Football: Bobcats win, leaves Idaho scrambling

A thriller in Bozeman ended in a head scratching conclusion for many Vandal fans after a missed extra point.

The Montana State Bobcats (4-2, 2-1 BSC) came from behind in the second half to take down the Idaho Vandals (2-4, 1-3 BSC) in Bobcat Stadium.

“It’s heartbreaking,” Petrino said in a news release. “I feel awful for the players, and the coaches.”

With Idaho sophomore quarterback Colton Richardson out for the game due to concussion protocol, junior quarterback Mason Petrino led the way for the Vandals.

The Vandal offense got off to a great start to Saturday’s game, going right down the field in a nine-play drive, ending in a touchdown by senior running back Isaiah Saunders.

Saunders found the endzone again towards the seven-minute mark of the second quarter to give the Vandals a 14-7 lead. Idaho would hold that lead going into the second half.

Idaho found a way to get points on the board again at the start of the third quarter. After an 11-play drive, sophomore kicker Cade Coffey extended the lead for the Vandals giving Idaho a 17-7 lead.

When it seemed as if this game was going in the Vandals favor, the Bobcats found their answer in the second half.

Montana State scored 17 points in the second half, making it a 24-17 game in the Bobcats favor with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter.

Petrino would lead the Vandal offense down the field in nine plays before senior wide receiver David Ungerer rushed in the endzone for five yards to make it a one-point game.

Coffey missed the extra point attempt for Idaho, giving the Bobcats the edge at 24-23.

Idaho led the game in total yards against the Bobcats, as well as total passing yards. The Vandals finished the game with nearly 16 more minutes of possession compared to Montana State.

Petrino saids allowing a few big plays against the Bobcats helped Montana State finish the comeback.

Idaho allowed two big scores in the third quarter to give the Bobcats the chance to get back in the game before eventually gaining the win at home.

The loss hands Idaho its third loss in Big Sky play, before heading back home this following week.

The good news for Vandal fans — Idaho claimed both its wins in the Kibbie Dome this season and look to continue the homefield success next weekend.

Idaho football will return home for a homecoming matchup against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds 2 p.m. Oct. 20th in the Kibbie Dome.

Chris Deremer can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Cderemer_VN