Previewing the Idaho Vandals defense ahead of Week 1 game vs. Oregon Ducks

The Idaho Vandals were picked third in the Big Sky Conference this season largely due to their experienced defense.

Their game plan for 2024 is to play an overwhelming defense with an offense just good enough to put enough points on the board to propel them into the FCS playoffs.

Last season the defense was definitely good enough to lead the Vandals into the playoffs as it gave up just a little over 22 points per game. Idaho finished with a 9-4 record, and its season ended in the second round of the FCS playoffs, with a 30-22 loss to Albany.

But this year got off to a good start with three members of the Vandal defense being named to the preseason All-Big Sky team, leading the conference.

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Sophomore Dallas Afalava and senior Keyshawn James-Newby anchor a deep defensive line unit. Afalava and James-Newby both were credited with five sacks last season to tie for the team-high.

Afalava was named an FCS Football Central Preseason All-American. Both players were named among the top-25 returning FCS players at their respective positions.

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James-Newby had 38 tackles, seven for loss and five sacks last season and is expected to have an even bigger season in 2024.

In the third level of the Vandals defense is senior defensive back Tommy McCormick, who was also named to the preseason team. He is the leading returning tackler for Idaho and has earned All-Conference honors each of the last two years. He accounted for 62 tackles and five pass breakups.

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