Last year Tim Skipper led the UCLA Bruins to an unexpected three-game winning streak, so it’s fitting that Skipper’s tenure with the Cal Poly Mustangs got off to an equally jaw-dropping start. Cal Poly scored a game-winning touchdown with only nine seconds remaining versus Idaho.
After two separate stints as an interim head coach, Skipper finally began his true head coaching career Friday night in memorable fashion. Cal Poly led 21-10 at halftime before Idaho stormed back in the second half.
Thank You to the entire San Luis Obispo community. Our incredible administration, band, students, alumni, and fans were awesome last night. The team felt the energy and electricity. Grateful to be in such a wonderful place. Go Mustangs 🐎#RideHigh #OnTheRise
— Tim Skipper (@CoachTSkip) August 29, 2026
The Vandals took the lead in the fourth quarter before Cal Poly evened the game with a Anthony Grigsby Jr. rushing touchdown with 2:16 left on the clock. The Mustangs’ defense couldn’t hold off Idaho’s offense, with the Vandals driving down for a go-ahead field goal with 1:03 remaining in regulation.
Those 63 seconds was more than enough time for the Cal Poly offense. Grigsby found wide receiver Tayvion McCoy for a 34-yard touchdown on fourth down.
4TH DOWN WITH SECONDS REMAINING AND CAL POLY PULLED IT OFF 🔥
— ESPN (@espn) August 29, 2026
College football is so back‼️ pic.twitter.com/0lvtL8qtId
Skipper pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season last year as the team knocked off Penn State in the Rose Bowl, in a game where the Nittany Lions’ defense couldn’t contain Nico Iamaleava and the UCLA ground game. The Bruins did not retain Skipper after his 3-6 stint with the team but he was able to parlay it into a head coaching job of his own.
Cal Poly was at home for the win, but still entered the game as 3.5 point underdogs against Idaho. It’s a new start for Skipper but once again, he was able to lead his team to an improbable victory.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Cal Poly pulls off miraculous win in Tim Skipper's first game
