MOSCOW - The University of Idaho opens the 2012 football season at home against Eastern Washington on Thursday, Aug. 30, at 6 p.m. at the Kibbie Dome.

The Vandals' 2012 schedule includes non-conference action against Bowling Green State, LSU, Wyoming, North Carolina and BYU as well as games against conference newcomers Texas State and Texas San Antonio.

"We're anxious to get after it," Vandals coach Robb Akey said. "We are excited about having the schedule, knowing where we're going to play, who we're going to play on what dates. Now we can start settling on a few more goals."

The Vandals' opener against Eastern Washington renews a rivalry first contested in 1942 and played most recently in 2003. Idaho leads the series 15-4.

Idaho's Sept. 8 trip to Bowling Green is the third game between the two with each winning once - Idaho at the 2009 Humanitarian Bowl and the Falcons last year at the Kibbie Dome. The Vandals continue on the road to LSU for a Sept. 15 game with a home game against Wyoming on Sept. 22. Idaho wraps up September at North Carolina.

The Vandals kick off Western Athletic Conference action at home against New Mexico State on Oct. 6. They travel to league contests at Texas State Oct. 13 and at Louisiana Tech Oct. 20 before a bye on Oct. 27.

San Jose State comes to Idaho Nov. 3. Next up is a Nov. 10 trip to BYU followed by a Nov. 17 home date vs. UTSA. Idaho wraps up the 2012 season at Utah State on Nov. 24.

Home games are at 2 p.m. but times may change because of TV.

The Vandals begin spring drills March 22 with the Silver and Gold game April 20 and the Robb Akey Golf Tournament on April 21.

IDAHO FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

August

30 - vs. Eastern Washington.

September

8 - at Bowling Green. 15 - at LSU. 22 - vs. Wyoming. 29 - at North Carolina.

October

6 - vs. New Mexico State. 13 - at Texas State. 20 - at Louisiana Tech. 27 - bye.

November

3 - vs. San Jose State. 10 - at BYU. 17 - vs. Texas San Antonio. 24 - at Utah State.