What Is 2012 Idaho Vandals football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2012 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho in the 2012 NCAA Division I FBS season, finishing with a 2–10 record under head coach Robb Akey, who was replaced by interim coach Jason Gesser after Week 8.

Key Facts

The 2012 Idaho Vandals finished the season with a 2–10 overall record
They competed in the Sun Belt Conference, posting a 1–7 conference record
Head coach Robb Akey was fired after a 1–7 start, replaced by Jason Gesser
The team played home games at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho
Idaho was outscored 407–208 over the course of the season

Overview

The 2012 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho during the 2012 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as a member of the Sun Belt Conference, the team struggled on both offense and defense, finishing with a 2–10 overall record and 1–7 in conference play.

Head coach Robb Akey began the season but was dismissed after a 1–7 start, leading to Jason Gesser, a former Idaho quarterback, taking over as interim head coach for the final four games. The Vandals played their home games at the Kibbie Dome, an indoor facility in Moscow, Idaho, known for its unique acoustics and artificial turf surface.

Season record: The team finished with a 2–10 overall record, marking one of the program’s worst performances in the FBS era.
Sun Belt performance: Idaho went 1–7 in Sun Belt Conference games, with their only win coming against Western Kentucky.
Head coaching change: Robb Akey was fired after Week 8; Jason Gesser served as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Home stadium: The Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho, hosted all home games, with a capacity of approximately 16,000.
Scoring margin: The Vandals were outscored 407–208, averaging 17.3 points per game while allowing 36.9 per contest.

Season Performance and Coaching Changes

The 2012 campaign was defined by instability, poor offensive production, and defensive breakdowns. Despite high hopes entering the season, the team failed to build momentum under Akey’s leadership.

Robb Akey: Served as head coach from 2007 to 2012; fired after a 1–7 start in 2012 with a 59–66 overall record at Idaho.
Jason Gesser: Former Idaho quarterback and NFL player; took over as interim coach and led the team in four games.
Offensive struggles: Quarterback Justin Sorensen started most games, throwing for 1,571 yards with 9 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Defensive issues: Allowed 36.9 points per game, ranking among the worst in the FBS, particularly vulnerable against the pass.
Key loss: A 56–6 defeat to Boise State highlighted the team’s challenges, showcasing the gap between Idaho and top-tier FBS programs.
Recruiting impact: The poor season intensified discussions about Idaho’s future in the FBS, eventually leading to a move back to FCS in 2018.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2012 Idaho Vandals compared poorly to both conference peers and national averages across key performance metrics.

Statistic	Idaho 2012	Sun Belt Average	National FBS Average
Overall Record	2–10	5.8–6.2	6.5–5.7
Points Scored Per Game	17.3	24.1	27.8
Points Allowed Per Game	36.9	28.7	26.4
Passing Yards Per Game	198.2	215.4	222.6
Rushing Yards Per Game	124.7	142.3	158.1

The data shows Idaho lagged significantly behind conference and national averages in scoring, defense, and yardage. The team’s inability to generate consistent offense and stop opponents’ attacks contributed to their winless streak in the second half of the season. While other Sun Belt teams like Arkansas State found success, Idaho’s performance underscored growing concerns about the program’s competitiveness at the FBS level.

Why It Matters

The 2012 season was a pivotal moment in Idaho football history, symbolizing the challenges of maintaining an FBS program without adequate resources or consistent success. The poor performance accelerated long-term strategic decisions about the program’s future.

Relegation precedent: Idaho’s struggles contributed to the decision to drop back to the FCS in 2018, becoming one of the few schools to voluntarily demote.
Financial strain: Sustaining an FBS program proved costly, with low attendance and limited revenue impacting athletic department budgets.
Recruiting challenges: The team’s performance made it harder to attract top-tier high school talent, especially compared to Power Five programs.
Conference realignment: The Sun Belt Conference underwent changes, and Idaho’s departure after 2017 left the conference with fewer members.
Fan engagement: Attendance at the Kibbie Dome declined, averaging under 10,000 per game, signaling waning local interest.
Legacy impact: The 2012 season remains a cautionary tale about the risks of FBS affiliation without institutional support.

Ultimately, the 2012 season served as a turning point, highlighting the need for realistic program alignment. While Idaho football continues in the FCS, the lessons from 2012 remain relevant for smaller programs navigating the complexities of college football’s highest divisions.