The No. 1-ranked Montana State University Bobcats travel to Moscow this Friday to face the University of Idaho Vandals in a Big Sky Conference matchup at the Kibbie Dome.
The Vandals enter the contest with an 0-4 record, having dropped their first four contests of the season. Idaho lost to Cal Poly 38-34, fell to FBS opponent Utah 66-14, lost to Lamar 23-17, and was defeated by Abilene Christian 41-39.
The Vandals are coming off a bye week, with their last contest played on September 19. Montana State’s most recent game occurred on September 26, when the Bobcats defeated No. 18 Northern Arizona University.
Montana State head coach Brent Vigen acknowledged that Idaho holds a rest advantage heading into Friday’s game.
Vandal Offense and Defense Stats
Idaho quarterback Joshua Wood has surpassed 1,000 passing yards in four games. Wood averages 251 passing yards and 24 rushing yards per game, with nine total touchdowns on the season.
The Idaho defense has allowed 34 points per game this season, excluding the loss to Utah. Senior linebacker Cruz Hepburn leads the team with 34 tackles. The defense has recorded six sacks but has forced only one turnover through four games.
Bobcats Roster Updates
Montana State will be without several key players for the Moscow contest. Justin Lamson is inactive after undergoing a minor knee procedure on Wednesday. Running back Adam Jones and Taco Dowler are also listed as inactive for Friday’s game. Dowler’s status beyond this week remains uncertain.
Patrick Duchien will start under center for the second consecutive game. Duchien completed 16 of 20 passes for 204 yards against Northern Arizona. He also rushed for 85 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns, along with one passing touchdown in that victory.
True freshman Carter Dahlke contributed seven catches for 117 receiving yards and one touchdown in the win over NAU.
Recent History
Montana State defeated Idaho twice in 2024, winning 38-7 in the regular season and 52-19 in the playoffs. Both victories occurred at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman.
The last time Montana State played in Moscow was in 2023, when Idaho won 24-21.