Sometimes, it’s more about belief than the Xs and Os

Dec. 5—Nothing about the fourth-seeded Idaho football team’s 20-17 win over Southern Illinois in the second round of the Football Championship Subdivision Playoffs on Saturday at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome was pretty, but it didn’t matter.

The Vandals were in a three-hour dog fight with the Salukis, and for the most part, it was the away team that was the aggressor. They never trailed throughout regulation and had complete control of the line of scrimmage, holding Idaho to a season-low 287 yards of total offense.

The Vandals’ uncanny slow day at the office was their worst offensive output since a 24-17 loss to Washington State on Sept. 9, 2022 (273 yards).

The Southern Illinois defensive line, which anchors a rush defense that ranks No. 5 in the FCS, kept the Vandals’ ground game at bay, especially in the first half.

The Salukis limited the Big Sky’s No. 2 rusher, sophomore Anthony Woods, to just 26 yards on seven carries. Senior running back Nick Romano was held to just 30 yards on six carries.

The Vandals’ reliable halfback tandem couldn’t break free, and neither one of them recorded a rush of more than 15 yards throughout the game.

The first 30 minutes also lacked the presence of senior receiver Hayden Hatten, who had just one reception for five yards.

To be fair, sophomore quarterback Gevani McCoy completed just nine passes for 50 yards in the first half.

The Vandals entered the locker room trailing 10-3, and it felt like they left a lot on the field.

Idaho out-possessed Southern Illinois by more than eight minutes but averaged just 2.7 yards per play and was 2-for-8 on third down.

The Vandals also had a turnover deep in their territory that put them in a two-possession hole early. After receiving an end-around handoff from McCoy, Jackson attempted to pitch the ball to freshman receiver Jordan Dwyer on a double reverse. The…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/tuesday-morning-quarterback-sometimes-more-131600929.html

Author : Lewiston Tribune, Idaho

Publish date : 2023-12-05 13:16:00

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