Cal Poly football will travel to Pocatello this Saturday to take on Idaho State, looking to snap a four-game losing streak and tip the all-time series in their favor after one of their worst showings of the season last weekend against Portland State.
The Mustangs enter the weekend still looking for answers on offense after weeks of inconsistency, particularly at the quarterback position. Head coach Paul Wulff has continued to alternate between redshirt freshman Ty Dieffenbach and redshirt junior Bo Kelly, last week pulling Kelly after only one passing attempt in the first quarter.
While both quarterbacks have shown flashes of potential, Dieffenbach with his arm strength and Kelly with his mobility, the constant changes have made it difficult for the offense to build rhythm and sustain drives.
Against teams like Portland State and UC Davis, the Mustangs have been able to move the ball effectively in stretches but have struggled to maintain that pace for four quarters. Mistakes and missed opportunities after halftime have frequently led to stalled drives and defensive breakdowns.
Despite the recent losing streak, there have been positive flashes on both sides of the ball. Running back Tyrei Washington has continued to be a bright spot, finding ways to break through defenses and extend plays. The receiving unit, led by Alek Marshall and Micheal Briscoe, has also provided reliable targets downfield. Briscoe has accumulated 698 receiving yards this season alone, putting him in the top 20 receivers in the FCS.
On defense, linebackers Mikey D’Amato and Kenny Olson have led the way with consistent tackling and leadership, helping the unit hold opponents to manageable scores through the first half of games.
This season, Idaho State has proven they can compete in the Big Sky with an efficient passing game and home-field advantage at Holt Arena. Cal Poly will need to contain Idaho State’s air attack, an area they have struggled with, to have a chance at controlling the tempo.
For the Mustangs, this weekend’s game represents more than just another matchup on the schedule, it’s one of their final opportunities to find stability and confidence heading into the final stretch of the season. Establishing one consistent leader at quarterback could be the key to unlocking the offense’s full potential.
If Cal Poly can find its rhythm early and carry that momentum through the second half, the team has a chance to come away with its first win since early October and regain traction heading into the final weeks of conference play.