MOSCOW, Idaho - Idaho is on a four-game win streak with playoff seeding and state pride on the line against an Idaho State team who has won five games for the first time since 2018. The series dates back to 1916 when U of I headed to south to play Idaho Technical College in Pocatello and easily won 32-0. The Vandals lead the all-time series 32-13, including the last three. For the first time, the winner of the game will collect the Potato State Trophy.
ABOUT IDAHO: Jack Layne returned to the lineup against Weber State and the Vandals toppled Weber State 31-24 for its fourth consecutive win. Injuries continue to follow the Vandals with several key players leaving the Weber State game early, but all are hoping to return against Idaho State.
Keyshawn James-Newby is first in the Big Sky with 9.0 sacks through 11 games.
Mark Hamper is the Big Sky's leading deep threat and earned Big Sky Player of the Week honors after scoring three touchdowns against Weber. Layne started each of the last two games against Idaho State, coming away with a pair of wins.
ABOUT IDAHO STATE: Head coach Cody Hawkins leads a much improved Idaho State team who carries one of the top offenses in the FCS, but the defense has struggled at times. QB Kobe Tracy is passing for over 250 yards per game and two receivers are nearing the 1,000-yard receiving mark for Idaho State. Logan George is one of the Big Sky's leaders in tackles for loss with 15.5. The Bengals have won two of their last three games and are looking to hit .500 for the first time since 2018.
PICK SIX
1. TOUGH SCHEDULE: According to the Massey Computer rankings, Idaho has played the fourth-toughest schedule in the FCS to date. The Vandals played back-to-back FBS opponents in Oregon and Wyoming before hosting a ranked UAlbany team at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome before traveling to Abilene Christian and UC Davis. Idaho hosted a ranked NAU team before playing on the road at Montana State. The Vandals are 8-3 with one more game to play. Idaho's losses are to teams with a combined 31-2 on the season, including 11-0 Oregon, 11-0 Montana State and 9-2 UC Davis. Montana State handed Davis its first FCS loss of the year.
2. ECK'S VANDALS TOPPLE THE MOUNTAIN WEST, AGAIN: Idaho is now 2-0 in games against Mountain West programs under
Jason Eck after topping Wyoming 17-13 in Laramie. The Vandals have given up just 19 total points in two games against Mountain West opponents in the last two seasons and gave up just one touchdown between the two games. The win helps put Idaho in excellent position as it moves into the FCS portion of the schedule. Montana State and Idaho both picked up wins against Mountain West teams this season.
3. YOUTH ON OFFENSE: There are 54 offensive players listed on the Idaho roster. One, transfer tight end
Mike Martinez, is listed as a senior. Out of the 54, 46 are listed as freshmen or sophomores. The youth movement on the Idaho offense is real, but the talent is there to match after the Vandals put together Top-10 FCS recruiting classes each of the last two years.
4. DRIVING LAYNE: Season opening starting quarterback
Jack Layne was injured in the fourth quarter of Idaho's season opener at Oregon. He returned to action against Eastern Washington, throwing for 235 yards and two touchdowns on 17-28 passing, but missed the Portland State game. He returned against Weber State and threw for 283 yards and three TDs.
Jack Wagner's performance in the stretch without Layne was good enough to earn him a Jerry Rice Award Watch List nod. He was 6-1 as a starter.
5. EXPERIENCE IN THE TRENCHES: Idaho has replaced starters at nearly every skilled position on offense, both corner positions and two of three linebackers, but the line is a different story. Seven of the 10 offensive linemen on the final depth chart of last season return, including four starters. On the defense, six of the eight return, including all four starters from last season. Last year, nine of the 10 players on the O-line depth chart were freshmen or sophomores and while there is still not a single senior on the O-line, the group has the game experience of a much older squad.
6. DOMINANT D-LINE: The Idaho defensive line has shown that it can play with anyone. It faced two strong FBS units and came away with a Big Sky Conference leading seven sacks.
Keyshawn James-Newby leads the Big Sky with 9.0 total sacks through 11 games, surpassing his total of five from all of last year. He also has 13.0 TFLs and 10 QB hurries. The Vandals held Oregon to just 24 points, the first time an FCS team has ever held Oregon under 35 points.
Malakai Williams has 6.0 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks. Idaho has held four of 11 opponents under 80 yards rushing.
THE POTATO STATE TROPHY: A new era in a cross-state rivalry with the introduction of the Potato State Trophy. This year, Idaho and Idaho State will play for the 19.4 lb carved potato made from Douglas Fir.
The Potato State Trophy officially replaces the retired Battle of the Domes Trophy which was discontinued ahead of the 2023 season after the trophy sponsor adjusted its sponsorship with both institutions. Idaho head coach
Jason Eck made a temporary trophy for the 2023 game, he titled the Potato State Trophy with a Mr. Potato Head on the base of the old trophy, but it wasn't a permanent solution.
This offseason, a University of Idaho Athletics staff member carved the new trophy, a large wooden potato, out of a piece of North Idaho douglas fir and installed it on the old base. A metal cutout in the shape of the state, with an etching of the athletic logos of the two schools over their geographic location was created and donated by longtime Vandal booster Nick Davis. It is mounted on the lefthand side of the base.
