Idaho’s football schedule this year has eight Big Sky Conference games, one FCS non-conference matchup, and two FBS opponents
Here are game-by-game predictions for the Vandals, who are tied at No. 5 in HERO Sports’ FCS Preseason Top 25.
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at Lamar
Idaho should cruise to a victory to open the season, beating a Lamar team that finished 1-10 last year.
Win
at Nevada
For the third year in a row, Idaho is playing two FBS opponents. Not ideal for playoff positioning. That is unless you knock off an FBS foe. Last season, the Vandals lost 24-17 to Washington State and 35-22 to Indiana. I think they go 1-1 this season, with beating Nevada more likely than beating Cal.
Nevada finished 2-10 overall and 0-8 in the Mountain West in 2022. One of those losses was 55-41 to FCS Incarnate Word where the defense allowed 435 passing yards. Idaho QB Gevani McCoy and 1,000-yard WRs Hayden Hatten and Jermaine Jackson should feast here.
Win
at California
Expect another competitive showing for Idaho vs. an FBS opponent. Cal isn’t great, going 4-8 last season and 2-7 in the Pac-12. Beating two FBS teams in consecutive weeks is so tough, though, especially with the depth and scholarship disparity.
Loss
vs No. 10 Sacramento State
The first home game for Idaho doesn’t occur until Sept. 23. Idaho’s fan base is absolutely pumped for this season, so maybe it isn’t a terrible thing that the home opener comes against a ranked team.
Sac State may run into a buzzsaw in this one. And its passing defense will be stressed too much. The Hornets allowed 243.0 passing yards per game in 2022, which was No. 91 in the FCS. Idaho moves to 3-1 as it moves up the polls.
Win
at Eastern Washington
EWU is historically an FCS power. It has had down years in the 2010s but was right back in the playoffs the next season. But last season’s fall and lack of competitiveness down the stretch was striking. EWU finished 3-8, losing 48-16 at Idaho and 63-7 at Montana in November.
Idaho may find itself in a shootout here, but the Vandals prevail with a road win.
Win
at Cal Poly
Not much is expected for Cal Poly in 2022. Although it’ll be an intriguing team to watch with the addition of Washington transfer QB Sam Huard, a former 5-star recruit. Idaho is too talented to lose this one.
Win
vs No. 16 Montana
Idaho’s 2022 win in Missoula over then-No. 3 Montana is what really put the Vandals on the map. The Griz will be seeking revenge and to reclaim the Little Brown Stein.
By now, we are in mid-October and this is just the second home game for Idaho. The Kibbie Dome looks to be one of the better home-field advantages in 2023 (Idaho went 4-1 at home in 2022). This matchup is Homecoming, a night game, and on ESPN2. The Grizzlies also have question marks at cornerback. It all points to an Idaho win.
Win
vs No. 3 Montana State
Beating both Montana teams back-to-back will be a big challenge. Especially as Idaho’s front seven has some questions and MSU will have an elite rushing attack. But signs point to an Idaho win again.
The Vandals are coming off of a bye week to rest and prepare. This is a second straight road game for MSU, playing at Sac State the week prior, and its fourth road game of the season against a preseason-ranked Top 15 team. Plus, Idaho’s run defense may be better than expected with the additions of linebacker Tre Thomas from South Dakota and D2 defensive tackle transfer Jahkari Larmond, who is 6-foot-3 and 330 pounds.
Win
at Northern Colorado
At 7-1 with an FBS win and three ranked FCS wins, the Vandals are riding high with confidence and swagger. UNC looks to be more competitive under head coach Ed Lamb. And this won’t be the easiest environment to play in for all the wrong reasons. But Idaho gets another win.
Win
at No. 11 Weber State
Back-to-back road games for Idaho. A Weber State team potentially looking to seal a playoff bid this week. A Weber defense that always has great talent. And potential weather that may not be great for the passing game. Idaho finally gets taken down by an FCS opponent.
Loss
vs Idaho State
A day before Selection Sunday, expect an emphatic win for the Vandals to clinch a solid playoff seed and at least a share of the Big Sky title. Idaho State will be in a big rebuilding mode as a program in 2023.
Win
Regular-Season Record Prediction: 9-2
RELATED: Idaho Football Preview
