Freshman Jacori Rufus returned a school-record 100-yard interception in the fourth quarter as Idaho State beat Southern Utah 50-33 on Saturday.
Rufus, making his first start for Idaho State (2-5 overall, 1-3 in the Big Sky Conference), picked off a pass by Matt Cannon in the end zone and broke free down the right sideline for the score.The Bengals went on to score 28 fourth-quarter points to secure their first home win of the season. Seth Burford came off the bench in the second half to throw for 153 yards, including a career-long 60-yard touchdown pass to DeRonn Finley.
Burford finished five-of-six passing for Idaho State. Kennedy Nkeyasen led the Bengals in rushing with 123 yards and a touchdown.
The Thunderbirds (3-4) were led by Cannon, who finished with three touchdown runs and one scoring pass to Kam Brown.
The record Rufus broke previously was set by Parr Sainsbury, who returned an interception for 98 yards in 1948. Idaho State, who trailed 14-13 at the half, outscored the Thunderbirds 37-19 in the second half.