In a highly anticipated matchup between two top 10 teams, #8 Idaho traveled to Bozeman to face #3 Montana State. Last year’s matchup between the two was a thriller, with Idaho winning 24-21 off a last second missed field goal from the Bobcats. This year was much different however, with the Vandals not standing a chance against Tommy Mellott and company, losing 38-7.
Idaho’s struggles were not just one sided, as both the offense and defense had a rough day. Idaho failed to reach the 100-yard mark on offense, only tallying 91 yards rushing, which is their first time below the century mark since their season opener against Oregon. Idaho was missing redshirt junior running back Nate Thomas, who has been a key asset to the rushing attack.
While the offense struggled to establish the run, the defense struggled to stop the run, giving up a season high 360 rushing yards to Montana State. Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott and running back Scottre Humphrey both eclipsed that century mark, with Mellott rushing for 140 yards, and Humphrey rushing for 124.
Idaho gave redshirt freshman Nick Josifek his first start of the season, and in the beginning of the second quarter, Josifek went down with an injury after being sacked by Bobcats defensive lineman Paul Brott.
Josifek finished his day 5-8 on passing for 42 yards. Jack Wagner came into the game, and the struggles continued for the offense, with Wagner completing 11 of his 23 passes for 134 yards, a last-minute touchdown and an interception.
The Bobcats jumped ahead 14-0 in the first, which lead to Idaho going into halftime down 24-0. Things didn’t get any better following the trend of the game, with Idaho’s first drive of the second half ending in an Art Williams fumble at Idaho 42-yard line.
Montana State went on to score two more time, and with less than a minute to go, Idaho finally reached the redzone and scored on a Jack Wagner pass to Deshaun Buchanan to finish the game 38-7.
Idaho falls to 4-3 on the year and are 1-2 in conference play. Idaho travels back home for a two game homestand, looking to bounce back starting with their game against Cal Poly on Saturday, October 19, at 1 p.m. You can watch it live on ESPN+.
You can reach Bryce Norwood at [email protected]