FARMINGTON, Utah (Oct. 1, 2023) — No. 4 Idaho downed No. 19 Eastern Washington 44-36 on Saturday, as the ranked matchup between the Vandals and Eagles highlighted Week 5 action in Big Sky football.
Anthony Woods had a career day for the Vandals, as the sophomore rushed for 183 yards and five touchdowns to secure Idaho's first win in Cheney since 1994. The ranked win was Idaho's second in as many weeks, with three more ranked contests currently left on the Vandals’ schedule in 2023.
No. 13 Weber State rallied with 21 unanswered points and three interceptions in the fourth quarter to defeat Northern Colorado 28-21 on the road and move back into the win column. Preseason Big Sky Defensive MVP Winston Reid sealed the victory for the Wildcats, after he snatched an interception and returned it 40 yards to put Weber State up 28-21 with 1:46 left to play.
No. 8 Sacramento State also had a timely interception to seal its comeback win, as Kameron Rocha picked off a pass with 1:36 remaining to secure a 31-30 victory over Northern Arizona. The Hornets have now won 10 straight regular-season games at home.
Elsewhere in California, No. 21 UC Davis defeated Cal Poly 31-13, as the Aggies won their seventh straight game over the Mustangs and reclaimed the Golden Horseshoe. Trent Tompkins led the Aggies on offense, rushing for 89 yards and two touchdowns on the day.
It was Homecoming Weekend in the Treasure State, as No. 3 Montana State and No. 18 Montana earned wins in front of their home crowds.
Montana State stayed undefeated in league play with its 38-22 win over Portland State, with Bobcat quarterback Sean Chambers combining for 261 yards and four touchdowns through the air and on the ground. The win for Montana State was its 23 consecutive victory at home, which is the longest active streak in the FCS.
Montana held on to defeat Idaho State 28-20 at home, with the Grizzlies using a pair of momentum-changing trick plays to secure their victory. The first was a touchdown pass on a reverse from wideout Sawyer Racanelli, while the next was a converted fourth down on a beautiful pass from punter Travis Benham to set up another score late in the game.
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Big Sky Football Week 5 Scores
Saturday, Sept. 30
FCS Rankings: Stats Perform/AFCA
#13/14 Weber State 28, Northern Colorado 21
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#4/6 Idaho 44, #19/25 Eastern Washington 36
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#18/16 Montana 28, Idaho State 20
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#3/3 Montana State 38, Portland State 22
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#21/20 UC Davis 31, Cal Poly 13
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#8/9 Sacramento State 31, Northern Arizona 30
Read Full Sacramento State Recap