Coach Job Security moved up to "Safe" Idaho Wins Another, Holds Off Western Michigan With Great QB Performance The first-ever winning-streak of Idaho Vandals HC Andy Hernandez is officially underway! Idaho has won their last 2 football games and now have a winning record of 2-1 (that is also a first for Coach Hernandez). Idaho hosted the Western Michigan Broncos on Saturday, and sent them home with a loss. QB Chad Chalic had the best game of his career, and the Candals played sound football throughout. Chalic finished with a QBR of 155.0 26/32 287 yds, and 2 TDs. Coach Hernandez could hardly contain his excitement after the game, "We played like a great football team today, and I felt like everything I have been working towards these last 2 seasons finally broke through. No turnovers, smart plays, aggressive defense, constant pressure, and execution. It was all there and we gave our fans in attendance something to cheer about." Something to cheer about is something Vandal fans have been missing for quite awhile. The Vandals are 4-11 under Coach Hernandez, and have faced some tough criticism from the Vandals faithful. "Some fans aren't supportive of what I am trying to do here, and they aren't in my corner. That is fine, I can't please everyone. But when we win like we did tonight, I know all of Idaho can agree that is a good thing." Idaho controlled the game from the opening kickoff, and never trailed. Is this the momentum-changing win for this team? Can they finish this season with a winning record? Can they reach a bowl game? All of these questions will be answered in time. If nothing else, for now we can at least enjoy the fact that there is a buzz about Vandals football in Moscow, again. The Vandals travel to Fresno, CA in Week 4 to take on the 0-2 Fresno St. Bulldogs. Final Score: Idaho - 30 Western Michigan - 20
Vandals Again Give Up Lead, Can't Hold Off Bulldogs The Idaho Vandals were looking to shock a lot of people around the country, and upset a struggling Fresno St. team this week. The opportunity was there for the taking, but they could not hold it. Idaho came to Fresno on a 2 game win-streak and had a lot of swagger in their play to start their game. They came out energized, and were flying around the field. This energy carried them all the way in to halftime, with a 10-6 lead. Idaho came out in the 2nd half and still played relatively well, scoring on the opening possesion to go up 17-6. This lead seemed safe for the time being as Fresno was struggling on offense, and could not seem to break any big plays. This wouldn't last long, as Fresno State finally shook off their rust and started playing football. They were relentless in their attack and scored 21 unanswered points and forced 3 INT's in the process. The Bulldogs looked like a different team in the 2nd half and just outplayed Idaho. Coach Hernandez tried different looks in the 2nd half just to keep the Bulldogs defense on their toes, but nothing was working. The Bulldogs got into the head of Sophomore QB Chad Chalic and it was all over after that. Idaho managed a late TD to come within 2 points, but failed to recover the onside kick. Chalic ended the game with 4 INT's, in what has undoubtedly been the worst game of his career. Idaho has a Bye Week next, before hosting Ball State in the Kibbie Dome. Final Score: Fresno State - 26 Idaho - 24
BYE Week Idaho has a bye this week, before hosting Ball State at home. Coach Hernandez took this week off as an opportunity to rally his troops, and get them motivated to finish strong in the 2nd half of the season. WR Pat Washington and HB Jerrel Brown will also be added to the starting lineup, in an attempt to shake things up. Washington adds great size at 6'5", and is a phenomenal red-zone threat. While Brown, is the most powerful runner on the Vandals roster. His force and downhill running will be good at mixing up the tempo with the Air Raid passing attack.
Reached Coaching Level 4 (Learned Locksmith Skill Level 1) Idaho Defeats Ball State In Come From Behind Victory The usual script of Idaho's season has been come out strong in the beginning of each game, and then fade after half time and ultimately give up a win. This has happened multiple times this year, but for once things actually went the Vandals way. This week, the roles were reversed and it was Idaho who pulled off a 2nd-half comeback. Jarrell Brown carried the Vandals on his back with an impressive performance, 24 car 156 yds, 2 TDs, averaging 6.5 YPC. Idaho came out and looked sluggish in the beginning, going down 14-0 in the 1st quarter. They gave up 2 big runs on Ball State's first 2 drives, allowing a 66-yd TD run on the first play from scrimmage, then a 42-yd TD run. Those would be Ball State's only big plays in the game, as Idaho outscored them 31-7 the remaining 3 quarters. "Everything got clicking for us in the 2nd quarter. We shook off those big plays in the 1st, and just knuckled up and played our game. We did a lot of good things out there, and I was really impressed with Jarrell's play. He was in "beast-mode" out there." Coach Hernandez raved, in the post-game conference. Idaho travels down south to take on Texas State next week. Final Score: Idaho - 31 Ball State - 21
Reached Coach Level 5 (Learned Road Warrior Level 2 - CPU Does Not Make False Starts) OC/DC Reached Level 3 (Learned Road Closed Level 1 and Up-Tempo Level 1, respectively) Simulated Weeks 7-11: Texas State - 12 Idaho - 7 Idaho - 42 Troy - 6 UL Lafayette - 34 Idaho - 12 BYE New Mexico St. - 31 Idaho - 27 Played Weeks 12-15: UL Monroe -10 Idaho - 37 **Bowl Eligible** BYE Idaho - 17 Georgia State - 35 Idaho - 14 South Alabama - 19
End Of Season Wrap-Up Final Record: 6-6 Bowl Game: None Heisman Winner: Marcus Mariota QB Oregon Conference Champs: MAC - Buffalo (10-4) MWC - San Diego State (11-3) PAC-12 - Oregon (12-2) SEC - South Carolina (13-1) Sun Belt - UL Lafayette (11-2) ACC - Virginia Tech (12-1) AAC - Connecticut - (9-4) Big XII - West Virginia (9-4) B1G - Michigan (10-3) C-USA - Old Dominion (11-3) Rose Bowl- Michigan vs Oregon (24-10) Fiesta Bowl - West Virginia vs Connecticut (49-33) Sugar Bowl - Virginia Tech vs Iowa (34-27) Orange Bowl - Clemson vs Texas (28-52) Cotton Bowl - Mississippi State vs Oklahoma (38-41) National Championship - Georgia vs South Carolina (28-42) SC Head Coach Steve Spurrier retires at the age of 70. Jobs offered: DC Texas (11-2) DC Arkansas (5-7) HC ECU (0-12) OC UNC (3-9) DC UCF (9-4) Former Idaho OC leaves to take OC position at Buffalo University Former Idaho DC leaves to take DC position at Colorado State University Top Leaving Seniors: DE Maxx Forde 81 OVR FS Njoku Bradley 79 OVR C Mike Marboe 76 OVR HB Kristoffer Olugbode 76 OVR HB Jerrel Brown 73 OVR WR Dezmon Epps 73 OVR
Top 10 Recruiting Classes: 1)Georgia 2)OSU 3)Alabama 4)Texas 5)Oregon 6)South Carolina 7)Clemson 8)ND 9)Oklahoma 10)USC Idaho Vandals: #110 Recruiting Class 9 4 3 Total: 16 Recruits (updated recruiting board, to show commits) Now time for Training Camp! Most Improved Players: CB Solomon Dixon (+6 OVR) SS D'Mario Carter (+6 OVR) TE Eric Lemke (+6 OVR)
**HOUSE RULES UPDATE** Since the CPU, hires unrealistically high OC/DC for my team in the offseason, I will reset the co-ordinator's skills to be at the same level that the previous coaches was prior to leaving. I will upgrade 1 skill during the season, so as to simulate a level up. This rule is because, my last DC was a level 3 when he left, and he has been replaced with a Lvl 11 DC. I will only allow him 3 upgrades after resetting his tree, and then a 4th one mid-season.
Year 3 15'-16' This year's recruiting class wasn't as highly ranked as last years. Which is OK, because we were trying to fill needs, not sign a bunch of prospects. I would rather sign 5 guys who will become starters one day, then 20 players who will never get off the bench. This was the case during the off-season, we knew which positions we needed so we went after them. Now we have a young good team that we can develop, and take our time with. This off-season I can recruit based on want, not need. This will be a first that hopefully will prove fruitful. Below is a list of redshirted players, basically every true freshman, since we didn't have any absolute studs in this class. Included though were the Lowe brothers. Fraternal twins that committed late in the spring, hopefull ythey both can make big impacts on the field in the years to come. Andy Lowe's speed at WR will prove to be a valuable assett while his brother Tim Lowe can provide some power on the D-Line. Redshirt Players Position Name Year Rating SS Mike King FR 62 MLB Trey Smith FR 60 OLB Robert Martin FR 57 DT Jeremy Walker FR 62 DE Alonzo Swain FR 60 DE Tim Lowe FR 59 C Cornelius Porter FR 66 G Stephon Hill SO 71 T Tyler Green FR 63 T Will Horne FR 62 WR Andy Lowe FR 69 WR Ronnie Rogers FR 65 The final big change of the off-season, comes at the QB position. Redshirt Sophomore QB Matt Linehan will replace Junior QB Chad Chalich in the starting lineup. He has had made great strides this summer, and looked very good in the Spring Game. He has been excelling with the 1st-Team squad, so we will give him a shot to see what he can do. I believe he has more upside than Chalich, so hopefully we can tap into that and make a great football player. Schedule: BYE BYE BYE Blessed with a very favorable schedule, look Idaho to make some noise in the Sun Belt this season. We have only 5 road games this year, so hopefully we can get folks comin' out to the Kibbie Dome and support Vandal football. Idaho finished 111th in average attendance last season at 7,446. This season could be just what the fans and boosters need, so that they can go back to throwin' up the V with pride!
Idaho Falls Short in Lincoln, Drops Season Opener on Last-Second FG #13 Idaho has been through many changes the past few years. They have hired a new HC, new Co-ordinators, new schemes, new uniforms, etc. All this change has given many Vandal fans and players, a sense of renewal or a fresh start. A new path that will ultimately lead to football success. The latest step on this path, was to walk into Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, NE and face the daunting "Sea of Red". Idaho was hoping to shock the world in Lincoln, and they nearly did just that. They were mere seconds away from defeating the 13th ranked team in the country. Idaho has improved steadily under Coach Hernandez. Many knew they were a better team now, then when he was first hired, but nobody knew they were good enough to keep up with a team like the Cornhuskers. Whether it be because Nebraska played below expectations or that because Idaho is really just that good, it doesn't matter. All that matters is the score line. The Vandals will feel pleasantly surprised, yet painfully ill about this game. While the Husker fans will be a bit ill about nearly losing, but mostly pleased for escaping with a W. Coach Hernandez looked down after the game and had this to say about the outcome: "It is tough to go out and lose a game like that. We had those guys for 3 quarters we had them dead-to-rights. Then in a span of 9 minutes they erased everything we had worked for. It is true what they say, about close losses being worse than blowouts. This just sucks." Idaho played excellent defense for most of the game, but unfortunately, not for ALL of the game. Idaho shut Nebraska down in the first 2 quarters, not allowing a single point. However, in the 2nd half they went full retard and gave up 24 straight points to Nebraska. The final 3 of them, coming on 22 yd FG as time expired. It seemed everything was going right for Idaho, and then in a minute it all was gone. Idaho must regroup, and prepare for BYU next. The cougars are having a terrible start to their season and are 0-3. Final Score: Nebraska - 24 Idaho - 23
Idaho Holds Lead, Edge Out Cougars For WIn #1 of 2015 The Vandals were geared up to face the Mormons of Brigham Young this week, and were anxious to get their first win of the season. The Vandals struck first as they scored on the opening possession of the game. A 7-yd run by HB Montgomery. He would finish with 3 runs on the day, and have himself a career game. BYU answered back scoring their own TD in the 2nd quarter when QB R. Cleveland found WR Matthews open on a post route. A FG by Idaho before halftime and that was the first half, Idaho up 10-7. The 2nd half started with Idaho coming out and establishing 2 nice long drives, each capped with a 9-yd run by Montgomery. This put Idaho up 24-7. While the Cougars did score 2 TD's in the 2nd half, it was ultimately too large of a deficit to overcome. The Vandals prevailed, and got their 1st W of the year. Idaho wil lhost their in-state rival next week, by facing the Boist St. Broncos in the Battle of Idaho. Final Score: Idaho - 24 BYU - 21
Heartbreak in Moscow, Boise St. Escapes After Hail Mary Miracle The Battle for Idaho will truly go down as one of the greatest games in NCAA history. "This was the greatest game I have ever been a part of, and this was something special. This game is something you would see in a Hollywood movie, I mean it had everything you could want from a football game." These were Coach Hernandez's words after losing to Boise St on Saturday in dramatic fashion. The Broncos and Vandals played each other for the 2nd season in a row, to battle for the governor's cup. A trophy given to the winner of this in-state rivalry game. Idaho has not beaten Boise St. since 1999. They came 4 seconds away from doing that, and lost the game by about 6 inches. This surely was the most painful defeat I have ever seen for this Vandal team. A team that pushed Nebraska to the brink, held off BYU, and now nearly won the state of Idaho. This game was back and for from the opening kickoff. as neither team ever got more than a 10-point lead. Both offenses were brilliant, and were unstoppable in this match-up. It was QB vs QB, and Linehan came in 2nd place. The Vandals fought with the heavy-weight Broncos blow for blwo. When it was all sasid and done, they thought they had knocked the Broncos down for the count. But then, as the clock hit :00, this happened.... Final Score: Boise State - 43 Idaho - 39
Reached Coach Prestige Grade B- Next 3 Games: Troy - 21 Idaho - 14 Idaho - 20 Bowling Green - 6 Idaho - 47 UL Lafayette - 23 *Update* I am going to be increasing the difficulty through slider adjustments. I feel like my team , 68 overall, should not be doing so well vs 80+ OVR opponents.
Final 6 Games of Season 3: Idaho - 17 Arkansas State - 42 Idaho - 10 Texas State - 14 Idaho - 41 New Mexico State - 7 UL Monroe - 27 Idaho - 19 Georgia State - 17 Idaho - 24 South Alabama - 14 Idaho - 20 Once again Idaho finishes the season 6-6, and fails to qualify for a bowl game. ".500 is not going to get it done." Coach Hernandez said after their final game of the season. "We need to be above .500 or we are just average, and I am not coaching a team to be average. Changes must be made." End Of Season Wrap-Up Final Record: 6-6 Bowl Game: None Heisman Winner: Johnny Manziel QB Texas A&M Conference Champs: MAC - Ball State (10-4) MWC - San Diego State (10-4) PAC-12 - UCLA )14-0) SEC - Texas A&M (13-1) Sun Belt - UL Monroe (9-4) ACC - Virginia Tech (13-1) AAC - USF - (8-5) Big XII - Oklahoma (9-4) B1G - Nebraska (13-1) C-USA - Louisiana Tech (9-5) Rose Bowl- Michigan State vs Florida (30-21) Fiesta Bowl - Oklahoma vs Nebraska (14-36) Sugar Bowl - Notre Dame vs Miami (39-13) Orange Bowl - Virginia Tech vs USF (51-7) Cotton Bowl - South Carolina vs TCU (28-44) National Championship - UCLA vs Texas A&M (51-42) Les Miles fired after 2 losing seasons at LSU. Hired as HC of Bowling Green. Jobs offered: HC Wake Forest (2-10) Former Idaho OC leaves to take OC position at Wake Forest. Steve Fairchild hired as new Idaho OC (Level 1). Former Idaho DC leaves to take DC position at New Mexico. Clint Livingston hired as new Idaho DC (Level 5). Coach Hernandez Signs 5-Year Extension with Vandals, Will Stay in Moscow Through 2021 Coach Hernandez has certainly turned things around on Idaho's campus. There is a positive support for Vandal football now, and that is all because of Coach Hernandez. Idaho just finished it's worst season in school history at 1-11, before they brought Hernandez in. "He really changed our team around. These players believe they can win now, you can see it in them." Coach Hernandez had this to say during the announcement press conference: " We have done some good things to get us to this point. These kids and our staff have given everything they have for this program, and that's how we got out of hell. This program was in a bad spot when I showed up, and while we have made progress I am certainly not finished. Not even close." Coach Hernandez's record with the Vandals sits at 14-22, through 3 seasons including a record of 8-8 in Sun Belt conference games. Known for his defense, Coach Hernandez has impressively had the Vandals in the Top-10 defensively, the last 2 seasons.
Top 10 Recruiting Classes: 1)Michigan 2)Oklahoma 3)Alabama 4)OSU 5)Georgia Tech 6)Texas 7)Oregon 8)South Carolina 9)Miami 10)Colorado Idaho Vandals: #102 Recruiting Class 11 3 Total: 14 Recruits (updated recruiting board, to show commits) Now time for Training Camp! Most Improved Players: TE Eric Lemke (+6 OVR) LG Nick Edenfield (+6 OVR) C Cornelius Porter (+6 OVR)
Year 4 16'-17' My how time flies, here we are already in Coach Hernandez's 4th year of coaching. He is fresh off a contract extension, and itching to earn his money. Idaho has been about average the last 2 seasons, and that is definitely an improvement over what the Vandals have done before. However, mediocrity should not be celebrated. The Idaho fans want more now. His first batch of recruits are now Juniors so this should be our first true look at how well this team has been built. This season has not turned out to have a very good start, as reportedly there have been issues with some of the incoming freshman. "I hate to call any player a bust, because people can change. But there suerly, have been some let-downs in spring camp. Guys we thought would be competing for the starting job, almost wound up getting cut." Hopefully, the Vandals luck will turn around and this can be a great year for Idaho football. Her is a list of all the redshirted freshman. Redshirt Players Position Name Year Rating CB Ken Campbell FR 67 CB Tony Lemon FR 67 K Marlon James FR 66 DE Tony Morgan FR 65 FS Matt McKenzie FR 65 WR Michael Johnson FR 63 DT Trent Jacobs FR 63 HB Travis Miller FR 62 T Zach Hale FR 62 G Jason Duckett FR 61 G Julius Edwards FR 61 P George Morris FR 60 DE Derrick Whitaker FR 60 Recruiting: <p>Your browser does not support iframes!</p> The schedule this season has some tough games. Idaho plays both rivals Boise State and Washington State this season, as well as playing in the Rose Bowl against defending champs, UCLA. Schedule: BYE BYE BYE BEAR DOWN FOR IDAHO!
Vandals Expect Big Things From WR Pat Washington [/FONT][/SIZE] "Absolutely, there is no doubt in my mind." Coach Hernandez responded, when asked whether he thinks Vandals' WR Pat Washington has the talent needed to be an All-American. "If you saw what I do from this kid every week in practice, you would know, he has the skills to be very special.The only comparison I can think of is Randy Moss. I know that sounds crazy, but that's who he reminds me of. When I was recruiting him, my first year here I kept telling him that. I was saying 'You could be the next Randy Moss' and he would just laugh it off. I saw his height nd his skills as a WR and I knew this kid was special. After he is done here, he'll be playing on Sundays. He has the raw talent and the size to do it." Look for Pat Washington to be Idaho's main weapon in a high-flying Air Raid offense.
#6 UCLA - 35 Idaho - 41 The Vandals have done it!! Idaho upsets defending champion UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl. "This was the biggest win for team in easily the last 20 years, to go in and get a huge win in Week 1, hopefully this type of game will put the nation on notice." Coach Hernandez said happily after the game. "It was close but we stuck with it, and pulled it out." Idaho QB Matt Linehan played a great game going 40-61 for 402 yds and 4 TD's. 2 of those TD's were to Junior WR Pat Washington who also had a huge day. Washington caught 15 passes for 126 yds. These two JR's make quite the combo in the passing game, and they let the country know it today. Idaho - 34 Washington State - 25 In Coach Hernandez's 2nd match-up against WSU, both teams came out hot on offense. The Air Raid offense was in full swing for both teams, as both teams combined for 20 pts in the 1st half. The Battle of the Palouse went to the Vandals this year, for the first time since 2000. Idaho's combo of Linehan and Washington proved to be too much as they connected for 3 TD's on the day and Washington finished with 12 catches for 129 yds. Washington's size and route running ability is creating clear mismatches for the offense, and boy are they are taking advantage of it. (2-0) Idaho - 44 (0-2) UNLV - 34 Idaho's passing game was uncharacteristically off today, and the Vandals offense struggled mightily for most of the game. UNLV's rushing attack was strong and their QB was precise, they bested Idaho in nearly EVERY offensive category. However, the Vandals did win one category: Field Position. "The great field position really saved our ass" Coach Hernandez said. "When you only have 30 yds to go to make a TD, your offense doesn't have to be playing a perfect game. We made it work this week and we got the win. So I am happy. Washington only finished the game 3 catches for 28 yds and 0 TD's. (2-1) Boise State - 24 (3-0) Idaho - 28 The Cinderella start to the Vandals season continues! For the first time ever, Coach Hernandez has bested rival, Boise State. To make it even sweeter, it was on Boise's home field, one of the toughest places in all of college football. Both teams traded scores all game long. Like a boxing match, this game was back and forth for the entire contest. There was never a team up by more than 7 pts the whole game. If Pat Washington wasn't getting national attention before this game, he certainly is now. Pat had his biggest game, on the biggest stage of the season. "We haven't beaten Boise St. since 99' and it is something I have really been harping on guys. So I am sure this win will was more about shutting me up, then it was for them to beat a rival. Washington played like a man possessed today, and I am sure he has even got some NFL scouts watching him now. This kind of game is what will put your name on a draft board." Washington caught 3 TD passes in the first half alone, finishing with 4 TD's on 13 catches for 140 yds. Also, he had 0 drops. (1-2) Troy - 28 (4-0) Idaho - 30 (OT) Idaho opened conference okay vs the Troy Trojans, and it was an exciting game that came down to the wire. Disaster struck early in the game for Idaho as star WR Pat Washington left the game with an ankle sprain. "Th doc said nothing was torn so thankfully it was a light sprain. He wanted to go back in, but we decided to keep him out to let it heal. We need him for the long haul this season. Idaho's HB Robert Montgomery was Pre-Season 1st-Team All-Conference, and he showed us why this game. He gained 100 yds rushing on 20 carries and added 2 catches for 16 yds. This game wasn't pretty for either team, but Idaho prevails, improves to 5-0. Idaho broke the Top-25 with a win this week, and was ranked #24 in the country. It is Idaho's first appearance in the Top-25 since 1998. (3-3) UL Lafayette - 38 (5-0) Idaho - 32 One week after Idaho's appearing in the Coaches Poll, they have fallen back out. Idaho could not close the deal vs UL Lafayette, and have yet to beat the Ragin' Cajuns under Coach Hernandez. Idaho played a great game offensively, rushing for 267 yds while throwing for 265. However, the Vandals defense could not stop ULL's QB Ben Haack. Haack finished the game with 343 yds on 18 completions for 5 TD's. Shane Austin was ULL's leading receiver, he finished with 182 yds and 2 TDs on 8 catches. " That team played a hell of a game, and they deserved their win. We couldn't execute down the stretch and our defense was getting shredded all day." Idaho falls to 5-1. and to 3rd place in the conference. (4-3) Arkansas State - 23 (5-1) Idaho - 52 The Vandals were clearly pissed off about their poor defensive performance the week prior, and they were getting an ear full all week in practice. "If my guys aren't playing at the level I think they should be playing at, you can believe they will be hearing it from me. I am not gonig to sugarcoat it for any of these kids, I am going to be completely honest with them. So I think they were a little fired up this week." Both teams came out hot in the 1st quarter, putting up a combined 31 pts, however Arkansas State couldn't sustain that level of production for long. They would lose steam offensively, and only put up 9 more points in the game, while Idaho kept right on rollin'. Linehan and Washington had their best game of their careers, and proved to everyone that these 2 could be real Heisman threats come their Senior season. Linehan finished 37-49 for 437 yds, and 6 TDs. Washington was the main beneficiary of Linehan's great passing day. He caught a school record 21 passes for 308 yds, and finished with 4 TDs, also a school record. Coach Hernandez had nothing but praise for his star WR saying, "Washington was an absolute monster out there. He was clearly overpowering those CB's and we just exposed it. You can't teach size." (5-2) Texas State - 20 (6-1) Idaho - 37 Idaho traveled to Texas to take on the Bobcats in this game. Linehan showed signs of mortality after his exceptional game the week prior. Linehan threw 3 INT's in his worst game of the season. Fortunately, Idaho's defense made some big stops when they need to, holding Texas State to just 1-11 on 3rd down attempts. "If our guys on Defense can play like this consistently, we can make some noise this season. We have the offense to play with any team in the country. Now we just have to pick up the defense. Washington had an exceptional day catching 12 passes for 140 yds an 1 TD. Idaho jumps back into the polls this week with the win. (1-8) New Mexico St. - 24 (7-1) #25 Idaho - 27 "We fell asleep at the wheel. We were thinking about ULM and not this week. Our guys lost focus, and we nearly lost our season because of it." Boy was this game a doozy. New Mexico SSt. is the worst team in the Sun Belt conference with only 1 win on the year, and that is vs a FCS school. So the Vandals, were heavily favored in this game, and they started buying into the hype. "Complacency set in a bit, I think for our guys." Coach Hernandez said. Idaho did get the win, but they had pull off a few miracles to get it. Idaho scored 24 unanswered points in the final 8 minutes, just to squeak by the Aggies.. (8-1) #16 Idaho - 35 (2-7) UL Monroe - 7 The Vandals learned their lesson last week, and did not repeat it here. They came out and took care of business, crushing the War Hawks 35-7. Idaho jumps to #14 in the polls with the win. (9-1) #14 Idaho - 45 (3-8) Georgia State - 6 The Vandals dominate again, as they secure a conference championship. The Vandals get their first Sun Belt championship 3 years after joining the conference. "Our team played a great game this week, and we have one more game to go!" (10-1) #11 Idaho - 33 (5-7) South Alabama - 38 Idaho stunned! The Vandals feel victim to the upset against South Alabama in the final game of the regular season. "This was a tough loss, but a good lesson for our guys. Just like in the New Mexico St game, they took their eyes off their goals. They were looking at other things, and forgot to finish this game first." Coach Hernandez said disappointingly, in a post-game press conference. "Guys were talking about a possible Sugar Bowl berth, and we dropped the ball. Luckily, we already have the conference locked up, or we could have lost that too. WHile we are happy to be going bowling for the first time since 99', this is still a let-down considering how close we were. If you look back on our season, we were 2 plays away from finishing 12-0. To say that as a Vandals Head Coach, I couldn't be prouder of the growth I have seen in this team. The Vandals finish the season at 10-2, Sun Belt champions. Idaho earns a berth in the New Orleans Bowl, where they will take on the (7-5) UTSA Road Runners. Reached HC Level 7 Learned Match-Up Skill Level 1 (Passing Match-Ups are shown in the Coach Cam)
#13 Vandals Defeat Road Runners in New Orleans Bowl The Vandals have capped off their miraculous season with a victory in the New Orleans Bowl! An improbable run that has featured upsets, come backs, and hail marys, it has been quite the experience for Coach Hernandez. When asked to describe his emotion, Hernandez said "Proud". "These guys have been busting their asses since the first day they set foot on campus, and as a team we have been improving every year. We have been building toward this game, and finally we have done it!" The Vandals now have their first bowl win under Coach Hernandez, and he doesn't think it will be the last. "Is it too soon to start anticipating next season?" He asked after the game. Idaho played smart, ball control football vs the Road Runners and led from the opening kickoff. They played with an execution and a confidence that would never have been seen on this campus 3 years ago. Under Coach Hernandez, the Vandals have improved every year. Starting at 2-10 his first year, they have now finished 11-2. A drastic improvement that has won him Coach of the Year honors. "It is a privilege." Coach said, accepting his trophy. This season is for Idaho, after 16 years of mediocrity, we have now climbed back on top. That was no tall the good news for Idaho, WR Pat Washington was named 1st-Team All -American, the 2nd player in Vandals history to receive that honor. "We are gonna get back to work next week, preparing for next season. But right now, we are gonna celebrate! I'm goin' to Disney World!" Final Score: Idaho - 34 UTSA - 24
End Of Season Wrap-Up Final Record: 11-2 Bowl Game: New Orleans Bowl (Idaho - 34 UTSA - 24) Heisman Winner: Jalen Overstreet QB Texas Conference Champs: MAC - Ball State (10-4) MWC - San Diego State (9-4) PAC-12 - Stanford (8-5) SEC - Alabama (10-3) Sun Belt - Idaho (11-2) ACC - Virginia Tech (13-1) AAC - USF - (9-4) Big XII - Texas (13-0) B1G - Michigan (10-3) C-USA - Louisiana Tech (9-5) Rose Bowl- Michigan State vs Texas A&M (23-29) Fiesta Bowl - Oklahoma vs Michigan (38-35) Sugar Bowl - San Jose State vs Georgia Tech (21-49) Orange Bowl - Virginia Tech vs USF (42-35) Cotton Bowl - Florida vs TTU (34-31) National Championship - Alabama vs Texas (24-49) Jobs offered: HC Georgia (4-8) HC Syracuse (4-8) HC West Virginia (4-8) Former Idaho OC Steve Fairchild leaves to take OC position at USC. Mike MacIntyre hired as new Idaho OC (Level 5). Former Idaho DC Clint Livingston leaves to take DC position at Mississippi State. Jim Thomas hired as new Idaho DC (Level 10). Top Seniors Leaving: WR Deon Watson 82 OVR QB Chad Chalich 80 OVR K Trent Cowan 80 OVR Reached HC Level 8 Learned Locksmith Skill Level 2 (Open 3 locked recruits per season)
Top 10 Recruiting Classes: 1)Alabama2)Oregon3)Michigan State4)South Carolina5)Oklahoma6)Virginia Tech7)Texas8)Nebraska9)UCONN10)Stanford Idaho Vandals: #52 Recruiting Class 211 Total: 13 Recruits (updated recruiting board, to show commits)Now time for Training Camp! Most Improved Players: C Brett Thompson (+6 OVR) LG Nick Edenfield (+6 OVR) SS Desmond Banks (+6 OVR)
