MOSCOW, Idaho – Idaho special teams came up big,
Jermaine Jackson scored an 86-yard punt return touchdown, Xe'Ree Alexander with a black on a go-ahead Southern Illinois field goal attempt at the end of regulation and
Ricardo Chavez with a pair of field goals, including the game-winner in overtime to help Idaho outlast Southern Illinois 20-17 in overtime and advance to the FCS Quarterfinals for the first time since 1993.
Southern Illinois, boasting one of the best defenses in the nation, proved a formidable opponent. Building a 10-0 lead in the second quarter with a 38-yard touchdown capping a 75-yard drive and a field goal off a Vandal fumble deep in Idaho territory.
Idaho got on the board at the end of the first half with a 40-yard Chavez field goal as time expired to cut the lead to 10-3 at the break.
The Idaho defense held SIU out of the endzone for the entire third quarter and Jackson's punt return tied the game with 5:22 to play in the frame. The Salukis responded with an 11-play 75-yard drive, capped with a one-yard touchdown with 14:20 left to play.
After trading possessions, the Vandals rode the talent of
Hayden Hatten down the field. Number 80 had three catches for 61 yards in the drive to set up a one-yard touchdown run by
Anthony Woods with 4:17 to play.
SIU drove the field to set up a 41-yard kick with three seconds remaining, but Alexander came off the right side, slipping between blockers and tipping the ball with his left hand and forcing the kick fell short to force overtime.
Southern Illinois got the ball first and the Idaho defense was on top of them early.
Marcus Harris blew up a screen and picked up a TFL on first down.
Keyshawn James-Newby deflected a pass on second down and Harris came back on third down and intercepted a pass thrown behind the receiver.
Woods appeared to end the game on the first play of Idaho overtime drive, but he was ruled out of bounds on the nine-yard line and a penalty moved the ball back near the original line of scrimmage. The Vandals drove to the 10-yard line, centered the ball and put it on the leg of the All-Conference Kicker. Chavez ended the game with a 29-yarder right down center of the uprights.
For the first time this season, Idaho was outgained, 310-293, and for only the second time in head coach
Jason Eck's tenure, the Vandals topped an opponent who tallied more rushing yards than Idaho. (112-110).
With the offense and defensive numbers being similar, the Vandals needed to win with the third phase of the game and the Vandals dominated special teams. Jackson ended with 153 return yards (104 punt, 49 kick) to go along with his offensive output of two catches for 20 yards.
Gevani McCoy was 15-23 for 183 yards, 111 of those yards were to Hatten who caught six passes on the day. It was the 15th 100-yard receiving game of his career and he surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the second time in as many seasons.
Anthony Woods carried the ball 18 times for 64 yards and a touchdown. He surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing number for the first time in his career.
Defensively, Alexander tallied a team-high 10 tackles, forced a fumble and added the blocked kick.
Tre Thomas notched nine tackles, a forced fumble and broke up a pass. Harris tallied five tackles, including two tackles for loss to go along with his interception.
Idaho advances to the quarterfinals for the fifth time in school history and the first time since 1993. The Vandals host fifth-seeded UAlbany (9-4, 7-1 CAA) who is coming off a dominating 41-13 win over fellow CAA team Richmond.
The Great Danes advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time in school history. UA is in their third FCS appearance, previously making the field in 2011 and 2019.
Tickets for the game go on sale Monday at 9 a.m. for Season ticket who will have first right to purchase their season tickets. Remaining tickets going on sale on Wednesday at 9 a.m.
Tickets will be available at govandals.com/tickets or by calling the ticket office at 208-885-6466.
