What Is 2011 Idaho State Bengals football

Overview

The 2011 Idaho State Bengals football team represented Idaho State University in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Competing as a member of the Big Sky Conference, the team struggled throughout the season, finishing with a 3–8 overall record and a 2–6 mark in conference play.

Under the leadership of head coach Mike Kramer, who concluded his tenure that year, the Bengals faced challenges on both offense and defense. The team played its home games at Holt Arena, a domed stadium on campus in Pocatello, Idaho, which has hosted Bengals football since 1970.

• Record: The Bengals finished the 2011 season with a 3–8 overall record and 2–6 in Big Sky Conference games, placing near the bottom of the standings.
• Head coach:Mike Kramer served as head coach for his fourth and final season, stepping down after the campaign with a cumulative 8–38 record over four years.
• Home stadium:Holt Arena, a 11,000-seat indoor facility in Pocatello, hosted all home games and is one of the few domed stadiums used by an FCS program.
• Offensive leader: Quarterback Justin Arias started multiple games and passed for 1,422 yards and seven touchdowns during the season.
• Defensive struggles: The team allowed an average of 33.5 points per game, among the highest in the Big Sky Conference, reflecting difficulties in stopping opposing offenses.

Season Performance

The 2011 campaign was marked by inconsistency and missed opportunities, particularly in conference matchups. Despite flashes of competitiveness, the Bengals failed to secure enough wins to climb the Big Sky standings.

• Season opener: Idaho State lost to Utah State 42–10 in the season opener, setting a tone of defensive vulnerability early.
• Conference win: The Bengals defeated UC Davis 31–28 in October, marking one of only two Big Sky victories on the year.
• Rivalry game: In the annual “Battle of the Domes” against Weber State, Idaho State lost 38–31 in a closely contested matchup.
• Offensive stats: The team averaged 23.1 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the conference in scoring offense.
• Injuries: Key absences, including at the offensive line, hampered consistency and depth throughout the season.
• Final game: The season concluded with a 42–10 loss to Northern Arizona, highlighting ongoing struggles against top-tier Big Sky teams.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2011 Idaho State Bengals compared to other Big Sky Conference teams:

The Bengals ranked near the bottom of the conference in both scoring and defense. While they matched UC Davis in wins, Idaho State allowed more points overall. The data shows a team struggling to keep pace with even mid-tier conference opponents.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season was a turning point for Idaho State football, leading to significant changes in leadership and program direction. It highlighted the need for improved recruiting, coaching stability, and offensive development.

• Coaching change: Mike Kramer’s departure after 2011 led to the hiring of Mike Price, a veteran coach with FBS experience, to rebuild the program.
• Recruiting focus: The team shifted toward developing junior college talent and improving offensive line depth in subsequent years.
• Facility investment: Continued use of Holt Arena emphasized the need for modern upgrades to remain competitive.
• Conference relevance: The season underscored Idaho State’s challenge in maintaining parity within the increasingly competitive Big Sky.
• Player development: Quarterback Justin Arias and linebacker Tyler Cochran showed potential, providing a foundation for future seasons.
• Program trajectory: The 2011 struggles contributed to a rebuilding phase that eventually led to improved performance by the mid-2010s.

While the 2011 season was disappointing, it served as a catalyst for long-term changes that helped stabilize Idaho State football in the years that followed.