"Very excited to get back. We had a great bye week where we were able to get healthy, especially at running back. […] We're excited to be back in the Dome. It'll be the first home game in almost a month. Seems like a long time since we've been back in the (P1FCU) Kibbie Dome, but we're excited to be back in front our home fans, especially for homecoming." Head Coach Thomas Ford Jr.
 
Northern Colorado (2-3, 0-1) vs. No. 11 Idaho (2-3, 0-1)

• P1FCU Kibbie Dome (15,250) | Moscow, idaho
• 2:00 p.m. : Kickoff on SWX and ESPN+ (Greg Heister, Adam Shackleford
• Listen: Vandal Football Radio Network | The Varsity Network App (Dennis Patchin and Trent Cowan)
• Live Stats
• Game Notes
• 2025 Football Record Book

MOSCOW, Idaho – The No. 11 Idaho Vandals (2-3, 0-1) return home for the first time in nearly a month to celebrate Homecoming and welcome the Northern Colorado Bears (2-3, 0-1). Greg Heister and Adam Shackleford will be on the call locally on SWX and streaming on ESPN+, while Dennis Patchin and Trent Cowan can be heard over the airwaves on the Vandal Football Radio Network. 

This is the fourth matchup between the two Big Sky Conference foes in program history. Idaho boasts a 2-1 record over the Bears, including a 27-13 win in the last meeting between the two in November of 2023. 

Both teams are coming off their respective bye weeks. Since 2022, Idaho is 3-0 coming out of bye weeks. The Vandals are also 2-1 in homecoming games over that same time frame, including a 55-35 win over Northern Colorado in 2022. 

This weekend's game is a true homecoming in the sense that Idaho has been away from the P1FCU Kibbie Dome for nearly a month, its last home game happening on Sept. 13 against Utah Tech. The Vandals have won eight consecutive games in the Dome over the last two seasons, living up to its reputation as one of the best homefield advantages in the nation.  
 
UI's offensive line has stood large this season, as all five starters have started every single game. The Vandals rank 13^thin the nation for least sacks allowed, and ninth in the nation – first in the Big Sky Conference – for tackles for loss allowed. Idaho also leads the conference and is ranked sixth in the country for time of possession, controlling the ball for 33:19 every game.   
 
Northern Colorado enters the game having played in four one-possession games this year. Following their season-opening 17-3 win against Chadron State, the Bears proceeded to nearly upset Colorado State (17-21), fell to No. 20 South Dakota in overtime, notched an overtime win against Houston Christian, then stumbled by eight points at home to Idaho State. Despite its struggles to score this year (19 ppg), Northern Colorado's defense has limited opponents to just 19.4 ppg.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR

• The Bears have struggled to run the ball this season, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry. Idaho's rush defense has been one of the best in the nation, and the Vandals are limiting opponents to  just 139.4 rushing yards per outing. 
• Ryan Jezioro has been revelation for the Vandals this year, leading Idaho in receiving yards and ranking T-5 in the Big Sky for most receiving touchdowns with three. In Idaho's game against Montana, he became the first Vandal to surpass the 100-yard plateau with 102. 
• Idaho is the one of two teams in the Big Sky Conference to have two players in the top ten for most tackles in the conference (Dylan Layne – 38.0, Isiah King – 36.0).
• There are two Vandals in the top ten in the Big Sky for tackles for loss in Matyus McLain (5.5 - sixth), and King (5.0 – ninth).

NUMBERS TO KNOW

• 50: All year long, the Vandals are celebrating the 50^th Anniversary of the P1FCU Kibbie Dome, one of the most unique and celebrated venues in all of college sports
• 3: Idaho is one of three FCS teams to record multiple wins over FBS programs since 2023 (Idaho beat Nevada 33-6 in 2023, Idaho beat Wyoming 17-13 last season)
• 6: Idaho has been ranked in six major polls across the nation, ranking as high as No. 5, and as low as No. 15
• 8: Idaho went 6-0 in the Dome last season and has now won eight consecutive games in the Dome.
• 8: Per Massey Ratings, Idaho's strength of schedule was ranked eighth in the nation as the Vandals entered their bye week. 
• 19: Amount of transfers Thomas Ford Jr. brought in to this year's squad
• 41: Consecutive weeks the Vandals have been ranked in Top 25 – the second longest streak in school history (42, 1992-95)
• 56: Amount of letterwinners returning from last season
• 71: Players on this year's team are from the Pacific Northwest (64% of the total roster)
• 165: Games Idaho has won in the P1FCU Kibbie Dome

HOMECOMING TRADITIONS

The annual Vandal Rally will take place in the tailgate lot at 8:30 this Friday, Oct. 10 at 8:30 p.m. Head Coach Thomas Ford Jr. will be speaking to those in attendance and there will be a bonfire, followed by a fireworks show starting at approximately 9:00 p.m.

On Saturday, from 10-11 a.m. there will be a parade in downtown Moscow in which most Vandal athletic teams will be participating. 

University of Idaho Homecoming Gameday Enhancements & Partnerships

Idaho Eats, in partnership with Vandal Athletics, is excited to unveil new food options alongside streamlined alcohol sales to enhance the fan experience for upcoming sporting events in the P1FCU Kibbie Dome and ICCU Arena.

Vandal Popcorn Bucket

Celebrate game day in style with the exclusive Vandal Popcorn Helmet! Enjoy a game day staple, then when you're finished, use the bucket to cheer on your Vandals as your very own Joe Vandal helmet. Grab yours at the concession stands for $15 or $19 filled with popcorn; bring it back all season long for $4 refills. With Halloween just around the corner, the Vandal Popcorn Helmet also doubles as a great trick-or-treat candy bucket for the kids!

Kibbie 50^th Anniversary Beer – Hunga Dunga x Vandal Athletics

Introducing the Kibbie Dome 50^th Anniversary Vandal Victory Lager! Crafted in collaboration with Hunga Dunga Brewing, this limited-edition specialty can of the Vandal Victory Lager honors the P1FCU Kibbie Dome's 50^thanniversary while poking fun at the long-standing joke that one of the most unique sports venues in the country resembles a "beer can on its side". Toast to Vandal pride and grab the exclusive can before they're gone!

Smoked Meat Stations

The smoky aroma of Vandal tradition! This year, enjoy our smoker stations inside and outside the P1FCU Kibbie Dome, bringing you flavors no matter where you celebrate. Indulge in smoked pulled pork and brisket sandwiches and our new signature smokehouse brisket & pork smothered spuds. Smoker stations can be found at the Vandal Village tailgate and inside the Dome above section 14. 

Streamlined Alcohol Sales

Idaho Eats is making it easier than ever to enjoy your favorite beverages on game day. A simplified "Grab & Go" sales process means shorter lines, faster service, and more time to cheer on the Vandals in the stands! Grab & Go alcohol sales can be found on each concourse, limited to two (2) drinks per person per transaction with a valid ID. Please drink & celebrate responsibly. 

SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow the Vandals on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates.

TICKETS: Season tickets, mini plans, and single-game tickets are available here or by calling the Idaho Ticket Office at (208) 885-6466.