What Is 2007 Idaho Vandals football team

Overview

The 2007 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Competing as a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), the team was led by head coach Dennis Erickson in his final season before departing for the NFL.

Idaho finished the season with a 6–7 overall record and a 4–4 mark in conference play, qualifying for a bowl game despite a losing record. Their season concluded with a narrow loss in the Humanitarian Bowl, marking a transitional year for the program.

• Record: The Vandals posted a 6–7 overall record, including a 4–4 performance in the WAC, which allowed them to become bowl-eligible.
• Head coach:Dennis Erickson served as head coach for the final time in 2007 before accepting a position as offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.
• Stadium: The team played its home games at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho, an indoor facility with artificial turf and a capacity of 16,000.
• Bowl game: Idaho participated in the 2007 Humanitarian Bowl on December 19, losing 42–35 to Eastern Washington in Boise, Idaho.
• Quarterback:Nathan Enderle led the offense with 1,859 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in his first season as starter.

Season Performance

The 2007 campaign was marked by inconsistency, with Idaho starting 3–1 before dropping five of their next six games. Despite missing out on a winning season, their bowl appearance highlighted modest progress under Erickson’s leadership.

• Early success: Idaho began the season strong with wins over North Texas (35–29) and Utah State (35–14), showing offensive promise.
• Mid-season slump: The Vandals lost key conference games to Hawai’i (41–34) and Fresno State (42–35), exposing defensive vulnerabilities.
• Key win: A 31–21 victory over New Mexico State in October kept their bowl hopes alive and improved their WAC record to 3–2.
• Defensive stats: Idaho allowed 34.5 points per game, ranking 108th out of 119 FBS teams, a major factor in their close losses.
• Rushing game: Running back DeMaundray Woolridge contributed 618 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, providing a reliable ground option.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2007 Idaho Vandals compared to other WAC teams and national averages in key statistical categories:

The Vandals were slightly below average defensively compared to both the WAC and national FBS teams. While their offense kept them competitive, their inability to stop opponents on third down and in the red zone contributed to multiple close losses. The data reflects a team on the cusp of competitiveness but lacking the consistency for a winning record.

Why It Matters

The 2007 season was a turning point for Idaho football, marking the end of the Dennis Erickson era and setting the stage for future rebuilding efforts under new leadership.

• Coaching transition: Erickson’s departure to the NFL created an opening for Robb Akey, who became head coach in 2008 and led a gradual turnaround.
• Bowl legacy: Despite the loss, participating in the Humanitarian Bowl provided valuable exposure and experience for younger players.
• Recruiting impact: The season helped maintain visibility for Idaho’s program during a period of conference realignment and declining FBS relevance.
• Player development: Quarterback Nathan Enderle gained crucial starting experience that shaped the 2008 and 2009 seasons.
• Conference context: Idaho’s 4–4 WAC record placed them in the middle of the pack, behind powerhouses like Hawai’i (12–1) but ahead of bottom-tier teams.
• Program trajectory: The 2007 season underscored the challenges Idaho faced competing in FBS, eventually leading to their move back to the FCS in 2018.

In hindsight, the 2007 Idaho Vandals represent a transitional chapter—neither a breakout success nor a complete failure, but a team caught between eras of program development and conference realignment.