In a challenging matchup on Saturday, the Idaho Vandals succumbed to a 28-14 defeat against the 11th-ranked UC Davis Aggies. Their inability to play complementary football was evident, hampering their chances of clinching a victory. While the defense stepped up in the second half, limiting the Aggies to a mere seven points, the offense struggled to mount a comeback in time.
The Vandals stumbled out of the gate with missed opportunities that put them in a difficult position early in the game. Idaho head coach Thomas Ford Jr. expressed his pride in the team’s determination and resilience despite the loss. He acknowledged the ongoing challenge the Vandals face when both the offense and defense fail to perform well simultaneously, particularly against strong opponents like UC Davis.
With two crucial games remaining against Sacramento State and Idaho State, Ford emphasized the necessity for both units to find their rhythm and work cohesively to secure wins and provide a memorable send-off for the seniors. Currently, Idaho holds a record of 4-6 and 2-4 in the Big Sky Conference, and they will next compete against the Hornets on Saturday at 6 p.m. (ESPN+) in Sacramento.
In terms of defensive performance, the Vandals have earned a commendable place as the third-best defense in the Big Sky Conference for total yards allowed and scoring defense, trailing only the powerful programs of Montana and Montana State. Ford highlighted the resilience of his players, noting their refusal to give up even when faced with a three-score deficit.
“I thought our kids played exceptionally hard and showed their resolve once again,” Ford remarked, recounting how the defense held their ground after a critical fumble allowed UC Davis to threaten their end zone. They finished the game without allowing any further points.
Idaho’s solid defense recorded a total of 430 yards of offense against UC Davis while demonstrating significant improvement by limiting 178 yards in the second half and successfully intercepting quarterback Caden Pinnick twice. With continued growth and experience, the Vandals’ defense looks poised to stand strong in the final games of the season, showcasing a promising path forward.