What Is 2019 Idaho Vandals football team

Overview

The 2019 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho during the 2019 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing as a member of the Big Sky Conference, the Vandals were led by head coach Paul Petrino in his seventh year at the helm. The team played its home games at the Kibbie Dome, an indoor facility on campus in Moscow, Idaho, which provided a unique home-field advantage.

The Vandals showed moderate improvement over the previous season, finishing with a winning record and demonstrating strong offensive capabilities. Despite a competitive schedule, Idaho remained bowl-eligible and displayed resilience in both conference and non-conference matchups. The season highlighted key performances from quarterback Mason Petrino and several standout defensive players.

• Record: The team finished with a 7-5 overall record, including a 5-3 mark in Big Sky Conference play.
• Head coach: Paul Petrino led the program for the seventh consecutive season, maintaining consistency in leadership and scheme.
• Home stadium: The Kibbie Dome, a 16,000-seat indoor arena, hosted all home games and offered climate-controlled conditions.
• Offensive output: Idaho scored 328 total points, averaging 27.3 points per game, ranking them among the top third in the FCS.
• Key player: Quarterback Mason Petrino threw for 2,477 yards and 18 touchdowns, leading the team in offensive production.

Season Performance

The 2019 season featured a mix of close contests and decisive victories, showcasing Idaho’s ability to adapt under pressure. The team opened with a tough non-conference schedule before diving into Big Sky play, where conference standings and playoff implications intensified.

• Early season: Idaho began 2-0 with wins over Northern Colorado and Central Arkansas, setting a positive tone for the year.
• Conference play: The Vandals won five of their eight Big Sky games, defeating rivals such as Eastern Washington and Montana State.
• Defensive stats: The team allowed 27.1 points per game, slightly better than the national FCS average.
• Rushing game: Idaho averaged 156.2 rushing yards per game, led by running back Isaiah Saunders’ 683 yards.
• Passing attack: The offense completed 61.3% of passes, with 18 total touchdowns through the air.
• Turnovers: The Vandals committed 16 turnovers on the season, including 10 interceptions thrown by quarterbacks.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2019 Idaho Vandals compared to select FCS teams in key statistical categories:

The data shows Idaho performed solidly within the Big Sky, though behind powerhouses like Eastern Washington and Montana State. Their scoring margin was nearly even, reflecting competitive balance. While not among the national title contenders, the 2019 season demonstrated progress and laid groundwork for future competitiveness in the conference.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was significant for Idaho as it marked continued efforts to rebuild the football program after transitioning back from FBS. Maintaining a winning record in FCS play reinforced the university’s strategic decision to return to a more competitive level.

• Program stability: Retaining Paul Petrino signaled long-term investment in coaching continuity and player development.
• Recruiting impact: A winning season helped attract regional talent, particularly from Washington and Oregon.
• Fan engagement: Attendance at the Kibbie Dome improved, reflecting renewed interest in the program.
• Conference relevance: Idaho remained competitive in the Big Sky, avoiding the bottom tier of the standings.
• Player development: Several underclassmen gained starting experience, setting up future seasons for growth.
• Financial sustainability: FCS competition reduced travel and scholarship costs compared to FBS, benefiting the athletic department.

Overall, the 2019 Idaho Vandals season was a step forward in re-establishing the program as a consistent FCS contender, with tangible progress on both the field and in institutional support.