1 touchdown, 6 interceptions and an NFL-themed bedspread

Two years ago, the University of Idaho football team would have had its hands full with any fellow Division I-A (I'm refusing to call it "Football Championship Subdivision" from this point forward) football team — and even some of the better Division I-AA squads.

Present-day Vandal Land is much, much different. Right now UI can allow itself to feel a very foreign emotion for some of its lesser opponents: pity.

How could the Vandals have felt anything but pity for UNLV last week, after finishing a 30-7 rout? UI tossed around the Rebels' front four like it was a game of pinball and crushed the opposing quarterbacks (the hapless starter was replaced in the second half).

This week's score, as the Vandals take on Colorado State University, could be even more lopsided than the last one, even though UI will be on the road this time instead of in the Kibbie Dome. These teams played to a virtual standstill in the Vandals' 31-29 win a year ago. But this year's version of the Rams (0-3 record) seems much less imposing. CSU has:

• Been outscored 106-19 in three games, against Colorado (a train wreck, albeit a BCS Conference train wreck), Nevada (potent yet still relatively unproven) and Miami of Ohio (um, yeah).
• 128 rushing yards. Total. Oh boy.
• Converted only 12 of its 40 third-down plays and none of its seven fourth-down attempts.

I could list the rest of the dismal statistics, but I already have a full-time job. Suffice it to say, CSU appears to be one of the worst teams in the country.

The Vandals simply are in a much-better position right now. While both UI and CSU are dealing with the loss of four of five starting offensive linemen, that's where the similarities come to a screeching halt.

• In the category of forced turnovers, UI has been outstanding while CSU has been down and out.
• UI has a senior quarterback with NFL potential. CSU has a freshman quarterback with one touchdown, six interceptions and an NFL-themed bedspread.
• UI has three viable running backs, each with something unique to offer. CSU has a once-hyped transfer running back from UCLA who's averaging 1.6 yards per carry.

Road or home, the Vandals shouldn't lose games like this anymore. And they won't. PREDICTION: UI 49, CSU 13.