FCS Idaho Vandals Earn Triumphant Victory Over Mountain West Foe Wyoming

In a stunning upset, the Football Championship Series (FCS) Idaho Vandals emerged victorious against the Mountain West Conference’s (MWC) Wyoming Cowboys on Saturday, marking a significant triumph for FCS programs and sending shockwaves throughout the college football landscape.

Unlikely Ascent of the Vandals

The Vandals, hailing from the FCS Big Sky Conference, entered the matchup as substantial underdogs against the MWC Cowboys. Wyoming boasts a larger program, higher athletic budget, and had won the previous three meetings between the teams.

However, Idaho defied expectations with a gritty performance on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Gevani McCoy showcased his dual-threat abilities, rushing for 115 yards and a touchdown while also passing for 202 yards. The Vandal defense held Wyoming’s potent offense in check, forcing three turnovers and limiting the Cowboys to just 236 total yards.

Perspective from the MWC

The loss for Wyoming is a significant setback in its quest for a conference championship and a potential bowl game berth. The Cowboys were heavily favored to defeat Idaho and have now dropped their last two games following a 4-0 start to the season.

“We didn’t play well enough today,” said Wyoming coach Craig Bohl after the game. “We have a lot of things to correct, particularly on offense. We need to bounce back and prepare for our next game.”

Implications for FCS and MWC

Idaho’s victory sends a strong message about the growing competitiveness of FCS programs. In recent years, FCS teams have achieved increasingly impressive results against FBS schools, including several Power Five opponents.

For MWC teams like Wyoming, the loss highlights the need to maintain focus and preparation against FCS challengers. Upsets in college football are becoming increasingly common, and it’s essential for teams to approach every matchup with respect.

Data and Analysis

Idaho’s Defensive Prowess: The Vandals held Wyoming to 236 total yards, a season low for the Cowboys. They forced three turnovers and recorded seven tackles for loss.

McCoy’s All-Around Performance: Idaho quarterback Gevani McCoy accounted for 3 touchdowns (1 rushing, 2 passing) and totaled 317 yards of offense. His ability to create plays with both his arm and legs proved critical to Idaho’s success.

Wyoming’s Offensive Struggles: The Cowboys averaged only 3.7 yards per play and were unable to sustain drives consistently. Starting quarterback Andrew Peasley was replaced by Evan Svoboda in the second half due to poor performance.

Real-Life Examples of FCS Upsets

Idaho’s victory is not an isolated incident. In recent years, several FCS teams have pulled off impressive upsets against FBS opponents:

• James Madison upset Virginia Tech in 2010.
• North Dakota State defeated Iowa in 2016.
• Furman topped Clemson earlier in the 2022 season.

Conclusion

Idaho’s thrilling victory over Wyoming is a testament to the growing parity in college football. FCS programs are becoming increasingly competitive and can no longer be considered automatic wins for FBS opponents. For MWC teams like Wyoming, it’s a reminder that every game requires preparation and focus, regardless of the opponent’s classification.

As the college football season progresses, it will be fascinating to see if Idaho’s victory inspires other FCS teams to challenge FBS opponents and if MWC teams can respond by avoiding further upsets.