Because the Idaho State Journal does not publish a Monday newspaper at this point, Monday Morning Quarterback will appear Tuesday morning. Regardless, the premise remains the same.

    The Idaho State Bengals took down a pesky Western State squad Saturday in Holt Arena by a 29-3 margin. In many ways, the defense stole the show as it kept the Mountaineers out of the endzone. The offense, however, left something the be desired. Here are grades for each area of Idaho State’s team in regards to how they performed against Western State.

OFFENSE:

    In the opinion of many, the Bengals should have netted more than 29 points against Western State, a Division II foe. The smaller Mountaineer defense was able to get consistent pressure on ISU quarterback Justin Arias, sacking him twice. Arias, however, fought through it and finished with 436 yards and two touchdowns on 37-of-54 passing. He added a rushing score in the second quarter. Idaho State’s run game struggled, notching just 41 yards on 26 carries (1.6 yards per rush). Three times the Bengals had to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns. On a positive note, they committed just one turnover, a fumble. ISU did not punt until the fourth quarter.

GRADE: C+

DEFENSE:

    Idaho State’s defense had its best performance since last September against Black Hills State. The Bengals did not allow a Mountaineer touchdown, and made an incredible goal-line stand facing first and goal from the four. ISU allowed 113 rushing yards and 154 passing yards, and sacked WSC quarterback Brett Arrivey three times. Redshirt junior linebacker Mitch Beckstead notched nine tackles on the evening, and leads all Bengals with 18 through two games. The team forced just one turnover, a fumble recovery.

GRADE: A-

SPECIAL TEAMS:

    For the second week in a row, ISU’s special teams was the best unit on the field. Redshirt senior placekicker went 3 of 3 on field goal attempts and earned Big Sky Conference Root Sports Special Teams Player of the Week honors for the second week in a row. After going 6 for 12 last year, Garcia is 7 for 7 through two games this season. Idaho State gave up two semi-lengthy runs on kickoff returns, which in the end ultimately yielded no damage for the Bengals

GRADE: A+

COACHING:

    Either the Bengals were surprised by the tenacity and energy with which Western State’s defense played throughout the game, or they weren’t ready for it. Saturday’s contest was the classic “trap” game, with ISU having played a weaker opponent the weekend before, and looking ahead to a matchup with Washington in Seattle the next. Idaho State was surprised out of the gate, but adjusted nicely as the game went on. The defensive staff called a nearly flawless game, and the offensive group did enough for the victory, although more was expected.

GRADE: B-