Idaho State upsets Utah State 29-17 in season opener

The No. 23 ranked Idaho State Bengals defeated FBS-member Utah State 29-17 in their season opener. The victory marks the first time Idaho State has beaten the Aggies since 2000.

Idaho State kicker Mason Lindberg contributed 17 points by successfully converting five field goals from distances of 28, 48, 25, 43, and 41 yards. The Bengals' defense also secured four interceptions, including two by TreShawn Shorty, which helped offset Utah State's statistical advantage. While Utah State outgained Idaho State 407-241, the Aggies struggled with turnovers, specifically four interceptions thrown by quarterbacks McCae Hillstead and Grady Brosterhous.

Utah State took a 17-16 lead late in the third quarter following a touchdown pass from Hillstead to Demick Starling, but Idaho State responded with 13 unanswered points to secure the win. Utah State head coach Bronco Mendenhall noted that the team was not sufficiently prepared, stating, “today gave us great feedback, (and) a clearer idea of where we are offensively, defensively, special teams.”