2008 Woodie Awards
ISU Football can't handle Eastern Washington in conference opener
Nathan Brian
Issue date: 9/26/07 Section: Sports
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The Bengal defense kept the team in the game initially, only giving up 3 points in the first quarter. This included an impressive stand when the Eagles started at the Bengal 8 yard line and could only muster a field goal. After the first quarter though, the wheels started falling off ISU's wagon. The Eagles had a 13 - 0 lead when ISU was trying to put together a drive down the field that potentially could've changed the outcome of the game, before two dropped passes and continuing pressure on quarterback forced four ISU first half turnovers; Three interceptions and a questionable fumble contributed to a 27 - 0 halftime lead.
In a curious play, instead if letting the clock run out, the Bengals called a time out with 5 seconds remaining in the half so that they could punt. This play, although strange, worked out nicely. Dan Zeidman was able to boost his punting average with a 71 yard punt that was downed inside the 1 yard line.
At halftime ISU inducted four people into the Idaho State University Hall of Fame: Gary Belko, Terri Jones, Brent Koetter, and Warren Whitaker. After halftime, ISU was not able to maintain a "Hall of Fame" performance. After quickly forcing the first turnover of Eastern Washington's season, the Bengals could not convert as Branden Jones missed a 36 yard field goal. ISU then quickly forced a punt, drove down the field, and missed another 36 yard field goal. After then forcing three plays and out, the coaches abandoned the kicking game and turned the ball over on downs for the first of three times to come.
After being plagued by dropped passes and interceptions Russell Hill was benched in favor of backup Luke Butler. Butler was also largely ineffective until the game was clearly in hand. Butler had impressive stats, but they are misleading as the Eagles had already put the game away.
Idaho State played hard until the final whistle and was once again able to move the ball. Although the Bengals were not in the game in the second half, there is some room for hope. If Idaho State can eliminate their turnovers, they would not only eliminate most of their opponent's points, they would also be able to score some of their own. ISU gained 400 yards to EWU's 418. If ISU ever wants to change things this season, they need to start converting their yards into points, and then perhaps they can convert their points into wins.
Saturday's game was a frustrating spectacle for the fans in attendance, but still worth going. College is time for developing friendships and nothing brings people together like sports. A teams struggle should not deter us from being fans. Remember, misery loves company. Cubs fans stick together and Raiders fans are no less passionate despite their recent struggles. Ask any Red Sox fan and they'll tell you the bad times made the World Series that much sweeter. So come out to the games, come see your Bengals grow. Be there when they win that unexpected game. There will come a time when Coach Zamberlin has recruited and developed this team into a powerhouse in the Big Sky. Our team still has a lot to do to overcome their struggles, but definitely should not be counted out this season. Come support your Bengals so that when Coach Zamberlin has built his program you can say, 'I was there through the lean years.' Bengal fans might be in for a long year, but the team will get better and they will win some games. Besides, it could be a lot worse, we could be Notre Dame.
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