The #8 Idaho Vandals outlasted the #2 Montana State Bobcats 24-21 in a back-and-forth second-half game that saw five touchdowns scored in the final 25 minutes of play.
The Idaho Vandals came out red hot on the defensive side of the ball, forcing four straight three-and-outs to start the game. The defense also allowed only 52 total yards and three first downs in the first half, which was the Bobcat’s season low.
Junior safety Tommy McCormick had a great game, tallying eight total tackles and a pass breakup.
“Tommy’s a good tackler, and this was a game Tommy loved to play in,” Head Coach Jason Eck said in a press conference. “He’s a guy who much rather be coming downfield and tackling than covering in 10 personnel all day. So, he was probably licking his chops all week.”
Idaho’s offense seemed to dominate the clock all game, having a time of possession of 41:27, compared to Montana State’s 18:33.
“It was important being able to keep our defense off the field and give our guys some rest,” Redshirt sophomore quarterback Gevani McCoy said. “With that being said, that’s just all thanks to our great gameplan we had for this week on both sides of the ball, especially offensively with Coach Slice doing some great work.”
McCoy put up good numbers, completing 22 of 29 passing attempts for 229 yards and 2 TDs. He also completed a pass to seven different pass catchers.
Special teams made their impact when freshman defensive back Hayden John got his hand up to block Montana State’s 48-yard field goal attempt late in the 2nd quarter to keep it at a 10-0 score before halftime.
Montana State quickly took the lead 14-10 heading into the fourth quarter because of two passing touchdowns by junior quarterback Tommy Mellott. Mellott had a respectable game, completing 12 of his 24 attempts for 191 yards and two touchdowns.
Idaho regained the lead early in the 4th after a 15-play, 75-yard drive capped by a three-yard rushing touchdown by sophomore running back Anthony Woods.
Montana State made it 21-17 with a 24-yard rushing touchdown by running back Julius Davis.
Idaho then led a five-minute, eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. Gevani McCoy connected with Hayden Hatten on a 12-yard catch for a phenomenal back shoulder grab.
“It was a great ball. I mean you could tell it was cover 2, almost like a cover 2 man,” Hatten said. “Instead of staying in the flat, the guy dropped back with me, which allowed Gevani to make that back shoulder throw. As much as it was double coverage it was the perfect ball to keep away from them and get to me.”
Montana State had one final chance to drive down the field to try and win the game. On a critical play, redshirt sophomore d-linemen Malakai Williams made a huge eight-yard sack, putting the Bobcats in a tough third-and-18 situation. On fourth down, Montana State’s 6-foot-9-inch-tall kicker Brendan Hall attempted a game-tying 44-yard field goal. He missed wide right with 22 seconds remaining. The Vandals were able to kneel it out and take the win, 24-21.
Idaho is now tied for first in the Big Sky Conference with a 4-1 conference record, and 6-2 overall. Idaho looks forward next week to their conference matchup against 0-8 Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado on Nov. 4 at 1 p.m.
Bryce Norwood can be reached at [email protected]