Idaho
Things to watch: Idaho has opportunity for FCS-FBS upset against Wyoming
Sep. 6—MOSCOW, Idaho — Jay Sawvel, who oversaw one of the best Mountain West Conference defenses last year as Wyoming’s defensive coordinator, when the Cowboys compiled a 9-4 record and won a bowl game against Toledo, became the new head coach following the season.
After the Cowboys were rolled 48-7 by Arizona State in their opening game last week, he got a death threat.
So, coach, how do you like running a program so far?
Wyoming might feel some urgency to get the ship righted this week when Idaho comes to town. But the Vandals gave third-ranked Oregon a scare before falling 24-14 in their opener.
Idaho, despite being a 7 1/2 -point underdog against the Cowboys, certainly sees Wyoming as an opportunity to close the deal against a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent. The Vandals did so last year against Mountain West member Nevada, winning 33-6. Doing so again would show the seventh-ranked FCS Vandals are a legitimate title contender.
Here are three story lines to look for when the Vandals and Cowboys meet in Laramie.
1. Which Wyoming defense shows up? Sawvel, as a former defensive coordinator, could be expected to ensure the Cowboys remain strong on that side of the ball. Three were named to the preseason Mountain West all-conference team. Defensive tackle Jordan Berrtagnole had 60 tackles last year, with two sacks for loss and a forced fumble. Also earning preseason honors were linebacker Shae Suiaunoa and safety Wyett Ekeler. Ekeler lived up to billing with nine tackles against ASU.
The Cowboys, however, gave up 48 straight points before finally getting into the end zone late in the fourth quarter. If that defense shows up, new Idaho starting quarterback Jack Wagner may announce himself with a flourish. Wagner, who went through preseason camp with the Vandals with Jack Layne, came on for mop-up duty after Layne broke his collarbone late in the fourth quarter against Oregon. In practice Wagner has shown an ability to make all the throws in Idaho’s offense, and he is by far the quickest of Idaho’s four QBs.
2. If Idaho’s defense could slow down Oregon, can it overwhelm an unimpressive Wyoming offense? The Cowboys only scored against the Sun Devils when freshman receiver Chris Durr Jr. hauled in a pass from backup Wyoming quarterback Kaden Anderson late in the fourth quarter. The Cowboys went without preseason all-conference tight end John Michael Gyllenborg, who is also on the John Mackey Award watch list. He was out with a leg injury, and there was no word from Wyoming whether he will be back against Idaho. The Vandals are loaded at tight end, led by redshirt junior Jake Cox, who took a 36-yard flea flicker from Layne for Idaho’s first touchdown against Oregon.
3. Watch for the Wildcat. Vandals redshirt junior running back Elisha Cummings triggered Idaho’s second touchdown against Oregon when, as a Wildcat quarterback, he pitched to Layne for the Vandals’ second score. His portfolio as a Wildcat has been expanded. In practice this week, he threw a pretty 20-yard pass to Wagner, who cruised into the end zone.
MOUNTAIN HOME, Idaho (CBS2) — A joint investigation by the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office and the Mountain Home Police Department has led to the arrest of a man accused of multiple sexual offenses in Elmore County and the city of Mountain Home.
An arrest warrant was issued on June 10, 2026, for Dillon Thorpe following an investigation conducted by Elmore County Sheriff’s Office detectives. Thorpe was taken into custody on June 11, 2026, on a warrant by the Idaho State Police.
Thorpe is charged with rape, child enticement, lewd conduct with a minor, and sexual abuse of a child under the age of 16.
Authorities said additional details about the investigation will not be released at this time because of the nature of the crimes and to protect the privacy of victims and witnesses.
Law enforcement believes there may be additional suspected victims and/or witnesses who have not yet been identified. Anyone with information or evidence relevant to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office or the Mountain Home Police Department to make a report.
DENVER (KDVR) — Three Colorado motorcyclists died on Tuesday in northern Idaho after a pickup truck driver, also from Colorado, hit all three while trying to pass another vehicle, according to the Idaho State Police.
The crash happened at about 4 p.m. Tuesday outside the town of Kooskia on U.S. 12, police said. The pickup truck driver, identified as a 60-year-old Colorado Springs woman, was headed west on the highway when she crossed the double yellow line in a no-passing zone while trying to pass another vehicle.
She then collided head-on with the three motorcycles that were headed east on the highway.
The three motorcyclists died at the scene. The Idaho County Coroner identified the motorcyclists as: Ethan Powers, 35, of Timnath, Jeremy Coleman, 45 of Berthoud, and Nathan McCormick, 26, of Loveland.
The Colorado Fraternal Order of Police later identified Coleman and Powers as a sergeant and deputy with the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and McCormick as Coleman’s son-in-law.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, coworkers, and the members of FOP Lodge 4 as they face the difficult days ahead,” the union said. “The law enforcement profession is built on service, sacrifice, and commitment to others. Sgt. Coleman and Deputy Powers dedicated their lives to protecting their community, and their impact will continue to be felt by those who had the privilege of serving alongside them.”
The truck driver was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation before being released then arrested. She was booked into the Idaho County Jail on probable cause for three counts of vehicular manslaughter, police said.
The following is a press release from the Idaho State Police:
The Idaho State Police (ISP) is investigating a three-fatality crash that occurred at approximately 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, on U.S. Highway 12 near milepost 113 east of Kooskia.
The preliminary investigation indicates a 2019 Ford F-150 was traveling westbound on U.S. Highway 12 when the driver attempted to pass another vehicle in a marked no-passing zone. The pickup crossed the double yellow centerline and collided with three motorcycles traveling eastbound.
The three motorcyclists sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.
The 60-year-old female driver of the Ford, from Colorado Springs, Colorado, was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. Following her release, she was arrested and booked into the Idaho County Jail on probable cause for three counts of vehicular manslaughter.
The Idaho County Coroner’s Office will identify the deceased and determine the cause and manner of death.
U.S. Highway 12 was closed for approximately six and one-half hours while emergency responders assisted at the scene and investigators processed evidence.
ISP was assisted by the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office, the Idaho County Coroner’s Office, the Idaho Transportation Department, and local fire and EMS personnel.
The crash remains under investigation.
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