MOSCOW, Idaho (Interstat) — In a stunning upset that defied nearly all pregame projections, the Northern Colorado Bears exploded for 49 points to defeat the Idaho Vandals 49-33 on Saturday at the Kibbie Dome.

The Bears, who entered the game as 19-point underdogs and were given less than a one percent chance to win by one statistical system, improved their season record to 2-3. Idaho also fell to 2-3.

Northern Colorado quarterback Eric Gibson Jr. orchestrated the offensive onslaught, completing 22 of 34 passes for 350 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 15 rushing yards on three carries. His primary target was Carver Cheeks, who hauled in nine receptions for 120 yards and a touchdown, and also rushed for a 13-yard score on a fumble recovery in the end zone.

Wide receiver Brayden Munroe was a deep threat for the Bears, catching five passes for 151 yards and a touchdown. The Bears’ ground game was a committee effort, with Brandon Johnson, Kieryus Boone, and Mathias Price each rushing for a touchdown.

The Bears set the tone early, marching down the field on their opening drive, which was capped by a 1-yard touchdown run from Price. After a Darrell Bryant Jr. interception of Idaho quarterback Jack Wagner, the Bears added a 52-yard field goal from Jacob Willig for a 10-0 lead.

Idaho responded with a 39-yard touchdown pass from Wagner to Elisha Cummings, but Northern Colorado answered with another Willig field goal to end the first quarter leading 13-7.

The second quarter saw the Bears extend their lead significantly. Gibson connected with Price on a 7-yard touchdown pass. After Idaho running back Rocco Koch answered with a 12-yard touchdown run, Gibson found Munroe for a 22-yard scoring strike. Just before halftime, Boone broke free for a 10-yard touchdown run, giving the Bears a commanding 35-17 lead at the break.

Idaho attempted to mount a comeback in the second half, largely on the legs of Koch. He scored his second touchdown of the day on a 16-yard run in the third quarter. The Vandals then converted a two-point attempt to close the gap to 35-25.

Northern Colorado squelched any hopes of a complete comeback in the fourth quarter. Cheeks scored his unconventional touchdown, recovering his own fumble in the end zone. After Idaho’s Nate Thomas scored on a 10-yard run and another two-point conversion made it 42-33, Johnson sealed the victory for the Bears with an 18-yard touchdown run with just over four minutes remaining.

Idaho’s final drive was ended by a Cam Chapa interception, allowing Northern Colorado to run out the clock.

For Idaho, Wagner finished 21 of 33 for 237 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Koch was a bright spot, rushing for 81 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries. Cummings caught five passes for 67 yards and a touchdown.

The total points scored, 82, sailed well over the pregame over/under line of 48.5.

Northern Colorado travels to face Sacramento State next Saturday. Idaho is set to play at Eastern Washington.