Cal Poly’s final home game in their first season in the Big Sky Conference went about like many thought it would. After consecutive road losses, re-establishing some sense of normalcy and offensive rhythm was a welcomed change for the Mustangs. They have one more game next week. Win and get into the playoffs. Lose and go home. Let’s talk about a few noteable things from the Idaho State game.

Kennith Jackson grabs one of his two first-quarter interceptions in Cal Poly’s 56-point win vs. Idaho State.

Umoh looks healthy and is getting reps.

The middle portion of Cal Poly’s season saw them going farther and farther away from the Jake Romanelli fullback dive as the bread and butter of the offense. With Akaninyene Umoh injured in the middle of the year, the Mustangs began to use pitches to Deonte Williams and Cole Stanford as the primary play with the fullback dive as the change-up play.

On Saturday night, Cal Poly got back to basics. Umoh seemed healthy again and the running was primarily inside the tackles. The junior fullback racked-up 13 carries for 79 yards and a touchdown. If Cal Poly is going to beat Northern Arizona next week, Umoh will have to have a similarly productive performance.

Is the offensive line improving?

With several offensive line injuries mid-year, Cal Poly’s offensive rhythm was upset. The Mustangs still scored points against Sacramento State, but things weren’t the same as they had been. Eastern Washington, a very high-quality opponent gave the offensive line all they could handle, holding the high-powered triple option offense to a season-low 17 points.

Idaho State is just what the doctor ordered for Andre Broadous and company. Cal Poly racked up 650 yards of total offense, including over 500 yards rushing. Deonte Williams, whose 9th 100-yard game of the season was a Cal Poly single season record (James Noble had 8), led the rushing attack with 125 yards and 3 touchdowns. For a team with a banged-up offensive line looking for some rhythm, I think it’s safe to say they found it.

Cal Poly’s big play defense has been a key in two of their big road wins at Wyoming and North Dakota this season. By Owen Main

Andre Broadous seems healthy and relaxed.

One thing I’ve talked about this year is senior quarterback Andre Broadous’ workload. When things go well for the Mustangs, a Broadous keeper is a nice change-of-pace and can surprise the defense. When Cal Poly is struggling to find rhythm, Broadous is depended on to get tough yards and can sometimes get beat up. As happened in Sacramento, this can sometimes lead to uncharacteristic mistakes.

Going into the last game of the year, Broadous looks healthy, rested and relaxed. If the Mustangs are going to give themselves a chance against Northern Arizona, they need a healthy, sharp, and confident Broadous. He looked all those things against Idaho State.

Kennith Jackson and the defense. Re-energized?

While Idaho State isn’t exactly a juggernaut, Kennith Jackson showed that Cal Poly’s defense still has some fight left. Reminiscent of big-play turnovers earlier in the year, Jackson intercepted passes on consecutive Idaho State possessions to start the game. The Mustangs’ offense scored on both ensuing drives, the game never actually in doubt.

Jackson being in on plays and the ability of the defense to make big plays is, in my opinion, a bellweather for Cal Poly this year in big games.

Photos by Owen Main

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