What Is 1968 Idaho Vandals football team

Overview

The 1968 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho in the NCAA College Division football season, marking the second year under head coach Steve Musseau. Competing in the Big Sky Conference, the team played a balanced schedule of regional and conference opponents, finishing with a .500 record.

The Vandals showed moderate improvement from their 1967 campaign, demonstrating offensive consistency while struggling defensively. Based in Moscow, Idaho, the team played its home games at Neale Stadium, a facility that seated approximately 14,000 fans at the time.

• Record: The team finished with a 5–5 overall record, including a 2–3 mark in Big Sky Conference play.
• Head Coach:Steve Musseau was in his second season leading the Vandals, having taken over in 1967 after serving as an assistant at USC.
• Home Stadium: Games were held at Neale Stadium, a wooden grandstand structure located on campus in Moscow, Idaho.
• Scoring: The Vandals scored 219 points while allowing 201 points, reflecting a closely matched season.
• Conference: As a founding member of the Big Sky Conference (established 1963), Idaho faced rivals like Montana and Montana State.

Season Performance

The 1968 campaign featured a mix of competitive wins and narrow losses, with the Vandals showing resilience in close games. Several contests were decided by one score, highlighting both offensive potential and defensive vulnerabilities.

• Season Opener: Idaho opened with a 28–14 win over Whitworth, a strong non-conference start.
• Conference Struggles: The team lost key games to Montana (21–14) and Idaho State (27–14), impacting their final standings.
• Offensive Leaders: Quarterback Don Stromme led the passing attack, throwing for over 1,000 yards during the season.
• Rushing Game: The Vandals relied on a balanced attack, averaging 143 rushing yards per game.
• Defensive Challenges: They allowed 20.1 points per game, struggling particularly in the second half of the season.
• Season Finale: Idaho closed with a 20–19 win over Northern Arizona, securing a winning streak to end the year.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1968 Idaho Vandals compare to other Big Sky teams from that season:

The Vandals ranked in the middle of the conference standings, outperformed by Idaho State and Montana but ahead of Montana State in both record and scoring margin. Their performance reflected a transitional phase under Musseau, as the program sought greater consistency in the competitive Big Sky landscape.

Why It Matters

The 1968 season is a notable chapter in Idaho football history, illustrating the challenges of mid-tier college programs during a period of athletic evolution. It provides insight into the development of the Big Sky Conference and the University of Idaho’s football trajectory.

• Historical Context: The 1968 season occurred during a time of conference realignment and growing emphasis on regional competition.
• Program Development: It marked early efforts to build a competitive program under Steve Musseau, who later left for a pro coaching role.
• Stadium Legacy: Neale Stadium was replaced in 1971 by the Kibbie Dome, making this one of the final seasons at the old venue.
• Rivalry Intensity: Games against Idaho State and Montana helped solidify long-standing regional rivalries.
• Statistical Benchmark: The 5–5 record served as a baseline for future improvement in the early 1970s.
• Media Coverage: Local newspapers like the Idaho Statesman provided detailed game reports, preserving the season’s narrative.

While not a championship year, the 1968 Idaho Vandals represent a period of steady growth and regional competition that laid groundwork for future success in the program’s history.