Something new

September is right around the corner.

While Idaho football grinds away under the hot summer sun in Moscow, Silver and Gold fans may be wondering how the Vandals’ return to the Big Sky will play out. After a miraculous season in 2016, Idaho fell short of a second bowl berth last season, it’s final one in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Now, a new era approaches, as well as a new slate of opponents.

Idaho @ Fresno State

Sept. 1 — Fresno, California

Wasn’t this supposed to be the season of FCS opponents? Idaho first game in the Big Sky begins with an old WAC rival. The Bulldogs are coming off a 10-4 season in the Mountain West, with three of their losses last season coming from heavy hitters like Boise State, Alabama and Washington. With returning senior quarterback Marcus McMaryion and senior running back Dejonte O’Neal, expect Fresno State’s offense to be white-hot on gameday. The Vandals struggled to stop the air attack last season, and with McMaryion’s one turnover in six games last season, don’t expect the Bulldogs to cough up the football easily.

This will be a make-or-break game for the Vandals, with minimal time for preparation. Win in a miraculous upset and expect a confident Idaho team to continue dominating the rest of the season. Lose, and — well, expect a rough start to an unpredictable year.

Western New Mexico @ Idaho

Sept. 8 — Moscow, Idaho

The home season officially kicks off for the Vandals against not an FBS team, not an FCS team, but a Division II team. The Mustangs, a part of the Lone Star conference, finished last season at 4-7, with a measly 1-4 record while playing away from home. Opponents outscored Western New Mexico by 10 points on average. With the Kibbie Dome filled to the brim with anxious students and alumni eager to get the season underway, expect the Vandals to channel that energy for an exciting home opener.

Idaho @ California Davis

Sept. 22 — Davis, California

At long last, the Vandals make their debut into the conference they once called home. The Aggies fought their way through last season, almost breaking .500 with a 5-6 record, but struggled against Big Sky, winning only 3 of 8. Despite the losses, UC Davis did not shy away from lighting up the scoreboard, averaging 33.6 points per game. The offensive-minded Aggies put forth a balanced attack, notching 136 yards on the ground per game, while averaging 348 through the air. With junior quarterback Jake Maier making a return after a productive 2017, the Aggies won’t shy away from attacking the newest member of the Big Sky.

Portland State @ Idaho

Sept. 29 — Moscow, Idaho

After a not-so-easy start to conference, the Vandals might earn a much-needed break against Portland State. The Vikings could not get a footing in 2017, failing to win a single game. Outscored by an average of 20 points, Portland State committed a host to turnovers, which opponents were able to score 101 points off of throughout last season. The run defense also failed to gain any traction, as opponents were able to score 36 touchdowns on the ground. A malleable defense combined with inconsistent starters on offense may spell doom for the Vikings when Idaho pays a visit.

Idaho @ Idaho State

Oct. 6 — Pocatello, Idaho

The first game of October could prove to be the birth of a new rivalry for both the Vandals and Bengals. After a 4-7 season, Idaho State will be looking to finally be considered a serious contender in the Big Sky, while the Vandals will want to establish their dominance over their sister school early. To add to intrigue, former Idaho backup quarterback Gunnar Amos transferred to Idaho State after the conclusion of the 2016 season. The one-time Vandal proved to be a viable option for the Bengals, generating as much yards on the ground as through the air. Idaho State will also have returning starting running back James Madison, who averaged 93 yards per game and five yards per rush. Quarterback Tanner Gueller will also make a return, hoping to improve on his 22-touchdown mark from 2017.

Idaho @ Montana State

Oct. 13 — Bozeman, Montana

The road trip for Idaho continues with a visit to the Bobcats of Montana State. Another middle-of-the-pack Big Sky team, the Bobcats struggled with consistency, failing to string together more than two wins. However, they did notch a signature win over North Dakota in their highest scoring affair of the year, winning 49-21. Montana State put up above-average numbers on the ground, averaging 249.5 per game, but did not find as much success in the passing game. Quarterback Chirs Murray is guilty on both accounts, serving as last year’s leading rusher and passer. If the Vandals can contain Murray’s dual-threat attack, the rest of the Bobcats’ offense may prove ineffective.

Southern Utah @ Idaho

Oct. 20 — Moscow, Idaho

The Big Sky competition ramps up against the Thunderbirds. Finishing last season at 9-3, Southern Utah closed 2017 with three consecutive blowouts against conference opponents. The Thunderbirds rolled over North Dakota 47-21, proceeded to dominate UC Davis 47-27 before thumping Northern Arizona 48-20. The team has not faced a regular season loss since last September. After a first round defeat by Weber State in the FCS Playoffs, the Thunderbirds will be eager to make a repeat trip once the second half of the season rolls around. The road to the Big Sky crown goes through Southern Utah.

Idaho @ Eastern Washington

Oct. 27 — Cheney, Washington

As the season drags on, Idaho meets yet another Big Sky opponent. While the Eagles of Eastern Washington may not pose as big of a threat as Southern Utah, the mere fact that the Vandals will be playing on a bright red turf speaks to the Eagles’ homefield advantage. As Idaho heads into the final stretch of the season, every conference game matters, and the competition in Cheney is no exception. With the Vandals’ bye week relatively early in the season, it will take a fair amount of grit to keep pace with the rest of the Big Sky teams, especially if the Silver and Gold want a ticket to the FCS Playoffs.

North Dakota @ Idaho

Nov. 3 — Moscow, Idaho

With just two home games left in the season, Idaho will be looking to put an exclamation point on the end of the year. The Fighting Hawks may find themselves at a disadvantage when they pay a visit to the Kibbie Dome, with a 1-5 away record last year. North Dakota won just two games in Big Sky play last year, and it seems that unlucky streak will continue in Moscow, especially as the season wears on and teams begin to feel the fatigue.

Montana @ Idaho

Nov. 10 — Moscow, Idaho

Senior day on the Palouse might pose a larger challenge than expected. The Grizzlies came a few games away from punching a ticket to the FCS Playoffs last year, and no doubt the team will fight tooth and nail to avoid a repeat. Luckily for the Vandals, a home game will mean the Grizzlies will have to adapt to a new climate. Montana only managed to win two away games last year, and the Dome will surely be emotionally charged on Senior Day. With Idaho’s relatively new experience in the Big Sky combined with Montana’s hunger for a postseason berth, expect a back-and-forth nail biter that could have playoff implications.

Idaho @ Florida

Nov. 17 — Gainesville, Florida

Yes, that Florida. The Gators, Tebow’s alma mater. The SEC Gators. Interestingly, this game comes via a weather-related cancellation back in 2014. The Vandals paid a visit to the Swamp, but minutes after kickoff, the game was cancelled due to unsafe playing conditions and was promptly rescheduled. Four years later, Idaho will once again head down south. Any game against an SEC opponent will take a huge amount of effort to win, and with the FCS postseason likely set at this point, the Vandals may not have the energy, nor the willpower, to prevail over the Gators’ loaded roster.

Brandon hill can be reached at [email protected]

An earlier version of this article misstated the mascot of Portland State.