FINAL SCORE: Idaho 20, Sacramento State 23

RECORDS: Idaho (4-7, 2-5), Sacramento State (8-2, 6-1)

IDAHO LEADERS 
PASSING: Joshua Wood (15-26, 162 YDs, 1 TD)
RUSHING: Joshua Wood (14 ATT, 117 YDS, 8.4 AVG)
RECEIVING: Carlos Matheney (3 REC, 20 YDS)
DEFENSE: Cruz Hepburn (11 TKL, 1.5 TFL, 1 SACK) // Zach Wusstig (10 TKL, 1.0 TFL) 

NOTABLES:

• The Vandal defense had 9 tackles for loss.
• P Cameron Pope recorded his career-long 62 yard punt
• QB Joshua Wood surpassed 500 rush yards for the season (560 yards).
• S Zach Wusstig recorded a career-high of 9 tackles in a single game

MOSCOW, Idaho - In a clash that showcased grit, resilience, and late-game drama, the Idaho Vandals delivered a battle-tested performance before falling in heartbreaking fashion to Sacramento State, 20-23, on Saturday afternoon.

Sacramento State opened the contest with a productive first drive, gaining significant yardage early in the first quarter. However, the Idaho defense responded effectively as the Hornets approached the red zone. With Sac State threatening from the eight-yard line, the Vandals tightened their coverage and halted the advance, limiting the Hornets to a field goal on the opening possession.

As the game moved into the second frame, the Black and Gold defense continued to put forth their best efforts as Matyus McLain came up with a big sack for a loss of five. 

On the opposite side of the ball, the Vandals were not as productive. A strong defensive display from the Hornets proved challenging as the Vandals gave up an interception on a tipped ball intended for Micheal Graves just outside the red zone.

A few drives later, the Hornets kicker continued to do his job as he banged another field goal from 38-yards out to extend the Sac State lead to six.

With Idaho in possession of the ball again, they began a 71-yard march down field led by the passing game. In this drive, Trenton Swanson grabbed his first career reception, and 18-yard snag to extend the drive. The Brave and Bold continued to move the chains, positioning themselves for a field goal attempt. Owen Forsman capped off the drive with a 21-yard chip shot to give the Vandals their first points of the game and cut the deficit in half.

On the following drive, the UI defense continued to cause trouble as redshirt junior Dylan Layne got an interception at the Idaho 19. This call was later overturned, as the ball was ruled loose as he hit the ground, but still shifted momentum, forcing the Hornets t. 

Continuing the drive, Vandal captain Zach Krotzer, showed his experience getting a tackle for loss. Two plays later, in a Sac State field goal attempt, Krotzer blocked the 33 yarder marking his career first blocked field goal to wrap up the half.

In the third split, the Hornets extended their lead early with a pass zipped up the middle for a 26 yard scoring pass. With a successful PAT, the score sat at 3-13.

In response to Sac State, Idaho fought their way downfield with a series of passes led by Nolan McWilliams and Noah West-Baranco, hosting another opportunity for Owen Forsman. Forsman knocked it clean through the posts, to push the score to 6-13.

When Idaho lined up on defense, they continued to showcase their full toolkit as redshirt sophomore Ryder Bordner had his first career sack, moving the Hornets back six yards.

Despite this delay, the Sacramento State offense continued to test Idaho pressing forward against the pressure. With another field goal opportunity, Sac State's kicker knocked in his third field goal, 6-16.

In the last chapter of the contest, the Vandal offense caught fire. Early in the quarter, the Vandal offense moved down the field, positioning themselves in the Hornet red zone. The Black and Gold continued to shorten the distance to goal with a short strike to Carlos Matheney, then followed up by a cut upfield by Joshua Wood. Nate Thomas capped it off by driving the ball up the middle, closing the distance to 13-16 with a successful PAT.

Once Idaho regained possession, offense kept their engines firing. The run game proved unstoppable as Matheney, Thomas, and Wood alternated turns taking Hornet territory. Wood put the exclamation point on the march by slicing through the defense on a run to the right for a Mighty Vandal touchdown. Forsman confirmed the extra point, giving UI the lead 20-16.

As the clock wound down in the fourth, Sac State began their battle down the field. Scrapping for every yard, the Hornets neared the Idaho red zone. In a desperate attempt, Sac State fired a bomb over the top of an Idaho defender ruled complete. The completed pass on the Idaho two along the right sideline was taken to review. Ultimately, after review,  the extremely controversial call was ruled complete with 11 seconds left. The Hornets converted the touchdown with a quarterback keeper to the left side, taking a three-point lead.

In a game that came down to the final moments, Idaho's near-certain victory was upended late, resulting in a razor-thin 23-20 loss to Sacramento State.


UP NEXT: The Vandals return home for Senior day with a black out themed game against in-state rival Idaho State for the final game of the season. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m with the game broadcast on ESPN+, SWX and the Vandal Radio Network.

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.