CALDWELL, Idaho – Sam Rutherford rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown, as Montana Western took advantage of multiple short field opportunities for a 26-13 victory over the College of Idaho before 5,015 fans at Simplot Stadium.
The No. 25 ranked Bulldogs (2-0, 1-0 Frontier) started five possessions inside C of I territory – scoring 24 of their 26 points, including consecutive touchdowns early in the third quarter that built the visitors a 26-7 lead.
The Yotes (0-1, 0-1) opened quickly, driving 63 yards on 10 plays, as Mike Kirby grabbed an 8-yard touchdown pass from
Tyler Cox to give C of I a 7-0 lead.
Western clamped down defensively while their offense took advantage of short field chances. Following a short punt, the Bulldogs got a third down 27-yard pass from J.D. Ferris to Matt Lickfold to set up a Rutherford 1-yard plunge to tie the game. Following a C of I fumble, the Bulldogs took the lead for good on a Seth Mason 27-yard field goal and tacked on a safety following a muffed punt snap just before the break, taking a 12-7 lead to the locker room.
After forcing C of I to punt on their first second half possession, Devyn Christian returned the boot 48 yards to flip the field. Ferris found Tyler Murray on a 24-yard scoring strike to add to the lead, and after a C of I interception, Lickfold caught a 19-yard scoring strike to push the Western lead to 26-7.
The Yotes tried to battle back, driving 80 yards in 13 plays midway through the fourth quarter, with
Darius-James Peterson leaping in from three yards out – but could not get closer.
C of I's defense was stout, limiting Western to just 234 yards of total offense – including 99 yards on 41 carries – the fewest number of total yards allowed since football returned in 2014.
Malik Whitfield had an interception, while the Coyotes had three sacks on the day.
Colby Brown led the offense with 63 yards on 11 carries, with Cox going 23-of-34 for 186 yards and a score, but tossed three interceptions.
Marcus Lenhardt and
Turner Simmons each had five receptions – but the longest C of I reception went for 15 yards.
Ferris was 13-of-21 for 135 yards, with Lickfold leading all players with six catches for 65 yards.
The Yotes return to action next Saturday, traveling to Willamette for a 7 p.m. (PDT) kickoff.
