MOSCOW, Idaho — Idaho’s comeback attempt came up just short Saturday as the Vandals fell 41-39 to Abilene Christian at the Kibbie Dome, dropping to 0-4 on the season.
It marks the first time Idaho has started a season 0-4 since 2014, when the Vandals also lost their first four games. That team ultimately finished 1-10.
Idaho led 24-21 entering the fourth quarter, but Abilene Christian quickly turned the game around.
The Wildcats opened the final quarter with a 31-yard field goal to tie the game, then added a 51-yard field goal to take a 27-24 lead with 10:32 remaining.
On Idaho’s next possession, quarterback Joshua Wood was sacked and fumbled, with Abilene Christian recovering and returning the ball for a touchdown. Just 13 seconds later, the Wildcats struck again when Tucker Parks connected with Deonte Dean for a 37-yard touchdown, putting ACU ahead 41-24.
The Vandals answered.
Wood scored on a 9-yard touchdown run with 6:33 remaining, and Idaho converted a two-point attempt to cut the deficit to 41-32.
After forcing a stop, Idaho put together another scoring drive, going 77 yards in just over two minutes. Wood finished it with a 3-yard touchdown run with 1:46 remaining, bringing the Vandals within two.
But Idaho could not complete the comeback.
Wood finished 22-of-34 passing for 326 yards and a touchdown while adding 37 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.
Tony Harste was Idaho’s leading receiver with six catches for 151 yards and a touchdown, including a 47-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. Noah West-Baranco added six catches for 60 yards.
Idaho totaled 444 yards of offense, including 332 through the air. The Vandals also committed two turnovers, both lost fumbles, while Abilene Christian did not turn the ball over.
The Wildcats finished with 392 total yards and ran for 244 yards. Tucker Parks completed 14 of 21 passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns, while Rovaughn Banks Jr. led ACU with 99 rushing yards.
Idaho is now 0-4 and will have its next opportunity for its first win of the season Oct. 2 against Montana State. The Bobcats enter that matchup 4-0.
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