What Is 1950 Idaho Vandals football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1950 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho during the 1950 college football season, finishing with a 3–5–1 record under head coach Dixie Howell, who was in his second year leading the program.

Key Facts

The 1950 Idaho Vandals football team had a 3–5–1 overall record
They competed in the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC) with a 0–3 conference record
Head coach Dixie Howell was in his second season with the team
Home games were played at Neale Stadium in Moscow, Idaho
The team was outscored 172–96 over the course of the season

Overview

The 1950 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho in the 1950 NCAA college football season. Competing as a member of the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC), the team struggled to find consistent success under second-year head coach Dixie Howell.

Despite a few competitive performances, the Vandals finished the season with a losing record and were unable to secure a conference victory. Their schedule included a mix of regional rivals and conference opponents, reflecting the competitive landscape of post-war college football in the Northwest.

Overall record: The team finished the season with a 3–5–1 win-loss-tie record, indicating more losses than wins across nine games.
Conference performance: In Pacific Coast Conference play, the Vandals went 0–3, failing to secure a single conference victory during the season.
Head coach: Dixie Howell entered his second year as head coach, having taken over the program in 1949 after a successful playing career.
Home stadium: The Vandals played their home games at Neale Stadium in Moscow, Idaho, a venue with a capacity of approximately 10,000 at the time.
Scoring: The team was outscored 172–96 overall, averaging about 10.7 points per game while allowing 21.5 per contest.

Season Performance

The 1950 season was marked by inconsistency and tough competition, especially within the PCC, which included stronger programs from across the West Coast. The Vandals faced teams with deeper rosters and greater resources, which contributed to their struggles on both offense and defense.

September 30 loss: The Vandals opened with a 14–7 loss to Montana, setting a tone of competitiveness despite the defeat.
October 7 defeat: A 34–0 shutout loss to Oregon State highlighted the gap between Idaho and top-tier PCC teams.
October 14 win: Idaho secured a 13–7 victory over Gonzaga, one of only three wins during the season.
October 28 setback: A 20–6 loss to Washington State demonstrated continued challenges against regional rivals.
November 11 game: The Vandals tied 7–7 with Utah, one of only two non-losing results against a conference opponent.
Final game: They closed the season with a 21–0 loss to rival Washington, finishing on a three-game losing streak.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1950 Idaho Vandals compared to select PCC teams in key statistical categories:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Points For	Points Against
California	9–2	6–1	264	113
Washington	3–7	2–5	142	164
Oregon State	3–6	3–4	135	145	172
Idaho	3–5–1	0–3	96	172
Stanford	4–4–2	2–3–2	138	136

The table shows that Idaho ranked near the bottom of the PCC in both win-loss performance and scoring. While teams like California dominated the conference, Idaho struggled to keep pace, particularly in defensive efficiency. Their 0–3 conference record was the worst in the PCC, and their total points allowed were among the highest, reflecting systemic challenges.

Why It Matters

The 1950 season is a snapshot of Idaho’s football program during a transitional era in college sports, highlighting the difficulties faced by smaller programs in competitive conferences. It also provides historical context for the evolution of the Vandals’ athletic identity.

Historical significance: The season reflects the growing competitiveness of the PCC and the challenges faced by smaller schools like Idaho.
Coaching continuity: Dixie Howell’s second year underscored the difficulty of building a winning program with limited resources.
Player development: Many players from this era laid the foundation for future teams, despite limited on-field success.
Conference dynamics: The PCC was a precursor to the modern Pac-12, making Idaho’s participation historically notable.
Regional rivalries: Games against Washington, Oregon State, and Montana helped cement long-standing regional matchups.
Program legacy: Though not a winning season, it contributed to the broader narrative of Idaho’s football history.

Understanding the 1950 Idaho Vandals season helps illustrate the evolution of college football in the mid-20th century, particularly for programs outside the national spotlight. Their efforts, though not always rewarded with wins, remain part of the university’s athletic heritage.