BUTTE, Mont. - No. 25 College of Idaho nearly pulled off a stunning comeback Saturday, erasing a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter before falling 27-24 to undefeated No. 6 Montana Tech.
Down 27-10 entering the final period, the Yotes (3-1) stormed back behind quarterback Caden Young and wideout Travis Marieiro. Young found Torey Watkins for a 25-yard touchdown early in the quarter, then connected with Marieiro on a 57-yard strike minutes later to pull C of I within three with 9:56 left.
The defense fueled the surge, forcing two fumbles and keeping the Orediggers (5-0) scoreless in the fourth. Linebacker Tanner Steele piled up 12 tackles, while Sam Lowings added 10 stops and a key fumble recovery.
Young finished with 320 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Marieiro delivered one of the best performances of his career with 10 catches for 201 yards and a score. Rylie Byington added a first-half touchdown plunge, and Josh Horn hit a 32-yard field goal and all three extra points.
Montana Tech's Jarrett Wilson threw for two touchdowns and rushed for 113 yards, helping the Orediggers preserve their unbeaten record by running out the clock after a late interception ended the Yotes' comeback bid.