OGDEN, Utah – Idaho safety Jalen Hoover was named the ROOT Sports Big Sky Special Teams Player of the Week for games played Nov. 3, the league office announced Monday. Hoover blocked a punt that was returned for a touchdown as Idaho erased a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat North Dakota 31-27, Saturday, at the Kibbie Dome.
 
With 8:16 left in the game and the Vandals facing a 27-17 deficit, Hoover stormed a Fighting Hawk punt attempt and laid out to block the kick. The bounding ball was scooped up by Connor Whitney and returned for a touchdown.
 
"I went up to coach after the first one we tried and they blocked me," Hoover said after the game. "I told him 'I can go get it. Just let me go.' He said 'OK, I trust you.' Right when he called it I knew it. Like he said, believe you're going to go get it. That was my mindset. I went to go get it."
 
Idaho seized the momentum and went on to win the game on a go-ahead touchdown pass from Mason Petrino to Jeff Cotton with 27 seconds left. North Dakota entered the game ranked No. 25 in the AFCA FCS Coaches' Poll. It is Idaho's first win since 2007, over a team ranked in either poll (media or coaches) in either the FCS or FBS.
 
It was Hoover's second blocked punt of the season. His first block, against Portland State, was returned for a touchdown by Lloyd Hightower. Hoover also logged three tackles against North Dakota, including one on a punt return.
 
The award is Idaho's second Big Sky Player of the Week honor this season – both of the special teams variety. It is Hoover's first career weekly award. Cade Coffey was named the special teams player of the week on Oct. 22.
 
The Vandals are now 4-5 overall and 3-4 in Big Sky play. Idaho closes its 2018 home campaign Saturday, against Montana in the ROOT Sports Game of the Week. The Vandals are looking to finish the year undefeated in the Kibbie Dome and reclaim the Little Brown Stein. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. PT.

 

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