Idaho State turned defense into offense twice in the final eight minutes to erase a seven-point deficit and rally past Utah Tech 34-27 on Saturday

ST. GEORGE, Utah -- Idaho State turned defense into offense twice in the final eight minutes to erase a seven-point deficit and rally past Utah Tech 34-27 on Saturday.

The Bengals (6-3, 3-3 Big Sky) trailed 27-20 before Zion To’oto’o sacked Bronson Barben, recovered the fumble and returned it 32 yards for a touchdown to tie the game with 7:54 remaining.

Trehsyn Fesili finished the comeback with 55 seconds left, intercepting Barben and returning it 43 yards for the winning touchdown.

Idaho State, ranked No. 23 in the Stats Perform FCS poll, had already overcome a 14-0 first-quarter deficit. Jordan Cooke threw touchdown passes of 4 and 26 yards to Tommy Poe, the second of which gave the Bengals their first lead at 20-17 in the third quarter.

Utah Tech (1-8, 1-5) went back ahead on Barben’s 9-yard touchdown pass to Darnell O’Quinn and Max Shepherd’s 31-yard field goal before the defensive scores flipped the game.

Titan Saxton also recorded his first career interception for Idaho State in the second quarter.

Cooke threw for 178 yards and two touchdowns. Poe caught seven passes for 96 yards and both scores.

Barben threw for 260 yards and two touchdowns but committed four turnovers.

Idaho State: Hosts Montana State next Saturday.

Utah Tech: At UC Davis next Saturday.

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