The MSU-Northern Lights came up short in Caldwell, Idaho, falling to RV College of Idaho 38-16 on Saturday afternoon.

The Lights held the Yotes to just a field goal on their opening drive, but College of Idaho heated up quickly, outscoring Northern 10-0 in the first quarter. The Yotes carried that momentum into the second quarter, adding 14 more points while Northern managed a field goal to take a 24-3 halftime lead. College of Idaho extended the gap in the third with two more touchdowns, though Northern added six points of their own. The Lights closed strong, outscoring the Yotes 7-0 in the fourth quarter, but the early deficit was too much to overcome.

Northern finished with 218 total yards, all through the air. Quarterback Kendall O'Neill went 16-for-20, throwing for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Isaiah Woodley made big plays in the passing game with three receptions for 95 yards and both touchdowns. On defense, Braydon Cline led with 13 tackles, while Julius Leapai added nine tackles and an interception.

The Yotes piled up 519 total yards, including 292 on the ground. Caden Young completed 9-of-17 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown. Ryken EchoHawk ran for 90 yards and a score on just seven carries, while Corban Freese hauled in four receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Tanner Steele led with eight tackles, and the Yotes recorded three sacks.

The Lights drop to 0-4 on the season and will look to bounce back at home on Saturday, Sept. 27, when they host Eastern Oregon University at noon.