What Is 1920 Idaho Vandals football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1920 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho during the 1920 college football season, finishing with a 4–3 record under head coach Thomas Kelley in his third year.

Key Facts

The 1920 Idaho Vandals football team had a 4–3 overall record
Thomas Kelley was head coach for his third season in 1920
The team played as an independent with no conference affiliation
They won three of four home games at MacLean Field in Moscow, Idaho
Their season included a 7–0 victory over Montana and a 20–0 loss to Washington

Overview

The 1920 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho during the 1920 college football season. Competing as an independent, the team was led by head coach Thomas Kelley in his third year at the helm and played its home games at MacLean Field in Moscow, Idaho.

The Vandals finished the season with a 4–3 overall record, marking a modest improvement over previous years. Their schedule featured regional opponents from the Pacific Northwest and the western United States, reflecting the geographic isolation and limited travel capabilities of the era.

4–3 record: The Vandals won four and lost three games during the 1920 season, showing competitive balance against regional rivals.
Thomas Kelley: In his third year as head coach, Kelley emphasized discipline and fundamentals, shaping the team’s identity during a transitional era in college football.
Independent status: The team played as an independent with no conference affiliation, a common setup for smaller programs in the early 20th century.
Home field advantage: MacLean Field in Moscow, Idaho, served as the team’s home ground, where they won three of four games that season.
Notable results: The Vandals defeated Montana 7–0 but suffered a 20–0 loss to the University of Washington, highlighting the gap between regional powers.

Season Performance

The 1920 season showcased both the promise and limitations of Idaho football during its early development. With limited resources and a small roster, the team faced logistical and competitive challenges typical of programs in remote regions.

September 25: Opened the season with a 14–0 win over Washington State College (now Washington State University) in a surprising upset.
October 2: Lost 14–0 to the U.S. Naval Reserve team from Bremerton, Washington, a non-collegiate but physically dominant opponent.
October 16: Defeated the University of Montana 7–0 in a hard-fought defensive battle at MacLean Field.
October 30: Suffered a 20–0 defeat to the University of Washington, one of the stronger programs in the Northwest.
November 6: Won 13–0 against the Spokane AC, a semi-professional local team, demonstrating versatility in scheduling.
November 13: Lost 14–7 to Gonzaga, a rising program under head coach Gus Dorais, in a tightly contested game.
November 27: Closed the season with a 20–0 win over rival Washington State, reclaiming the Governor's Trophy.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1920 Idaho Vandals compared to other regional teams in terms of record, coaching tenure, and key outcomes:

Team	Record (1920)	Head Coach	Key Result	Home Field
Idaho Vandals	4–3	Thomas Kelley	20–0 win vs. Washington State (Nov)	MacLean Field
Washington Huskies	4–2–1	E. C. Hinshaw	20–0 win vs. Idaho	Husky Stadium
Montana Grizzlies	2–4	Bernie Bierman	0–7 loss to Idaho	Dalton Stadium
Gonzaga Bulldogs	3–2	Gus Dorais	14–7 win vs. Idaho	Corporation Street Field
Washington State	3–4	Jim Phelan	20–0 loss to Idaho	Rogers Field

The table illustrates that Idaho’s 4–3 record placed them competitively within the region, especially considering their two wins over Washington State. While they lost to stronger programs like Washington and Gonzaga, their ability to defeat Montana and reclaim the Governor's Trophy from Washington State showed resilience. The Vandals’ performance reflected the growing competitiveness of Idaho football despite limited infrastructure and national exposure.

Why It Matters

The 1920 season is a notable chapter in the history of University of Idaho athletics, representing early efforts to build a sustainable football program amid geographic and financial constraints. These formative years laid the foundation for future conference affiliations and long-term rivalries.

Program development: The 1920 season helped establish continuity under Thomas Kelley, who coached Idaho from 1918 to 1925.
Regional identity: Games against Washington, Montana, and Gonzaga solidified Idaho’s place in the Pacific Northwest football landscape.
Home field tradition: MacLean Field became a symbol of local pride, hosting games that drew significant community support.
Rivalry roots: The annual game with Washington State evolved into a key rivalry, later formalized with the Governor's Trophy.
Historical context: The season occurred during the post-WWI era, when college football was becoming more organized and popular nationwide.
Legacy impact: Early teams like the 1920 Vandals contributed to the eventual formation of the Big Sky Conference and Idaho’s football identity.

Though overshadowed by modern programs, the 1920 Idaho Vandals represent an important step in the university’s athletic journey. Their season reflects the challenges and triumphs of early 20th-century college football in the American West.