Idaho's Vandals secured a berth in a post-season bowl for the first time since their victory in the 2009 Humanitarian Bowl. They improved to 7-4 overall and 5-2 in the Sun Belt after downing South Alabama 38-31 with a performance that reflected the path they took to their other six ­­victories – with significant contributions from every phase of the game.
 
There were Isaiah Saunder's career-best 142 yards rushing – a high out of the backfield for a Vandal this fall. His 23 carries and three rushing touchdowns also were bests for an Idaho player this season. A Vandal has scored three or more rushing touchdowns only 25 times in school history. Of those 25, six were games of four rushing touchdowns.
 
Tony Lashley's 14 total tackles were second this season only to the 15 stops Ed Hall had at UNLV. Speaking of Hall, he had three tackles for loss against the Jaguars. That matched three TFL single-game efforts by Akeem Coleman (twice), Kaden Elliss, Glen Antoine and Lashley.
 
Elliss became the Vandals' leader in interceptions when he picked off USA's Dallas Davies to run his season total to four, which is third in the Sun Belt and 25^th among FBS players.
 
Of course, Austin Rehkow was dependable as Idaho's kicker and punter. His five PATs Saturday pushed him into third on Idaho's career list with 123. His 126 career attempts with his career percentage of .976 both are fifth. He moved into second on Idaho's all-time scoring list with 324 career points. He's second only to running back Sherriden May, who scored 366 from 1991-93.
 
Already Idaho's all-time field goal leader with 67 made and 88 attempts, he moved into No. 1 on the field goal percentage list at .761.
 
For the 2016 season, Rehkow is the Sun Belt Conference leader in scoring average (9.1) and field goals per game (2.09). He's second in field goal percentage (.920) and third in punting average (.42.8).
 
Lashley is second in fumble recoveries (two). Elliss is third in interceptions per game (.4), total interceptions (four) and forced fumbles per game (.27).
 
Kendrick Trotter is one of just a few players to return a punt for a touchdown with his against Louisiana-Monroe and Coleman, with .73 per game, is third in the league in sacks.
 
Buck Cowan's five receiving touchdowns are third in the league, while quarterback Matt Linehan is second in total passing yards (2,677) and fourth in pass efficiency (127.5) and total offense (257.7).
 
Idaho returns to the Kibbie Dome for the regular-season finale against Georgia State. Kickoff for Senior Day/Dads' Weekend is 2 p.m. Bowl selections will be announced Sunday, Dec. 4.