornets set up at the 20-yard line, and Cardell Williams again threw a pass toward the sideline to Jordan Williams.
It appeared that upon hauling the ball in, Jordan Williams’ foot hit out of bounds. Even after an official review, despite it initially seeming that it was incomplete, the play was ruled a complete pass. Cardell Williams walked into the endzone for the game-winner on the next play to defeat the Vandals 23-20, dropping the Vandals to 4-7 on the season.
“I don’t think that’s the right call,” said head coach Thomas Ford Jr. “It got reviewed, and they said there wasn’t enough evidence. We were in a position to make a play, thought we made the play, but then were not given the play. So again, not talking about the officials, but they definitely missed one on that call.”
For a team that has not met its own expectations this season, taking a brutal loss on a controversial call was hard to swallow for the whole program. In the press conference, Ford described the mood on the sideline following the call.
“The feeling that all of our players had was the same feeling I had. Like, we had just got something taken away from us and we could not control it,” Ford said.
Idaho (4-7, 2-5) had another efficient performance on the defensive side of the ball, but the Hornets did have some chunk plays in the run game. Running backs JaQuail Smith and Rodney Hammond Jr. combined for 242 rushing yards.
Six Idaho defenders tallied seven or more tackles, and Zach Krotzer and Zach Wusstig combined for 15 solo tackles. Krotzer also blocked a kick as time expired in the first half after a Vandal sack forced the Hornets to rush a field goal attempt.
Though Idaho has been competitive in nearly all of their games this season, they are 2-4 in one-score games. Despite the loss, Ford was happy with how well his offense played on conversion downs, particularly in the second half. Though third-down conversions had been a struggle for the Vandals this season, they converted on seven of their 12 attempts on third down. One of the main reasons for the second-half success was limiting penalties in order to set up manageable 3rd down situations.
A big reason for the team’s third-down success was the poised decision-making of Joshua Wood. There were several times throughout the game where Wood took matters into his own hands and found a way to extend plays and push the ball downfield with his legs.
He executed the option play to perfection several times in the game. Wood rushed for 117 yards, averaging 8.4 yards per carry and finding the endzone.
“I thought our quarterback played exceptionally well,” Ford said. “He really put the team on his back in a lot of ways offensively. I feel pretty good when that guy has the ball in his hands, and he’s certainly a dynamic playmaker.”
The first half was a defensive slugfest. Idaho’s defense was resilient, forcing a field goal after a Hornet touchdown was negated due to an ineligible man downfield penalty. The score was 6-3 going into the second half.
“That defense has really been holding down their side of the bargain here for the last five weeks,” Ford said. “Those guys have really played well.”
Idaho had two huge fourth-down stops, one in each half.
“To stop those guys on fourth and short, not once, but twice, is very impressive,” Ford said. “I think our front seven has really turned a corner this season.
Over the last five games, they have really done a great job being stingy against the run, and I thought they did another really good job today against one of the top rushing attacks in the country.”
The Hornets scored 10 points in the third quarter, whereas the Vandals scored on every second-half possession after a three-and-out to start the half. Late in the third quarter, Sacramento State led 16-6.
At the end of the quarter, Wood had a first down run, and Idaho got an extra 15 yards from a late hit out of bounds penalty. This penalty rejuvenated the offense, as they marched down the field and cut the deficit to three early in the fourth quarter.
Idaho got the ball back with nine minutes left after forcing Sacramento State to turn it over on downs. Offensive coordinator Matt Linehan, calling plays from the sideline, dialed up a methodical 91-yard touchdown drive that lasted over six minutes. The team had a lot of rushing success as they attempted to claim the lead in the fourth quarter.
“That offensive line continues to be the benchmark for our club,” Ford said. “Held a team that’s leading our conference in sacks to zero. They’ve had 37 on the season, but zero against the Vandals.”
Idaho has one game remaining, facing off next week with Idaho State for the Potato State trophy. The game will be at 1 p.m. in the P1FCU Kibbie Dome.