BOISE, Idaho -- The Idaho State Board of Education is poised to vote on a proposal that would allow The University of Idaho to join the ranks of college football independents.

The board will also consider a plan to send the rest of Vandal athletic teams back in the Big Sky Conference.

Members of the board will vote on the proposals Friday in Boise.

For years, the Vandals have competed in the Western Athletic Conference. But that league is in tatters and near extinction thanks to a series of defections of its best football teams, including Boise State, Nevada and Fresno State.

The WAC's woes forced Vandal officials to consider alternatives.

After being rejected a bid by The Mountain West Conference, school officials see independence as the best fit for the football team.