RUSTON, La. — The Idaho Vandals got off to a rough start against Louisiana Tech — and things never really improved.

Idaho fumbled the opening kickoff on its 1-yard line, and the Bulldogs quickly scored the first of 10 touchdowns Saturday as Louisiana Tech overwhelmed Idaho in a 70-28 rout.

“If we’re going to have a shoot-out, we have to shoot,” Idaho coach Robb Akey said.

Louisiana Tech’s offense amassed 839 yards, 408 of which were on the ground. Running back Kenneth Dixon ran for 232 yards and scored six touchdowns.

“That’s a heck of a thing to go through as a player,” Akey said. “But I’ve got respect for them. They kept fighting.”

Idaho quarterback Dominique Blackmon finished 20-of-35 for 199 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.

The Vandals (1-7, 1-2) scored the only touchdown in the final period on Blackmon’s 1-yard pass to Michael LaGrone.

The Bulldogs scored 35 points in the first quarter, the most points ever given up by Idaho. The previous high was 34 by Weber State in 1968.

The Vandals scored four touchdowns in the loss. Trailing 14-0, Blackmon lateraled to receiver Roman Runner, who then found Najee Lovett behind the defense for a 58-yard score in the first quarter. Less than 3 minutes later, Todd Handley returned a kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown. Before the half ended, James Baker scored on a 1-yard run.