1971 Idaho Vandals football team
{{short description|American college football season}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox college sports team season
| year = 1971
| team = Idaho Vandals
| sport = football
| image =
| image_size =
| conference = Big Sky Conference
| short_conf = Big Sky
| record = 8–3
| conf_record = 4–1
| head_coach = Don Robbins
| hc_year = 2nd
| off_coach = Bobby Thompson
| oc_year = 3rd
| off_scheme =
| def_coach = Ray Fulton
| dc_year = 2nd
| def_scheme =
| mvp = Ron Linehan
| captain = Jack Goddard
| captain2 = Ron Linehan
| stadium = Idaho Stadium
Bronco Stadium
Joe Albi Stadium
| champion = Big Sky champion
}}
{{1971 Big Sky Conference football standings}}
The 1971 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho as a member of the Big Sky Conference during the 1971 NCAA University Division football season. Lled by second-year head coach Don Robbins, the Vandals played the final three of their five home games at the new Idaho Stadium, an outdoor facility on campus in Moscow, Idaho.
The Vandals won their first outright conference title in 1971, which included an eight-game winning streak after opening with two losses. Idaho finished {{nowrap|8–3}} in the regular season and {{nowrap|4–1}} in the Big Sky. At the time, it was the best record in {{nowrap|school history.}}
Notable games
A third consecutive season opened without a home field, as the new Idaho Stadium was not quite finished and there was no suitable venue available on the Palouse.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RpRfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=AzEMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4787,2026417 |newspaper=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |title=First two Vandal grid games shifted from Neale Stadium |date=July 10, 1971 |page=10}}{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=epBfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yzAMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6181%2C5519292 |newspaper=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |title=Idaho officials told stadium will be ready |date=August 27, 1971|page=17}} After the wooden Neale Stadium (1937) was condemned in August 1969, the Vandals played their limited schedule of Palouse home games at the wooden Rogers Field at WSU in nearby Pullman in 1969 and 1970.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mJJYAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ifgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5260%2C2385238 |newspaper=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington) |last=Johnson |first=Bob |title=Vandals coming home |date=January 25, 1971 |page=17}} The primary (south) grandstand of Rogers burned in {{nowrap|April 1970,{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qMJWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ZOsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6745%2C2071379 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |title=Fast blaze ruins Pullman stadium |date=April 6, 1970|page=1}}}} and was razed in 1971; in its footprint Martin Stadium was constructed and opened in {{nowrap|September 1972.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KM8RAAAAIBAJ&sjid=VO0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=7075%2C905565 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |last=Missildine |first=Harry |title=Utah beats Cougars 44-25 |date=October 1, 1972 |page=1, sports}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=A6JYAAAAIBAJ&sjid=mfgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4496%2C110832 |work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington) |last=Brown |first=Brunce |title=Mistakes sink Cougars |date=October 2, 1972 |page=21}}}}
The Vandals' season opener was a stunning 14–42 upset loss at Boise State in the first meeting between the two teams, creating an instant {{nowrap|rivalry game.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RaJfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=FjIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4101%2C2470165 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |last=Bacharach |first=Sam A. |title=Broncos kick Vandals |date=September 12, 1971 |page=15}}{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Ne5LAAAAIBAJ&sjid=g-wDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4219%2C4687873 |newspaper=Spokesman-Review |location=Spokane, Washington |title=Boise stuns Idaho |last=Payne |first=Bob |date=September 12, 1971 |page=1, sports}}}} This was actually an Idaho "home game" moved south {{nowrap|to Boise,{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=M-5LAAAAIBAJ&sjid=g-wDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6966%2C3199594 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=Spokane, Washington |title=Idaho sets vet lineup for Boise |date=September 10, 1971 |page=20}}}} because the new stadium in Moscow was behind schedule and {{nowrap|not completed.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RKJfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=FjIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4057%2C2298640 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |last=Bacharach |first=Sam A. |title=Vandals shift home to Boise for opening game against Broncos tonight |date=September 11, 1971 |page=15}}}} Boise State had been a junior college program through 1967, moved up to NAIA in 1968 as an independent, and joined the NCAA "college division" (Division II) and Big Sky {{nowrap|in 1970.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Mu5LAAAAIBAJ&sjid=g-wDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7214%2C2964019 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=Spokane, Washington |title=Boise State's quick rise amazes North Idahoans |last=Payne |first=Bob |date=September 9, 1971 |page=28}}}} {{nowrap|Idaho had}} played a home game every season in Boise in the old wooden Bronco Stadium through 1968; this ended when Boise State joined {{nowrap|the Big Sky.}}
The Colorado State game on {{nowrap|September 25}} was played at Joe Albi Stadium in {{nowrap|Spokane,{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UaJfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=FjIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3722%2C5203233|work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |last=Bacharach |first=Sam A. |title=Idaho's third starting QB in 3 games to play Rams |date=September 25, 1971 |page=12}}}} {{nowrap|The Vandals}} shut out the CSU Rams {{nowrap|10–0}} to begin their eight-game winning streak;{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UqJfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=FjIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5398%2C5398003 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |last=Bacharach |first=Sam A. |title=Vandals blank Colorado State 10-0 for first grid victory of season |date=September 26, 1971 |page=17}} the Rams' star running back was {{nowrap|Lawrence McCutcheon,{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=V6dYAAAAIBAJ&sjid=j_gDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5086%2C2943214 |newspaper=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington) |agency=(photo) |title=Offensive threat |date=September 24, 1971 |page=15 }}}} who was selected for multiple Pro Bowls while with the {{nowrap|Los Angeles Rams.}}
The new Idaho Stadium opened with a {{nowrap|40–3}} Vandal victory over Idaho State on {{nowrap|October 9.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PixOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=v-wDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7172%2C3832091 |newspaper=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |title=Idaho likes home cookin' |last=Payne |first=Bob |date=October 10, 1971 |page=1, sports}}}} The unlit outdoor concrete stadium in Moscow replaced Neale Stadium in the same footprint and continued with a natural {{nowrap|grass surface.}} {{nowrap|It was}} the first game played on campus in nearly three years, the last was a win on {{nowrap|November 2, 1968.}} {{nowrap|Artificial turf,}} {{nowrap|3M Tartan Turf,}} was installed in 1972,{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VrozAAAAIBAJ&sjid=oPgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3758,3048488&dq=tartan&hl=en |work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington) |title=King football makes move |date=August 10, 1972 |page=24}} and the facility was enclosed in 1975 to become the multi-purpose Kibbie Dome.
After four consecutive road victories,{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ge9LAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Mu0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=7432,2883719 |newspaper=Spokesman Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |title=Those amazing, streaking Idaho Vandals: Did 'wild bunch' forget how to lose? |last=Payne |first=Bob |date=November 9, 1971 |page=19}} the Vandals finished the 1971 season at home with a 40–2 victory over Montana State to wrap up the Big Sky title, and a disappointing {{nowrap|13–42}} non-conference loss to Utah State in the finale.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=o8lhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=fX8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=5290%2C5056515|work=Deseret News |location=(Salt Lake City, Utah) |last=Ferguson |first=George |title=Vandals, Aggies clash in Moscow |date=November 19, 1971 |page=E2}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MPAjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=BO0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=4027%2C2551978 |newspaper=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |last=Payne |first=Bob |title=Aggies break off Idaho win streak |date=November 21, 1971 |page=1, sports}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NCYfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=s1gEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6870%2C5618991 |work=Deseret News |location=(Salt Lake City, Utah) |last=Ferguson |first=George |title=Great finish for Ags |date=November 22, 1971 |page=D2}} Boise State finished {{nowrap|at 10–2}} with a postseason win, but its two losses were in league play and finished second in the Big Sky {{nowrap|at 4–2.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CLwzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=pPgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2795%2C1994625 |newspaper=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington) |title=Great Idaho year has rough finish |date=November 22, 1971 |page=29}}}}
Division I
Although a charter member of a conference whose other members were "college division" (Division II) for football, Idaho maintained its status as a "university division" (Division I) program with the NCAA by playing only "university division" opponents in its non-conference {{nowrap|schedule.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1jdWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=1egDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4374,2583457 |newspaper=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |title=Ostyn says Pacific cost major status |agency=Associated Press |date=August 9, 1967 |page=15}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=P8pRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=D20DAAAAIBAJ&pg=2968,291028 |newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |title=NCAA ups 4 colleges |location=Associated Press |date=July 2, 1969 |page=22}}}} That is why runner-up Boise State went to the Camellia Bowl in 1971,{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=o5EtAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ugkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2427%2C2664814 |newspaper=Sunday Star-News |location=(Wilmington, North Carolina) |agency=UPI |title=Boise St. trims Chico St., 32–28 |date=December 12, 1971 |page=6C}} and when the Division II playoffs arrived in 1973, the Vandals were again ineligible, as they were in Division I. (Idaho was a member of the conference primarily for basketball, in Division I.)
The Big Sky moved up to the new Division I-AA in 1978, and Idaho was forced to move down. In 18 seasons in I-AA, the Vandals reached the post-season playoffs 11 times, missing only once in the final 11 seasons {{nowrap|of 1985–95.}}
Idaho returned to Division I-A in 1996 with a move to the Big West, and then to the WAC in 2005. (The Big West dropped football after 2000; Idaho was a "football only" member of the Sun Belt for four seasons, {{nowrap|2000–04.)}} The WAC dropped football after the 2012 season and Idaho athletics rejoined the Big Sky in 2013 for all sports except football, which was independent in 2013, rejoined the Sun Belt in 2014, and the Big Sky (FCS) {{nowrap|in 2018.}}
Schedule
{{CFB schedule
| rankyear = 1971
| other-event = Δ Home game played off-campus (Boise, Spokane)
| timezone = Pacific
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = September 11
| time = 7:00 pm
| w/l = l
| opponent = Boise StateΔ
| site_stadium = Bronco Stadium
| site_cityst = Boise, ID
| gamename = rivalry
| score = 14–42
| attend = 16,123
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = September 18
| time = 11:30 am
| w/l = l
| nonconf = y
| away = y
| opponent = Iowa State
| site_stadium = Clyde Williams Field
| site_cityst = Ames, IA
| score = 7–24
| attend = 25,000
| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-iowa-state-trims-id/160901250/|newspaper=The Kansas City Star|title=Iowa State trims Idaho|date=September 19, 1971|accessdate=December 14, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = September 25
| time = 7:30 pm
| w/l = w
| nonconf = y
| opponent = Colorado StateΔ
| site_stadium = Joe Albi Stadium
| site_cityst = Spokane, WA
| score = 10–0
| attend = 12,600
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = October 2
| time = 12:30 pm
| w/l = w
| away = y
| opponent = Montana
| site_stadium = Dornblaser Field
| site_cityst = Missoula, MT
| gamename = Little Brown Stein
| score = 21–12
| attend = 12,000
| source = {{cite web |url=https://scholarworks.umt.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1044&context=grizzlyfootball_programs_asc |publisher=University of Montana |agency=(ScholarWorks)|title=Game program: Montana - Idaho |date=October 2, 1971 |accessdate=August 17, 2022}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NyxOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=v-wDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3840%2C1516397 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |last=Paine |first=Bob |title=Seefried, Vandal defense end Montana's supremacy |date=October 3, 1971 |page=1, sports}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = October 9
| time = 1:30 pm
| w/l = w
| homecoming = y
| opponent = Idaho State
| site_stadium = Idaho Stadium
| site_cityst = Moscow, ID
| gamename = rivalry
| score = 40–3
| attend = 14,200
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = October 16
| time = 2:00 pm
| w/l = w
| nonconf = y
| away = y
| opponent = Pacific (CA)
| site_stadium = Pacific Memorial Stadium
| site_cityst = Stockton, CA
| score = 13–12
| attend = 10,132–10,281
| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sacramento-bee-vandals-nip-uop-on-bo/160901410/|newspaper=The Sacramento Bee|title=Vandals nip UOP on boot|date=October 17, 1971|accessdate=December 14, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = October 23
| time = 6:00 pm
| w/l = w
| nonconf = y
| away = y
| opponent = West Texas State
| site_stadium = Buffalo Bowl
| site_cityst = Canyon, TX
| score = 26–0
| attend = 14,000
| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120815356/vandals-spoil-homecoming-with-shutout-of/|work=The Spokesman-Review|title=Vandals spoil homecoming with shutout of Buffaloes|date=October 24, 1971|accessdate=March 13, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = October 30
| time = 6:30 pm
| w/l = w
| nonconf = y
| away = y
| opponent = New Mexico State
| site_stadium = Memorial Stadium
| site_cityst = Las Cruces, NM
| score = 19–14
| attend =
| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-spokesman-review-vandals-gain-sixth/160901613/|newspaper=The Spokesman-Review|title=Vandals gain sixth victory|date=October 31, 1971|accessdate=December 14, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = November 6
| time = 12:30 pm
| w/l = w
| away = y
| opponent = Weber State
| site_stadium = Wildcat Stadium
| site_cityst = Ogden, UT
| score = 24–20
| attend = 8,404
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = November 13
| time = 12:30 pm
| w/l = w
| opponent = Montana State
| site_stadium = Idaho Stadium
| site_cityst = Moscow, ID
| score = 40–2
| attend = 12,900
| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-billings-gazette-idaho-rocks-msu-to/160901699/|newspaper=The Billings Gazette|title=Idaho rocks MSU to set record, 40–2|date=November 14, 1971|accessdate=December 14, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = November 20
| time = 12:30 pm
| w/l = l
| nonconf = y
| opponent = Utah State
| site_stadium = Idaho Stadium
| site_cityst = Moscow, ID
| score = 13–42
| attend = 15,100
}}
}}
Roster
{{American football roster/Header
| year = 1971
| team = Idaho Vandals
| teamcolors = f
| offensive_players=
{{American football roster/Player|num=10|class=Sr|first=Tom|last=Ponciano|pos=QB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=12|class=So|first=Bruce|last=Cole|pos=QB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=18|class=So|first=Rick|last=Seefried|pos=QB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=20|class=Sr|first=Fred|last=Riley|pos=RB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=22|class=Sr|first=Robert|last=Williams|pos=RB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=24|class=Jr|first=Jerry|last=Hall|pos=FL}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=30|class=So|first=Alan|last=Head|pos=WR}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=35|class=Jr|first=Bernie|last=Rembert|pos=RB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=36|class=So|first=Mike|last=Clements|pos=RB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=38|class=Jr|first=Kim|last=Giordano|pos=RB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=40|class=Jr|first=Randy|last=Peterson|pos=RB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=43|class=Sr|first=Malcolm|last=Smith|pos=RB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=44|class=Jr|first=Frank|last=Doctor|pos=RB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=45|class=Sr|first=Jim|last=Wilund|pos=TE}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=50|class=Jr|first=Ken|last=Muhlbeier|pos=C}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=51|class=So|first=Dennis|last=Feeney|pos=C}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=59|class=Jr|first=Daryl|last=Hanauer|pos=C}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=70|class=Sr|first=Richard|last=Beaver|pos=T}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=72|class=Jr|first=Larry|last=Bosma|pos=OL}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=73|class=Sr|first=Faustin|last=Riley|pos=G,T}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=74|class=Jr|first=Dave|last=Crnich|pos=OL}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=75|class=Sr|first=Rich|last=Kushlan|pos=G}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=76|class=So|first=Bob|last=Van Duyne|pos=OL|link=y}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=77|class=Jr|first=Larry|last=Warren|pos=OL}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=78|class=Sr|first=Andy|last=Kupp|pos=G,T}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=79|class=So|first=Jerry|last=Secrest|pos=OL}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=80|class=So|first=Jay|last=Curcio|pos=WR}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=82|class=Jr|first=Darrell|last=Burchfield|pos=TE}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=84|class=So|first=Jim|last=Welch|pos=TE}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=83|class=Jr|first=Kevin|last=Ault|pos=WR}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=89|class=Sr|first=Jack|last=Goddard|pos=WR|note=C}}
| defensive_players=
{{American football roster/Player|num=11|class=So|first=Bucky|last=Bruns|pos=S}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=16|class=Jr|first=Steve|last=Hunter|pos=S}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=23|class=Fr|first=Ross|last=Nelson|pos=S}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=25|class=So|first=Randy|last=Hall|pos=S|link=y|dab=Randy Hall (American football)}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=26|class=Sr|first=Loren|last=Dantzler|pos=DB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=27|class=Sr|first=Pat|last=Sprute|pos=S}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=33|class=Jr|first=Rod|last=Maynard|pos=CB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=34|class=Sr|first=Bob|last=Miller|pos=S}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=37|class=Jr|first=Kirby|last=Cook|pos=CB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=42|class=Jr|first=Kelly|last=Courage|pos=CB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=52|class=So|first=John|last=Bligh|pos=LB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=53|class=Jr|first=Rand|last=Marquess|pos=LB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=54|class=So|first=Fred|last=Morschek|pos=LB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=55|class=So|first=Lindsey|last=Burgess|pos=LB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=56|class=Jr|first=Mark|last=Busch|pos=DL}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=58|class=Jr|first=Ralph|last=Sletager|pos=LB}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=61|class=Sr|first=Ron|last=Linehan|pos=LB|note=C}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=62|class=Jr|first=Steve|last=Mabry|pos=DL}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=65|class=Sr|first=Bill|last=Cady|pos=DT}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=66|class=So|first=Rick|last=Clute|pos=DL}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=67|class=Sr|first=Steve|last=Barker|pos=NG}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=68|class=So|first=Lloyd|last=Gramsrud|pos=DL}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=69|class=So|first=Tom|last=Aldershoe|pos=DL}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=71|class=Jr|first=Mike|last=Newell|pos=DT}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=81|class=Sr|first=Tom|last=Jarman|pos=DE}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=85|class=Jr|first=Rick|last=Simmons|pos=DE}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=86|class=So|first=Tom|last=Doud|pos=DE}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=87|class=So|first=Alan|last=Vance|pos=DL}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=88|class=So|first=Oscar|last=Nelson|pos=DL}}
| special_teams_players=
{{American football roster/Player|num=7|class=Sr|first=Ricardo|last=Castillo|pos=PK}}
{{American football roster/Player|num=16|class=Jr|first=Steve|last=Hunter|pos=P}}
}}
{{American football roster/Footer
| head_coach = *Don Robbins (2nd year)
| asst_coach =
- Bob Thompson (OC)
- Ray Fulton (DC)
- Don Matthews (OL)
| access-date=
}}
:{{small|Source:}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PSxOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=v-wDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4478%2C3171397 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |title=Bengals vs. Vandals: probable lineups |date=October 9, 1971 |page=12}}
All-conference
Six Vandals were named to the all-Big Sky team, two on offense and four on defense: halfback Fred Riley, guard Andy Kupp, defensive end Rick Simmons, noseguard Steve Barker, and linebackers Ron Linehan and Rand Marquess. The second team also had six Idaho players, with four on offense and two on defense: fullback Frank Doctor, wide receiver Jack Goddard, tackle Larry Bosma, center Ken Muhlbeier, defensive tackle Bill Cady, and defensive back {{nowrap|Kelly Courage.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=M_AjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=BO0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=7068%2C3572898 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |agency=Associated Press |title=Idaho lands six gridders on Big Sky all-star team |date=November 25, 1971 |page=31}}{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=C7wzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=pPgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2550%2C3507611 |work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington)|title=Six Vandals are honored |date=November 25, 1971 |page=69}}}}
Linehan's selection was his third consecutive, and he was also named the team's most valuable player.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=o8leAAAAIBAJ&sjid=eDIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5689%2C2517316 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) | title=Vandals pick Ron Linehan as most valuable player |date=December 10, 1971 |page=19}} Three weeks after the season ended, he received a gunshot wound to his left side;{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=pcleAAAAIBAJ&sjid=eDIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2990%2C2903721 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho)|agency=Associated Press |title=Lewiston man in Moscow jail after shooting |date=December 12, 1971 |page=5}} he spent less than two days at Gritman hospital and was released.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=p8leAAAAIBAJ&sjid=eDIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6329%2C3447683 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |title=Steven E. Oetken arraigned on shooting charge |date=December 14, 1971 |page=5}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qMleAAAAIBAJ&sjid=eDIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3400%2C3724502 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |title=Guilty plea entered |date=December 15, 1971 |page=14}} His younger brothers were also starters for the Vandals: Rick was the strong safety in the late 1970s and Scott was the quarterback in the mid-1980s.
NFL draft
Three Vandal seniors were selected in the 1972 NFL draft, which lasted 17 rounds (442 selections).
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| Player | Position | Round | Overall | Franchise |
| Fred Riley | WR | 6th | 146 | Atlanta Falcons |
| Andy Kupp | G | 10th | 241 | New Orleans Saints |
| Ron Linehan | LB | 17th | 428 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
One junior was selected in the following year's draft in 1973, also 17 rounds (442 selections).
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| Player | Position | Round | Overall | Franchise |
| Ken Muhlbeier | C | 16th | 400 | Denver Broncos |
Two sophomores were selected in the 1974 NFL draft, which lasted 17 rounds (442 selections).
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| align="center" style="background:#B3A369;color:black;"
| Player | Position | Round | Overall | Franchise |
| align="center" bgcolor="" | G | 10th | 240 | Baltimore Colts |
| align="center" bgcolor=""
| Randy Hall | DB | 13th | 317 | Baltimore Colts |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://issuu.com/uidahodigital/docs/gem1972/58 Gem of the Mountains: 1972 University of Idaho yearbook] – Idaho State at Idaho – October 9, 1971
- [http://issuu.com/uidahodigital/docs/gem1972/74 Montana State and Utah State home games]
- [https://gomightyvandals.wordpress.com/2011/03/30/1971-the-wild-bunch/ Go Mighty Vandals] – 1971 – The Wild Bunch
- [http://www.lib.uidaho.edu/digital/argonaut/years/1971.html Idaho Argonaut] – student newspaper – 1971 editions
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Category:Idaho Vandals football seasons