Despite outgaining the Mountaineers nearly two to one and dominating nearly every category, Idaho still came up on the short end of a 28-16 score to fall to 2-4 on the season. The culprit was mistakes on offense and special teams, leading to easy scores for WVU, who improved to 4-1 with the win.

"Our defense did everything you could ask them to today," Idaho head coach Tom Cable said. "When you give up less than 250 yards, I don't care who it's to, you expect to win the game."

The first half was completely dominated by the Vandals, but UI let West Virginia stay within striking distance throughout. Idaho marched down the field twice on its first two drives, only to miss field goals each time. Ben Davis, who holds the Idaho record for most field goals made from 50 yards or beyond, missed both kicks - one from 36 yards and the second from 29 out.

The Vandals were finalize able to capitalize on their offensive dominance, when John Welsh connected with Willie Alderson for a 19-yard strike with 6:44 left in the opening quarter. It capped a five-play, 53-yard drive that took only 1:19. The Vandals led 7-0, after rolling up 135 yards total offense to that point.

Idaho then made a play on special teams, blocking a punt with 8:05 remaining in the second quarter. Chris Nofoaiga burst through the line untouched and not only blocked the punt, but nearly recovered it in the end zone. He was unable to corral the ball before it trickled out of the end zone for a safety and a 9-0 Vandal edge, which they would take into the intermission.

The third quarter was an offensive nightmare for both teams, as the two defenses clamped down even further and the squads combined for only 120 yards. Perhaps the crushing blow of the game though, came when Grant Wiley intercepted a Welsh pass and raced 15 yards to pay dirt, which seemed to energize both the Mountaineer players and faithful.

The fourth quarter saw the WVU offense come alive after being completely stifled for three quarters. After managing only 128 yards in total offense the first 45 minutes, the Mountaineers churned out 119 yards in the final stanza and 21 points.

West Virginia turned Welsh's second interception of the day into seven more points and its first lead at 14-9 with 11:17 remaining in the game. Then the vaunted Mountaineer running attack began eating up yards and the Vandal defense, scoring on back-to-back possessions and a 28-9 lead with 9:30 remaining.

The second score came after a big special teams play by WVU, when Antonio Brown returned a punt 77 yards to the Vandal 5-yard line. Running back Cooper Rego punched it in the for insurmountable WVU advantage.

Idaho kept attacking and scored a touchdown with 7:08 remaining, but it was too little too late as the damage had already been done. Despite holding West Virginia to 247 yards and only 116 yards rushing, the special teams and turnovers had once again placed the Vandals on the short end of the score.

Idaho's Alderson and Welsh led the offense with 95 yards rushing and 365 yards passing, respectively. Alderson also led the team with nine catches (82 yards receiving), while Josh Jelmberg had 106 receiving yards on eight grabs. Tight end Mike Roberg continued to stellar senior campaign with seven receptions for 54 yards.