Big First Half Leads Weber State To Win Over Idaho State
Nov 4, 2023, 7:29 PM
(Photo courtesy of Weber State Athletics)
(Photo courtesy of Weber State Athletics)
POCATELLO, Idaho – The Weber State Wildcats defeated rival Idaho State, 33-21, to improve to 4-5 on the season.
The Wildcats shut out the Bengals in the first half while also adding three touchdowns of their own.
Weber State looks to get back to even against the Idaho Vandals at home on Saturday, November 11.
That’s another Wildcat…Win over the Bengals!#WeAreWeber #GreatGreatGreat pic.twitter.com/R5kw1z7Dj3
— Weber State Football 🏈 (@weberstatefb) November 5, 2023
First Half
The rivalry matchup between the Wildcats and the Bengals lived up to all the hype in the first quarter.
Weber State started with the ball. After making it to the other side of the field, the Wildcats turned it over on downs.
Defense would continue to be the name of the game. On both of the Bengals’ first two drives, the WSU defense forced a quick punt.
Scoreless 1st quarter in Pocatello. #WeAreWeber
— Weber State Football 🏈 (@weberstatefb) November 4, 2023
However, the defensive showcase didn’t stop there.
Idaho State would intercept Weber QB Richie Munoz halfway through the first.
The Bengals would fumble on the following drive, giving the ball right back to the Wildcats.
After back-to-back stops, Weber State would open up scoring in Holt Arena.
The Wildcats pieced together an 11-play drive which was capped off with a touchdown pass caught by Jaden Thrower.
TOUCHDOWN WILDCATS!
Munoz to Jaden Thrower for a 23-yard TD!
Wildcats lead 7-0
10:55 | 2nd quarter#WeAreWeber pic.twitter.com/AzpmcQgJb3
— Weber State Football 🏈 (@weberstatefb) November 4, 2023
After the first score, the floodgates opened for Weber State.
They forced a three-and-out and would go on to score two touchdowns in just over five minutes.
Jacob Sharp and Hayden Meacham were the two receivers to find the end zone in the second quarter.
AND YET ANOTHER!
After an on-side kick, the Wildcats score again as Munoz finds Hayden Meacham for a 26-yard TD!
‘Cats are rolling!
WSU leads 21-0
4:00 | 2nd quarter#WeAreWeber pic.twitter.com/B875IKblgl
— Weber State Football 🏈 (@weberstatefb) November 4, 2023
The Wildcats looked poised to take the win after shutting Idaho State out in the first half.
Weber State went into the break up three possessions, 21-0.
Wildcats rolling at halftime! #WeAreWeber pic.twitter.com/kxIepF6RnJ
— Weber State Football 🏈 (@weberstatefb) November 4, 2023
Second Half
After the 21-point second quarter, things slowed down for Weber State.
They were unable to move the chains on their first two possessions of the second half.
Idaho State got on the board early in the third with a 20-yard touchdown rush.
Hunter Hays Touchdown!! pic.twitter.com/733n3uWiBn
— Idaho State Football (@BengalGridiron) November 5, 2023
The Wildcats were able to move down the field on the following drive but ended up taking a 35-yard field goal.
The attempt missed, leaving the score at 21-7.
Weber State got some revenge on the other end as they recovered a fumble and took it back for six.
Here’s the Garrett Beck fumble recovery for a TD after a Maxwell Anderson sack and forced fumble! #WeAreWeber pic.twitter.com/5nAy6kmUdG
— Weber State Football 🏈 (@weberstatefb) November 5, 2023
The Bengals made the most of their next possession.
Two big plays put Idaho State in the end zone for their second score of the game.
Jordan Cooke found Cyrus Wallace on a 35-yard laser down the middle.
CYRUS WALLACE OVER THE MIDDLE! TOUCHDOWN BENGALS! pic.twitter.com/3YnIOSIDkS
— Idaho State Football (@BengalGridiron) November 5, 2023
After a Weber State punt, the Bengals got the ball back with their backs against their own end zone.
Jack Kelly sacked Cooke for a safety.
Weber State led 30-13 with 10 minutes left.
SAFETY!
Jack Kelly with a sack in the endzone for the safety to give the ‘Cats a 30-13 lead! #WeAreWeber | @jack_kelly1717 pic.twitter.com/uutSUi01tw
— Weber State Football 🏈 (@weberstatefb) November 5, 2023
The Wildcats added three points with a field goal on the ensuing drive.
The Bengals got in the end zone one more time just before the end of the game.
Weber State walks out of Pocatello with its fourth win of the season, 33-21.
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Chandler Holt is a co-host for the Jazz Notes podcast and a Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com, specializing in all things basketball and football. Follow Chandler on Twitter @ChandlerHoltKSL or on Threads @chandlerho1t.
