Cal Poly comeback falls short against winless Idaho State

In a matchup of two who came in winless in Big Sky play, the Cal Poly football team got behind big early, mounted a spirited comeback but ultimately fell to Idaho State 31-40 at Holt Arena in Pocatello, Idaho.

It was a tale of two halves for the Mustangs on offense and defense.

In the first half, the offense put up only seven points while the defense allowed three touchdowns and a field goal for a 24-7 deficit at halftime.

Early in the third quarter, the Mustangs were down 30-7.

But they came back after that as the defense got stops and the offense founds its rhythm. At the 9-minute mark of the fourth quarter, the Mustangs had clawed back to make it a six-point deficit at 37-31.

But that was as close as they would get after three more possessions ended in a punt and two interceptions before Idaho State sealed the game with a last-second field goal.

Another slow start for Cal Poly

Continuing a pattern that’s been a problem all year, the Cal Poly defense once again couldn’t stop its opponent early as the Bengals leaned heavily on their running game.

Four of the five Bengal touchdowns came on the ground as Idaho State dominated Cal Poly on the ground, outgaining the Mustangs 293 yards to 53.

On the offensive end, quarterback Spence Brasch was pressured all afternoon as the Idaho State defensive line got up field on their way to six sacks for a net loss of 26 yards for the Mustangs.

Turnovers were also an issue throughout the game. The team finished with five: a fumble and four interceptions by Brasch, including the two late in the fourth quarter on drives that could’ve led to a score to win the game.

When the offense didn’t turn the ball over, the Mustangs were able to find success in the air.

Coming into the game, Cal Poly led the Big Sky and was fourth in all of the NCAA Division 1 Football Championship Subdivision in passing offense. That held up again in this matchup, as the Mustangs finished with 392 passing yards to the Bengals’ 202.

After the poor start, the defense didn’t allow a touchdown after the 10:32 mark in the third quarter. Cal Poly forced four three-and-outs and caused a fumble with three minutes left in the game.

Top performers for the Mustangs

Brasch finished with a career high in passing yards (392), completions (30 on 48 passing attempts), and touchdowns in the air (four). Brasch also led the team in rushing attempts at 13 for 15 yards.

Tight Josh Cuevas had another outstanding game with seven receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown. Receiver Chris Coleman followed Cuevas with five receptions for 84 yards, and the team’s longest reception of the day at 34 yards, while Zedekiah Center added five receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown.

Cal Poly split the running workload between Adam Garwood and Shakobe Harper, and both once again got direct snaps in the backfield.

Garwood rushed six times for 28 yards. He also contributed in the passing game with three receptions for 33 yards and a receiving touchdown.

Shakobe Harper couldn’t find the yardage, rushing for four yards on eight attempts, but he caught two balls, one of which he converted for 30 yards.

On defense, corner Brian Dukes and defensive lineman Antonio Vakameilalo both had eight tackles. Vakameilalo forced a fumble as well. Corner Dominick McCormack got the lone interception for the defense.

The Mustangs, who fell to 1-5 overall and 0-3 in conference play, will look to bounce back against Head Coach Beau Baldwin’s former school, Eastern Washington, on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 5 p.m. in Alex G. Spanos Stadium for Mustang Family Weekend.