The Montana State vs Idaho football matchup is one of the notable games in the Big Sky Conference. Both programs compete at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level, and their meetings often carry conference importance.
The latest meeting took place on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho. Montana State entered the game with a perfect 5–0 record, while Idaho was still searching for its first win of the season.
The game turned into a close contest. Idaho defeated Montana State 35–34, giving the Vandals a dramatic home victory.
Montana State vs Idaho 2026 Score
The final score was:
| Team | Score |
| Montana State Bobcats | 34 |
| Idaho Vandals | 35 |
The game was decided by just one point.
Montana State led for much of the contest, but Idaho produced a strong fourth quarter. The Vandals scored 15 points in the final quarter, while Montana State scored 7. That late push changed the result.
Game Information
| Detail | Information |
| Teams | Montana State vs Idaho |
| Date | October 2, 2026 |
| Location | P1FCU Kibbie Dome |
| City | Moscow, Idaho |
| Conference | Big Sky |
| TV | ESPN |
| Final Score | Idaho 35, Montana State 34 |
| Montana State record after game | 5–1 |
| Idaho record after game | 1–4 |
Idaho’s official schedule had the game listed as a Friday night national ESPN broadcast, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Pacific time.
Montana State Entered the Game Undefeated
Montana State came into the matchup with a 5–0 record.
The Bobcats had already defeated Utah Tech, Butler, Nevada, Central Connecticut State, and Northern Arizona. Their results included a 54–0 win over Utah Tech and a 20–7 road win over Nevada.
Their most recent game before Idaho was a 28–14 victory over Northern Arizona.
That strong start made the trip to Moscow an important test. Montana State was trying to continue its perfect start while playing on Idaho’s home field.
Idaho’s 2026 Season Before Montana State
Idaho entered the game with an 0–4 record.
The Vandals had lost their first four games:
- 38–34 at Cal Poly
- 66–14 at Utah
- 23–17 against Lamar
- 41–39 against Abilene Christian
Despite the winless record, Idaho had shown that it could score points. The 41–39 loss to Abilene Christian was especially close.
That background made the upset against Montana State even more notable.
How the Montana State vs Idaho Game Unfolded
The game was competitive from the opening quarter.
Montana State scored 10 points in the first quarter, while Idaho scored 7. The Bobcats added 14 points in the second quarter, but Idaho responded with 13.
At halftime, Montana State held a narrow advantage.
The third quarter was much quieter. Montana State added three points, while Idaho failed to score.
That gave Montana State a stronger position entering the final quarter.
But Idaho changed the momentum in the fourth quarter. The Vandals scored 15 points, compared with 7 from Montana State.
The late scoring surge allowed Idaho to finish with a one-point victory.
Fourth Quarter Changed the Game
The fourth quarter was the key part of the matchup.
Montana State had controlled enough of the earlier game to carry a lead into the final period. Idaho then found a way to produce 15 points.
Montana State answered with seven points, but that was not enough.
The final 35–34 score shows how narrow the margin was. A single possession could have changed the result.
Patrick Duchien’s Performance
Montana State quarterback Patrick Duchien produced an important offensive performance.
He completed 23 of 32 passes for 249 yards and two touchdowns. He also contributed on the ground with 92 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
Duchien therefore accounted for three Montana State touchdowns through passing and rushing.
His ability to contribute in both phases was one of the major statistical features of the matchup.
Carter Dahlke Led Montana State Receiving
Wide receiver Carter Dahlke was a major target for Montana State.
He finished with:
| Statistic | Carter Dahlke |
| Receptions | 10 |
| Receiving yards | 126 |
| Yards per reception | 12.6 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
| Long reception | 20 yards |
Dahlke’s 10 receptions gave him a major role in Montana State’s passing attack.
Dane Steel also contributed five receptions for 70 yards and one touchdown.
Idaho Quarterback Joshua Wood
Idaho quarterback Joshua Wood completed 17 of 24 passes for 267 yards and one touchdown, with one interception.
He also ran the football 15 times for 41 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Wood’s combination of passing and rushing production helped Idaho remain competitive throughout the game.
Ryan Jezioro Had a Big Receiving Game
Idaho wide receiver Ryan Jezioro produced one of the game’s biggest individual receiving performances.
He caught six passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns.
His average was 24.5 yards per reception, and his longest catch covered 75 yards.
That explosive receiving production gave Idaho an important big-play element.
Montana State vs Idaho Quarter-by-Quarter Score
| Quarter | Montana State | Idaho |
| 1st | 10 | 7 |
| 2nd | 14 | 13 |
| 3rd | 3 | 0 |
| 4th | 7 | 15 |
| Final | 34 | 35 |
Montana State scored in every quarter.
Idaho’s biggest scoring period came in the fourth quarter, when the Vandals produced 15 points.
Where Was Montana State vs Idaho Played?
The game was played at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho.
The Kibbie Dome is the home stadium of the Idaho Vandals. It is known for its enclosed design and distinctive atmosphere.
Playing at home gave Idaho the opportunity to host Montana State in front of its own supporters.
The 2026 matchup was also notable because it was scheduled as a Friday night ESPN game. Idaho’s athletic department said it was the program’s first Friday night game at the Kibbie Dome since 2010.
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Why the Game Mattered
The Montana State vs Idaho game mattered for several reasons.
First, Montana State entered undefeated and was trying to protect its perfect record.
Second, both teams were competing in the Big Sky Conference.
Third, Idaho was looking for its first win of the 2026 season.
Finally, the game was nationally televised on ESPN, giving the matchup a larger audience.
The one-point final score made the result even more significant for both programs.
Montana State 2026 Schedule
Before the Idaho game, Montana State had built a strong record.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Aug. 29 | Utah Tech | W 54–0 |
| Sept. 5 | Butler | W 51–24 |
| Sept. 12 | Nevada | W 20–7 |
| Sept. 19 | Central Connecticut State | W 35–30 |
| Sept. 26 | Northern Arizona | W 28–14 |
| Oct. 2 | Idaho | L 34–35 |
Montana State’s official schedule confirms the Bobcats’ early-season run and the October 2 trip to Idaho.
Idaho 2026 Schedule
Idaho’s schedule began with several difficult games.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Aug. 28 | Cal Poly | L 34–38 |
| Sept. 3 | Utah | L 14–66 |
| Sept. 12 | Lamar | L 17–23 |
| Sept. 19 | Abilene Christian | L 39–41 |
| Oct. 2 | Montana State | W 35–34 |
The victory over Montana State gave Idaho its first win of the 2026 season.
Montana State vs Idaho: Team Comparison
| Category | Montana State | Idaho |
| Nickname | Bobcats | Vandals |
| Conference | Big Sky | Big Sky |
| 2026 record after matchup | 5–1 | 1–4 |
| Home venue | Bobcat Stadium | P1FCU Kibbie Dome |
| 2026 matchup | 34 | 35 |
| Game result | Loss | Win |
| TV | ESPN | ESPN |
The teams entered the game with very different records, but the result showed that previous records do not determine the outcome of an individual college football game.
What Made the Matchup Competitive?
Several factors contributed to the close game.
Montana State had a strong offensive start and entered the contest undefeated. Idaho, meanwhile, had already shown offensive potential despite its early losses.
The quarterbacks also produced productive performances. Duchien combined passing and rushing production for Montana State, while Wood contributed through both the air and on the ground for Idaho.
The biggest difference came late. Idaho’s 15-point fourth quarter helped the Vandals overcome Montana State’s earlier advantage.
Montana State vs Idaho History
Montana State and Idaho are both long-established programs with histories in college football.
Their matchup is part of the broader competition within the Big Sky Conference.
Conference games can have importance beyond a single result because they can influence standings, postseason positioning, and qualification opportunities.
The rivalry also brings together two programs from the Northwest, making the geographic connection part of the matchup’s appeal.
What Happens After the 2026 Game?
After the October 2 matchup, Montana State continues its 2026 schedule with a road game against Eastern Washington on October 17.
The Bobcats are also scheduled to face Weber State, Cal Poly, Idaho State, Northern Colorado, and Montana later in the regular season.
Idaho’s next scheduled conference game is against Weber State on October 10. The Vandals then face Montana on October 17.
Both teams still have substantial portions of their conference schedules remaining.
Montana State vs Idaho FAQs
Who won Montana State vs Idaho in 2026?
Idaho defeated Montana State 35–34 on October 2, 2026.
What was the final score?
The final score was Idaho 35, Montana State 34.
Where was Montana State vs Idaho played?
The game was played at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho.
When was the game played?
The matchup took place on Friday, October 2, 2026.
What conference are Montana State and Idaho in?
Both teams compete in the Big Sky Conference.
Was Montana State undefeated before playing Idaho?
Yes. Montana State entered the matchup with a 5–0 record.
Did Idaho win its first game of 2026 against Montana State?
Yes. The 35–34 victory gave Idaho its first win of the 2026 season.
Who was Montana State’s quarterback?
Patrick Duchien was Montana State’s quarterback in the matchup. He completed 23 of 32 passes for 249 yards and two touchdowns.
Who was Idaho’s quarterback?
Joshua Wood led Idaho at quarterback. He passed for 267 yards and one touchdown while also rushing for two touchdowns.
Was Montana State vs Idaho on ESPN?
Yes. Idaho’s official schedule listed the October 2 matchup for ESPN.
Conclusion
The Montana State vs Idaho matchup on October 2, 2026, produced one of the more dramatic Big Sky games of the season.
Montana State entered with a perfect 5–0 record and built an early lead. Idaho responded late and scored 15 points in the fourth quarter to complete a 35–34 comeback victory.
The result moved Montana State to 5–1 and Idaho to 1–4. For Idaho, the win ended its four-game losing start. For Montana State, it was the first loss of the season.
The matchup also showed why college football games can change quickly. Montana State controlled important portions of the contest, but Idaho’s late offensive push ultimately decided the game.
