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ootba/1 team makes playoffs in Tormey's debut andal football opened against Oregon State University, a Division-! Pac Ten team. Despite a 14-7 loss, the Vandals made a strong appearance. Their ability to compete in tougher conferences was displayed. Throughout the season the offense struggled for consistency. Solid defense earned a 4th place national ranking. Firstyear coach Chris Tormey's season goals changed to weekly goals. Running back Joel Thomas suffered a broken foot against Idaho State- an injury occurring during the second quarter - but Thomas persevered. Thomas completed the game with 110 yards and a touchdown. The Vandals fell 26-21. Thomas , however, remained on the injured list for the season. Eric Hisaw, quarterback, rolled the Eastern Washington Eagles for a 37-10 Homecoming victory. Hisaw finished the day with 308 yards passing , 60 yards running and two touchdown passes. Two of Hisaw's runs went in for touchdowns. Defensively, the Vandals halted the Eagle's offensive attacks. The defense forced six sacks, resulting in 41 lost yards for the Eagles. Idaho triumphed over the University of Montana Grizzlies. Although final statistics indicate differently, the Vandals dominated the field. The Grizzlies' attempts to cross the goal line were shut down . Offensively, Idaho worked the ball downfield. Seven touchdowns cushioned a 49-16 lead at the half. Roles, however, reversed in the second half. The Grizzlies' offense pushed through the Vandal defensive - putting four touchdowns on the board. Posting one second half score , Idaho battled tough Griz defense. The Vandals defeated Montana 55-43. Jerome Thomas, second string running back, subdued Northern Arizona 17-14. The victory came in the final two minutes of the game. Squeezed by Arizona's linemen, Thomas scurried two yards into the end zone. The defeat marked the end to the Vandals ' road game losing streak. The annual rivalry with the Bo ise State Broncos ended with victory and a playoff position. Idaho dominated the Broncos with a 33-13 win. League play ended with a 6-4 record. Idaho challenged the top-ranked McNeese State Cowboys in the first round of the national playoffs. (continued)
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