Conference Big Sky Conference Home stadium Kibbie Dome | 1984 record 6–5 (4–3 Big Sky) | |
Head coach Dennis Erickson (3rd year) Offensive coordinator Dan Cozzetto (2nd year) Defensive coordinator John L. Smith (3rd year) | ||
The 1984 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho in the 1984 NCAA Division I-AA football season. The Vandals, led by third-year head coach Dennis Erickson, were members of the Big Sky Conference and played their home games at the Kibbie Dome, an indoor facility on campus in Moscow, Idaho.
Contents
After the departure of four-year starter QB Ken Hobart following the 1983 season, Idaho struggled with injuries and inexperience, falling to a 2–5 record before winning their last four. Led by quarterbacks Scott Linehan (redshirt sophomore) and Rick Sloan (junior, transfer from San Jose State), the Vandals finished 6–5 in the regular season and 4–3 in the Big Sky.
Although the 1984 season was less successful than the previous two, it marked the first time in nearly eight decades that the Vandals had three consecutive winning seasons in football; it was last accomplished in 1905.
Notable games
The Vandals defeated Oregon State of the Pac-10 41–22 in Moscow, but lost to upstart independent Eastern Washington in Spokane (EWU joined the Big Sky in 1987). Nevada-Reno continued its dominance over the Vandals, winning its sixth straight since joining the conference in 1979. Double-digit leads in the second half were squandered in both disappointing home losses to Montana State and Weber State.
Idaho defeated rival Boise State for the third consecutive year, the third of twelve straight over the Broncos. The 1984 game was the most lopsided to date, with the Vandals recording a 37–0 shutout on the road at Bronco Stadium.
Division I-AA playoffs
Idaho missed the I-AA playoffs again, but would return in 10 of the next 11 seasons, then depart for Division I-A in 1996 (though not officially I-A until 1997). In 1984, the mercurial Montana State Bobcats won the Big Sky title and the I-AA national title (MSU was 1–10 in 1983, 12–2 in 1984, 2–9 in 1985). The Bobcats were the only selection from the West in the 12-team playoffs. Idaho closed out the decade with conference titles in 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1989 (and runner-up in 1986), not missing the I-AA playoffs until 1991.
Notable players
The 1984 team included two future NFL head coaches: quarterback Scott Linehan and offensive lineman Tom Cable.