Idaho football has gained momentum recently with two victories over top-10 opponents in a span of three weeks and will look to carry it into Homecoming weekend. The Vandals (2-5, 2-2) return to the P1FCU Kibbie Dome on Saturday, Oct. 24, to welcome the Southern Utah Thunderbirds (3-4, 2-2).
Idaho bounced back from a disappointing loss to Weber State with arguably its strongest performance of the season against Montana. The Vandals outlasted the No. 7-ranked Grizzlies in a shootout, winning 42-35.
“Incredibly excited to get the Little Brown Stein back to Moscow,” head coach Thomas Ford Jr. said. “It’s been a little while since that thing’s been in our trophy case, and it was certainly earned this weekend. Very proud of our players … they did an outstanding job all week just preparing for the game. We knew it was going to be a physical ball game.”
Next up for Idaho is Southern Utah. The Thunderbirds returned to the Big Sky Conference this season after a four-year absence in the Western Athletic Conference, which has since been rebranded.
Idaho and Southern Utah have faced each other just four times on the football field. The Vandals are undefeated in the series at 4-0, winning the most recent meeting 42-24 in Moscow in 2021.
The Thunderbirds have won their last two games after opening the season 1-4. Most recently, Southern Utah earned a 38-17 home victory over No. 14 UC Davis.
“We’re definitely going to have our hands full defensively with their offense, and it’s probably going to be another game where we’re going to need to score some points,” Ford said. “I know our defense will get some stops, but it’s going to be pretty tough to just completely shut them down … really excited about the challenge, and can’t wait to get to Saturday and see everybody back in the dome.”
Southern Utah’s offense runs through fifth-year running back Floyd Chalk, who has already recorded more than 1,000 rushing yards and nine touchdowns this season. His rushing total ranks first in the Big Sky and second in the FCS.
The Thunderbirds average 269 rushing yards per game, ranking second in the FCS. Dual-threat quarterback Will Burns has contributed more than 600 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns, forming a potent backfield duo with Chalk.
Burns has also produced through the air, recording just under 1,300 passing yards and 10 touchdowns. However, his six interceptions through seven games could provide an opportunity for the Vandal defense.
On the defensive side, safety Parker Vance and linebacker Mason Stromstad lead the Thunderbirds in tackles. Vance has also recorded five interceptions in seven games, while defensive end Myles Amey has added four sacks this season.
The Big Sky standings remain tight as teams move deeper into conference play. No team remains undefeated in conference competition, with Northern Arizona and Weber State tied atop the standings at 4-1. Despite earlier setbacks, Idaho’s 2-2 conference record keeps the Vandals in contention, making each remaining conference matchup increasingly important.
Homecoming is a special time on the University of Idaho campus, and Saturday’s game adds to the excitement of the weekend’s celebrations.
“Obviously, Homecoming for us is a big deal. Going to be a ton of Vandals coming from far and wide … we need everybody in that dome,” Ford said.
Homecoming festivities begin Wednesday and continue throughout the weekend. Saturday’s kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. Pacific time, with the game available on ESPN+ and SWX. Fans can also listen through the Vandal Radio Network and the Varsity Network app.