What Is 2008 Idaho Vandals football team

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2008 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho during the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 6-6 overall record under head coach Robb Akey. They played their home games at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho, and were members of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).

Key Facts

The team finished the 2008 season with a 6-6 overall record
Head coach Robb Akey was in his second season leading the program
The Vandals played home games at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho
They were members of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) in 2008
Idaho scored 273 total points, averaging 22.8 points per game

Overview

The 2008 Idaho Vandals football team competed in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Led by head coach Robb Akey in his second year, the team aimed to build on their 6-7 record from 2007 and achieve bowl eligibility for the first time since 1998.

Playing their home games at the Kibbie Dome, a unique indoor stadium on the University of Idaho campus in Moscow, the Vandals faced a challenging schedule that included both conference and non-conference opponents. Despite early struggles, the team showed improvement in key areas, particularly on offense, where quarterback Nathan Enderle led the passing attack.

Record: The Vandals finished the season with a 6-6 overall record, narrowly missing bowl eligibility due to tiebreaker rules and lack of available bowl slots.
Head Coach:Robb Akey entered his second season in 2008 and implemented a more aggressive defensive scheme that improved turnover margin compared to 2007.
Home Venue: All home games were played at the Kibbie Dome, an indoor facility in Moscow, Idaho, known for its artificial turf and retractable roof.
Offensive Output: Idaho scored 273 points over 12 games, averaging 22.8 points per game, with a season-high 42 points against New Mexico State.
Defensive Performance: The defense allowed 304 total points (25.3 per game), struggling particularly in pass coverage against high-powered WAC offenses like Hawaii and Boise State.

Season Performance

The 2008 campaign featured a mix of competitive performances and tough losses, reflecting the team's transitional phase under Akey. While the Vandals showed flashes of potential, consistency remained an issue throughout the season.

September 6, 2008: Opened the season with a 35-22 win over Utah State, signaling early promise with a balanced offensive attack.
October 4, 2008: Suffered a 42-10 loss to Boise State, highlighting the gap between Idaho and the top tier of the WAC.
November 1, 2008: Secured a crucial 31-24 win over Louisiana Tech, boosting their win total and keeping postseason hopes alive.
November 15, 2008: Lost 35-34 to Hawaii in a close game, finishing just one point shy despite outgaining the Warriors in total yards.
November 22, 2008: Defeated New Mexico State 42-10, marking their highest point total of the season and a strong offensive showing.
Final Game: Closed the season with a 42-31 loss to Nevada on November 29, falling short of bowl eligibility despite finishing 6-6.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2008 season can be better understood by comparing it to the previous and following seasons to evaluate team progression.

Season	Overall Record	WAC Record	Head Coach	Bowl Game
2007	6-7	3-5	Robb Akey	Humanitarian Bowl (loss)
2008	6-6	3-5	Robb Akey	None
2009	8-5	4-4	Robb Akey	Humanitarian Bowl (win)
2006	4-8	3-5	Bryan Dobson	None
2010	4-8	2-6	Robb Akey	None

The table shows that 2008 was a transitional year. While the record matched 2007, the team failed to qualify for a bowl despite the same win total, due to tiebreaker rules. However, the foundation laid in 2008 contributed to a breakout 8-5 season in 2009, when Idaho finally returned to postseason play.

Why It Matters

The 2008 season was a pivotal chapter in the Vandals' football resurgence during the late 2000s. Though they missed a bowl, the team demonstrated growth that set the stage for future success.

Development of Talent: Quarterback Nathan Enderle gained valuable experience, throwing for 1,834 yards and 11 touchdowns despite missing two games due to injury.
Defensive Adjustments: The team recorded 14 interceptions on the year, a sign of improvement under Akey’s defensive leadership.
Competitive WAC Play: Games against Boise State and Hawaii were closer than in previous years, indicating narrowing performance gaps.
Recruiting Momentum: The season helped maintain recruiting interest, especially from in-state and Pacific Northwest prospects.
Program Stability: Remaining competitive in a tough conference helped secure continued support from the university and fans.
Foundation for 2009: The experience gained in 2008 directly contributed to Idaho’s 8-5 record and Humanitarian Bowl victory in 2009.

While not a headline-making season, the 2008 Idaho Vandals played a crucial role in the program's rebuilding arc, proving they could compete in the WAC and setting the tone for a successful follow-up year.