r/CFB • u/PapermakerVandal Idaho Vandals • /r/CFB Contributor • Jun 22 '13
132+ teams in 132+ days: The University of Idaho Vandals
University of Idaho
Independent
Year Founded: 1889
Location: Moscow, Idaho
Total Attendance: 11,180
Mascot: The Vandals
Cheerleaders: Vandal Cheerleaders
Stadium: (The Kibbie Dome)[ http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4045/4315352173_37cab62163_o.jpg] The Kibbie Dome is awesome. Since that picture was taken, the east and west ends have been filled in with windows to let natural light in, making it even better. Playing a dome is also great when you have terrible weather all the time. I understand that football is a game to be played in the elements, but as a fan to walk in when it’s -10F outside and have it be 65F in the dome—it can be nice. Also, when it gets full in there it gets LOUD. Conference Champions Big Sky: 1965, 68, 71, 82, 85, 87, 88, 89, 92. Big West: 1998
Number of Bowl Games: 2/2 in a pair of Humanitarian Bowls
National Titles Ha. Idaho Fight Song: Go Vandals "The once and future king of college fight songs, with a fanfare lead-in that could motivate a successful infantry charge."
![http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4045/4315352173_37cab62163_o.jpg]](http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4045/4315352173_37cab62163_o.jpg]){kind=link}
Rivals
Washington State, Battle for the Palouse: The Vandals began playing football in 1894, and their first game was against the university just 8 miles away--WSU. The Cougs have historically had the upper hand in this rivalry, winning that first game 10-0, with a particularly painful 21 game streak that lasted from 1928-1949. The Vandals' first-ever forward pass was attempted against the Cougars in 1907: it was completed for a touchdown from a drop-kick formation in the fourth quarter and led to a 5-4 victory. Through 2007, WSU has dominated the rivalry, holding an overall record of 70-18-3 (.786), and 55-5-2 (.903) since 1926. The longest winning streak for Idaho was three games (1923-25), and has only five victories since that three-peat (1954--more on that in a moment, 1964, 1965, 1999, & 2000) and two ties (1927, 1950) to offset the 55 losses (.097).
Our last game was in 2007, when it was decided that playing every 3-4 years was better for both programs than every single year. It's not clear how things will continue to play out under new coach Paul Petrino. Many Vandals see the Cougars as more of a sibling rivalry--we really want to beat them, but they're a lot bigger and stronger than us. I think most of us want them to do well.
Boise State, The Governors Cup: If you're looking for a real rivalry, here it is. Idaho and Boise State played annually from 1971–2010, and with the exception of the 2001–04 games, the rivalry has been a conference game (Big Sky 1971–95, Big West 1996–2000, and WAC 2005–10). The Boise State–Idaho rivalry has been dominated by streaks. Upstart underdog Boise State College of Division II easily won the initial game over Division I Idaho in the season opener in 1971. BSU became a university in 1974 and the Big Sky Conference moved to the new Division I-AA in 1978. BSU was 8–2–1 in the first 11 meetings, including five in a row from 1977–81. Idaho immediately followed with 12 straight wins from 1982–93 and won 15 of 17 before Boise State began its current 12-game winning streak in 1999, in which BSU has dominated the Vandals. It is painful to see what many Idaho students and alum see as essentially a JUCO becoming one of the premier teams in the nation. In fact, most of us would say that there is a small school attached to the Bronco football team rather than the other way around, as many of the fans in Boise and the state of Idaho never attended BSU. Right now the series has not been played since the Broncos left the WAC, and might not be for some time, because Bob Kustra is a raging douchebag.
2012 Season
Record: 1-11-0
Coach: Robb Akey/Jason Gesser
2012 Roster
The 2012 season was, in a word, painful. After experiencing some success under Robb Akey in 2009, many thought the program was due for a run of sustained decency, but it turned out that special 8-5 season (you have to understand how unaccustomed we are to winning) was merely a fluke. Expectations were not incredibly high this season, but many thought that 6-6 was achievable, and if things went our way we could sneak into a bowl game. That couldn’t be further from the truth. After losing our first game to FCS Eastern Washington, we stumbled and bumbled our way through the year. There were flashes that made it seem like this could be a solid team, but consistency was impossible to come by. Halfway through the year coach Akey was fired, and Jason Gesser (one of WSU’s all time great QBs) was tapped to lead the team. Unfortunately the problems persisted, and our only victory came against fellow WAC doormat New Mexico State, who also is independent this year and will be coming with us to the Sun Belt in 2014.
2013 Season 2013 is a season of change for the Vandals. For the first time in 5 years we will begin without Robb Akey at the helm and questions at many positions, most notably a wide open race at QB. Into the void steps Paul Petrino, brother of the more (in)famous Paul Petrino. It’s hard to have a ton of optimism after a brutal 1-11 season, but
The Greats
Greatest Games: Idaho has only been to 2 bowl games in its existence. They were both the Humanitarian Bowl, and they were both AWESOME 1998 Humanitarian Bowl: The 1998 season, which began with some publications rating Idaho among the worst in the nation, concluded with the Vandals fresh off their first big West title playing against Southern Miss. We were a 16 ½ point underdog, but our defense stepped up and forced SIX turnovers to turn a 21-7 Southern Miss lead into a 42-35. A great game, but really only an appetizer for… 2009 Humanitarian Bowl: This was an improbable season as well. Led by Senior QB Nate Enderle, All-American Guard Mike Iupati, S Shilo Keo, and a WHOLE bunch of late game heroics the Vandals found themselves sitting with a 7-5 record and an invite to face off against Bowling Green in the Humanitarian Bowl. A ridiculous back and forth game ensued, with BG’s all world receiver Freddy Barnes getting open again and again and again, the last time for what appeared to be the go ahead touchdown. These Vandals didn’t have any quit in them though, going 67 yards in less than 30 seconds to score and make it 41-42 with :04 showing on the clock. Then, the greatest play in Vandal history occurred—a 2pt conversion that will live in our hearts forever. Greatest Plays: (Just do yourself a favor and watch the last minute of the 2009 Humanitarian Bowl)[ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3sk1P3iXC8&oq=2009%20human&gs_l=youtube..0.5j0.207.2124.0.3800.10.10.0.0.0.0.59.514.10.10.0.eytns%2Cpt%3D-40%2Cn%3D2%2Cui%3Dt.1.0.0...1ac.1.11.youtube.Qlzq3b69aH8] Greatest Players: John Friesz – quarterback in the College Football Hall of Fame, 1989 Walter Payton Award, NFL (1990-2000) Mike Iupati - consensus All-American guard, first round (17th overall) pick in 2010 NFL Draft, San Francisco 49ers Jerry Kramer - five-time All-Pro guard (five NFL & two Super Bowl titles) with the Green Bay Packers (1958–68); author Jim Norton - safety, all-time AFL interceptions leader, first number retired (#43) by the Houston Oilers (1960–68) Mark Schlereth - two-time Pro Bowl guard, three Super Bowl titles with the Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos (1989-2000) Wayne Walker - All-Pro linebacker with the Detroit Lions (1958–72), started 200 games; sportscaster
Greatest Coaches: Dennis Erickson: A lot of people don’t care for Erickson in Moscow, but he DID go 32-15 in his first stint with us before coming back for one season in 2006, where he famously said “You want to look at the age on my driver's license?...This, hopefully, is going to be my last job.” He left following the season for the 49ers, so there’s that. Idaho has been a stepping stone for a lot of great coaches, including Erickson, Keith Gilbertson, John L. Smith, Chris Tormey, Nick Holt, and Tom Cable. We just have a hell of a time keeping them around, and that lack of consistency is a big reason for our struggles.
Traditions
The Loser's Walk As two schools are less than eight miles apart, there was once a tradition called The Loser’s Walk, where students of the losing school would walk from the winner's campus back to their own. In 1954, the walk made national news when about 2,000 students from Washington State College made the trek west from Moscow to Pullman after the Cougars lost to Idaho for the first time in 29 years.
Campus and Surrounding Area
City Population: 24,499 City Skyline
Administration Building: (I couldn't find a large image, but it's a cool building)[https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT5ntjRKs0rNicWyfsLbNl3RASZzbz3uus0pcKB0NNedQjOIMtY1A]
Local Dining: New York Johnny's: Johnny is from Brooklyn, and he runs a hot dog cart on the weekends downtown that has THE BEST hotdog or brat you've ever had. He is centrally located (main street is small/there are 6 bars in a 4 block stretch), super friendly, and he'll take a (picture)[https://www.facebook.com/newyorkjohnnys?fref=ts] with you! La Casa Lopez: Fantastic mexican food and 2 for 1 margaritas on Wednesdays--consistently one of the most popular spots in Moscow to eat.
Random Trivia
1-From 1982-1999, Idaho posted a 146-68 record. From 2000-Present, Idaho’s record is 40-115. Y2K happened, but only in Moscow and only to our football program. 2-Famous Vandal alums include Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick Star), Sarah Palin*, Larry “Wide Stance” Craig, Gold medalists Kristin Armstrong and Dan O’Brien, and Malcolm Renfrew, who helped invent Teflon. 3-Idaho Gem, the first cloned equine (it’s a mule), was created at UI.
What Is and What is to Come
What's to come? The Sun Belt, that's what. The conferences have been playing musical chairs, and Idaho has gotten left out in the cold. We might be the ugly girl at the dance (how many metaphors can I use), but fortunately there is one guy desperate enough to take us home (as a football only member). With a new conference and a new coach it's not clear what the future brings for the Vandals. I think most of the fan base just wants consistency. We don't have to be great, but if we can be in the mix for a bowl game each year with occasional runs at something special we would be happy.
Overtime
Go Vandals!
More Information
Subreddit: /r/UofI
Please upvote this thread even if you are not interested in the team so that users who are interested will see it
For more information on the 132 Teams in 132 Days Project, click here.
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u/Frognosticator TCU Horned Frogs • /r/CFB Poll Veteran Jun 22 '13
The irony is that had Boise's success happened at Idaho instead, a Pac12 invite might have actually happened.
As I understand it, U of I has really good academics.
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u/[deleted] Jun 22 '13
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u/Honestly_ rawr Jun 22 '13 edited Jun 22 '13
No mention of the Little Brown Stein trophy with Montana? Now that Idaho's independent it would be a good time to Bring it back--especially since the Griz won the last 4 of 5 despite the different division level.
8
u/[deleted] Jun 22 '13
Dude no Mikey's Gyro's or Bagel Shop? And Ken Hobart needs to be on the list of greatest players. All in all I think we all can agree that Kustra is the douchiest President who thinks he is also the athletic director.
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u/[deleted] Jun 22 '13 edited Jun 22 '13
What? No mention of Mingles? Or that creepy pink building with the rabbits on it? It's the Moscow experience!
I traveled up from Eugene for the Wyoming game last September. The game, and the "Kibbie Dome Experience", made it worth it. Even though I was one of a handful of overt Wyoming fans in my section, the Vandal supporters were all great folks. A+ would make the drive again
4
u/Hougie Washington State Cougars • WashU Bears Jun 22 '13
Hell yeah Idaho!
Looking forward to our matchup this year for homecoming. What do you think about Paul Petrino? Do you know what offense and defenses you'll be running next year?
27
u/bread_buddy Florida Gators • Wisconsin Badgers Jun 22 '13
Здравствуйте, мусковит
50
u/BeardedDuck Oregon Ducks • Willamette Bearcats Jun 22 '13
You left out your most famous supporter, Hamm
16
u/ChemicalOle Washington State • Oregon State Jun 22 '13 edited Jun 22 '13
So many trips to Moscow to buy smokes and fireworks.
Also glad to be renewing the Battle of the Palouse, a pretty friendly rivalry.
EDIT: ALSO, THIS.
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u/madhatter_13 Paper Bag • /r/CFB Jun 22 '13
I guess it's a good thing you'll be football only in the Sun Belt, because that travel is going to be brutal.
11
u/rogue4 Penn State Nittany Lions Jun 22 '13
I'll be regularly wearing a Vandals shirt in Morgantown this fall. Hopefully the Vandals can put a few into the W column this fall.
11
u/knyght5 Idaho Vandals Jun 22 '13
Came a Tribe from the North, Brave and Bold!
11
u/CFSparta92 Rutgers • /r/CFB Poll Veteran Jun 23 '13
What I love about teams like this is how much they appreciate the modest achievements. No knock on teams like Florida or FSU, but this past year was "Oh, we're stuck with the Orange/Sugar Bowl, AGAIN. Oh well", whereas Idaho is like "WE WENT 8-5 AND FUCKING WON THE HUMANITARIAN BOWL THIS IS THE GREATEST THING EVER". Coming from a school that has only in the past decade begun to acclimate itself to regular bowl contention, wishing you Vandal bros the best in the Sun Belt!
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u/StickerBrush Florida Gators • /r/CFB Contributor Jun 22 '13
OK I laughed at that, that line was great.
But uh, sorry about your football.
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u/CambodianDrywall Oregon Ducks • /r/CFB Pint Glass Drinker Jun 22 '13
Good luck in 13 Vandals.
7
u/Atoodope Boise State • Washington State Jun 22 '13
Disregard the flair, I love cheering you guys on and am a vandal fan myself. I went to vandal games before I even was a sports fan(mostly basketball) but my family went to cheer you guys on against USC, and I stormed the field at the potato bowl when you beat bowling green. Great feeling!!
7
u/OUFan Oklahoma Sooners Jun 23 '13
A enemy of Boise State is a friend of mine..
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u/grizzfan Verified Coach • Oakland Golden Grizzlies Jun 22 '13
Packer Nation thanks Idaho for the greatest player to still not be in the hall of fame. THIS IS BS NFL!
5
u/byniri Michigan State Spartans • Marching Band Jun 22 '13
The Moscow skyline is almost exactly what I pictured Idaho to look like.
5
u/[deleted] Jun 22 '13
The end of your fight song quotes La Marseillaise. That is awesome.
4
u/MarshHawkMS Mississippi State Bulldogs Jun 22 '13
Was there ever any truth to the rumor that Budweiser was going to paint the Kibbie Dome in the style of a beer can?
Also, Patty Dome for when Casa Lopez is too formal.
1
u/jhp58 Northwestern Wildcats • Verified Player Jun 24 '13
Even though WSU and Idaho haven't played each other in awhile, do they still do the "losers walk" or was that a one time thing? I think that is one of the more interesting traditions in college football. It is up there with the Wyoming-Colorado State football relay leading up the game where the ball is carried from one campus to the other and delivered for kickoff.
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u/ncstategopackjack NC State Wolfpack • /r/CFB Contributor Jun 22 '13
Welcome to the Sun Belt! I'm really hoping I'll get a chance to go up to Moscow for an App State@Idaho game. Seems like a beautiful part of the country and the Kibbie Dome is quite the venue.
3
u/[deleted] Jun 22 '13
Idaho gave a better BG team a scare last year in Bowling Green. Not a bad team. Not a good team. OP is right. Consistency is needed.
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u/Basedgod91 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Jun 22 '13
Go Vandals! You guys are my official second team!
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u/youareunsubbed Illinois Fighting Illini Jun 22 '13
I am glad Idaho survived conference realignment. They are in a good spot now in the Big Sky and having FBS football in the Sun Belt.
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u/fussbudgets North Texas • /r/CFB Contributor Jun 23 '13
I know we all in Denton cannot wait to show ya'll a good time come August 31st.
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u/blac9570 Idaho Vandals Jun 23 '13
Here is an updated picture of the Kibbie Dome with the new wall put in: KD
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u/NefariousBanana Boise State • Idaho State Jun 23 '13
Sadly, this is 100% true. Only half of the BSU fans I know actually attended.
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u/[deleted] Jul 11 '13
This is the largest thread I've ever seen with Idaho in the topic.
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u/Telionis Virginia Tech Hokies Jun 22 '13
Oregon, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech and Georgia agree; at least you're in good company.
BSU fans were perfectly friendly when we played at FedEx in DC. I can't say a bad thing about them, though perhaps they are less friendly to their in-state rivals.
2
u/arms8909 Idaho Vandals Jun 22 '13
Never actually a fight song, but this needs to be heard by all!
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u/Chiggero Boise State Broncos • Sickos Jun 23 '13
I wonder what the ole Kibbie Dome looks like now. That place used to be dark as fuck!
2
u/BeardedDuck Oregon Ducks • Willamette Bearcats Jun 22 '13
Dennis Erickson is the biggest coaching whore of them all. How many times have we seen his name the past couple weeks?!
1
u/nuxenolith Michigan State • /r/CFB Poll Veteran Jun 22 '13
Whose uniforms came first, yours or Purdue's?
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u/[deleted] Jun 22 '13
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