What Is 2010 Idaho Vandals football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2010 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho in the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 4–8 record under head coach Robb Akey. They competed as a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and played home games at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho.

Key Facts

The 2010 Idaho Vandals finished the season with a 4–8 overall record
Head coach Robb Akey led the team for the fourth consecutive season
They played home games at the Kibbie Dome, an indoor stadium in Moscow, Idaho
The Vandals scored 270 points and allowed 357 points over 12 games
They finished 3–5 in Western Athletic Conference (WAC) play

Overview

The 2010 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho during the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), the team was led by head coach Robb Akey, who was in his fourth year at the helm. The Vandals played their home games at the Kibbie Dome, an indoor facility on campus in Moscow, Idaho.

This season continued a period of rebuilding for the program after moving up from the FCS level in 2001. Despite showing flashes of competitiveness, the team struggled to maintain consistency on both offense and defense. The 2010 campaign ultimately ended with a losing record and no postseason appearance.

Record: The team finished with a 4–8 overall record, including a 3–5 mark in WAC play, placing them near the bottom of the conference standings.
Head Coach: Robb Akey served as head coach for the fourth straight season, maintaining a 16–30 record through four years before being dismissed after 2012.
Home Stadium: All home games were played at the Kibbie Dome, a 16,000-seat indoor venue known for its unique acoustics and artificial turf.
Scoring: Idaho scored 270 total points across 12 games, averaging 22.5 points per game, while allowing 357 points (29.8 per game).
Notable Game: A 34–31 overtime win against Louisiana Tech on October 23 was one of only four victories and highlighted their offensive resilience.

How It Works

The 2010 season followed standard NCAA Division I FBS scheduling and conference alignment rules, with the Vandals competing in the WAC for the fifth consecutive year. The structure included eight regular-season conference games and four non-conference matchups.

Season Format: The team played a 12-game regular season, with eight games against WAC opponents and four against non-conference foes.
Offensive Scheme: Idaho ran a spread offense under offensive coordinator Jason Gesser, emphasizing quick passing and balanced run-pass ratios.
Defensive Strategy: The defense operated a 4–3 base alignment, struggling at times with tackling and third-down efficiency.
Key Players: Quarterback Nathan Enderle threw for 2,602 yards and 17 touchdowns, leading the team in offensive production.
Recruiting Class: The 2010 signing class included 22 players, primarily from Idaho, California, and Washington, focusing on skill positions.
Coaching Staff: Assistant coaches included Steve Spurrier Jr. (wide receivers) and Dave Wilcox (defensive line), both with Power Conference experience.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2010 Idaho Vandals' performance can be better understood when compared to peer teams in the WAC and similar FBS programs. The table below highlights key statistics.

Team	Overall Record	WAC Record	Points For	Points Against
Idaho Vandals	4–8	3–5	270	357
Hawaii Warriors	10–4	7–1	459	363
Fresno State Bulldogs	8–5	5–3	378	305
Boise State Broncos	12–1	7–0	505	228
New Mexico State Aggies	3–9	2–6	221	382

Compared to conference leaders like Boise State and Hawaii, Idaho lagged in both scoring and defensive performance. While they outperformed bottom-tier WAC teams like New Mexico State in wins, their point differential reflected ongoing struggles. The gap between top and bottom teams in the WAC was significant, highlighting Idaho’s mid-tier status.

Why It Matters

The 2010 season was a transitional year that underscored the challenges faced by smaller FBS programs in competitive conferences. These experiences helped shape future decisions about scheduling, recruiting, and conference affiliation.

Program Development: The season contributed to long-term growth, culminating in Idaho’s eventual move back to the FCS level in 2018.
Player Development: Quarterback Nathan Enderle’s performance earned him preseason All-WAC honors the following year.
Conference Realignment: The instability of the WAC during this era led Idaho to consider future conference options, including the Sun Belt.
Recruiting Insights: The team’s reliance on in-state talent highlighted regional recruitment strategies amid budget constraints.
Facility Advantage: Playing indoors at the Kibbie Dome gave Idaho a unique home-field edge, especially in cold-weather games.
Fan Engagement: Despite losing records, average attendance remained around 11,000, showing consistent local support.

The 2010 Idaho Vandals may not have achieved major success, but the season provided valuable data and experience for future program decisions, including eventual reclassification to the FCS.