Cal Poly football was 18 seconds away from losing in heartbreaking fashion in its home opener against Idaho on Friday.
The Mustangs started off strong, claiming a 21-10 lead at halftime thanks to starting quarterback Anthony Grigsby Jr.’s three touchdown passes. But Idaho came back in the second half, eventually claiming a 34-31 lead with 1:03 left to go in the fourth quarter.
Cal Poly quickly gained territory, getting to Idaho’s 36-yard line. Then the offense stalled. It was 4th and 8 when Cal Poly’s last chance came.
Quarterback Anthony Grigsby Jr. said that he kept asking for the ball at the end of the game.
“Just give me an opportunity. That’s all I need,” Grigsby Jr. said.
Grigsby Jr. supported that claim when he threw a 34-yard touchdown pass on 4th and 8 to receiver Tayvion McCoy.
The Mustangs (1-0, 1-0 Big Sky) held onto the win, which was their first against Idaho in program history.
Cal Poly football’s opener on ESPN was also its first nationally televised home match in program history. The Mustang Memorial Field was packed with a record-breaking attendance of 11,186, exceeding the listed max seating capacity of 11,075.
Offensive Firepower
Grigsby Jr. proved himself to be a true dual-threat quarterback, rushing for 62 yards and throwing for 319 yards with two touchdowns.
“I’m a short, athletic quarterback and I feel like that’s just kind of the stereotype, but I take it, and I run with it,” Grigsby Jr. said. “I’ve been playing quarterback since I was three years old, training with my dad in the backyard. So, it was natural.”
McCoy also had a big night, with a total of 198 yards and the game-winning touchdown.
“My role is to just make big plays, you know? They call me big play Tay, that’s my job,” McCoy said.
Fluctuating Defense
Cal Poly’s defense started strong. They only gave up 16 points in the first three quarters.
Then, the Mustangs were broken by three explosive plays on three consecutive drives in the fourth quarter.
Cal Poly’s new Head Coach Tim Skipper attributed those plays to adjustments Idaho made. Skipper described the game as a “chess match” and explained the difficulty of game-planning without film.
Background
Bringing Skipper in was one of multiple significant changes made to the Cal Poly football program following a disappointing 4-8 (2-6 Big Sky) season.
The John Madden Football Center was also completed after over two years and $45 million. John Madden was honored for his contribution to Cal Poly and to football with a tribute video and the retirement of his No. 74.