What Is 1998 Idaho Vandals football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1998 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho during the 1998 NCAA Division I-AA football season, finishing with a 7-4 record under head coach Chris Tormey. They competed in the Big West Conference and advanced to the I-AA playoffs, where they lost in the first round.

Key Facts

The 1998 Idaho Vandals finished the season with a 7-4 overall record
Head coach Chris Tormey was in his second year leading the program
They played in the Big West Conference, which sponsored football at the time
The team advanced to the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs as at-large qualifiers
Idaho lost 38-14 to eventual national champion Massachusetts in the first round

Overview

The 1998 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho in the NCAA Division I-AA football season, marking the second year under head coach Chris Tormey. Competing in the Big West Conference, the Vandals posted a solid 7-4 overall record and earned a spot in the I-AA postseason tournament.

The team showed significant improvement from the previous season, demonstrating strong offensive production and a disciplined defensive approach. Their playoff appearance highlighted a resurgence in the program during the late 1990s, despite playing in a conference that was phasing out football sponsorship.

Season record: The Vandals finished with a 7-4 overall record, including a 4-1 mark in Big West Conference play.
Head coach: Chris Tormey, in his second season, led the team with a focus on rebuilding Idaho’s football reputation.
Conference affiliation: Idaho competed in the Big West Conference, which disbanded football after the 2000 season.
Playoff appearance: The team qualified for the 1998 NCAA Division I-AA playoffs as an at-large selection.
Postseason result: Idaho lost 38-14 to Massachusetts in the first round; UMass went on to win the national title.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 1998 season featured several key victories and growing momentum for the Idaho football program. The Vandals started strong, winning four of their first five games, including a 35-31 win over in-state rival Idaho State.

Offensive output: Idaho averaged 29.1 points per game, led by quarterback Matt Kohn and running back Mike Thomas.
Defensive stats: The defense allowed 23.8 points per game, showing improvement over the 1997 season.
Key win: A 31-24 victory over New Mexico State helped solidify their playoff credentials.
Home field: The team played home games at the Kibbie Dome, an indoor facility in Moscow, Idaho.
Notable loss: A 45-21 defeat to Nevada in November highlighted lingering challenges against stronger programs.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1998 Idaho Vandals to similar I-AA teams and their own recent history reveals context for their performance.

Team	Conference	Overall Record	Playoff Result	Points Per Game
Idaho Vandals (1998)	Big West	7-4	Lost in first round	29.1
Massachusetts (1998)	Atlantic 10	11-3	National Champions	33.7
Idaho (1997)	Big West	4-7	Did not qualify	22.5
Idaho State (1998)	Big Sky	5-6	Did not qualify	20.8
Montana (1998)	Big Sky	8-3	Lost in quarterfinals	31.2

The Vandals’ 7-4 record placed them among mid-tier I-AA teams that year. While not dominant, their improvement from 1997 and playoff berth signaled progress under Tormey’s leadership, especially compared to regional rivals.

Why It Matters

The 1998 season was a turning point in Idaho football history, setting the stage for future competitiveness despite conference instability. It demonstrated that the program could achieve postseason success even as the Big West phased out football.

Program momentum: The 7-4 record and playoff appearance boosted recruiting and fan engagement in Moscow.
Conference transition: Idaho would later join the Sun Belt Conference in 1996 (football in 2001), seeking more stability.
Coaching development: Chris Tormey’s success in 1998 solidified his role before moving to Nevada in 2000.
Player development: Several players from this team went on to contribute in higher divisions or professional leagues.
Historical context: This season was part of Idaho’s broader effort to remain competitive after dropping to I-AA in 1978.
Legacy: The 1998 team is remembered as a bridge between rebuilding years and future success in the 2000s.

Though overshadowed by later achievements, the 1998 Idaho Vandals played a crucial role in maintaining the visibility and viability of the football program during a transitional era in college athletics.