On Saturday, Nov. 7, Cal Poly Football played its final home game of the 2026 season against FCS No. 6-ranked Northern Arizona University.
Game Recap
The Mustangs (4-7, 3-5 Big Sky) started the first quarter strong, maintaining about 77% possession and allowing no points. After getting into a good position near the end of the first quarter, Cal Poly put up the first points of the night with a touchdown within the first ten seconds of the second quarter. Soon after, NAU successfully blocked a punt, which Head Coach Tim Skipper attributes to the change in momentum for the rest of the game. The Lumberjacks (8-2, 6-1 Big Sky) went on to score five touchdowns and one field goal. Meanwhile, the Mustangs managed only one field goal after their touchdown. The final score was 38-10.
Kelly’s Return
Quarterback Bo Kelly joined Cal Poly football straight out of high school. In 2024, he was the Mustangs’ starting quarterback and threw for over 1,000 yards. In 2025 and 2026, he was a backup behind Ty Dieffenbach and Anthony Grigsby Jr. He didn’t get a start until this game, when he played the entire game and threw for 146 yards, his most since October 2024.
“It felt great, you know, I want to be out there on the field as much as I can,” Kelly said.
Skipper explained the decision to make a change at quarterback.
“He’s always stayed ready and ready to go,” Skipper said. “When his moment came, he’s been ready for that. So it was good to see him out there in his last game in the stadium.”
Senior Night
Because this was the last home game, Cal Poly seniors from various programs were honored. This included 15 football players, eight student managers, four dancers, six ROTC members, and the Mustang Band seniors.
“Those guys are dedicated. They accepted me being a new coach in their last year. You know, having to put their last season on me and have bought in and really bought into the team type environment and the things we’ve done,” Skipper said.
Reflecting on the 2026 Season
There is still one game to play, but the last home game gives players and coaches time to reflect.
“It’s been a lot of ups and downs, twists and turns. But I appreciate the community for coming out and supporting us. Even today was a really good crowd,” Skipper said.
Wide receiver Tayvion McCoy said the fans were number one in his heart this year.
Looking Ahead
The Mustangs have a bye week before their final game against UC Davis on November 21 at 1 p.m. During the bye week, McCoy shared that he plans on recovering.
“My body is just breaking down, but I feel like this week, just me being in the trainers and ice bath, then I’ll be ready to go for UC Davis.”
Skipper’s main goals for the team during this upcoming week are to get better and get healthy.