After the best season in recent history in 2023, the UI Vandals look to take on the University of Oregon for their season opener in Eugene on Saturday, Aug 31. The Vandals, who lost five seniors to the NFL and even more to the transfer portal, are double-digit underdogs in their first FBS Top 10 matchup since 2010. Idaho is sporting a much younger look this year, with its offense comprised almost 50 Freshmen and Sophomores and only one senior. Kickoff is at 4:30 p.m. The game can be watched on Fox Sports and the BIG 10 Network.
Since 1908, the Vandals and the Ducks have played 59 times, with them winning 52 of those games, four ending in ties, and the Vandals winning three. This matchup will be their first since 2004, a 48-10 victory for Oregon. While most analysts are already counting the game for Oregon already, Eck’s Vandals may prove a tougher match-up than expected. In Eck’s three games against Power 5 teams, the team has not trailed at halftime once, and Eck’s Vandals have proven to be a tough road team, winning 5 of 7 away games during the 2023 season.
Expectations are high for the Vandals as they enter the season in the Top 10 on most analysts’ FCS rankings, with some even giving them the top spot. While the team is sporting some fresh blood, Vandal fans can look forward to familiar faces on Saturday. Eck has named QB Jack Layne as the starter for the season opener, fans can remember Layne from his multiple touchdown passing performance against Idaho State last season. Vandal fans can also look to the defensive side of the field for returning starters Dallas Afalava and Keyshawn James-Newby, who will anchor Idaho’s veteran D-line. With a fresh wave of recruits, key returning players, and two more years inked onto Coach Eck’s contract, Idaho is poised for another exciting season that kicks off in just a few days.
You can reach Jack DeWitt at [email protected]
