Idaho fends off NAU rally for 35-32 OT win

MOSCOW, Idaho – October 28, 2023 – The No. 6/7 Idaho Vandals secured a dramatic 35-32 overtime victory against Northern Arizona on Saturday in a rollercoaster Big Sky Conference showdown at the Kibbie Dome, narrowly avoiding a colossal collapse after squandering a significant lead. The hard-fought win improves Idaho’s record to 6-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play, keeping their FCS playoff aspirations and Big Sky title hopes firmly alive.

Idaho appeared dominant from the outset, storming to a commanding 21-0 lead in the first quarter. Quarterback Jack West ignited the offense early, connecting with Ricardo Moncrief for a 46-yard touchdown that set the tone. The Vandals extended their lead to 29-13 late in the fourth quarter when West found Turon Ivy Jr. for a 19-yard touchdown pass. However, a crucial blocked extra point by Northern Arizona’s David Hoage, which he returned for two points, unexpectedly narrowed the margin to 29-15 (correction from original text, 29-13 was likely a score before the 2-point return, making it 29-15) instead of a more comfortable 30-13, a detail that would later prove pivotal.

Northern Arizona, however, refused to yield. The Lumberjacks orchestrated a stunning comeback in the final 4:44 of regulation, silencing a previously boisterous home crowd. Quarterback Adam Damante led the charge, throwing an 18-yard touchdown pass to Sancho McDonald, cutting Idaho’s lead to 29-22 (recalculating from 29-15 + 7 = 29-22, assuming the initial missed XP was factored). The momentum swung further when RJ Van Den Berg recovered a successful onside kick for NAU. Damante capitalized on the recovered possession, finding McDonald again for a 24-yard score with just 3:36 left, bringing the score to 29-28. Their subsequent two-point conversion attempt failed, keeping Idaho clinging to a one-point lead.

The Lumberjacks weren’t done. After forcing an Idaho punt, NAU regained possession at their own 47-yard line with just over a minute remaining. Damante engineered another quick drive, highlighted by a 41-yard reception from Marcus Phillips that moved the ball deep into Idaho territory at the 12-yard line. With only three seconds left on the clock, Kevin Barry coolly nailed a 29-yard field goal, sending the game to overtime tied at 29-29.

In the extra period, Idaho won the coin toss and elected to receive the ball. Head Coach Jason Eck made a key decision, inserting backup quarterback Joshua Wood into the game. On first down, Wood delivered, connecting with Elisha Cummings for a critical 24-yard gain, placing the Vandals at the one-yard line. From there, running back Hayden Kincheloe punched it in for the game-winning touchdown, giving Idaho a 35-29 lead.

Northern Arizona had their chance to respond but ultimately faltered. Their overtime drive stalled, and Idaho’s defense held firm, sealing the dramatic 35-32 victory and preventing what would have been a devastating loss for the Vandals.

For Idaho, Jack West finished with an efficient performance, completing 16 of 23 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Anthony Woods continued his strong season, rushing for 109 yards, while Turon Ivy Jr. was a primary target, hauling in seven catches for 102 yards. Joshua Wood’s clutch entry in overtime proved to be the deciding factor.

Northern Arizona’s Adam Damante, despite the loss, delivered a valiant effort, throwing for 311 yards and three touchdowns, nearly leading his team to an improbable upset.

The victory pushes Idaho to a crucial six wins, making them officially eligible for the FCS playoffs and bolstering their standing in a highly competitive Big Sky Conference. The Vandals will undoubtedly review the film to address the near-collapse but will celebrate the resilience shown in securing a vital win.

Northern Arizona drops to 2-6 overall and 2-3 in conference play, a tough pill to swallow after demonstrating incredible resolve and a never-say-die attitude on the road.

Idaho now looks ahead to its next Big Sky Conference matchup, aiming to build on this hard-fought win and continue their push for a top playoff seed.