What Is 2009 Idaho Vandals football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2009 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho during the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS season, finishing with a 7-6 record under head coach Robb Akey. They played in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and earned a berth in the Humanitarian Bowl, defeating Bowling Green 43-42 in a dramatic comeback.

Key Facts

The 2009 Idaho Vandals finished the season with a 7-6 overall record and a 4-4 mark in the WAC.
Head coach Robb Akey led the team in his third season at the helm.
Quarterback Nathan Enderle threw for 2,533 yards and 17 touchdowns during the season.
The Vandals played their home games at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho.
Idaho defeated Bowling Green 43-42 in the 2009 Humanitarian Bowl on December 30.

Overview

The 2009 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), competing in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Under the leadership of head coach Robb Akey, the team achieved a 7-6 overall record and secured a spot in the Humanitarian Bowl, marking their second consecutive bowl appearance.

The season was highlighted by a strong offensive performance and a dramatic bowl victory that showcased the team’s resilience. Playing their home games at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho, the Vandals displayed significant improvement from previous years, particularly on offense, where quarterback Nathan Enderle emerged as a consistent leader.

Record: The Vandals finished the 2009 season with a 7-6 overall record and a 4-4 conference record in the WAC, showing balanced performance across non-conference and league play.
Bowl Game: Idaho earned a berth in the 2009 Humanitarian Bowl on December 30, where they defeated the Bowling Green Falcons 43-42 in one of the most exciting finishes in bowl history.
Head Coach:Robb Akey was in his third season as head coach and guided the team to back-to-back bowl games for the first time since the 1990s.
Quarterback:Nathan Enderle started all 13 games, throwing for 2,533 yards and 17 touchdowns, becoming a central figure in the Vandals' offensive strategy.
Home Field: The team played home games at the Kibbie Dome, an indoor stadium on the University of Idaho campus with a capacity of approximately 16,000.

Season Performance

The 2009 campaign featured a mix of close victories and tough losses, but the team demonstrated growth throughout the season. The Vandals opened the season with a win over Eastern Washington and later secured key conference wins against Hawaii and New Mexico State.

Early Season: Idaho began the season 3-0, defeating Eastern Washington, Utah State, and Colorado State, signaling early promise for the program.
Conference Play: In WAC action, the Vandals went 4-4, with notable wins over Hawaii (42-35) and New Mexico State (31-21), showcasing offensive firepower.
Defensive Struggles: The team allowed 30.5 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the FBS, which made close games more frequent and challenging.
Running Game: Running back DeMaundray Woolridge rushed for 1,034 yards and 12 touchdowns, becoming the first Vandal to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards since 2004.
Receiving Leader: Wide receiver Austin Pettis caught 56 passes for 705 yards and 10 touchdowns, establishing himself as Enderle’s top target.
Bowl Comeback: Trailing 35-10 in the third quarter of the Humanitarian Bowl, Idaho rallied with 33 unanswered points to win 43-42, one of the greatest comebacks in bowl history.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2009 Idaho Vandals to their 2008 and 2010 seasons to illustrate trends in performance, coaching, and outcomes.

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Head Coach	Bowl Result
2008	8-5	4-4	Robb Akey	Won Humanitarian Bowl (38-34 vs. E. Carolina)
2009	7-6	4-4	Robb Akey	Won Humanitarian Bowl (43-42 vs. Bowling Green)
2010	8-5	4-4	Robb Akey	Won Potato Bowl (43-42 vs. TCU)
2007	2-10	1-7	Robb Akey (1st year)	No bowl
2006	4-8	3-5	Dennis Erickson	No bowl

The data shows a clear upward trajectory for Idaho football from 2007 to 2009, with the 2009 season serving as a pivotal year in establishing the program’s bowl eligibility streak. Despite a slight dip in overall wins compared to 2008, the dramatic bowl win reinforced the team’s growing competitiveness in the WAC.

Why It Matters

The 2009 season was a turning point for Idaho football, proving the program could remain competitive in the FBS and deliver memorable performances on the national stage. The Humanitarian Bowl victory, in particular, became a defining moment in school history.

Program Momentum: The 2009 season helped build momentum for Idaho, leading to three consecutive bowl appearances from 2008 to 2010.
National Recognition: The 43-42 comeback against Bowling Green was widely covered by national media, boosting visibility for the university.
Player Development: Quarterback Nathan Enderle and receiver Austin Pettis both earned all-conference honors, highlighting successful player growth.
Recruiting Boost: Success on the field translated into improved recruiting efforts in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Conference Stability: Idaho’s performance contributed to the WAC’s visibility during a period of realignment and conference instability.
Legacy: The 2009 Humanitarian Bowl win remains one of the most iconic games in Idaho Vandals history.

Ultimately, the 2009 Idaho Vandals football team exemplified resilience and growth, laying a foundation for future success and leaving a lasting legacy in the program’s history.