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.[2] 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.[2] 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.[2] 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.[2] The victory underscored Idaho's resilience, coming against a Montana State squad that entered as heavy favorites in the FCS playoff committee's rankings.[2] 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.[1] Local outlets like KIVI-TV first reported the initial momentum, cementing Moscow's place in Big Sky lore.