Eastern Washington vs. Idaho: Vandals seek Che-Scow Cup
Idaho hosts Eastern Washington in Moscow for the Che-Scow Cup, with the Vandals aiming to reclaim the trophy and strengthen their playoff position. The teams enter the Big Sky rivalry game with contrasting records, while both offenses feature mobile quarterbacks and productive passing attacks.
Idaho hosts Eastern Washington in Moscow for the Che-Scow Cup at 2 p.m. Saturday, with the Vandals seeking their first win in the rivalry game in two years. The eastern wa vs idaho matchup also carries playoff significance for Idaho, which is trying to strengthen its postseason case.
Idaho enters at 4-5 overall and 4-2 in Big Sky play, while Eastern Washington is 2-7 and 1-5 in the conference. The game is at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome, with coverage listed on SWX and ESPN+.
“It’s a big-time rivalry game,” Idaho coach Thomas Ford Jr. said. He pointed to the schools’ proximity and players who competed together in high school, as well as the trophy at stake.
Idaho has won three straight games after beating Montana, Southern Utah and Portland State. A win over Eastern Washington would keep the Vandals’ playoff hopes alive as they pursue a strong finish to their Big Sky schedule.
The Vandals’ passing game features junior receivers Tony Harste and Ryan Jezioro. Harste, who had missed the previous two weeks with an injury, ranks fourth in the conference with 86.7 receiving yards per game and has 607 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
Jezioro had five catches for 194 yards and a 77-yard touchdown against Portland State. He has 602 receiving yards and six touchdowns this season, according to the team’s published statistics.
“Those guys will spread a defense out,” offensive coordinator Ian Shoemaker said, describing how the receivers can create space for Idaho’s running game. Shoemaker previously held the same coaching roles at Eastern Washington from 2019-2021.
Eastern Washington quarterback Nate Bell presents a dual threat. He has thrown for 2,482 yards, 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, while adding 384 rushing yards and eight scores.
Bell was sacked 11 times and threw three interceptions against Montana last week. Eastern Washington has also allowed 39 sacks this season, while its defense has given up 220.6 rushing yards per game, the most in the Big Sky.
Idaho quarterback Joshua Wood has thrown for 2,492 yards, with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions, and has rushed for 438 yards and nine touchdowns. Eastern Washington coach Aaron Best praised Wood, saying, “The kid’s a baller.”
Eastern Washington offensive lineman Cole McGovern said the team wants to finish strongly despite its record. “We have the time we have to get better, to improve as a team and to finish strong and win games,” he said.
