No. 4 Idaho Makes Statement With 41

In an unexpected turn of events, the No. 4-ranked Idaho Vandals made a resounding statement in the FCS playoffs, dismantling the No. 13-ranked Eastern Washington Eagles 41-10 on Saturday. The victory sends the Vandals to the FCS semifinals, where they will face the No. 1-ranked North Dakota State Bison.

A Complete Performance

The Vandals’ victory was a complete team effort, with contributions coming from all three phases of the game. Offensively, sophomore quarterback Gevani McCoy was unstoppable, throwing for 250 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for 80 yards and another score. The Eagles’ defense had no answer for McCoy, who consistently found open receivers and made plays with his legs. The Vandals also controlled the time of possession, running 75 plays to Eastern Washington’s 46.

Defensively, Idaho held the high-powered Eagles offense to just 10 points and 299 yards of total offense. The Vandals forced three turnovers, including two interceptions by senior cornerback Anthony Woods. The Eagles were unable to establish their usual rhythm, as the Vandals’ defense constantly pressured quarterback Eric Barriere.

Special teams also played a key role in Idaho’s victory. The Eagles blocked a first-quarter punt that gave them the ball in Vandals’ territory, but the Idaho defense stood strong and forced a field goal. The Vandals’ punt return team also contributed, with sophomore Jalen Hoover returning a punt 56 yards to the Eagles’ 1-yard line, setting up a touchdown.

National Respect

The Vandals’ victory has earned them national respect. They are now the only undefeated team in the FCS and are considered one of the favorites to win the national championship. Idaho is also receiving votes in the FBS Coaches Poll, a sign of the respect they have earned from the nation’s top coaches. The Vandals’ success has not only energized the Idaho fan base but has also brought positive attention to the entire Big Sky Conference.

Challenges Ahead

While the Vandals have a lot to celebrate, they also know that the road to the national championship will not be easy. Their next opponent, North Dakota State, is the most dominant team in FCS history, having won nine national championships in the past decade. The Bison have a wealth of experience and talent, and they will be a formidable opponent for the Vandals.

However, the Vandals are confident that they can compete with North Dakota State. They have a talented team that is playing with a lot of confidence, and they believe that they have what it takes to win the national championship. If they can pull off the upset against the Bison, they will not only make history but also cement their place as one of the best teams in the history of FCS football.

Conclusion

The No. 4 Idaho Vandals made a statement with their 41-10 victory over the No. 13 Eastern Washington Eagles in the FCS playoffs. The Vandals were dominant in all three phases of the game, and they proved that they are a legitimate national championship contender. While the road ahead will not be easy, the Vandals are confident that they have what it takes to win it all. Their journey continues next week against the No. 1 North Dakota State Bison in the FCS semifinals.