James’ 43‑Yard TD Secures Idaho State Victory
Idaho State’s Chedon James delivered a decisive 43‑yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, leading the Bengals to a 28‑24 victory over Southern Utah. The win capped a strong start for the 4‑0 team, while Southern Utah struggled to maintain its early lead.
By Felo News Desk · Published
In a high‑stakes Big Sky Conference showdown, Idaho State’s Chedon James emerged as the hero with a 43‑yard catch‑and‑run that sealed a 28‑24 win over Southern Utah in Cedar City. The victory gave the Bengals an unblemished 4‑0 record and a 1‑0 mark in conference play, while the Aggies fell to 1‑4 overall and 0‑2 in the league.
Game Overview
The Bengals entered the game with a 10‑7 lead at halftime, thanks to a balanced offensive attack from quarterback Jordan Cooke, who completed 15 of 25 passes for 203 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Idaho State’s defense held Southern Utah to just 10 points in the first half, forcing the Aggies to rely on their rushing attack to stay competitive.
By the end of the third quarter, Idaho State had extended its advantage to 21‑10. Key plays included a 2‑yard touchdown catch by Kai Wheeler, a rushing touchdown by Cooke, and a short run by James that pushed the score to 21‑10.
Southern Utah’s offense, led by running back Floyd Chalk, staged a comeback in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 unanswered points. Chalk amassed 159 rushing yards, marking his fifth consecutive 100‑yard game, while Will Burns added a touchdown. The Aggies briefly took a 24‑21 lead, but Idaho State’s defense stepped up to force a punt, a fumble, and a turnover on downs.
Chedon James’ Game‑Winning Play
With 7:19 remaining in regulation, James lined up in the slot and received a quick throw from Cooke. The Bengals’ offense had been struggling to find rhythm in the passing game, but James’ 43‑yard reception showcased his speed and route‑running precision. The play was a textbook example of a catch‑and‑run, with James evading defenders and sprinting to the end zone for the decisive touchdown.
James finished the game with seven receptions for 134 yards, a performance that earned him the Big Sky Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors. His contribution was pivotal in a game that hinged on a single explosive play.
Implications for the Season
Idaho State’s win cements its position as a top contender in the Big Sky Conference. With a 4‑0 start, the Bengals are poised to challenge for the league title and secure an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I FCS playoffs. The victory also boosts the team’s confidence heading into their upcoming matchup against Northern Arizona.
Southern Utah, meanwhile, faces a tough road ahead. Their loss highlights the need for consistency, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Aggies will look to regroup before their next game against Utah Tech, hoping to regain momentum in the conference race.
Future Matchups
Idaho State will host Northern Arizona next Saturday, a game that could further solidify their standing in the Big Sky standings. Southern Utah will travel to Utah Tech for their next outing, where they aim to rebound from the recent defeat.
Key facts
- Chedon James’ 43‑yard TD was the decisive play
- Idaho State’s defense forced key turnovers
- Floyd Chalk rushed for 159 yards
- Jordan Cooke completed 15 of 25 passes
- Idaho State remains undefeated (4‑0)
Why it matters
The game showcases how a single, well‑executed play can change the outcome of a tightly contested match, underscoring the importance of both offensive creativity and defensive opportunism in college football.
Frequently asked questions
What was the final score?
Idaho State 28, Southern Utah 24.
Who was the standout player?
Chedon James, with 134 receiving yards and the game‑winning touchdown.
What are Idaho State’s next opponents?
They will host Northern Arizona, while Southern Utah visits Utah Tech.
How did the defense perform?
The Bengals forced a punt, a fumble, and a turnover on downs in the fourth quarter.
Sources
- [1] winnipegfreepress.com — originally reported as “James' 43-yard TD pushes Idaho State over Southern Utah 28-24”
