MOSCOW, Idaho — Idaho’s celebration after one of the biggest wins in program history did not last long.
The Vandals stunned top-ranked Montana State 35-34 Friday night at the Kibbie Dome, scoring on a 25-yard Hail Mary from Joshua Wood to Ryan Jezioro before converting a two-point try on the final play. The victory snapped the defending FCS national champions’ 19-game winning streak and gave Idaho its first win of the season.
For coach Thomas Ford Jr., it also provided proof that his team’s belief and resilience have been real, even through an 0-4 start.
“I thought our kids played exceptionally well,” Ford said. “They really showed that they love playing with one another. They’ll do anything that they can and keep fighting until there’s no time left.”
Idaho trailed by 14 points in the fourth quarter before rallying. Wood drove the Vandals 80 yards in 49 seconds on the final possession, then found Jezioro in the end zone after one second was restored to the clock following a completion at Montana State’s 25-yard line.
Ford elected to go for the win instead of overtime. Wood ran the conversion up the middle, completing the comeback.
Wood finished 19 of 25 for 315 yards and two touchdowns. He also continued to be a factor on the ground, scoring his seventh rushing touchdown of the season. Jezioro posted career highs with 147 receiving yards and two touchdowns, including a 75-yard score on Idaho’s opening drive and the decisive catch in the closing seconds.
The result put Idaho in the national spotlight for the weekend, but Ford said the Vandals have already moved on to their next Big Sky test at Weber State.
“That is one game out of the seven remaining that we have guaranteed,” Ford said. “We’ve already moved on to Weber State.”
The Vandals hope the win can provide confidence without allowing it to become a distraction. Ford said the team celebrated longer after playing on a Friday, but conversations about Montana State stopped after meetings Sunday.
“The past is not an area where we could beat us,” Ford said. “We’ve got to get ready to compete this weekend.”
Weber State presents another difficult conference matchup. Ford said the Wildcats have been productive offensively under coach Mickey Mental, spreading defenses out while still running the ball effectively. Weber State also has dynamic receivers, including two of its coach’s sons, and Ford said Idaho must limit explosive plays through the air.
Defensively, Ford pointed to Weber State’s front as a major concern, particularly its interior linemen. He also highlighted the Wildcats’ top cornerback as a player Idaho must account for.
The Vandals’ priorities are straightforward: establish the run, eliminate explosive plays and continue improving on special teams.
Ford said Idaho came out of the Montana State game healthy and could regain offensive guard Tyler Skinner and Sean Daniels this week. He also praised the physicality of the offensive line and the continued development of running back Demonte Bias.
“When you’re playing a physical group, you better answer with physicality,” Ford said.
Idaho proved Friday it can stay composed in the biggest moments. Now, with Weber State next, the Vandals have an opportunity to show their upset of Montana State was not simply one unforgettable night in the Kibbie Dome — but a turning point in their season.
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