Idaho State claimed a 38-28 victory over Southern Utah on Saturday, with Hunter Hays scoring two touchdowns and Dason Brooks contributing a crucial 75-yard touchdown run. Following a moment when the Thunderbirds narrowed the gap to 24-14, Brooks dashed over the left side for a touchdown. Despite Southern Utah’s efforts to rally within 10 points with Berry Jackson’s 2-yard run, Brooks’ performance helped the Bengals secure the win.

Brooks concluded the game with an impressive 136 rushing yards, while Hays, the versatile quarterback of the Bengals, scored two short-yardage rushing touchdowns and sealed the victory with a 20-yard throw to Christian Fredricksen late in the game. Adding to the Bengals’ strong offensive display, Kobe Tracy connected with Eric Johnson for an 18-yard touchdown just before halftime, extending their lead to 24-7. Tracy completed 14 of 22 passes for 121 yards.

Targhee Lambson of Southern Utah rushed for 172 yards on 26 carries and scored a 1-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Jackson, with 177 passing yards, threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Gabe Nunez in the second quarter. Bronson Barron also contributed to the Thunderbirds’ offensive efforts with a touchdown pass to Shane Carr in the final moments of the game.

In the end, Idaho State’s strong performance on both sides of the ball secured them the win in the matchup against Southern Utah.