BOZEMAN, Mont. – Idaho struggled to find offensive momentum while Montana State took control early, and the third-ranked Bobcats topped No. 7 Idaho 38-7 Saturday night in Bozeman.
 
MSU got on the board with a 65-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter. The Idaho offense failed to gain any momentum in the first half and the Montana State rushing attack took advantage, rushing for 192 yards in the first half, more than Idaho had given up in a game to any of its first six opponents this season.
 
MSU added a 34-yard touchdown pass and another rushing td before closing the half with a 34-yard field goal to close with a 24-0 lead at the break.
 
Injuries continued to hamper the Vandals. Running back Nate Thomas did not play. Starting quarterback Nick Josifek went down with an injury in the first half.  Running back Elisha Cummings also missed most of the second half with an injury.
 
The Vandals got on the board with a nine-yard touchdown from Jack Wagner to Deshaun Buchanan for his first-career touchdown with 43 seconds left in the game.
 
Buchanan led the Vandals with 49 yards rushing on nine carries. Wagner ended the game with 134 yards passing on 11-23 with one interception and one touchdown.
 
Montana State was the fifth consecutive ranked FCS opponent for Idaho and the fifth road game of the first seven of the season for the Vandals. Idaho moves into the final part of the schedule that includes three of the next four at home. The final five opponents have a combined record of 9-23. Idaho also gets a break with a bye week on Nov. 2.
 
Idaho opens the stretch with a home game against Cal Poly on Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome. Tickets are available at govandals.com/tickets.