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.
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Three people overdosed from suspected fentanyl on Tuesday.
The Idaho Falls Police Department reports three people on the 500 block of Ridge Avenue and the 200 block of Short Street overdosed on fentanyl on Tuesday. Two of the overdoses were deadly.
East Idaho News reports police say the deceased individuals were identified as two women, a 24-year-old and a 63-year-old.
Police say they do not believe that the overdoses were connected to a “bad batch” of fentanyl, but rather that the users believed the substance to be a different drug.
It is not clear what drug the fentanyl was mistaken for or made to look like.
According to the release, fentanyl can be found in several forms, including powder, and may appear in different colors and consistencies, making it difficult to identify.
“Because of this, individuals may unknowingly ingest fentanyl while believing they are using a different substance,” according to the release. “These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers fentanyl poses within our community.”
Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid that is often mixed into other narcotics, sometimes without the user’s knowledge, says police. Even a very small amount can be deadly.
The Idaho Falls Police Department, along with community partners, is continuing to investigate these incidents and work to identify and disrupt the distribution of dangerous narcotics in our area.
“We encourage anyone struggling with substance abuse to seek help immediately and urge friends and family members to check in on loved ones who may be at risk,” says the release.
Important safety reminders:
Never take pills or substances that are not prescribed directly to you.
Be aware that counterfeit pills may contain fentanyl.
Call 911 immediately if someone is experiencing signs of an overdose, including slowed breathing, unconsciousness, or blue or gray skin coloration.
Carrying and administering Narcan (naloxone) can save lives during an opioid overdose emergency.
Anyone with information related to narcotics distribution in the Idaho Falls area is encouraged to contact the Idaho Falls Police Department at (208) 529-1200 or submit anonymous tips through East Idaho Crime Stoppers.
BOISE COUNTY, Idaho (CBS2) — A traffic stop along the Highway 21 corridor in Boise County led to the arrest of an Idaho City woman on methamphetamine and other drug-related charges, according to the Boise County Sheriff’s Office.
On May 21, 2026, at about 6:40 p.m., a Boise County Sheriff’s Office deputy conducting traffic safety enforcement saw a gray car traveling at a high rate of speed and initiated a traffic stop. While speaking with the driver, the deputy recognized behaviors associated with drug activity.
K9 Sage was deployed for a free open-air sniff and alerted on the vehicle, the sheriff’s office said.
Rochelle Kinney, 46, of Idaho City, was arrested on charges of felony possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to traffic safety enforcement and addressing drug possession that endangers public safety within Boise County,” the Boise County Sheriff’s Office said.
Concertgoers heading to see Bailey Zimmerman at the Ford Idaho Center on June 5 will be able to kick off the venue’s amphitheater season early with a tailgate-style pre-show party featuring a live DJ, food and drinks, prizes and giveaways, and photo opportunities.
The Ford Idaho Center is hosting its first-ever amphitheater season kickoff party ahead of Zimmerman’s show, partnering with CBH Homes.
Arielle McCormick, CBH Homes’ Director of brand and vision, said the company has long focused on making people feel welcome at community events.
“As Idaho’s number one home builder, we’ve been welcoming Idahoans home for 34 years,” McCormick said. “Making people feel welcomed and ready for fun at whatever event they are here for.”
Organizers said the pre-show party will include a live DJ to keep the energy up before the concert, along with food, drinks, prizes, giveaways and photo ops. Gypsy Tattoo will also be on site offering free flash tattoos inspired by live music.
“I’ve heard they are real tattoos, real flash tattoos, first come, first serve,” McCormick said. “So get here at four-thirty on June 5th.”
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The kickoff party starts at 4:30 p.m., hours before showtime. The event is only for Bailey Zimmerman ticket holders. Tickets have not sold out, but organizers say supplies are limited.
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