The Idaho State Bengals return home for a ranked Big Sky Conference showdown with Northern Arizona, and this edition of the Idaho State Coaches Show features head coach Cody Hawkins and special teams coordinator/nickels coach Scott Thiessen.
Hawkins joins Scott Gross to look back at Idaho State’s tough road victory at Southern Utah, a physical contest that opened conference play with a win. He breaks down the Bengals’ defensive performance against Thunderbirds standout running back Floyd Chalk, including two forced fumbles, three sacks, and 10 tackles for loss. Hawkins also highlights the depth and production across the defense, with Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week Jackson Irwin, safety Titan Saxton, and a deep defensive-line group continuing to make game-changing plays.
The conversation also examines Idaho State’s offensive balance in Cedar City. The Bengals rushed for 244 yards, with Titan Mason recording 94 yards, while quarterback Jordan Cooke and the passing attack continued to create explosive opportunities. Hawkins discusses veteran receiver Chaden James’ seven-catch, 134-yard performance, along with the versatility of Kai Wheeler, a player who has contributed at receiver, linebacker, tight end, and on special teams.
Attention then turns to No. 19 Northern Arizona, a team Hawkins describes as aggressive, multiple, and highly effective at creating turnovers. The Lumberjacks enter the week with 14 takeaways, using consistent pressure, man and zone coverage principles, and a defense that forces opponents into difficult decisions. Idaho State will look to protect the football, play sound special teams, and execute with discipline against a Northern Arizona offense led by veteran quarterback Ty Pennington and a balanced collection of playmakers.
In the second half of the program, Scott Thiessen explains his dual role coordinating special teams while assisting with Idaho State’s nickelbacks and defensive backfield. He discusses sophomore Tre Shorty’s veteran presence at nickel, the development of Highland High School product Kai Callen, and how the Bengals match nickel personnel to opposing offensive formations.
Thiessen also takes listeners inside the work that goes into special teams beyond kickers and punters: weekly opponent scouting, coverage and return schemes, situational drills, personnel evaluation, technique, leverage, and the constant effort to create, or prevent, game-changing plays. He addresses the Bengals’ focus on raising their special-teams standard following the Southern Utah game, as well as adjustments in kicking and punting responsibilities designed to give each specialist the best opportunity to succeed.
Idaho State hosts Northern Arizona on Saturday at Holt Arena. Kickoff is at 6 p.m., with KISU-FM coverage beginning at 5 p.m. and the ICCU Pregame Show at 5:30 p.m.