Idaho State beats Portland State, 34-27
Courtesy of Portland State Athletics
POCATELLO, Idaho - Clint Knickrehm dove into the endzone from one yard out and 32 seconds left on the clock to give Idaho State its first win of the year in the season finale, 34-27, over Portland State at Holt Arena.
The touchdown concluded a crazy finish in which Portland State attempted a go-ahead two-point conversion with 1:52 left and failed, but got a pass interference penalty. Then, Coach Jerry Glanville decided to kick the tieing extra point which was good, making the score 34-34.
On Idaho State’s ensuing possession the defense held and the Bengals were set to punt from their own 39. However, the Vikings tried changing out defensive and special teams units too late and were flagged for a 15-yard illegal participation penalty, giving the Bengals a first down.
That was all the help ISU needed. On the next play, Bengal quarterback Russel Hill completed a 45-yard pass to JD Ponciano to the Viking one. From there, Knickrehm went in for the winning touchdown.
Trailing 41-34 the Vikings completed a pass to the ISU 44-yard line. But, with time running out, a desperation Justin Engstrom pass was intercepted in the endzone.
The teams played through an entertaining first half, trading scores along the way. Viking fullback Bobby McClintock had a career-high 85 yards and a touchdown by halftime in his senior finale.
The Vikings also scored on a 37-yard field goal by Zach Brown and a 29-yard touchdown pass from Engstrom to Lavonte Kirven.
PSU’s scoring drives went 75, 56 and 80 as they totaled 222 yards by halftime.
The Bengals matched the Vikings with two touchdowns and a field goal in the first half. Kelvin Krosch caught a pair of TD passes from Hill. Jarrett Huk added a field goal from 45 yards.
Portland State took advantage of a muffed punt return by ISU early in the second half. The Vikings took over at the Bengals 35. Three plays later, Engstrom scored from two yards out.
Idaho State answered right back on its next series, driving 80 yards. Knickrehm scored on a two-yard run to tie the game 24-24 with 10:23 left in the third.
The Vikings took a 27-24 lead on a Zach Brown field goal at the 4:12 mark of the third period. But, they came undone with turnovers the rest of the way.
PSU commited four turnovers on their next four possessions with two fumbles and two interceptions. Then, in punt formation midway through the fourth quarter, the Vikings lost the ball on downs when punter Thomas Duyndam’s knee hit the turf as he was attempting to handle a punt snap.
The result was a touchdown and a field goal for Idaho State and the Bengals took a 34-27 lead.
With just over four minutes remaining in the game, Portland State answered. Engstrom drove the Vikings 70 yards in six plays. He hit freshman Keitrell Anderson on a 40-yard touchdown pass with 1:56 remaining. That set up the wild finish.
Engstrom, who started for the Vikings, completed 23 of 42 passes for 239 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. Ray Fry led the way with nine catches for 68 yards.
McClintock led a rushing attack that had 199 yards. The senior fullback finished with 93 yards. Ben Bowen had 12 rushes for 86 yards.
PSU’s defense made five sacks in the game as Travis Beckley and Nick Gale were in on two each. Ryan Rau had seven tackles to lead the Vikings.
Portland State outgained Idaho State 438-392, but couldn’t overcome six turnovers and a few other costly mistakes.
Knickrehm led ISU’s attack with 23 carries for 100 yards. Hill completed 17 of 38 passes for 307 yards and three touchdowns.
