MOSCOW, Idaho – Idaho football earned a 20-7 win over Portland State Saturday, at the Kibbie Dome to give the Vandals (2-2, 1-1 Big Sky) their first Big Sky victory. Idaho seized control in the first half, taking a 20-0 lead after two quarters.
 
Idaho scored on its first three drives and returned a blocked punt for a touchdown before halftime. The Vandal defense limited Portland State (1-4, 0-2 Big Sky) to 3-of-13 on third-down conversions and recorded eight tackles for loss.
 
Portland State found the end zone on the opening drive of the second half to get within two scores. The Vikings put together a 12-play drive the next time they had the ball, but the series ended with a missed field goal. Idaho limited the visitors to 60 yards of offense the rest of the way to hold on for the win.
 
Isaiah Saunders led the Idaho offense with 99 rushing yards, while Jeff Cotton hauled in four catches for 41 yards and a touchdown. Cotton has caught a touchdown pass in each of Idaho's first four games this season.
 
Jalen Hoover, who blocked the punt that resulted in a Lloyd Hightower 32-yard touchdown return, led the Vandals with seven tackles. Kaden Elliss recorded a game-high two sacks.
 
Idaho hits the road for the next two weeks, Starting Oct. 6 at Idaho State. The game, part of the Idaho Central Credit Union Battle of the Domes Series, is slated to kick off at 3:30 p.m. MT/2:30 p.m. PT in Pocatello.