Idaho made the FCS playoffs last season thanks to a defense that allowed just 22 points a game.
The Vandals are hoping to use that same formula in 2024.
But facing the No. 3 Oregon Ducks might be a significant spoiler to the formula for just a week.
No one, probably even the Vandals themselves, really expects them to walk out of Autzen Stadium victorious as Oregon is a 44-point favorite.
What Idaho will get is some needed experience for its new quarterback, Lake Oswego native Jack Layne, and a bunch of young receivers looking to have success for coach Jason Eck.
Layne was the Oregon State Player of the Year with the Lakers and was in a backup role in Moscow, Idaho until he was put into a starting role at the end of last season where he led the Vandals to a big 63-21 victory over their rivals Idaho State.
With Gevani McCoy transferring to Oregon State, Layne is now the guy behind center for the Vandals where he will have a lot of family and friends in Autzen rooting him on.
Idaho will look at those young receivers on Saturday, especially if Jordan Dwyer can’t go. He’s their projected top wideout, but he has missed a lot of the fall camp due to injury. That gives freshmen such as Mark Hamper a few extra reps. Hamper scored a touchdown in the Vandals’ most recent scrimmage and has impressed the most in practice leading up to the big game in Eugene.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Vandals boast three preseason All-Big Sky performers, led by defensive end Keyshawn James-Newby, who had 38 tackles, seven for loss, and five sacks last season and is expected to have an even bigger season in 2024.
He has help on that line with sophomore Dallas Afalava. As a freshman, he had 26 tackles, eight for loss and five sacks.
Also a preseason all-conference honoree is corner Tommy McCormick who is Idaho’s leading returning tackler with 62 last season.
According to Oregon coach Dan Lanning, the Ducks can’t and won’t sleep on the Vandals.
“They’ve been a really competitive team versus good teams that we played. So they bring their best. They obviously perform up,” he said. “I think this will be an exciting game for them, but nobody can go to sleep on them. They’re talented; they’re a good team for a reason.”
DAN LANNING BREAKS DOWN THE IDAHO VANDALS