Know Your Opponent: Idaho Vandals

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

Head Coach: Jason Eck, first season at Idaho

Overall: 0-1

Bowl Appearances at Idaho: Zero

2021 Record: 4-7

Mascot: Joe Vandal

Colors: Silver and Vandal Gold

Outfitter: Nike

National Titles: None

Conference Titles: 10

Heisman Winners: None

Last Week: 24-17 loss to Washington State

Statistical Leaders

Passing: Gevani McCoy – 21/32 for 212 yards

Rushing: Anthony Woods – nine carries for 50 yards

Receiving: Jermaine Jackson – five catches for 110 yards

Tacklers: Fa’avae Fa’avae – seven tackles with one sack

Stat of the Week: Idaho successfully challenged Washington State with a ball-control offense, holding possession for 36:35 of the contest. IU’s opener saw their opponent (Illinois) control the ball with an almost identical 36:33 edge in time of possession.

Vandals Talking Points

1.     Idaho went only 4-7 a season ago and the Hoosiers walloped them 56-14 in week two of the 2021 season. If week one is any indication, this Idaho team is much improved. They were able to keep Washington State’s offense in check, holding them to 24 points and only giving up 20 first downs. The Cougars were balanced in the contest, rushing for 5.7 yards per carry and throwing for 215 yards but Idaho’s defense was able to recover three fumbles to keep the game close. In fact, the Vandals led 10-0 before Washington State scored 24 unanswered to take control.

2.     Anthony Woods and Roshaun Johnson were the primary ball-carriers for Idaho in week one but Woods was far more effective. They both had nine carries with Woods averaging 5.6 yards and Johnson held to just 2.1. It would not be a surprise to see the staff turn to Woods more in this contest. IU struggled against Illinois when they ran the ball to the edge but Chase Brown is one of the best running backs in the country. It will be interesting to see what the Hoosiers can do against a lesser running attack. Idaho struggled to pass block, surrendering seven sacks to the Cougars pass rush. This could be a game the Hoosiers tee off on quarterback Gevoni McCoy and bring lots of pressure.

3.     Idaho head coach Jason Eck will be coaching his second game on Saturday. The former FCS Assistant Coach of the Year is in his first season at the helm in Moscow after a long stint at South Dakota State, an FCS power. While we can’t take conclusions from just one game, Eck appears to be an aggressive coach that is willing to take some chances. In their opener, the Vandals went for it on fourth down on seven occasions, converting three times. IU will need to be prepared for fourth down chances, trick plays and possibly an onside kick or two as Eck looks like he’ll roll the dice in an upset bid.