That Team From Boise (TTFB) is running out of reasons to avoid a game against Idaho next season.
Most of the details surrounding Fresno State and Nevada's move to the Mountain West Conference are not unlike a Ralph Fiennes movie: boring and depressing.
But one tidbit from today's breaking news was quite intriguing. Thanks to an agreement keeping the aforementioned schools in the Western Athletic Conference through next season, TTFB has two open game slots to fill.
I'm not going to pretend to know all factors at play, but it seems feasible for TTFB to continue the rivalry game against the Vandals — that's assuming Idaho can swing it at this point — for at least one more year.
Hey, if TTFB can manage to find two big-name opponents, more power to them. But if it's looking for least one matchup with a much-weaker team, there is absolutely no reason to invite [insert name of nondescript squad from the Midwest that Treasure Valley media undoubtedly will build up as a "crafty powerhouse in waiting"] instead of a Vandal squad that will generate a ton of local excitement/fun.
I hope this happens. And I hope Bob Kustra will feel nice and safe watching the 2011 rivalry game in the friendly confines of his home stadium — among all of those quite, unassuming, churchgoing, alcohol-hating TTFB enthusiasts.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
It can be erased
The sting of losing to Colorado State, an awful football team, and Louisiana Tech, which rang up nearly 700 yards in the process, wasn't erased by Idaho's homecoming victory last weekend.
Beating up on a doormat such as New Mexico State is fun, but it's not progress. Neither is completely stagnating — be it by design or accident — in the second half of that game.
Knocking off Hawaii on the most grueling road trip in the country would erase all that sting, though. It's not impossible. But unlikely? Yes.
Hawaii has averaged 38.5 points and 400 passing yards per game on the way to a 6-2 record. And even though they've played a weak schedule, many point to the Warriors' 36 points in a relatively slim 13-point loss to Pac-10 stalwart USC. In fact, some of those same people say Hawaii should be in the national top 25.
Let's not go overboard just yet. Hawaii put up 36 on a USC defense that is in shambles. For instance, Washington, which is 3-4 this season, beat USC on its home turf.
Further, Hawaii lost to Colorado 31-13 and barely beat Army. The team's best victory so far? A 6-point win over Nevada, a team that has been lauded but hasn't proved anything yet.
Hawaii might be a top 25 team, but I want to see proof. (Maybe I don't, actually!)
As usual, I am not worried about Idaho's offense all that much. But the Vandals will be without probably their second-best defender for the rest of the season after JoJo Dickson broke his leg last weekend. It's tough to see this happen to a senior, and we all wish him the best during the recovery process.
Idaho is in the middle of its own recovery project — the revitalization of a football program. If linebackers such as Homer Mauga step up and get tough against the pass in Dickson's absense — especially against an air-focused offense such as Hawaii's — the Vandals can win this game and make everyone forget the first half of the season.
PREDICTION: Idaho moves the ball like crazy but can't stop the Warriors at all. Idaho 41, Hawaii 56
Beating up on a doormat such as New Mexico State is fun, but it's not progress. Neither is completely stagnating — be it by design or accident — in the second half of that game.
Knocking off Hawaii on the most grueling road trip in the country would erase all that sting, though. It's not impossible. But unlikely? Yes.
Hawaii has averaged 38.5 points and 400 passing yards per game on the way to a 6-2 record. And even though they've played a weak schedule, many point to the Warriors' 36 points in a relatively slim 13-point loss to Pac-10 stalwart USC. In fact, some of those same people say Hawaii should be in the national top 25.
Let's not go overboard just yet. Hawaii put up 36 on a USC defense that is in shambles. For instance, Washington, which is 3-4 this season, beat USC on its home turf.
Further, Hawaii lost to Colorado 31-13 and barely beat Army. The team's best victory so far? A 6-point win over Nevada, a team that has been lauded but hasn't proved anything yet.
Hawaii might be a top 25 team, but I want to see proof. (Maybe I don't, actually!)
As usual, I am not worried about Idaho's offense all that much. But the Vandals will be without probably their second-best defender for the rest of the season after JoJo Dickson broke his leg last weekend. It's tough to see this happen to a senior, and we all wish him the best during the recovery process.
Idaho is in the middle of its own recovery project — the revitalization of a football program. If linebackers such as Homer Mauga step up and get tough against the pass in Dickson's absense — especially against an air-focused offense such as Hawaii's — the Vandals can win this game and make everyone forget the first half of the season.
PREDICTION: Idaho moves the ball like crazy but can't stop the Warriors at all. Idaho 41, Hawaii 56
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Weird science
Idaho needs to treat today's homecoming game against New Mexico State like a chemistry experiment.
It's a bad team, and the Vandals are home. It's the perfect time to try some different player combinations in an effort to streamline their play as much as possible before the meat of the Western Athletic Conference schedule begins.
Why would the coaches mess around at this point in the season? Well, why not? It simply can't get any worse defensively than it was last week, so there is absolutely nothing at risk. Plus, if you sit a couple guys who normally start, maybe they'll receive a valuable message: The hardest workers play, pure and simple.
On offense, why not start one back exclusively for the first half and another for the second half? The rushing attack hasn't been stellar lately, and if this facet of the game doesn't improve soon, Enderle and his receivers soon will feel the effects.
A bowl game is probably more unlikely than likely for Idaho at this point — especially after last week's loss. Not much is at stake anymore. Getting beat by New Mexico State wouldn't be any worse than the nosedive the Vandals took versus Colorado State earlier this year.
Take some chances, Akey. Something has to change.
It's a bad team, and the Vandals are home. It's the perfect time to try some different player combinations in an effort to streamline their play as much as possible before the meat of the Western Athletic Conference schedule begins.
Why would the coaches mess around at this point in the season? Well, why not? It simply can't get any worse defensively than it was last week, so there is absolutely nothing at risk. Plus, if you sit a couple guys who normally start, maybe they'll receive a valuable message: The hardest workers play, pure and simple.
On offense, why not start one back exclusively for the first half and another for the second half? The rushing attack hasn't been stellar lately, and if this facet of the game doesn't improve soon, Enderle and his receivers soon will feel the effects.
A bowl game is probably more unlikely than likely for Idaho at this point — especially after last week's loss. Not much is at stake anymore. Getting beat by New Mexico State wouldn't be any worse than the nosedive the Vandals took versus Colorado State earlier this year.
Take some chances, Akey. Something has to change.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Disaster followed by confidence-building opportunity
There's nothing constructive to say about 683 yards given up.
There's also no way to know whether the University of Idaho football team's mind-numbingly awful defensive performance Saturday versus Louisiana Tech will repeat itself at some point this season — especially having come on the heels of some pretty decent performances early this year.
So let's get this out of the way before moving on to the Vandals' homecoming game Saturday against the New Mexico State Aggies. — If the UI defense continues to play the way it did against La. Tech, this team won't win another game this year. —
OK, on to the Aggies. The good news is that New Mexico State is possibly the worst team in Division 1-A (I still won't call it FBS). More good news is that the bad news might actually be good news. Starting cornerback Isaac Butts has been dismissed from the team for an undisclosed reason (My best guess is that he was simply devoting too much time to his studies, and the coaches felt it was hurting his devotion to the team. Obviously that's just a guess, though.).
Why is this good news? Well, the Vandals have been so inconsistent against the pass recently that sticking a 2x4 in his corner spot might be just as good. Perhaps his replacement will provide a spark. You never know.
More good news is that Justin Veltung made Maurice Shaw's DUI-induced absence an afterthought last weekend, helping prove the depth and talent of the Vandals' receiver corps. Veltung had six grabs for 149 yards and four scores. Two others, Daniel Hardy and Eric Greenwood, each went over 100 yards as well.
With home-field advantage and an even weaker team than La. Tech serving as this Saturday's opponent, UI should be able to all but name its point total.
On the flip side, if the woeful Aggies are allowed even close to the amount of offensive success La. Tech enjoyed, any hope for a winning season in Moscow will be dashed.
There's also no way to know whether the University of Idaho football team's mind-numbingly awful defensive performance Saturday versus Louisiana Tech will repeat itself at some point this season — especially having come on the heels of some pretty decent performances early this year.
So let's get this out of the way before moving on to the Vandals' homecoming game Saturday against the New Mexico State Aggies. — If the UI defense continues to play the way it did against La. Tech, this team won't win another game this year. —
OK, on to the Aggies. The good news is that New Mexico State is possibly the worst team in Division 1-A (I still won't call it FBS). More good news is that the bad news might actually be good news. Starting cornerback Isaac Butts has been dismissed from the team for an undisclosed reason (My best guess is that he was simply devoting too much time to his studies, and the coaches felt it was hurting his devotion to the team. Obviously that's just a guess, though.).
Why is this good news? Well, the Vandals have been so inconsistent against the pass recently that sticking a 2x4 in his corner spot might be just as good. Perhaps his replacement will provide a spark. You never know.
More good news is that Justin Veltung made Maurice Shaw's DUI-induced absence an afterthought last weekend, helping prove the depth and talent of the Vandals' receiver corps. Veltung had six grabs for 149 yards and four scores. Two others, Daniel Hardy and Eric Greenwood, each went over 100 yards as well.
With home-field advantage and an even weaker team than La. Tech serving as this Saturday's opponent, UI should be able to all but name its point total.
On the flip side, if the woeful Aggies are allowed even close to the amount of offensive success La. Tech enjoyed, any hope for a winning season in Moscow will be dashed.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Saturday is one of the victories
If we're being realistic, this Saturday's contest against Louisiana Tech is one of of six highly winnable Western Athletic Conference games for the University of Idaho football team this year.
It's an unlikely path, but this weekend the Vandals can take their first step toward a 6-2 conference record, 9-4 overall record and another bowl appearance.
Don't get bogged down in how weird it is to think about UI winning six league games. Instead, dwell on the encouraging facts about La. Tech that are staring us in the face:
The Vandals shouldn't lose this game. The return of Princeton McCarty from injury will help immensely, and the rest of the offense should be able to overcome their recent red-zone woes.
Final score? Vandals 42, Bulldogs 24.
Am I wrong? Tell me what you think the outcome will be?
It's an unlikely path, but this weekend the Vandals can take their first step toward a 6-2 conference record, 9-4 overall record and another bowl appearance.
Don't get bogged down in how weird it is to think about UI winning six league games. Instead, dwell on the encouraging facts about La. Tech that are staring us in the face:
- The Bulldogs are 2-4 this season — including losses to Navy and Southern Miss.
- They're giving up 25 points per game — amid a schedule including Navy and Southern Miss.
- Teams average 435 yards per game against them.
- They have no stability at the quarterback position. What's up with three different signal-callers starting at least one game so far in 2010? It's not working, as these guys are combining to average 5.7 yards per pass and have thrown six touchdowns versus 11 interceptions.
- They're completing a measly 33 percent of their third-down plays.
The Vandals shouldn't lose this game. The return of Princeton McCarty from injury will help immensely, and the rest of the offense should be able to overcome their recent red-zone woes.
Final score? Vandals 42, Bulldogs 24.
Am I wrong? Tell me what you think the outcome will be?
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Southern Idaho UI grads, brace yourselves
Uh-oh.
This unfortunate story from the Idaho Statesman today is bound to foster some ridicule aimed at Vandal fans in southern Idaho. Some who support That Team From Boise will view this as a prime opportunity to back up the notion that their school's president, Bob Kustra, was 100 percent correct in calling out the Moscow community as a rude, inebriated cesspool.
We all know that's absurd. Still, it might be a rough few days — unless the Vandals have become so unimportant in the state's lower region that no one even notices. If they do notice, and if you find yourself feeling a tad blue, don't forget that:
1) The Vandals are good enough, smart enough, and dog-gone it, people like them.
2) It's an isolated incident that can happen at any school. Even TTFB itself has gone through this exact situation, regarding one of its assistant coaches, this season. (I don't condone the "eye for an eye" approach to conflicts, but if you must, there is a little ammo in the barrel.)
3) If you're worried about the effect of this misstep on the team, don't. Robb Akey has the right demeanor to keep his players focused on the task at hand — Louisiana Tech this Saturday. And, concerning the on-field product, it helps that Idaho's receiving corps is deep and talented.
Maurice Shaw won't make or break the Vandals. Hopefully his actions won't dampen your work week, either.
This unfortunate story from the Idaho Statesman today is bound to foster some ridicule aimed at Vandal fans in southern Idaho. Some who support That Team From Boise will view this as a prime opportunity to back up the notion that their school's president, Bob Kustra, was 100 percent correct in calling out the Moscow community as a rude, inebriated cesspool.
We all know that's absurd. Still, it might be a rough few days — unless the Vandals have become so unimportant in the state's lower region that no one even notices. If they do notice, and if you find yourself feeling a tad blue, don't forget that:
1) The Vandals are good enough, smart enough, and dog-gone it, people like them.
2) It's an isolated incident that can happen at any school. Even TTFB itself has gone through this exact situation, regarding one of its assistant coaches, this season. (I don't condone the "eye for an eye" approach to conflicts, but if you must, there is a little ammo in the barrel.)
3) If you're worried about the effect of this misstep on the team, don't. Robb Akey has the right demeanor to keep his players focused on the task at hand — Louisiana Tech this Saturday. And, concerning the on-field product, it helps that Idaho's receiving corps is deep and talented.
Maurice Shaw won't make or break the Vandals. Hopefully his actions won't dampen your work week, either.
Monday, October 11, 2010
... What we want to forget
The University of Idaho football team has made strides in some areas, but at 3-2 going into their first conference game, they've also caused fans some consternation.
Considering that they will have had two weeks to rest and study up by the time they step onto the field Saturday against Louisiana Tech, here are some things the Vandals might improve on this weekend and beyond.
We'd love to forget:
1) The Vandals' offensive line has struggled. Everyone said this facet would be an adventure — and not the fun, fantastic, Pixar animated movie type of adventure — after Idaho lost four of its five starters from 2009.
Everyone was correct. Idaho quarterbacks have been sacked 21 times this season, and at this rate they'll go down 50 times by the end of the year. Plus the running game has been inconsistent.
The good news is that, with a highly inexperienced O-line such as this one, every game is a learning experience. After five games and the past two weeks to glean advice from the coaches, these guys could make big strides by the end of the season.
Hopefully those strides will be made even earlier.
2) The coaching has been suspect. I give a lot of credit to Robb Akey and his staff for turning a culture of dismay and heartburn into a positive, competitive environment. That said, Idaho would be 4-1 if it weren't for the coaches' inability to adjust to a a horrendous Colorado State offense.
Idaho has enough problems winning games without having to worry about game-changing miscues from the guys wearing the headsets.
3) This may seem nitpicky, but Idaho has scored touchdowns on only 11 of its 21 red-zone appearances this season — 52 percent. In 2009 the Vandals converted 6 points on 67 percent of red-zone trips.
Considering the extremely low level of competition Idaho has faced, 52 percent is unacceptable. Too many field goals. Too many missed opportunities.
The Vandals can get away with inefficiency against awful teams such as UNLV and North Dakota, but if they throw away touchdown chances in tougher league matchups, they won't win.
Luckily, all of these areas of concern are improvable. It should be a fun ride through the final eight games.
Considering that they will have had two weeks to rest and study up by the time they step onto the field Saturday against Louisiana Tech, here are some things the Vandals might improve on this weekend and beyond.
We'd love to forget:
1) The Vandals' offensive line has struggled. Everyone said this facet would be an adventure — and not the fun, fantastic, Pixar animated movie type of adventure — after Idaho lost four of its five starters from 2009.
Everyone was correct. Idaho quarterbacks have been sacked 21 times this season, and at this rate they'll go down 50 times by the end of the year. Plus the running game has been inconsistent.
The good news is that, with a highly inexperienced O-line such as this one, every game is a learning experience. After five games and the past two weeks to glean advice from the coaches, these guys could make big strides by the end of the season.
Hopefully those strides will be made even earlier.
2) The coaching has been suspect. I give a lot of credit to Robb Akey and his staff for turning a culture of dismay and heartburn into a positive, competitive environment. That said, Idaho would be 4-1 if it weren't for the coaches' inability to adjust to a a horrendous Colorado State offense.
Idaho has enough problems winning games without having to worry about game-changing miscues from the guys wearing the headsets.
3) This may seem nitpicky, but Idaho has scored touchdowns on only 11 of its 21 red-zone appearances this season — 52 percent. In 2009 the Vandals converted 6 points on 67 percent of red-zone trips.
Considering the extremely low level of competition Idaho has faced, 52 percent is unacceptable. Too many field goals. Too many missed opportunities.
The Vandals can get away with inefficiency against awful teams such as UNLV and North Dakota, but if they throw away touchdown chances in tougher league matchups, they won't win.
Luckily, all of these areas of concern are improvable. It should be a fun ride through the final eight games.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
What we know — and what we want to forget
The University of Idaho football team won't play another game until Oct. 16 at Louisiana Tech — its first Western Athletic Conference matchup. It's a fine time to take a step back and reflect on what we have been happy to learn about the Vandals — and what we would love to forget.
Happy to learn:
1) It's actually possible to rush the passer in Moscow.
But it was beginning to seem unlikely, right? UI's defensive struggles of the past several years are painfully well-known, and last year the Vandals only sacked opposing quarterbacks 15 times in 13 total games. But this year is a totally different story, as they have combined for 17 sacks in only five games.
That's an incredible statistic, but more importantly, it's emblematic of an overarching level of athleticism and intensity that has been absent for a long time. From Aaron Lavarias on the D-line (team-leading 5.5 sacks) to Robert Siavii in the linebacking corps (team-high 7 tackles for loss) to Shiloh Keo (enough said), the Vandals are bringing pressure from front to back — and firing up fans in the process.
2) Nathan Enderle might actually be of the NFL ilk that some pundits have claimed he is.
His numbers are down this year, but take those with a grain of salt. If you take out his misleading five-interception performance against Nebraska, his rather gaudy statistics read as follows:
— 318 passing yards per game
— 9 touchdowns and 4 interceptions
— 66 percent of pass attempts completed
(NOTE: The Nebraska game was misleading because: A) The Cornhuskers are perhaps the best defensive team in the country this season, and B) Between the domination of the opposing secondary and the immense struggles of the UI offensive line, Enderle had practically no chance of succeeding in that contest.)
If he continues this pace — something feasible considering the defenses he'll face in the WAC schedule — this will be one of the best offensive performances in Vandal history.
3) High-duality depth isn't a pipe dream.
It's not like UI is bringing former High School All-Americans off the bench, but at least
this year one or two injuries isn't going to make or break the entire season. Nowhere is
this more evident than at the receiver position, where minor injury issues here and there have been dealt with easily. Former nonfactors such as Kama Bailey (11 catches), Armauni Johnson (13 grabs and three touchdowns) and Justin Veltung (three touchdowns and 25 yards per reception) all have contributed a great deal.
Check back here later this week to review some areas the Vandals need to spend a lot of time on during the bye week.
Happy to learn:
1) It's actually possible to rush the passer in Moscow.
But it was beginning to seem unlikely, right? UI's defensive struggles of the past several years are painfully well-known, and last year the Vandals only sacked opposing quarterbacks 15 times in 13 total games. But this year is a totally different story, as they have combined for 17 sacks in only five games.
That's an incredible statistic, but more importantly, it's emblematic of an overarching level of athleticism and intensity that has been absent for a long time. From Aaron Lavarias on the D-line (team-leading 5.5 sacks) to Robert Siavii in the linebacking corps (team-high 7 tackles for loss) to Shiloh Keo (enough said), the Vandals are bringing pressure from front to back — and firing up fans in the process.
2) Nathan Enderle might actually be of the NFL ilk that some pundits have claimed he is.
His numbers are down this year, but take those with a grain of salt. If you take out his misleading five-interception performance against Nebraska, his rather gaudy statistics read as follows:
— 318 passing yards per game
— 9 touchdowns and 4 interceptions
— 66 percent of pass attempts completed
(NOTE: The Nebraska game was misleading because: A) The Cornhuskers are perhaps the best defensive team in the country this season, and B) Between the domination of the opposing secondary and the immense struggles of the UI offensive line, Enderle had practically no chance of succeeding in that contest.)
If he continues this pace — something feasible considering the defenses he'll face in the WAC schedule — this will be one of the best offensive performances in Vandal history.
3) High-duality depth isn't a pipe dream.
It's not like UI is bringing former High School All-Americans off the bench, but at least
this year one or two injuries isn't going to make or break the entire season. Nowhere is
this more evident than at the receiver position, where minor injury issues here and there have been dealt with easily. Former nonfactors such as Kama Bailey (11 catches), Armauni Johnson (13 grabs and three touchdowns) and Justin Veltung (three touchdowns and 25 yards per reception) all have contributed a great deal.
Check back here later this week to review some areas the Vandals need to spend a lot of time on during the bye week.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Vandals' Stat of the Weekend
Vandals' Stat of the Weekend:
During today's 33-13 victory at Western Michigan, linebacker Robert Siavii and defensive linemen Aaron Lavarias and Jonah Sataraka were three of Idaho's top four tacklers, as they combined for 18 tackles.
Front seven piling up tackles + secondary not piling up tackles = winning games. It's pretty simple math.
During today's 33-13 victory at Western Michigan, linebacker Robert Siavii and defensive linemen Aaron Lavarias and Jonah Sataraka were three of Idaho's top four tacklers, as they combined for 18 tackles.
Front seven piling up tackles + secondary not piling up tackles = winning games. It's pretty simple math.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Linebackers must step up today
Who is the most important player in tomorrow's game? Maybe the Vandal linebackers.
UI must force Western Michigan's pass-heavy offense into some ill-advised throws. If the Vandals can't get pressure from their blitz packages, it could be a really long day with some really gaudy passing statistics — possibly by both teams.
PREDICTION: Idaho, 34; Western Michigan, 24.
UI must force Western Michigan's pass-heavy offense into some ill-advised throws. If the Vandals can't get pressure from their blitz packages, it could be a really long day with some really gaudy passing statistics — possibly by both teams.
PREDICTION: Idaho, 34; Western Michigan, 24.
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