The story hasn’t changed in five straight weeks for the Vandals, as Idaho dropped its fifth straight game of the season Saturday in Las Cruces, N.M., 31-24.
Idaho put together an 8-minute-2-second, 90-yard drive in the fourth quarter, only to come up short with 21 seconds remaining when quarterback Brian Reader was sacked on fourth down and goal. Had Reader found a wide open Kama Bailey in the end zone, the Vandals would have been down one, with only seconds remaining, with a point-after-touchdown kick opportunity to tie.
The Vandals are 1-6, with their only win coming against FCS opponent North Dakota. Idaho can still technically qualify for a post-season berth if it wins every game for the rest of the season — a task seemingly unlikely after the first half of the season.
Bright spots were seen from Idaho, only to be stifled by four turnovers coming off three fumbles and an interception. Safety Trey Williams forced the only turnover Idaho could muster,which set-up Idaho’s only offensive touchdown of the game.
Wide receiver Troy Vital returned a punt for a touchdown, chalking his second of the season. But stalled offensive drives and poor execution in the last few Idaho plays of the game, handed Idaho its third WAC defeat.
Running back Princeton McCarty had a career-best all-purpose game, tallying 236 all-purpose yards, coming off 116 yards on the ground, 25 yards through the air and 95 yards coming by way of a kick-off return for a touchdown.
Idaho will take a much needed bye week to prepare for its next foe, Hawaii, Oct. 29 in the Kibbie Dome.
Idaho coach Robb Akey said the result was not a happy ending to a game Idaho could have won.
“We had a chance to make that play,” Akey said. “We’re all hurting.”