Weber State's ground game proved decisive in Ogden as the Wildcats defeated Idaho 38-27, according to a report published October 10. While Idaho quarterback Joshua Wood recorded a career-high 383 passing yards and four touchdowns, the Wildcats' 307 rushing yards secured the win for Weber State.
The game faced two significant delays due to lightning, including one that halted the opening kickoff for nearly twenty minutes and another that kept teams in locker rooms for nearly an hour. Weber State established an early lead with a breakaway run on the first play from scrimmage and later extended the lead to 14-0.
Idaho managed to narrow the deficit before halftime when Wood connected with tight end Gus Donnerberg for a 12-yard completion on fourth-and-six, followed by a 19-yard touchdown pass to Noah West-Baranco on a reverse flea-flicker. Defensive highlights for the Vandals included a first collegiate interception by true freshman Luca Moore and a first career solo sack by Mason Krahn.
The second half saw continued offensive efforts from Idaho, including a 39-yard touchdown pass from Wood to Tony Harste and a 50-50 ball touchdown catch by Ryan Jezioro. However, Weber State responded with back-to-back big runs to extend their lead to 31-21.
Idaho's offense, led by offensive coordinator Ian Shoemaker, converted 3-of-4 fourth down attempts and controlled the time of possession with 37:09 compared to Weber State's 22:51. Despite Wood's 32 completions and touchdown connections with Harste and Donnerberg, the Vandals could not overcome the Wildcats' scoring surge late in the game.
Idaho moves to a 1-5 record (1-2 in Big Sky) while Weber State moves to 4-3 (3-1 in Big Sky). The Vandals are scheduled to travel to Missoula, Montana, to face the Grizzlies on Saturday, Oct. 17.
