No. 7 Idaho Vandals Beat Bengals To Keep Potato State Trophy In Moscow

A Victory for the Home Team

In a thrilling battle for the Potato State Trophy, the No. 7 Idaho Vandals emerged victorious over the Boise State Bengals at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho. The 40-21 win marked the Vandals' sixth consecutive victory over their in-state rivals and kept the coveted trophy, an emblem of football supremacy in Idaho, in their possession.

The Game Unfolds

The Vandals wasted no time asserting their dominance, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive. The Bengals responded with a field goal, but the Vandals swiftly regained the lead with another touchdown in the second quarter. By halftime, the Vandals had established a commanding 23-3 advantage.

The second half saw the Bengals mount a comeback effort, cutting the deficit to 23-14 in the third quarter. However, the Vandals quickly extinguished any hopes of a Bengals victory, driving down the field and extending their lead to 30-14. Despite a late touchdown by the Bengals, the Vandals sealed the game with another touchdown with just minutes remaining.

Vandal Dominance

The win underscored the resurgence of the Idaho Vandal football program under head coach Paul Petrino. After struggling in recent seasons, Petrino has led the Vandals to a 10-2 record this year, their best since 2009.

The Vandals' success is built on a balanced attack featuring a powerful ground game led by running back Roshaun Johnson and a high-flying passing attack paced by quarterback Cade Otton. The defense has also been stout, allowing just 18.5 points per game this season.

Bengals Battling

Despite the loss, the Boise State Bengals remain a formidable team, ranked 15th in the AP Top 25. The Bengals are led by two-time Mountain West Player of the Year Brett Rypien, one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the nation.

While the loss to Idaho was disappointing, the Bengals still have a chance to achieve a successful season. The team is favored to win the Mountain West Conference championship and could potentially earn a berth in a New Year's Six bowl game.

Potato State Rivalry

The Potato State Trophy game between Idaho and Boise State is one of the most intense rivalries in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The two schools are separated by just 80 miles and have a long history of competing against each other in various sports.

The Potato State Trophy was first awarded in 2001 and is a symbol of football supremacy in Idaho. The trophy has been evenly contested in recent years, with Idaho winning six of the last eight meetings.

Conclusion

The No. 7 Idaho Vandals' victory over the Boise State Bengals was a significant achievement for the home team. The win kept the Potato State Trophy in Moscow and underscored the Vandals' resurgence under head coach Paul Petrino.

While the Bengals suffered a disappointing loss, they remain a talented team with a chance to achieve a successful season. The Potato State rivalry is one of the most intense in the FBS and is sure to continue to be a passionate affair for years to come.

The victory also highlights the importance of rivalry games in college athletics. These games create a sense of community and excitement and can provide memories that last a lifetime.