Idaho beats Cal Poly with Wagner's 3 TD passes

On Saturday, October 19, 2024, the Idaho Vandals faced off against the Cal Poly Mustangs in Moscow, Idaho, in a closely contested football game. Leading the charge for Idaho was quarterback Jack Wagner, who showcased his skills by completing 17 of 23 passes for a remarkable 347 yards and three touchdowns. His key touchdown pass to Jordan Dwyer in the fourth quarter increased Idaho's lead to 34-16, seemingly putting the game out of reach for Cal Poly. However, Cal Poly responded with determination as quarterback Bo Kelly connected with Giancarlo Woods for a 4-yard touchdown, narrowing the score to 34-23 with just under three minutes left in the game. Despite the deficit, the Mustangs were not done; on the ensuing drive, a fumble recovery returned 71 yards for a touchdown by Kai Rapolla provided a glimmer of hope with one minute remaining on the clock, concluding the scoring. Statistically speaking, Idaho's Mark Hamper was a standout receiver with four catches for 103 yards, while Dwyer added 87 yards on seven receptions. Meanwhile, Bo Kelly threw for 268 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, demonstrating resilience in the face of a tough opponent. Idaho's victory propelled them to a 5-3 overall record and a 2-2 mark in the Big Sky Conference, while Cal Poly's struggles continued, leaving them at 2-5 and 1-3 in conference play. The game showcased both teams’ determination and talent, but ultimately it was Idaho that claimed the much-needed win.