POCATELLO — Head coach Cody Hawkins said his offensive players “played their best” in the hard-fought loss to Oregon State to open the season. Idaho State University players shined again as the Bengals defeated Western Oregon last week.
On Saturday, the University of North Dakota defense struggled with this unit – at least in the first half. The result was a 52-28 loss to the Fighting Hawks (2-1).
Veteran quarterback Kobe Tracy spent much of his time on the field in Grand Forks fighting for his life, being sacked only twice but appearing to be on his back after every pass attempt.
What made matters worse for the Bengals (1-2) was that both times Tracy was taken down, the ball was stripped and both fumbles were recovered by the Fighting Hawks. And after one of the hits he took, Tracy suffered an injury so severe that he was temporarily benched.
Jackson Sharman came in for two snaps and had the first off. His only pass attempt of the game was across the field, from the left hash line to the right sideline. As is often the case, that pass was intercepted and returned, giving UND a defensive touchdown.
ISU’s problems weren’t limited to the offense. After forcing a three-and-out on their first attempt, the Bengals defense struggled to even slow down the Fighting Hawks, who scored on three consecutive possessions – not counting the pick-six – to build a 38-0 lead.
Hawkins was far behind and had to choose the more agile quarterback Hunter Hays.
Tracy had completed only six of his 18 pass attempts for 72 yards and Sharman did not get back on the field. Wide receiver Adam Watts attempted a reverse pass and completed it for 15 yards.
Hays, however, initiated the offense with his legs and arms.
He completed 18 of 23 attempts for 206 yards and four touchdowns, along with 62 rushing yards.
While Tracy struggled under the pressure of a collapsing pocket, Hays seemed to enjoy it. However, at this point in the game, things seem to be loosening up on both sides, so Hays may have benefited a little from that as well.
Regardless of the situation, Hays’ ability to lead the offense to four points lent respectability to the final result.
Wide receiver Jeff Weimer caught six passes for 92 yards and scored two touchdowns – including a perfectly thrown 30-yard pass from Hays that fell perfectly into Weimer’s hands, avoiding a declined penalty for pass interference on defense.
North Dakota was led by senior wideout Bo Belquist, who set a new Division I school record with eight catches for 165 yards and scored a touchdown, the Fighting Hawks’ last of the day.
UND improved its record in the Potato Bowl to 46-12. ISU last won the rivalry game in 2018.
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