Vandals end 3-game slide, beat USU

The Idaho football team put together perhaps its most complete game of the season this afternoon in a 28-6 conquest over Utah State in wild weather at Logan, Utah. With the win, the Vandals moved to 5-6 on the year and are still alive for a spot in the postseason. Keep reading for more.

*****

The defense was solid and opportunistic. The offense plugged along, eating up clock and performing well on third down. And special teams came up with big plays when needed. That’s how Idaho was able to control Utah State and ditch a three-game losing skid.

The Vandals held the Aggies’ injury-marred offense to two first-half field goals and 242 yards at rainy (then snowy) Romney Stadium. Diondre Borel, USU’s three-year starter at quarterback, was 14-of-35 passing for 103 yards. His receivers dropped several catchable balls, including one early that would have been a long touchdown, but Borel was still well below his season average of 56-percent throwing. Borel also threw two interceptions that were snagged by Matthew Harvey and Robert Siavii.

Nate Enderle, meanwhile, was efficient for most of the afternoon. The UI quarterback completed 20 of 31 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns — two to Eric Greenwood in the first half and another to Deonte Jackson in the fourth quarter.

Jackson rushed for 62 yards and accounted for both of Idaho’s second-half scores. He helped Idaho go 10-of-18 on third down and hold the ball for 32-plus minutes to USU’s 26:32.

Now with two weeks remaining in the regular season, the Vandals must win out against Fresno State on the road next week and San Jose State on Dec. 4 to become bowl-eligible.