FARMINGTON, Utah (Oct. 15, 2023) — No. 16 Montana won a wild game over No. 3 Idaho on ESPN2, as the nationally-televised contest highlighted an exciting Week 7 in Big Sky football.
In front of a sold-out crowd at the Kibbie Dome, the Montana Grizzlies held off a furious comeback by Vandals to win 23-21 and return the Little Brown Stein to Missoula.
Montana's defense forced three turnovers in the game, none bigger than the forced fumble by Kale Edwards that was recovered by Levi Janacaro to put the game on ice.
The win was Montana's first against a top three team since its Brawl of the Wild victory against Montana State in 2021. It's also the first time since 2000 that Montana has won back-to-back road games against ranked opponents.
One comeback that did succeed; however, was Idaho State's 27-point turnaround to upset No. 21 Eastern Washington on Saturday and earn its first win over the Eagles since 2005.
Down 41-14 with 1:48 to play in third quarter, the Bengals scored 28 unanswered, including an onside kick that set up the go-ahead score with 52 seconds remaining in the game.
UC Davis and Portland State bounced back with road victories to return to the win column, as the Aggies downed No. 22 Weber State in a tight 17-16 decision and Portland State rolled NAU 45-21 behind Dante Chachere's six touchdown performance.
No. 2 Montana State extended its 24-game home winning streak with a 59-19 decision against Cal Poly, while No. 4 Sacramento State staved off Northern Colorado with a 21-13 victory to set up a massive showdown between the Bobcats and Hornets on ESPN2 next Saturday.
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Big Sky Football Week 7 Scores
Saturday, Oct. 14
FCS Rankings: Stats Perform/AFCA
#4/5 Sacramento State 21, Northern Colorado 13
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Portland State 45, #RV/RV Northern Arizona 21
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Idaho State 42, #21/RV Eastern Washington 41
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#2/2 Montana State 59, Cal Poly 19
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#RV/RV UC Davis 17, #22/23 Weber State 16
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#16/10 Montana 23, #3/3 Idaho 21
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