Vandals Clash with No. 19 Northern Arizona on ESPN2 Halloween Night

The Idaho Vandals are set to face the No. 19 Northern Arizona Lumberjacks on Halloween night, marking a significant matchup in the Big Sky Conference. The game will take place at Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff, Arizona, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

Game Overview

This clash between the Vandals and Lumberjacks represents a storied rivalry that began in 1975. Idaho holds a dominant 19-6 overall record against Northern Arizona, including a remarkable 10-3 record at their home venue in Flagstaff. The Vandals have enjoyed success recently, winning the last two encounters and 12 out of the last 14 matchups. Northern Arizona’s last win over Idaho in Flagstaff was during the 2021 spring season, with their previous victory dating back to 1981.

Current Season Performance

Idaho enters the game with a record of 3-5, including 1-3 in Big Sky play. They aim to build on their recent momentum following a decisive 45-6 victory over the Portland State Vikings. This win marked the team’s highest point total since a 63-21 triumph against Idaho State on November 18, 2023.

Coaching Insights

Head coach Thomas Ford Jr. expressed optimism about the upcoming game, recognizing the challenges posed by Northern Arizona’s strong offense and defense. “We are very excited to face a top team in the Big Sky,” Ford stated. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the confidence gained from their recent victory and reiterated the team’s commitment to hard work and unity.

Preparation Challenges

With a short week for preparation, Idaho’s practice schedule has undergone significant changes. The team typically does not practice on Mondays, but they made an exception this week to adjust for the abbreviated timeline. Ford plans to simplify their play-calling strategy to compensate for the reduced practice time. “We have to be more detailed in our execution,” he noted.

Offensive and Defensive Highlights

The Vandals showcased an impressive performance against Portland State, particularly on both sides of the ball. Starting quarterback Joshua Wood returned from injury, completing 15 of 22 passes for 259 yards and four touchdowns, all scored in the first half. Following an initial missed field goal, Idaho scored on six consecutive possessions, demonstrating a potent offensive attack.

Looking Ahead

As the Vandals prepare to clash with Northern Arizona, they are eager to translate their recent success into a critical conference victory. This Halloween night showdown promises to be a thrilling encounter in the Big Sky Conference, with both teams vying for momentum as the season progresses.