Vandals lose at home for first time this season as UC Davis rolls

Ulonzo Gilliam Jr. ran for 173 yards on 31 carries and reached the end zone three times and UC Davis beat Idaho 44-26 on Saturday, putting a serious dent in the Vandals’ FCS playoff hopes.

Gilliam also recorded his second 1,000-yard rushing season and set the school’s all-time rushing touchdown record on his first score. The win was the fifth in a row for the Aggies (6-4, 5-2 Big Sky).

In his return to his home state, former Vallivue quarterback Lan Larison ran away from the Idaho defense for a 33-yard score to give the Aggies a 7-0 lead at the end of a four-play opening drive. Larison finished with 68 yards on seven carries.

Isaiah Gomez connected on all three of his field goals and is now 13 for 13 tries in his past six games. Redshirt freshman Rex Connors posted 15 total tackles; including 10 solo stops.

UC Davis’ win sets up next Saturday’s showdown against league-leading Sacramento State.

Gevani McCoy threw for 345 yards and two touchdowns for Idaho (6-4, 5-2). Hayden Hatten finished with 126 yards receiving on 13 catches with two touchdowns.

The loss was Idaho’s first at home this season. The Vandals, who came into the game ranked No. 20 in the FCS poll, close out the regular season next Saturday against Idaho State in Pocatello.

The FCS contests a 24-team playoff, and the loss puts Idaho’s chances in jeopardy, as the Vandals likely will fall out of the Top 25.

This story was originally published November 12, 2022 at 10:55 PM.