Know Your Opponent: Idaho Vandals

Written by: Nate Comp (@NathanComp1)

Head Coach: Paul Petrino

Overall: 9th Season, 31-59 (.344) Overall

Bowl Appearances at Idaho: 1

2020 Record: 2-4 (2-4, T-5 in the Big Sky Conference)

Bowl Appearances Since 2000: 2 (2-0)

Mascot: Joe Vandal

Colors: Silver and Vandal Gold

Outfitter: Nike

National Titles: 0

Conference Titles: 10

Heisman Winners: 0

2021 Record: 1-0

Last Week: WIN vs Simon Fraser 68-0

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing: CJ Jordan (7-12 passing (58.3%), 161 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs)

Rushing: Roshaun Johnson (10 rushes, 87 yards, 8.7 YPC, 3 TDs)

Receiving: Hayden Hatten (2 receptions, 106 yards, 1 TD)

Tackles: Noah Elliss (8 tackles, 1.5 TFLs)

Stat of the Week: Idaho has not lost a bowl game in its existence (3-0) with an average margin of victory in these games of 6.33 points.

Idaho’s Talking Points

1. Quarterback by Committee.

Idaho entered the season with a quarterback competition, and last week’s dominant victory was likely not enough to solve it. The Vandals coach Paul Petrino opted to play two quarterbacks on Saturday: CJ Jordan and Mike Beaudry. The duo combined for 277 yards through the air and another 159 on the ground. Jordan added two touchdown passes. Expect another week of quarterbacking by committee with the Vandals in Bloomington.

2. Defensive Balance.

FCS All-American linebacker Tre Walker was the headline name entering the season, but no single Vandal defensive player dominated the highlight reel last week. Not a single Idaho player recorded double-digit tackles and 26 different players recorded at least one. The defense allowed just 13 total yards on the ground and 77 yards passing.

3. Overpowering Victory, Underwhelming Context.

Idaho annihilated Simon Fraser in their season opener. It was the Vandals’ first shutout since 2010, the most points they have scored since 1994, and the second-largest margin of victory in school history. However, it is important to consider their opponent. Simon Fraser, of Burnaby, British Columbia, were always going to struggle to match up against Idaho but especially with increased travel restrictions. Because Simon Fraser had to cross the border, they were only equipped with a shell of their team; and after going 1-9 last season, they really never had a chance to compete.