2013 Record: 1-11

2014 Las Vegas Season Win Total: 3.5*

2014 Season Win Total Picks NCAA Football: 'Over'

The Idaho Vandals come back to the Sun Belt Conference and I see themhaving some success in this new-look league. Last year the Vandals won only one game. But they are much better this year. The Vandals played one of the toughest schedules last year and that experience for the 17 returning starters will only be a blessing this year.

The main takeaway from last year was their schedule and this year not only is Idaho returning 17 starters but they are breaking in a freshman quarterback. Freshman Matt Linehan is an outstanding athlete and his quick release will surprise the Sun Belt Conference.

The Vandals will be a much-improved team from last year and if they can survive the beginning part of their schedule (five out of their first seven games are on the road) they should be the surprise team in this conference. The road slate isbrutal. But last year was worse and again experience will count and this team might be pulling off some upsets.

I think the 3.5 number is solid and in my eyes can go either way. But experience will count and I see them going 'over'.Nine starters coming back on defense will be the key and look for the young QB getting better every week. This Vandals team is going to be fun to watch in the Sun Belt Conference.

2014 Idaho Vandals Schedule

DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET) Location Result

Sat, Aug 30th, 2014 at Florida 07:00 PM Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Fl

Sat, Sep 6th, 2014 at ULM 07:00 PM Malone Stadium

Sat, Sep 13th, 2014 WesternMich 05:00 PM Kibbie Dome

Sat, Sep 20th, 2014 at OhioU TBA Peden Stadium

Sat, Sep 27th, 2014 SouthAlabama 05:00 PM Kibbie Dome

Sat, Oct 4th, 2014 at TexasState TBA Jim Wacker Field at Bobcat Sta

Sat, Oct 11th, 2014 at GaSouthern 06:00 PM Allen E. Paulson Stadium

Sat, Oct 18th, 2014 NewMexicoSt 05:00 PM Kibbie Dome

Sat, Nov 1st, 2014 ArkansasState 05:00 PM Kibbie Dome

Sat, Nov 8th, 2014 at SanDiegoSt 06:30 PM Qualcomm Stadium

Sat, Nov 15th, 2014 Troy 05:00 PM Kibbie Dome

Sat, Nov 29th, 2014 at AppalachianSt TBA Kidd Brewer Stadium

All Times EST

*Season Win Total Odds from Raphael Esparza. Esparza was a Las Vegas sportsbook manager for 13 years at some of the largest books on The Strip. He is a proven oddsmaker and this is his projected total.

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