The college football world was in shock on Saturday night as Idaho nearly pulled off the upset of a lifetime against the third-ranked Oregon Ducks. After scoring on their second trick play, the Vandals found themselves just three points behind Oregon in the fourth quarter, threatening to rewrite history.
However, the Ducks managed to hold on and secure a 24-14 victory over Idaho, despite the Vandals’ valiant effort. While Oregon dominated the game on paper, outgaining Idaho by a significant margin, it was clear that the Vandals gave the Ducks a run for their money.
Coach Dan Lanning praised Idaho’s performance, noting that they excelled in critical situations and stuck to their game plan. The Vandals’ defense limited Oregon’s offense, causing disruption and sacking quarterback Dillon Gabriel three times, a rare feat for an Oregon team known for its high-powered offense.
Behind the scenes, the dynamics of college football were at play. Oregon, widely recognized as a leader in NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, has benefitted from strong financial backing and organization, making them a coveted destination for players seeking opportunities beyond the field. Meanwhile, Idaho saw several key players depart for FBS programs, with many securing lucrative NIL deals in the process.
GO DEEPER
What is NIL, how has it changed college sports and why are schools under investigation?
Coach Jason Eck of Idaho acknowledged the impact of NIL deals on player recruitment and team dynamics. Despite the challenges of retaining top talent, Idaho remains committed to developing its program and preparing players for potential opportunities in the future.
As the landscape of college football continues to evolve, programs like Idaho are navigating the complexities of player recruitment, retention, and development in the NIL era. With a focus on building a strong foundation and offering players a platform for growth, Coach Eck and his staff are determined to create a sustainable path for success.
Ultimately, the clash between Oregon and Idaho served as a microcosm of the broader trends shaping college football today. As teams adapt to the changing landscape and compete for talent and resources, the game itself continues to captivate fans and showcase the resilience and spirit of student-athletes nationwide.
Vandals tight end Jake Cox scored his team’s first touchdown in the third quarter. Photo: Ben Lonergan / The Red / USA Today
With the promise of a brighter future and a commitment to growth, programs like Idaho are forging a new path in college football, one that values integrity, resilience, and community above all else. As the sport continues to evolve, the lessons learned from games like Oregon vs. Idaho will shape the way forward for student-athletes and coaches alike.
Exploring the intersection of competition, opportunity, and tradition, college football remains a pillar of American sports culture, inspiring generations of players and fans to come together in celebration of the game we all love.
(Image: Dan Goldfarb/ The Athletic; Photos: Young Kwak / AP; Brian Murphy / Icon Sportswire via Getty)
