Idaho used a strong running game and a stout defense to open the season with a 20-17 victory over Montana State last Thursday night.
 
It was a night of bests for three Vandals – senior safety Robert Siavii, junior running back Aaron Duckworth and sophomore linebacker Tony Lashley.
 
Siavii had a career-best three passes deflected and picked up his fifth career interception, which gave him back-to-back games with a pick after he closed the 2015 season with one against Texas State. His passes defensed in the opener ties him for first in the nation with three other players.
 
As for Duckworth, he had a career day after serving as understudy to current Arizona Cardinal Elijhaa Penny in 2015. Duckworth covered a career-best 108 yards, which includes a career-long 43-yarder.
 
Lashley, who missed 2015 with injury, came back strong with career-highs in total tackles (nine), solo tackles (six), assists (three) and tackles for loss (three). His tackles for loss are third in the Sun Belt and ninth nationally.
 
The now veteran offensive line proved its growth with just one sack and two tackles for loss during the game. The group is tied for first nationally with 28 others in allowing just one sack and is second nationally and first in the Sun Belt in tackles for loss allowed with just two.
 
The Vandals are on the road for the three weeks – at Washington, at Washington State and at UNLV, before returning to the Kibbie Dome for Homecoming against Troy on Oct. 1.