Idaho State vs Simon Fraser postgame (videos)

Idaho State did what it needed to in a blowout win over Division II Simon Fraser.

Gamer: Bengal blow out — Idaho State rolls up 770 yards of offense in big win

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Box score

Top pass catchers out but no problem
Idaho State’s top two pass catchers, Madison Mangum and Broc Malcom, did not dress for Saturday’s game with Simon Fraser.

ISU didn’t miss a beat. Hagen Graves and Josh Cook filled in at the vacated spots and caught a combined three touchdowns.

“They know the offense well,” said ISU offensive coordinator Don Bailey. “They have the ability to play inside or outside. I think a lot of our guys are interchangeable that way. … Our receiver coaches, coach (Sheldon) Cross and coach (Mike) Ferriter, have done a fabulous job with our guys. They prepared them well tonight.”

KW Williams led all receivers with eight catches for 129 yards. Graves hauled in five balls for 92 yards and two touchdowns. His older brother, Tyler Graves, caught seven passes for 86 yards.

“Throughout the week, we’re setting the standard high in terms of executing plays and being successful in practice,” said ISU quarterback Justin Arias, “and that’s what pushes us and allows us to be successful on Saturdays.”

Idaho State defense stepping up
As far as offensive talent goes, Simon Fraser is no Eastern Washington. But it’s still a good thing the Bengals rebounded from giving up 56 points to the Eagles to play a solid game versus the Clan.

Simon Fraser piled up 335 total yards but needed 78 plays to do it. The Clan ran the ball 26 times for a total of 13 yards.

 “I felt like we tackled quite a bit better. Simon Fraser has some guys,” Kramer said. “They’ve got some good looking cats in different places. They can make you miss and I thought we came to base and tackled a little higher and did the fundamental things much better defensively.”

Offense continues to roll
Idaho State scored more points than it has in a game since 1960 and set a new school record with 770 total yards against Simon Fraser.

The Bengals finished with 455 yards passing and picked up another 315 yards on the ground, the most rushing yards in a game since 2007.

ISU’s 66 points is the most since the Bengals beat Colorado College 77-8 54 years ago.

Game ball to an injured teammate
Idaho State’s game ball went to senior wide receiver Aaron Prier, who is out for the season after suffering a leg injury at Eastern Washington.

“It’s rough losing him because he would have gotten in some action this game and would have scored a few touchdowns, had a lot of catches,” Arias said. “So it’s always hard seeing someone’s career end just like that — especially as a senior. You don’t get to come back next year.”

Looking ahead to Southern Utah
The Thunderbirds are 1-2 in the Big Sky Conference and 1-6 overall after losing 42-30 to Eastern Washington on Saturday in Cedar City, Utah.

Southern Utah went 8-5 a season ago and reached the FCS playoffs. But a difficult schedule this season has derailed the T-Birds. SUU has played two FBS opponents (Nevada and Fresno State) and three teams ranked in the current FCS coaches poll (Southeastern Louisiana, South Dakota State and Eastern Washington).

The T-Birds’ lone win this season was at home against Weber State on Sept. 27. SUU took down the win-less Wildcats 31-28.