Because the Idaho State Journal does not publish a Monday newspaper at this point, the normal Monday Morning Quarterback will appear Tuesday morning and will now be called “Grading the Bengals.” Regardless of the name, the premise remains the same.

    Idaho State came up short once again, but this time felt like it should have beaten North Dakota. In the end, turnovers and missed chances were the difference in the game as the Bengals lost their 17th Big Sky Conference game in a row. Here are grades for each area of Idaho State’s team in regards to how they performed against North Dakota.

OFFENSE:

    Redshirt junior quarterback Justin Arias did not have his best game, but still threw for an impressive 365 yards and three touchdowns on 40-of-66 passing. He also tossed three costly interceptions when ISU was threatening to score, and had a pitch batted down that was recovered in the end zone for a North Dakota touchdown. After the game, head coach Mike Kramer said Arias is struggling, but that he can’t put all the blame on him. He pointed out that Idaho State’s receivers weren’t getting into position to make their quarterback successful. Senior Luke Austin led all Bengals with 11 receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown. Redshirt freshman Broc Malcom also had 11 catches and accounted for 69 yards. Redshirt senior Cameron Richmond and true freshman Chad Hansen each had touchdown catches. Sophomore running back Xavier Finney carried the ball 11 times for 70 yards. But, because Arias was sacked for -62 yards, plus a number of other negative plays, the Bengals had just eight rushing yards on the day. North Dakota was allowing 40.75 points per game coming into Saturday’s contest, and Idaho State could only score 25 at home.

GRADE: D-

DEFENSE:

    Idaho State’s defense continues to show improvement from last year, and Saturday it held North Dakota to just 28 points (UND was averaging 33.5). The Bengals also forced three turnovers, including their first and second interceptions of the year. Redshirt junior linebacker Mitch Beckstead recorded both picks. ISU kept UND stud receiver Greg Hardin out of the end zone, but he did catch eight passes for 126 yards and made many clutch third-down grabs. The Bengals held North Dakota to just 140 rushing yards, but allowed 234 passing yards to redshirt freshman quarterback Joe Molberg. ISU’s defense was impressive for most of the afternoon, but was unable to come up with a third-down stop late in the game to give its offense one more chance with the ball.

GRADE: B

SPECIAL TEAMS:

    For the first time this season, Idaho State’s special teams let it down. Kramer’s plan was to not kick to Hardin, and the one time his team failed it resulted in Hardin taking it back 99 yards for a touchdown. While there were many chances for the Bengals to help secure a win, Hardin’s return was a back-breaker that came right after ISU had kicked a field goal and was within four points. On a good note, Brendon Garcia hit his ninth field goal of the season and was a perfect 2 for 2 on extra point attempts.

GRADE: C-

COACHING:

    Overall, Idaho State’s coaching has been consistent through five games. The defense has been a revelation, especially considering what it was last season. Against North Dakota, did Bengal fans see the best the team can play this year, or are the struggles of the offense an enigma that will correct itself over time? ISU is a very young team, one that rides the waves of emotions during the game more than a veteran team would. North Dakota exposed the inexperienced Bengals on both sides of the ball, which was enough for the win.

GRADE: C