FINAL SCORE: Idaho 27, Weber State 38
RECORDS: Idaho (1-5, 1-2), Weber State (4-3, 3-1)
IDAHO LEADERS
PASSING: Joshua Wood (32-50, 383 YDS, 4 TD)
RUSHING: Joshua Wood (13 ATT, 52 YDS)
RECEIVING: Tony Harste (6 REC, 96 YDS, 2 TD), Gus Donnerberg (8 REC, 91 YDS)
DEFENSE: Cruz Hepburn (8 TKL, 1 TFL), Mason Krahn (3 TKL, 2 TFL), Luca Moore (2 TKL, 1 INT)
NOTABLES:
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QB Joshua Wood recorded a career-high 383 passing yards with 32 completions
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WR Tony Harste finished with 2 touchdowns and 96 yards
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TE Gus Donnerberg posted his first career receptions, finishing with eight catches for 91 yards.
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S Luca Moore secured his first collegiate interception
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WR Nolan McWilliams connected for a career-high 60 receiving yards.
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DE Mason Krahn secured his first career solo sack.
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RB Damonte Bias recorded a Division I career-high three receptions for 30 yards.
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Idaho led in time of possession, 37:09 to 22:51.
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The Vandal offense converted 3-of-4 fourth down attempts.
OGDEN, Utah - Forced to wait through a pair of weather delays, Idaho Football found a rhythm on offense but couldn't find an answer for Weber State's running game. Joshua Wood passed for a career-best 383 yards and four scores, but the Wildcats' 307 yards on the ground proved to be the difference-maker in Ogden.
The contest got off to a late start with a lightning delay halting the opening kickoff for nearly twenty minutes. Once the action got going, Weber State struck first, finding the end zone on a breakaway run on the first play from scrimmage. Idaho answered with a steady ground attack of its own, moving into Wildcat territory before the drive stalled.
The Wildcats responded with a balanced offensive attack, driving down the field and finding the end zone to extend their lead to 14-0. As if on cue, the lightning came back to play in Stewart Stadium, sending the teams back to the locker rooms for a second delay that ate up nearly an hour.
Coming back for the third and final time, the Vandals chipped away at the Weber defense, picking up a few yards at a time before reaching fourth-and-six on the WSU 45-yard line. Vandal signal caller Joshua Wood connected with tight end Gus Donnerberg for a 12-yard completion to keep the drive alive. Wood then found fellow tight end Noah West-Baranco on a reverse flea-flicker-turned 19-yard touchdown pass, cutting the deficit to seven.
Idaho's defense responded with a spark as an errant throw from the WSU quarterback was plucked out of the air by true freshman Luca Moore, giving UI possession in favorable field position. The Black and Gold drove into the red zone but came up short on fourth down, turning the ball over back to the Wildcats with 4:14 remaining before intermission.
Lee Stalker's defense forced a three-and-out to quickly regain possession at its own 41-yard line. Wood scrambled out of the pocket for a 21-yard gain before the two-minute timeout. UI continued to move down the field but was unable to capitalize, coming away without points before halftime.
Idaho received the second-half kickoff but struggled to find an offensive rhythm, going three-and-out on its opening possession. Weber State took over with favorable field position, but the Vandal defense made a stand, forcing the Wildcats to settle for a field goal and extend the lead to 17-7.
The next Vandal possession featured a strong effort from wide receiver Nolan McWilliams, who caught three consecutive passes for 41 yards. Damonte Bias added an 18-yard gain after catching a checkdown pass, moving Idaho into scoring position. However, the Vandals were unable to capitalize, and the high winds played a major factor in the kicking game, culminating in another scoreless drive.
The Idaho defense once again provided a spark as Mason Krahn came around the edge to hit the QB as he was looking to throw, forcing a fumble that Junior Maile recovered in Wildcat territory. The Black and Gold offense capitalized on the turnover, as Wood connected with one of his favorite targets in Tony Harste for a 39-yard touchdown down the left side of the field to cut the deficit back down to three.
The Idaho defense continued to apply pressure, forcing another three-and-out. However, the ensuing punt, bolstered by the wind, pinned the Vandals deep in their own territory, leaving Idaho with 93 yards to go for the end zone. The Wildcat defense took advantage of the field position, forcing a turnover to regain possession and putting up a score to extend the lead back to ten at 24-14.
Offensive coordinator Ian Shoemaker's offense put together a well-executed drive, moving the chains one play at a time. Facing a big third down, Wood connected with Donnerberg once again for a 23-yard completion, marking Donnerberg's sixth reception of the game. The Vandals then took a chance on a goal-line fade to wide receiver Ryan Jezioro, who came down with the 50-50 ball to cut the deficit to three with 8:15 remaining in the game.
Weber State's rushing attack responded immediately, breaking free for back-to-back big runs to extend the lead to 31-21. The Vandals looked to answer, but a late turnover gave possession back to WSU. The Wildcats capitalized, finding the end zone again to extend their lead to 38-21.
Idaho continued to fight, as Wood connected with Harste for a late 14-yard touchdown that cut Weber State's lead to 38-27 late in the game after the two-point try was unsuccessful. The onside kick was fielded by Weber State to end the afternoon.
UP NEXT: The Vandals will continue their road stretch with their fourth Big Sky matchup of the 2026 season, traveling to Missoula, Montana, to take on the Grizzlies on Saturday, Oct. 17. The game will air on ESPN+, Scripps Sports, and SWX, along with 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.
