:Idaho State Bengals football

File:1921 Idaho Technical Tigers football team.jpg

The university and its football team have been known by several names since the program's inaugural season of 1902:

• 1902–1914: Academy of Idaho Bantams
• 1915–1926: Idaho Technical Tigers
• No team was fielded during the 1918 influenza pandemic{{cite magazine |magazine=Wickiup |title=Athletics: Football |date=1919 |publisher=Idaho Technical Institute |url=http://libpublic2.eol.isu.edu/wickiup/1919/ATHLT19.PDF |page=47 |via=ISU.edu |accessdate=March 8, 2022 |quote=due to the flu raging in the city, there was no school and consequently no football}}
• 1927–1934: Idaho Southern Branch Tigers
• 1935–1946: Idaho Southern Branch Bengals
• Due to World War II, no team was fielded in 1943 or 1945
• 1947–present: Idaho State Bengals

File:Guy Wicks.jpg]]

Idaho State first started fielding football in 1902, one year after the school was established as the Academy of Idaho. From 1902 to 1934, the program had 10 different head coaches, seven of which coached for less than three seasons. The Bantams and Tigers, as they were known until 1904 and 1934, respectively, found some success during this era, with a total record of 117–70–10 (.619). Herbert Cheney, the program's first ever head coach, has the highest winning percentage of any coach in program history, with a record of 5–1–1 (.786).

Guy Wicks spent six total seasons with the Bengals. He accumulated a record of 29–17–1 (.628). He only had one losing season with the program, during 1940, with a record of 3–5. Wicks was also the head basketball coach at the school from 1931 to 1941.

Wick's successor, John Vesser, stayed nine total seasons with Idaho State. He was the head coach when Idaho State moved from being an independent program to being a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). In total, he had a record of 41–27–6 (.595).

Babe Caccia played as both a center and a linebacker when he played for Idaho State (then known as Idaho Southern Branch) in 1936 and 1937. Babe was the head coach of the football program for 14 seasons, the most of any head coach, and won six conference titles. This included the first ever Big Sky title in 1963. After his run as head coach, he became assistant athletic director for Idaho State from 1965 to 1979, and athletic director from 1979 to 1986.{{Cite web|title=Italo "Babe" Caccia|url=http://idhalloffame.weebly.com/italo-babe-caccia.html|access-date=2021-12-06|website=Idaho's Hall of Fame}} For one year in 1976, he acted as line coach for the Edmonton Eskimos (now Edmonton Elks) of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He boasted a fairly successful record of 79–38–2 (.664) with Idaho State.

Leo McKillip only coached for two seasons, having a losing record in both of them. He was Idaho State's first head coach to have a winning percentage below .500 since 1904, totaling 4–15 (.211).

Ed Cavanaugh took over as head coach in 1968. He improved over his predecessor, with a total record of 20–19 (.596). He was the head coach when Idaho State opened the ASISU Minidome, renamed as Holt Arena in 1988.{{Cite web|title=Idaho State Bengals {{!}} Holt Arena|url=http://www.championshipsubdivision.com/teams-stadiums-directory/big-sky-conference/idaho-state-bengals-holt-arena/|access-date=2021-12-06|website=Football Championship Subdivision|language=en-US}}

Bob Griffin took over in 1972, and he remained with Idaho State for four total seasons, accumulating a 21–20 (.512) record. He went on to have a successful career with the Rhode Island Rams after his stay at Idaho State.{{Cite news|date=1992-11-26|title=Clipped From The News Journal|pages=77|work=The News Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85825582/the-news-journal/|access-date=2021-12-06}}

Joe Pascale was the defensive coordinator for two seasons, then was promoted to head coach in February 1976 when Bob Griffin departed for Rhode Island. During the lone season Pascale led the Bengals, they managed just one victory, a close 27–22 win at home over Nevada; ISU finished at {{winpct|1|9|record=y}} and winless (0–6) in conference.{{Cite web|title=Joe Pascale Coaching Record - Pro Football Archives|url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/coach/pasc00100coach.html|access-date=2021-12-06|website=www.profootballarchives.com}} His one-year contract was not renewed, and he became an assistant coach at Princeton in the Ivy League.

Bud Hake came to ISU in 1977 from the junior college ranks; he was previously the head coach for a decade at Grays Harbor College in Aberdeen, Washington.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=cSFOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=q-0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6729%2C2075115 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |agency=Associated Press |title=ISU tabs Bud Hake for grid |date=December 20, 1976 |page=29}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LKhfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=XzIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5747%2C7777557 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |agency=Associated Press |title=ISU names new grid coach |date=December 20, 1976 |page=2B}} In 1978, the Bengals traveled to Japan to play the Utah State Aggies in Nishinomiya on September 3, and were shut out 10–0.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/92096536/utah-state-shuts-out-idaho-state-in-japa/ |title=Utah State shuts out Idaho State in Japan |agency=AP |newspaper=The Wichita Eagle |location=Wichita, Kansas |page=5C |date=September 4, 1978 |accessdate=January 7, 2022 |via=newspapers.com}} Hake's three seasons resulted in a dismal {{winpct|5|28|record=y}} record with only two wins in conference, both in 1977. After a winless 0–11 season in 1979, he soon resigned.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8b1eAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DzEMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4819%2C3838881 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |agency=Associated Press |title=Idaho State bombed 48-0 |date=November 25, 1979 |page=3D}}

Previously the offensive line coach at BYU, Dave Kragthorpe was hired as head coach in late November 1979,{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9L1eAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DzEMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5553%2C5011338 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |agency=Associated Press |title=Football coaches: BYU assistant takes over Idaho State program |date=November 28, 1979 |page=1B}} During his first season in 1980, the rebuilding Bengals were 6–5 and won half of their conference games. In 1981, Idaho State had a {{winpct|12|1|record=y}} record, and won the NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship, beating Eastern Kentucky 34–23 in the 1981 Pioneer Bowl.{{Cite web|title=FCS Football Championship History {{!}} NCAA.com|url=https://www.ncaa.com/history/football/fcs|access-date=2021-11-12|website=www.ncaa.com|language=en}} Despite this success, ISU finished at 3–8 the following season. In his three years leading the Bengals, Kragthorpe went {{winpct|21|14|record=y}}. He departed in June 1983 to become the athletic director at his alma mater, Utah State,{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zTJTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=K4MDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6578%2C1223025 |work=Deseret News |location=(Salt Lake City, Utah) |last=Sorensen |first=Mike |title=Kragthorpe's back at his alma mater |date=June 4, 1983 |page=4A}} then was the head coach at Oregon State from 1985 to 1990. Through 2022, Kragthorpe is the most recent Bengal head coach with an overall winning record.

Alumnus and assistant coach Jim Koetter was promoted to head coach in June 1983; he led the Bengals to the Division I-AA playoffs that season, but fell in the first round to Nevada to finish at 8–4. In five seasons as head coach, Koetter compiled a {{winpct|23|32|1|record=y}} record. Previously a longtime head coach in Pocatello at Highland High School, he then coached at Pocatello High School.

Garth Hall was formerly an offensive coordinator at both Tulane{{Cite news|date=1983-01-16|title=Clipped From The Times|pages=10|work=The Times|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22592179/the-times/|access-date=2021-12-06}} and Oregon State before he took his place as head coach in Idaho State. He failed to find much success, finishing 9–33–1 (.214), going 0–11 during his first season as a head coach. Hall coached the last Bengals game that ended in a tie, 35–35 at Southern Utah in 1991.

Brian McNeely took up as head coach after Hall. He finished with a record of 21–34 (.382).

Tom Walsh was the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Raiders of the National Football League (NFL) before he started his career in Idaho State.{{Cite web|title=Tom Walsh {{!}} Pro Football History.com|url=https://pro-football-history.com/coach/2890/tom-walsh-bio|access-date=2021-12-01|website=pro-football-history.com}} He totaled 6–16 (.261) during his two-season stay with Idaho State.

Larry Lewis took over after Walsh, and he remained head coach for 8 seasons. In 2002, he and the Bengals were tri-Big Sky Champions, sharing the champion title with Montana and Montana State. However, Idaho State was passed up for the playoffs in favor of the other two. Lewis holds a record of 40–49 (.449) with the Bengals.

File:OklahomaSooners-IdahoStateBengals-Tackle.jpg in 2009]]

John Zamberlin was head coach at Central Washington before he went to Idaho State. He won four conference championships as head coach of Central Washington. Zamberlain's contract was originally going to end in 2009, but Idaho State extended the contract by two seasons. The choice was very controversial among students due to the team's lack of success.{{cn|date=January 2022}} He averaged 1.5 wins per season, and he ended his career 6–39 (.133), the second-lowest winning percentage in program history. He was later a linebackers coach for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL from 2012 to 2013.

Mike Kramer was previously head coach at both Eastern Washington and Montana State, winning one conference title with Eastern Washington and three with Montana State. His most successful season came with the 2014 Bengals, who had a record of 8-4 and finished the season ranked 25th in the FCS, but the team did not make the playoffs. His total record was 18–50 (.265).

In 2017, Kramer resigned as head coach, and Idaho State promoted wide receivers coach Rob Phenicie to head coach the same day. After five seasons with a cumulative record of 16–35 (.314), Phenicie was fired on November 20, 2021.{{Cite web|title=Idaho State fires Rob Phenicie, former Montana offensive coordinator, after five seasons|url=https://406mtsports.com/college/big-sky-conference/university-of-montana/idaho-state-fires-rob-phenicie-former-montana-offensive-coordinator-after-five-seasons/article_6a9014f4-e1f0-5f27-aa05-f06ae9acd2a4.html|access-date=2021-12-01|website=406 MT SPORTS|date=2021-11-20|language=en}}

On December 10, 2021, former California special teams coordinator Charlie Ragle was hired to be the Bengals' head coach.{{cite web|url=https://www.idahostatejournal.com/sports/charlie-ragle-to-be-named-new-isu-head-football-coach/article_a239af98-61e2-5dc3-9048-b251527c3eb0.html|title=Charlie Ragle to be named new ISU head football coach|last=Kaye|first=Jordan|website=Idaho State Journal|date=2021-12-10|access-date=2021-12-10|language=en}} On November 28, 2022, less than a year after being hired, Ragle left the Bengals after his first season, accumulating only one win.{{Cite web|first=Greg |last=Woods |title=ISU football coach Charlie Ragle resigns after one season |url=https://www.idahostatejournal.com/freeaccess/isu-football-coach-charlie-ragle-resigns-after-one-season/article_989ae0f0-6f38-11ed-a6f5-73b98f0973f5.html |date=November 28, 2022 |access-date=November 29, 2022 |website=Idaho State Journal |language=en}} He currently holds the lowest win percentage in program history (.091).

After Ragle's departure, Idaho State hired Cody Hawkins, the offensive coordinator for two seasons at UC Davis. Hawkins quickly grew popular among the student body at Idaho State earning his nickname "Daddy Hawkins." Hawkins ended his inaugural season with a 3-8 record. The most notable win in the season being against Eastern Washington dubbed the "Minidome Miracle" after coming back from a 27 point deficit late in the third quarter to win the game 42-41.

Idaho State's conference affiliations have been as follows:

• Independent (1902–1949, 1961–1962)
• Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (1950–1960)
• Big Sky Conference (1963–present)

Idaho State has won eight conference championships, spanning two conferences.{{Cite web|title=Conference Champions|url=https://isubengals.com/sports/2015/3/18/GEN_0318153618.aspx|access-date=2021-10-26|website=Idaho State University Athletics|language=en}}

{{dagger}} Co-champions

Idaho State has had seven undefeated seasons, under five different head coaches.{{Cite web|title=Year by Year Results|url=https://isubengals.com/sports/2014/3/9/FB_0309145742.aspx?id=160|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Idaho State University Athletics|language=en}}

The Bengals have appeared in, and won, two bowl games.

{{dagger}} Pioneer Bowl was an alternate name for the 1981 championship game, below.

The Bengals have appeared in the I-AA/FCS playoffs two times with a record of 3–1. They were National Champions in 1981.

• National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete Award

{{Also|List of NCAA football retired numbers}}

The Bengals have had five two-time All-Americans: wide receiver Eddie Bell ('68–'69), defensive end Josh Hays ('95–96), placekicker Pete Garces ('98–'99), defensive end Jared Allen ('02–'03), and punter David Harrington ('10–'11). Allen also won the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award in 2003 as the top defensive player in the nation in Division I-AA.{{Cite web|title=Buck Buchanan Award Winners, NCAA College Football {{!}} EDSFootball.com|url=https://eatdrinkandsleepfootball.com/ncaa/awards/player/buck-buchanan.html|access-date=2021-11-12|website=eatdrinkandsleepfootball.com}} Wide receiver Rodrick Rumble was an All-American in 2011, a season in which he broke the Big Sky conference record for receptions with 112. Return specialist Tavoy Moore was given first-team All-American honors by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) for the 2010 season. Quarterback Mike Machurek was named a Kodak All-American for his 1981 championship season. Punter Jon Vanderwielen earned several All-American honors in 2009.{{cite news|title=Moore Named First-Team All-American|url=http://www.isubengals.com/news/2010/12/7/FB_1207103706.aspx?path=football|website=ISUBengals.com|date=December 7, 2010|access-date=March 22, 2021}}

File:Harvey Holmes.jpg, coach (1909–14)]]

File:Hutchinson Ralph H.jpg, coach (1920–27)]]

{{dagger}} The program did not field a team during 1943 and 1945.

Source:{{cite web |url=https://isubengals.com/sports/2014/3/9/FB_0309145742.aspx?id=160 |title=Year by Year Results |website=isubengals.com |publisher=Idaho State University Athletics |accessdate=January 7, 2022}}

Several head coaches have been inducted to the university's athletic hall of fame:{{cite web |url=https://isubengals.com/honors/hall-of-fame?type=sport |title=Hall of Fame |website=isubengals.com |accessdate=March 21, 2022}}

• Ralph Hutchinson – football (as player), basketball (as player), baseball (as coach)
• Felix Plastino – football (as player)
• Guy Wicks – football (as coach), basketball (as coach)
• John Vesser – football (as coach), athletic director
• Babe Caccia – football (as player), wrestling (as player)
• Jim Koetter – football (as player), track & field (as player)

File:Hutchinson Field in Pocatello Idaho.jpg

Detail about the team's early facilities is lacking. Before the 1922 season, there was a shared athletic field used by the football, baseball, and track programs, with "practically no provision for the comfort of spectators."{{cite magazine |magazine=Wickiup |title=Athletics: Field Dedication |date=1923 |publisher=Idaho Technical Institute |url=http://libpublic2.eol.isu.edu/wickiup/1923/23athle.pdf |pages=58–60 |via=ISU.edu |accessdate=March 6, 2022}}

On November 4, 1922, the football team played its first game on Hutchinson Field, named after head coach Ralph Hutchinson.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97094818/dedicate-field-saturday/ |title=Dedicate Field Saturday |agency=AP |newspaper=Idaho Statesman |location=Boise, Idaho |page=6 |date=November 3, 1922 |accessdate=March 6, 2022 |via=newspapers.com}} There were separate football and baseball fields, surrounded by a quarter-mile track, and provisions for bleachers to hold 5000 spectators along with automobile parking. This field was used until partway through the 1936 season. The area is now the Hutchinson Memorial Quadrangle (located at {{coord|42.861|-112.434}}).{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97094987/from-bantams-to-tigers-to-bengals/ |title=From Bantams to Tigers to Bengals |newspaper=Idaho State Journal |location=Pocatello, Idaho |page=A-3 |date=March 7, 1976 |accessdate=March 6, 2022 |via=newspapers.com}}

{{redirect|Spud Bowl|the postseason bowl game|Famous Idaho Potato Bowl}}

Hutchinson Field was replaced by an outdoor stadium in 1936. The first game held there was a 19–32 loss to the Montana State Bobcats on November 11, 1936.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97075400/workmen-speed-up-job-of-building-stadium/ |title=Workmen Speed up Job of Building Stadium |agency=AP |newspaper=Idaho Statesman |location=Boise, Idaho |page=6 |date=November 9, 1936 |accessdate=March 6, 2022 |via=newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97075861/montana-wins-from-branch/ |title=Montana Wins from Branch |agency=AP |newspaper=Idaho Statesman |location=Boise, Idaho |page=11 |date=November 12, 1936 |accessdate=March 6, 2022 |via=newspapers.com}}{{cite web|title=2011 Idaho State Football Media Guide|publisher=Idaho State University|year=2011|accessdate=March 6, 2022|page=97|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/isubengals.com/documents/2011/8/30/media_guide.pdf}} Newspaper reports indicate the stadium was named the "Spud Bowl" during the 1946 season.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97138678/sports-roundup-column/ |title=Sports Roundup (column) |first=Hugh Jr. |last=Fullerton |agency=AP |newspaper=The Berkshire Eagle |location=Pittsfield, Massachusetts |page=13 |date=October 29, 1946 |accessdate=March 7, 2022 |via=newspapers.com}} It remained the team's home field through the 1969 season. At the south end of campus, the former Spud Bowl is now Davis Field (named for William E. Davis and located at {{coord|42.859|-112.431}}), which continues as the home venue for outdoor track and field and soccer.{{cite web|url=http://www.isubengals.com/sports/2010/10/11/GEN_1011103759.aspx?path=general&tab=7|publisher=Idaho State University athletics|title=Davis Field|access-date=April 1, 2013}}

File:Holt Arena, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho.jpg in 2008 (under the former Holt Arena name.)]]

{{main|ICCU Dome}}

The team's current home venue is an indoor arena that was conceived by ISU athletic director Milton W. "Dubby" Holt in 1966. ISU students voted to appropriate not more than $2.8 million to the project two years later. Originally named the ASISU MiniDome, it was renamed Holt Arena in 1988 to honor Holt. The arena replaced the Spud Bowl as the Bengals' home football stadium in 1970.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LJBaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=WEoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6853,2782214 |newspaper=Deseret News|location=(Salt Lake City, Utah)|last=Ferguson|first=George|title=Idaho State: What a Mini!|date=May 12, 1970|page=C-1}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1bZWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GukDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4997%2C229518|newspaper=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington)|title=Idaho rivalry flares anew at Spud Bowl|date=November 16, 1963 |page=8}}

The arena is an indoor multi-purpose athletic stadium located on the north end of the ISU campus. Completed in September 1970, it is the oldest enclosed stadium on a college campus in the United States and the second-oldest overall.{{citation needed|date=December 2010}} Only the Astrodome in Houston, completed in 1965, predates it.

{{main|Idaho–Idaho State football rivalry}}

Idaho State and Idaho have a rivalry that can be traced to 1916, when they played their first game against each other, with Idaho winning, 32–0. They have played 42 rivalry games since then. Idaho won the first 8 games in the series, with Idaho State winning their first game in 1969. The rivalry remained competitive throughout the 1970s and 1980s, neither team three-peating throughout that period. In 1996, Idaho moved up to Division I-A, now the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), and the rivalry halted. The two schools played each other only 4 times during Idaho's stay in the FBS, Idaho winning all of them. In 2018, Idaho moved back down to Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), and rejoined the Big Sky Conference. Since then, they have played an annual rivalry game dubbed "Battle of the Domes". Idaho leads the series 4–3 since rejoining the conference.

Idaho State and Weber State first played each other in October 1962.{{Cite web|title=Football History vs Idaho State|url=https://weberstatesports.com/sports/football/opponent-history/idaho-state/47|access-date=2021-11-03|website=Weber State University Athletics|language=en}} Weber State is Idaho State's most played rival, as they have played each other annually since both joined the Big Sky Conference as charter members in July 1963.

In the 2024 season, the "Train Bell Trophy", a rivalry trophy between the two schools, was reintroduced, having not been used since the 1970s.{{Cite web |title=Weber State football aims for rivalry win against Idaho State to rejuvenate season |url=https://www.standard.net/sports/weber-state/2024/nov/08/weber-state-idaho-state-football-preview-odds-tv-weather/ |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=standard.net |language=en-US}} Idaho State won the first game in the new trophy series 43–35 at Ogden, their first away win against Weber State since 1984.{{Cite web |last=JOURNAL |first=MARK LIPTAK FOR THE |date=2024-11-08 |title=Bengals looking for first win since 1984 at Weber State |url=https://www.idahostatejournal.com/sports/bengals-looking-for-first-win-since-1984-at-weber-state/article_cb28a088-9e0d-11ef-ab1f-e3bf3f070dfc.html |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=Idaho State Journal |language=en}}

Portland State first joined the Big Sky Conference in 1996, and has become one of Idaho State's conference protected rivals.

As of the 2024 season, ISU has the following records against other Big Sky teams.

{{See also|List of Idaho State Bengals in the NFL draft}}

File:Eddie Johnson (punter).jpg]]

• DE - Jeff Charleston (2006–2012); Super Bowl XLIV champion, First-team All-Big sky, Big Sky newcomer of the year, Big Sky co-defensive P.O.Y.
• DE - Jared Allen (2004–2015); 4 time first team All-Pro, 5 time Pro Bowl, 2 time NFL sacks leader, winner of the Buck Buchanan Award, Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee
• RB - Merrill Hoge (1987–1994)
• C - Evan Dietrich-Smith (2009-2018); Super Bowl XLV champion
• WR - Eddie Bell (1970–1976)
• QB - Mike Machurek (1982–1984); Division 1-AA National champion, AP All-American, All-Big Sky
• C - Will Grant (1978–1987)
• TE - Mike Hancock (1973–1974)
• P - Eddie Johnson (2003–2008)
• DE - Bob Otto (1985–1987); Second-team All-Big Sky
• OL - John Roman (1976–1982)
• LB - Tom Toner (1973–1977); Idaho State Sports Hall of Fame
• T - Brian Vertefeuille (1974)
• S - Jim Wagstaff (1958–1962); Second-team All-AFL, All-RMC
• P - Case deBruijn (1982)
• TE - Josh Hill
• TE - Tanner Conner

Utah Aggies 136, Idaho Tech 0, on October 11, 1919: Idaho State (then known as Idaho Technical Institute) lost to Utah State (then known as Utah Agricultural College) by a score of 136–0.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97098390/heres-score-of-136-to-0-run-up-by-utah/ |title=Here's Score of 136 to 0 Run Up by Utah Aggies |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |page=17 |date=October 12, 1919 |accessdate=March 7, 2022 |via=newspapers.com}}

Idaho 1, Idaho State 0, on November 11, 1978: In the conference finale for both teams in 1978, a night game was scheduled in Moscow, Idaho.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=5steAAAAIBAJ&sjid=nzIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4257%2C4530651 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |last=Barrows |first=Bob|title=Vandals, Idaho State try to salvage something |date=November 11, 1978 |page=3B}} ISU planned to fly up to the Palouse that afternoon in two vintage airplanes.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=W61fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0DIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3253%2C2412940 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |last=Barrows |first=Bob |title=It was the 'no-show' Idaho-Idaho State game of 1978 |date=November 6, 1980 |page=1B}} One developed engine trouble shortly after takeoff from Pocatello and returned. Both teams were at the bottom of the Big Sky standings and the game was not rescheduled; Idaho was granted a {{nowrap|1–0}} forfeit win.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=6cteAAAAIBAJ&sjid=nzIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3313%2C5368436 |newspaper=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |last=Drosendahl |first=Glenn |title=Vandals claim a forfeit |date=November 14, 1978|page=1B}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SvZLAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8-0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=4758%2C6130446 |newspaper=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |title=Bengals forfeit to Idaho |date=November 14, 1978 |page=15}}

Idaho State 34, Eastern Kentucky 23, on December 19, 1981: In the 1981 season, Idaho State were ranked at the top of the Big Sky standings, and appeared in the Division I-AA playoffs for the first time in program history, ranked #2 in the nation. Idaho State defeated Rhode Island and South Carolina State in the playoffs on their way to the title game, then known as the Pioneer Bowl. Coach Dave Kragthorpe led the Bengals to an 11-point victory and the national title.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31466613/idaho_state_wins_iaa_football_title/ |title=Idaho State wins I-AA football title |first=Joe |last=Stroop |agency=AP |newspaper=The Morning News |location=Wilmington, Delaware |page=D11 |date=December 20, 1981 |accessdate=May 11, 2019 |via=newspapers.com}}

Idaho State 30, Nevada 28, on September 16, 2017: Idaho State had lost each of their prior 10 games against Nevada,{{Cite web|title=Football History vs Idaho State University|url=https://nevadawolfpack.com/sports/football/opponent-history/idaho-state-university/35|access-date=2021-11-03|website=University of Nevada Athletics|language=en}} and were 33.5 point underdogs against them. However, the Bengals were able to pull off an upset, beating Nevada, 30–28.{{Cite web|title=Idaho State vs. Nevada - Game Summary - September 16, 2017 - ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/game/_/gameId/400945257|access-date=2021-11-03|website=ESPN.com|language=en}} Nevada scored 14 points in the fourth quarter, but failed to defeat Idaho State. This was the first time Idaho State had beaten a school in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) since defeating Utah State in 2000.{{Cite web|title=Idaho State at Utah State Box Score, November 18, 2000|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2000-11-18-utah-state.html|access-date=2021-11-03|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|language=en}}

Announced schedules as of May 5, 2024.{{cite web |title=Idaho State Bengals Football Future Schedules |publisher=FBSchedules.com |url=https://fbschedules.com/ncaa/idaho-state/ |access-date=May 5, 2025}}

• Idaho State Bengals football players, a list of notable players for the team

{{Reflist}}

{{commons cat}}

• {{Official website}}

{{Idaho State Bengals football navbox}}

{{Idaho State University}}

{{Big Sky Conference football navbox}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Idaho State Bengals Football}}

Category:1902 establishments in Idaho

Category:American football teams established in 1902