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Idaho State lost three receivers to injury against Eastern Washington, forcing the Bengals to adjust on the fly while trying to put together a second-half comeback.
In the end, that rally fell short in a 56-53 loss but not because of injuries at wide receiver. It actually provided two players — junior tight ends Tyler Wright and Tyler Graves — an opportunity to show what they could do.
Their emergence has been a boon in Idaho State’s offensive renaissance the past few weeks.
“Tyler Wright and Tyler Graves have really been the catalyst for how we’re playing offense right now,” said ISU head coach Mike Kramer. “One thing that they are able to do is they’re extremely good blockers and also excellent at catching the ball over the middle.”
When receivers Madison Mangum, Broc Malcom and Aaron Prier were all hurt at Eastern Washington, the Bengals shifted starting tight end Josh Cook to outside wide receiver. It provided an chance for Wright and Graves, who both missed the start of the season with nagging injuries of their own, to step in for Cook.
They responded with a combined five catches for 84 yards.
“They’ve taken that opportunity and they’ve really seized it and made the most of every snap they’ve gotten,” said Idaho State inside wide receivers and tight end coach Mike Ferriter.
Since the game against the Eagles, Wright and Graves have continued to play well, combining for 127 receiving yards against Simon Fraser and another 140 versus Southern Utah last week.
“We can have a fresh tight end on the field at all times,” Ferriter said. “... They all provide different attributes and different things to our scheme. They all fit very well into what we’re trying to do.”
KW Williams still getting better
Mangum leads Idaho State in catches and receiving yards, but slot receiver KW Williams has been quarterback Justin Arias’ most consistent target.
Williams is averaging 74 receiving yards a game and has caught a team-high eight touchdowns. The exciting part for the Bengals is that Williams is only getting better. The former high school quarterback is new to wide receiver and still learning the nuances.
“All summer he was here really mastering the trade of the position,” Ferriter said. “But he’s so fresh at it and so young that it’s fun to watch him every week grow and become a more complete receiver.”
Bengals dealing with injuries
Kramer confirmed that reserve junior offensive lineman Colin Prestesater and junior defensive lineman Derek Berrey are both out for Saturday’s game at Northern Colorado. Berrey, who has 11 tackles as a backup, is likely finished for the season, Kramer said.
Starting nose tackle Tyler Kuder and offensive right tackle Terrence Carey were both hurt in the Southern Utah game, but Kramer would not comment on any other team injuries. He said five to six players “are working really hard to become more available.”
Up-and-down nature against the Bears
In 2011, Idaho State whipped Northern Colorado 50-20 at Holt Arena. The Bears returned the favor the next season, crushing the Bengals 52-14 in Greeley, Colo. The string of double-digit wins between the two teams continued last season when ISU won 40-26 at home.
“Is it their turn again? I guess that’s a rhetorical question,” Kramer said. “... We’ll find out on Saturday.”
The Bengals (4-3, 2-1 BSC) and Northern Colorado (2-5, 1-3 BSC) kickoff at 1:30 p.m. Saturday from Nottingham Field in Greeley.
The game will be broadcast on 930 AM and 102.5 FM and streamed on Watch Big Sky. Follow Journal sports editor Kyle Franko on Twitter (@ByKyleFranko) for live game updates.
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