Idaho never trails, wins first road contest in Paul Petrino
Something seemed off when Idaho football coach Paul Petrino was spotted at the Pullman High School football game on Friday night to watch his son, Mason, on the eve of Idaho playing a football game nearly 2,500 miles away.
Turns out, the Idaho football team was having issues with its charter plane. The Vandals didn't leave from Spokane until 3 a.m., per the athletic department, and arrived in Alabama with only enough time to eat, go over meetings and then hop on a bus for Veterans Memorial Stadium.
The Vandals will complete the less-than-24-hour-trip with the happiest flight home since Paul Petrino became coach.
Idaho defeated Troy 19-16 in Sun Belt Conference play.
Some of the most impressive things about this win?
- Idaho never trailed
- Idaho held Troy to only 16 points on 5.1 yards per play
- Idaho didn't concede a touchdown until the fourth quarter.
- Idaho SHUT OUT Troy in the first half.
Idaho's much-maligned defensive unit stepped up for its best performance since Paul Petrino became coach in 2013. This is the first time Idaho has held an opponent under 20 since holding Hawaii to 16 in a loss 2011. The road win is Idaho's first since defeating San Jose State 32-29 in come-from-behind fashion on Nov. 5, 2011. That win was Idaho's second win that season, also the last time Idaho won two games in a season.
Idaho utilized a dual-quarterback system with Matt Linehan starting and Jake Luton spelling him at times. Luton attempted six passes and scored his fourth rushing touchdown of the season, which put Idaho on top 13-3.
Troy went on a 10-0 run to tie the game up, prompting Idaho to go on a game-winning drive. On 4th and 6 from inside the 10, Idaho sent Austin Rehkow out for his third field goal of the game.
Idaho's defense passed the final test, holding firm and forcing Troy's into a 32-yard game winning attempt which clanked off the upright with 33 seconds remaining.
Here are more tidbits on the game below
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Theo Lawson at the Lewiston Tribune typed out the post-game transcripts from the game here
Here is a video of Paul Petrino post-game
And a video of Idaho's post-game celebration
