ctinsider
ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) — Idaho State's defense delivered two crucial scores in the last eight minutes, turning a seven-point deficit into a 34-27 victory over Utah Tech on Saturday.
The Bengals (6-3, 3-3 Big Sky) trailed 27-20 when Zion Tootoo sacked Bronson Barben, recovered the ensuing fumble, and rumbled 32 yards for a touchdown to tie the game with 7:54 remaining.
Trehsyn Fesili then provided the final margin, intercepting Barben and racing 43 yards for the winning touchdown with 55 seconds left.
Idaho State, ranked No. 23 in the Stats Perform FCS poll, had already erased a 14-0 first-quarter deficit.
Jordan Cooke threw touchdown passes of 4 and 26 yards to Tommy Poe, the second of which gave the Bengals their first lead at 20-17 in the third quarter.
Utah Tech (1-8, 1-5) regained the advantage on Barben's 9-yard touchdown pass to Darnell O'Quinn and Max Shepherd's 31-yard field goal before the defensive scores flipped the game.
Titan Saxton also recorded his first career interception for Idaho State in the second quarter.
Cooke finished with 178 passing yards and two touchdowns. Poe caught seven passes for 96 yards and both scores.
Barben threw for 260 yards and two touchdowns but committed four turnovers.
Up next: Idaho State hosts Montana State next Saturday. Utah Tech visits UC Davis next Saturday.
Key Analysis
Idaho State's late defensive heroics overshadowed a resilient Utah Tech effort. The Bengals' ability to force turnovers proved decisive, as Barben's four giveaways undermined an otherwise productive day through the air. The win keeps Idaho State's playoff hopes alive in the FCS ranks.
Originally reported by ctinsider.