Turnovers robbed Vandals of credit

The Vandals have nothing to hang their heads about.

You might think I'm crazy after looking at the 45-10 score of their loss to Hawaii across the ocean Saturday, but there was much more to that game than the final margin.

It was encouraging to see Idaho consistently move the ball on Hawaii, a team that is just outside the national Top 25 rankings (there's no way they deserve it though) and recently defeated supposed juggernaut Nevada. What's more, the Warriors struggled to execute their own offensive gameplan for much of the first half.

Fortunately for Hawaii, the Vandals stopped themselves. Three critical turnovers were huge in the decisive first half. Not only did they stile Idaho's opportunities, they enabled scoring Hawaii scoring drives of 33, 45 and 48 yards. The Vandals gave up a 57-yard fumble return for a touchdown for good measure.

By halftime, the score was 31-3 — very deceptive. It was a pipe dream to think Idaho could come back and win on the road in that situation.

All told, the Vandals defense recorded three sacks and eight and a half tackles for loss. The receivers got open and delivered. And Deonte' Jackson had perhaps his most encouraging performance this year.

Against the likes of Nevada, That Team From Boise, Utah State and Fresno State in the coming weeks, playing well won't be good enough. If the Vandals don't get their turnovers under control, all their offensive talent will have gone to waste.