Idaho Knocks Off No. 1 Montana State with Bold Final Play

A Final Play for the History Books

Idaho pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season on Friday night, defeating top-ranked Montana State 35-34. The dramatic victory ended the defending national champions' 19-game winning streak and gave the Vandals their first-ever win against a number one team.

The game came down to the final seconds in Moscow, Idaho. Trailing by seven, Idaho quarterback Joshua Wood led a rapid 55-yard drive. It took the Vandals just five plays and 49 seconds to reach the end zone. On the very last play of the game, Wood threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Jezioro. Instead of kicking an extra point to tie, Idaho went for the win. Wood ran the ball into the end zone himself for a successful two-point conversion, sealing the historic victory.

A High-Scoring Battle

The game was a wild, back-and-forth affair from the start. The lead changed hands six times in the first half alone. Idaho struck first when Wood found Jezioro for a 75-yard touchdown on their opening play from scrimmage. Montana State quickly responded, with Patrick Duchien throwing a 20-yard touchdown pass to Carter Dahlke to take a 10-7 lead after the first quarter.

After Owen Forsman kicked two field goals to put Idaho back on top, Montana State's Jared White ran for a 32-yard touchdown. Damonte Bias then answered with a 15-yard touchdown run for Idaho with just over two minutes left in the half. Montana State took the lead back before halftime when Duchien completed seven straight passes, ending with a 15-yard touchdown throw to Dane Steel. The Bobcats led 24-20 at the break.

Montana State looked to have control in the second half. Myles Sansted kicked a 26-yard field goal, and Duchien scored on a 2-yard run early in the fourth quarter to push the lead to 34-20.

Stars of the Night

Idaho began its comeback when Wood scored on a 1-yard run with 9:54 remaining, cutting the deficit to 34-27. Wood finished the game with 315 passing yards, completing 19 of 25 passes for two touchdowns. He also rushed for 41 yards and a touchdown. Jezioro was his top target, catching six passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns.

Duchien played a stellar game for Montana State in the loss. He threw for 249 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 92 yards and another score.

This is not the first time Idaho has troubled the Bobcats at home. In 2023, the Vandals beat a second-ranked Montana State team 24-21 during their last visit to the Kibbie Dome. This latest win moves Idaho to 1-4 overall and 1-1 in Big Sky Conference play, while Montana State falls to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in the conference.