What Is 2016 Idaho Vandals football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho in the NCAA Division I FBS season, finishing with a 9–4 record under head coach Paul Petrino. They played in the Sun Belt Conference and won the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl 61–50 against Colorado State.

Key Facts

The 2016 Idaho Vandals finished the season with a 9–4 overall record
Head coach Paul Petrino led the team during the 2016 campaign
They competed in the Sun Belt Conference during the 2016 season
Idaho defeated Colorado State 61–50 in the 2016 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Quarterback Matt Linehan threw for 381 yards and four touchdowns in the bowl game

Overview

The 2016 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho during the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as a member of the Sun Belt Conference, the team was led by head coach Paul Petrino and played its home games at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho, a unique indoor stadium known for its distinctive acoustics and artificial turf.

Idaho finished the regular season with a strong 8–4 record, securing a bowl berth for the second consecutive year. The team's high-powered offense and aggressive defensive schemes contributed to a memorable campaign that culminated in a thrilling postseason victory, marking one of the more successful seasons in recent program history.

Record: The Vandals finished the 2016 season with a 9–4 overall record, including an impressive 6–2 mark in Sun Belt Conference play.
Bowl Victory: Idaho defeated the Colorado State Rams 61–50 in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on December 20, 2016, in Boise, Idaho.
Offensive Output: The team averaged 37.5 points per game, ranking among the top third of FBS programs in scoring offense.
Quarterback Performance: Matt Linehan started most games, throwing for 2,842 yards and 21 touchdowns during the season.
Home Field: The Kibbie Dome, with a capacity of approximately 16,000, provided a loud and challenging environment for visiting teams throughout the season.

How It Works

The 2016 Idaho Vandals operated under a fast-paced, pass-heavy offensive scheme designed to exploit mismatches and maintain possession. Defensively, the team emphasized speed and aggressive blitz packages to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and force turnovers.

Offensive Scheme: The Vandals utilized a spread offense with heavy use of three- and four-receiver sets, allowing quarterback Matt Linehan to make quick decisions and exploit soft zones.
Defensive Strategy: Idaho employed a 3-4 base defense, frequently rotating linebackers and using zone blitzes to confuse opposing offensive lines.
Special Teams: Kicker Austin Rehkow, a two-time All-American, contributed 118 total points, including 18 field goals and 64 extra points.
Turnover Margin: The team finished with a +5 turnover margin, forcing 20 turnovers while committing only 15 giveaways.
Recruiting Impact: Several 2015 signees, including wide receiver Zach Vraa, became key contributors in the 2016 season.
Strength and Conditioning: The program emphasized year-round conditioning, helping players sustain performance during high-scoring, fast-tempo games.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2016 Idaho Vandals with other Sun Belt teams and their bowl opponent, Colorado State, in key statistical categories:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Points Per Game	Bowl Result
Idaho Vandals	9–4	6–2	37.5	Won Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Arkansas State	8–5	6–2	35.1	Won Cure Bowl
Appalachian State	10–3	7–1	38.7	Won Camellia Bowl
Troy	10–3	7–1	36.8	Won Dollar General Bowl
Colorado State (bowl opponent)	7–6	N/A (Mountain West)	31.2	Lost Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

This table highlights Idaho's competitive standing within the Sun Belt and against non-conference opponents. While not the highest-ranked team in the conference, Idaho’s bowl performance demonstrated their ability to compete with teams from stronger conferences, particularly through explosive offensive play and consistent special teams execution.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was significant for the Idaho football program, showcasing its ability to remain competitive despite ongoing discussions about the team's future in FBS football. The season also elevated the national profile of the Vandals and provided momentum during a transitional period for the athletic department.

Program Visibility: Winning the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on a national stage increased exposure for the University of Idaho’s athletic programs.
Recruiting Boost: A winning season and bowl victory helped attract higher-caliber recruits in subsequent years.
Conference Stability: Strong performance reinforced Idaho’s role in the Sun Belt during a time of realignment and conference uncertainty.
Player Development: Quarterback Matt Linehan and linebacker Trevor Reilly gained NFL attention due to standout performances.
Financial Impact: Bowl revenue and increased ticket sales provided critical funding for athletic scholarships and facilities.
Legacy Value: The 9-win season remains one of the best in the FBS era for Idaho, symbolizing resilience and competitive spirit.

The 2016 Idaho Vandals football season stands as a benchmark for future teams, combining statistical success, postseason achievement, and long-term program impact in a single, memorable year.