MOSCOW — Idaho’s “new” season started just the way the Vandals wanted — with the victory that puts them in a tie for the Western Athletic Conference lead, albeit one game into the conference season.
Junior quarterback Dominque Blackman threw for 304 yards and two touchdowns as Idaho (1-5) beat New Mexico State 26-18 on Saturday in the Kibbie Dome.
Blackman, who completed 26-of-48 pass attemps, recovered from an interception on the game’s first snap. He hit Najee Lovett on a 35-yard score in the first quarter and Jahrie Level from 17 yards in the second.
Trey Farquhar added four field goals, including a 55-yarder just before halftime that tied a career high and put the Vandals up 20-10.
“All three phases of the game contributed,” coach Robb Akey said. “It was a more complete game. It was our football team’s best game — because we won.
“More than anything else in the world, I’m happy for that room full of players. Those guys in there that have been working their tails off.”
Farquhar accounted for all of the Vandals’ second-half scoring with a 32-yarder and a 53-yarder in the third.
Farquhar, who meet Olympic gold medal cyclist Kristin Armstrong on Friday afternoon and was the recipient of a good luck rub of her gold medal on his kicking foot, said he was “just doing my job.”
Said Akey: “He’s accountable. I have great confidence in him.’’
Blackman made use of nine receivers with Level leading the way with eight catches for 92 yards and Mike Scott accounting for 78 yards on three catches. The offensive line didn’t allow a sack for the second time this season.
Defensively, Gary Walker had 13 tackles along with two pass breakups, and Su`a Tuala added 12 tackles. Homer Mauga and Tracy Carter each had one interception.
“It’s been several months since we’ve been able to celebrate after a game,” Akey said. “I’m happy as could be for them.”
Andrew Manley threw for 309 yards for the Aggies (1-5, 0-2), including a 30-yard TD to Kemonte Bateman. Manley’s 1-yard scoring run late in the fourth quarter, plus a two-point conversion, made it a one-possession game. The Vandals, however, recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock.
The Vandals play at Texas State next Saturday (5 p.m., KTRV). The Bobcats are 2-3 after a 35-14 loss at New Mexico on Saturday.
