Lamar Defeats Idaho 23-17, Leaves Vandals 0-3
Lamar Defeats Idaho 23-17, Leaves Vandals 0-3
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Key Points
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Idaho coach Thomas Ford Jr. said the loss was “very frustrating,” acknowledging that the Vandals failed to generate offense in the first half before showing “some signs of life” after halftime.
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Although total offense was nearly even—Lamar had 303 yards to Idaho’s 296—the Cardinals controlled the ground game 144-91, while Idaho’s non-quarterback rushing leaders produced only modest totals.
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Ford said Joshua Wood’s ability to evade pressure and extend plays was not enough to provide a consistent offense: “Josh was a phenomenal player... But that’s not a way to be consistent on offense.”
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Lamar had risen from No. 21 to No. 14 in the FCS Stats Perform Poll after opening the season with a 21-14 victory over then-No. 15 Abilene Christian; the Cardinals’ only previous loss was a 38-7 defeat against FBS opponent Louisiana-Lafayette.
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Lamar’s defense is led by senior outside linebacker Andrew Huff, a preseason All-American and Buck Buchanan Award watch-list member who recorded 60 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in 2025.
No. 14 Lamar defeated Idaho 23-17 in the Vandals' home opener, leaving the team winless at 0-3 after a defense-heavy second half failed to overcome an early deficit. Idaho Statesman reported that the Cardinals scored 20 straight points before halftime to erase a 3-0 Idaho lead, then held the Vandals scoreless in the final two quarters despite allowing only modest offensive gains.
Idaho's quarterback Joshua Wood passed for 205 yards and ran for 50 yards and a touchdown, but the Vandals converted just one of five fourth-down attempts and managed only 91 rushing yards as a team. KREM noted that Lamar's defense forced the late collapse, limiting the Cardinals to three second-half points while their own offense controlled the ground game with 144 yards.
Lamar Bounces Back From Slow Start
The Cardinals trailed 3-0 early but scored 20 unanswered points before the half. Quarterback Aiden McCown ran for a touchdown and threw another, according to Idaho Statesman, while kicker Andres Sandoval made three field goals. Running back JoJo Uga added 105 rushing yards for Lamar, which had risen to No. 14 after opening 1-0 against then-No. 15 Abilene Christian.
Idaho's Defense Improves But Offense Sputters
Idaho's defense showed real progress after allowing 104 points in its first two games, holding Lamar to just three second-half points. Total offense was nearly even—Lamar had 303 yards to Idaho's 296—but the Cardinals controlled the ground game decisively. Idaho coach Thomas Ford Jr. said the loss was 'very frustrating,' noting that the Vandals generated little offense early but showed 'some signs of life' after halftime.
Wood's Mobility Cannot Carry Idaho Alone
Joshua Wood's ability to extend plays and evade pressure kept Idaho in the game, but it could not build a consistent offense. Coach Ford acknowledged the problem: 'Josh was a phenomenal player... But that's not a way to be consistent on offense.' The Vandals converted only one of five fourth-down attempts, and an onside kick failed in their late comeback bid.
Lamar's Defense Anchored by All-American Linebacker
Senior outside linebacker Andrew Huff leads Lamar's defense as a preseason All-American and Buck Buchanan Award watch-list member. According to KREM, Huff recorded 60 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks in 2025. His impact was felt throughout the game as the Cardinals' defense shut down Idaho's second-half offense and forced the failed onside kick that sealed the victory.
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