Idaho State's Arias Added to Payton Watch List
Idaho State quarterback Justin Arias was one of four players added to the Walter Payton Award Watch List on Tuesday, The Sports Network announced.
Arias, a 6-foot, 213-pound senior from Agoura Hills, Calif., had led Idaho State to its best season in more than a decade. Arias has completed 61.8 percent of his passes for 3,092 yards with 29 touchdowns and just five interceptions.
Arias leads the nation in passing yards per game (343.6), total passing yards, and passing touchdowns. Arias ranks third in the nation in total offense. Arias has been responsible for 180 total points this season, six behind national leader John Robertson of Villanova.
Idaho State’s leads the nation in passing offense and is second in total offense with an average of 563.2 yards per game. The Bengals rank eighth in scoring offense at 41 points per game.
Arias enjoyed a streak of four games where he threw for at least 404 yards. He’s thrown for at least 300 yards three times. Arias has attempted 200 straight passes without throwing an interception.
Idaho State is 4-1 in conference and 6-3 overall. The Bengals are riding a four-game winning streak. Idaho State has not won six games in a season since finishing 8-4 in 2003.
Arias and the Bengals play host to No. 21 Cal Poly on Saturday. Both teams have one conference loss.
Fordham running back Chase Edmonds, Dayton running back Connor Kacsor and Eastern Kentucky running back Dy’Shawn Mobley were also added to the Watch List.
The Walter Payton Award has been given annually since 1987 to the top offensive player in the FCS. Seven Big Sky players have won the prestigious honor.
Eastern Washington quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., Eastern Washington wide receiver Cooper Kupp, and Montana State quarterback Dakota Prukop are also on the Watch List.
The Walter Payton award will be presented in December.
Walter Payton Award Watch List