FARMINGTON, Utah (Sept. 24, 2023) — Idaho and Montana State posted a pair of Top 10 victories, while Eastern Washington and Northern Arizona had Top 15 upsets to cap off an exciting opening weekend for Big Sky football league play.
Idaho snapped Sacramento State's 19-game winning streak in conference games, as the Ricardo Chavez nailed a 30-yard field goal in the final seconds to lift the Vandals at home. Idaho added a touchdown as time expired on a scoop and score during the ensuing kickoff, leading the No. 7 Vandals to a 36-27 victory over the No. 4 Hornets.
Montana State won the other Top 10 showdown in the Big Sky, as the third-ranked Bobcats blanked No. 10 Weber State 40-0 in Ogden. Sean Chambers scored four touchdowns in the win, throwing for 172 yards and rushing for another 114.
Northern Arizona upset No. 13 Montana in Flagstaff, as the Lumberjacks earned their first ranked win since 2018 with the 28-14 victory. NAU led the game from start to finish, with Eloi Kwete racking up four sacks on the day and a forced fumble.
Eastern Washington closed out the night with the final ranked win, as the Eagles outlasted No. 15 UC Davis on the road 27-24. EWU forced three turnovers and blocked a game-tying field goal in the final minutes to preserve the win. Despite the loss, UC Davis had 255 rushing yards from Lan Larison to highlight the offensive output for the Aggies.
In non-ranked action, Portland State earned a 59-21 win over Cal Poly, while Idaho State picked up its first win of the year with a 35-21 victory against Northern Colorado. The win for Portland State now gives the Vikings 150 points scored in their last two outings.
Follow all things #BigSkyFB on Twitter and Instagram at @BigSkyFB. Follow the Big Sky Conference (@BigSkyConf) on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, and TikTok for all the latest news around the league and use the hashtag #ExperienceElevated.
Big Sky Football Week 4 Scores
Saturday, Sept. 23
FCS Rankings: Stats Perform/AFCA
Portland State 59, Cal Poly 21
Read Full Portland State Recap
Northern Arizona 28, #13/11 Montana 14
Read Full NAU Recap
#7/10 Idaho 36, #4/4 Sacramento State 27
Read Full Idaho Recap
Idaho State 35, Northern Colorado 21
Read Full Idaho State Recap
#3/3 Montana State 40, #10/8 Weber State 0
Read Full Montana State Recap
#RV/RV Eastern Washington 27, #15/15 UC Davis 24
Read Full EWU Recap