POCATELLO, Idaho --- The Western Colorado football team built momentum heading into the half against Division-I FCS Idaho State as a Zach Gomez interception led to Chandler Davis 46-yard field goal to make it 14-3 at the break.
 
But Western couldn't capitalize as the Mountaineers dropped their season opener to the Bengals 38-13 Thursday night at Holt Arena.
 
It appeared Western (0-1) was going to have an answer for each ISU (1-0) score as the teams traded field goals to open the third quarter before the Bengals scored again to make it 24-6 with 2:10 remaining in the period.
 
On the ensuing kickoff, Western's Malcom Wesley returned it 86 yards to the ISU 1 as the Mountaineers were on the doorstep of cutting it to a two-score game. But a negative rushing play on first down led to an interception on second down near the goal line as Western's momentum was snatched away.
 
Idaho State went on to score on the drive to make it 31-6 before Western's Taupule Asotau picked up a fumble and returned it 56 yards for a touchdown to cut it to 31-13 with 6:37 remaining in the fourth quarter. But another Bengal score made the final 38-13.
 
The Mountaineers were outgained 532-178 in the game, though the Western defense did force two turnovers and blocked a punt.
 
Dylan Jacob went 9-for-17 for 72 yards through the air with an interception to lead the Mountaineers. Elijah Gillespie led Western with four catches for 38 yards while Ty Leyba had a team-high 32 yards rushing on six carries.
 
Defensively for the Mountaineers, Lane Farris led the way with eight tackles and a pass breakup while Dominick Fletcher had seven tackles. Gomez had a big game with five tackles (two for a loss), an interception and a sack.
 
Western plays its home opener and its RMAC opener 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, as the Mountaineers host South Dakota School of Mines.