Vandals Stun No. 2 Montana State 24-21 in Big Sky Thriller

MOSCOW, Idaho — The University of Idaho Vandals delivered a heart-stopping 24-21 upset over the No. 2-ranked Montana State Bobcats in a top-10 FCS showdown that electrified the Kibbie Dome. Playing on Oct. 28, 2023, during a festive Halloweekend, the eighth-ranked Vandals outlasted their rivals in a game that stayed alive in the four-way race for the Big Sky title, joining Montana, Montana State and Sacramento State with just one conference loss each.

The tension peaked in the final moments as Montana State's kicker Hall shanked a game-tying field goal amid the roar of Vandal faithful, handing Idaho the victory and breathing new life into their season. This nail-biter mirrored the Vandals' knack for dramatic wins, boosting their playoff aspirations in a conference dominated by powerhouses like the Bobcats and Grizzlies. For Idaho fans in the Palouse region, the triumph was a morale booster amid a competitive slate.

The victory underscored Idaho's resilience, coming against a Montana State squad that entered as heavy favorites in the FCS playoff committee's rankings. While recent Vandals basketball news grabbed headlines with a 78-74 comeback over the Bobcats in the 2026 Big Sky tournament—improving to 19-14 and advancing to semifinals—the football upset remains a landmark in the rivalry. Local outlets like KIVI-TV first reported the initial momentum, cementing Moscow's place in Big Sky lore.