Idaho won the coin toss and elected to receive, and punted on their first drive. Western punted on their opening drive, giving Idaho the ball in their own territory. Western’s Antonio Balabani forced a fumble and Bronco freshman Ali Fayad recovered, giving WMU the ball at Idaho’s 24-yard line.
Western took the ball 19 yards before the drive stalled, settling for a field goal converted by Josh Grant, giving Western a 3-0 lead. Idaho responded with a quick two play, 65-yard drive capped off by a five-yard pass from Matt Linehan to Joe Wysocki, giving Idaho a 7-3 lead.