No one should be allowed to question what head coach Robb Akey has meant to the University of Idaho football program.
He has ushered in stability, a positive environment, better athletes and more national exposure. Plus, there's that bowl victory last season. You might remember it. Pretty good game.
But one thing we're still waiting for from Akey is consistent proof that he used to be a Pac-10 defensive coordinator. You often wouldn't know it by looking at the on-field product.
Some point to the Vandals' recent season-opening shutout of North Dakota and their 30-7 home victory against UNLV as major signs of improvement. While those were fun for the fans, the opponents were abysmal. Those victories don't absolve Akey of his team's offensive defensive lapses. Not by a long shot.
To be fair, no one expected a stonewall performance on the road against Nebraska. But giving up 36 to Colorado State University last week? Huh?
UI gave up 26 first downs and 386 passing yards to what had been one of the worst offenses in the entire country. Hey, it's one thing if you're outmanned at every position. The Vandals didn't have that excuse last Saturday, when they lost to a doormat.
How many times did Tom Morris say the word "screen pass" during the CSU game? Way too many times. How long should it have taken, in theory, for the Vandals to respond to the Rams' offensive plan by dialing back the blitzing/pressure? Well, it would have been nice to see an adjustment at some point. But it seemingly never happened.
How can you follow up a dominating performance against UNLV with a complete defensive letdown — versus an 0-3 squad? Unfortunately, it's not unprecedented. Don't forget that many of those thrilling victories in 2009 were exciting because: A) the UI offense was explosive, and B) the UI defense exploded. The Vandals didn't win any games because of great defense last year. Not one.
Also, can the supposedly defensive-minded Akey continue to let this happen? Akey was the defensive line coach at Washington State University before taking over as defensive coordinator in 2003. If he wants consistent wins, he has to devise a way to get consistent success from this unit.
Can he do it? It's a fair question — and you know it.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Panic is, like, so two years ago
If you're still morose because of the University of Idaho football team's final-seconds loss to previously awful Colorado State on Wednesday, here's something to remember: It's 2010.
Michael "My Brother can outsling your brother" Harrington isn't behind center. Dennis Erickson and Nick Holt can no longer hurt us with their wandering eyes. And Tom "I'll always have an O-line job" Cable is no longer patrolling the sidelines — or the local Arby's.
In short, the Ghosts of Losing Past are long gone, having been replaced by loyal, hard-working blokes such as head coach Robb Akey, Nathan Enderle and Deonte' Jackson. The Vandals of 2010 are 2-2 with a full slate of WAC lightweights on the horizon. These are by no means gimme victories, but suffice it to say there are realistic W's to be had.
Before that, a very winnable nonconference road game at Western Michigan awaits. All of the nine remaining games to be savored — contests that range from boiling-over rivalries (That Team From Boise) to up-and-coming offensive juggernauts (Nevada) to perennial, well, losers (New Mexico State, etc.).
The Vandals still have a good shot at getting to a bowl game for the second consecutive year, and they can make virtually every game left on their schedule interesting.
Interesting is good. Interesting keeps butts in seats.
UI fans, don't give up. Despite the defense's throwback performance — and I mean that in the worst of ways — in which it was gashed over and over by a subpar squad, you simply can't give up. Programs aren't built — especially traditionally poor programs in tiny towns nestled in obscure areas — in a day.
Michael "My Brother can outsling your brother" Harrington isn't behind center. Dennis Erickson and Nick Holt can no longer hurt us with their wandering eyes. And Tom "I'll always have an O-line job" Cable is no longer patrolling the sidelines — or the local Arby's.
In short, the Ghosts of Losing Past are long gone, having been replaced by loyal, hard-working blokes such as head coach Robb Akey, Nathan Enderle and Deonte' Jackson. The Vandals of 2010 are 2-2 with a full slate of WAC lightweights on the horizon. These are by no means gimme victories, but suffice it to say there are realistic W's to be had.
Before that, a very winnable nonconference road game at Western Michigan awaits. All of the nine remaining games to be savored — contests that range from boiling-over rivalries (That Team From Boise) to up-and-coming offensive juggernauts (Nevada) to perennial, well, losers (New Mexico State, etc.).
The Vandals still have a good shot at getting to a bowl game for the second consecutive year, and they can make virtually every game left on their schedule interesting.
Interesting is good. Interesting keeps butts in seats.
UI fans, don't give up. Despite the defense's throwback performance — and I mean that in the worst of ways — in which it was gashed over and over by a subpar squad, you simply can't give up. Programs aren't built — especially traditionally poor programs in tiny towns nestled in obscure areas — in a day.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
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:
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Revel in the blitzes
Vandal fans, take a few days to truly enjoy tonight's blitz-fest while you can, because you might not see anything like that for a while.
The University of Idaho defense won't often this season be able to take as many chances as it did during tonight's 30-7 thrashing of UNLV. But it was the perfect gameplan against this particular opponent, an offense that presents less of a precision passing threat than Ryan Leaf. Present-day Ryan Leaf.
And it was fun, wasn't it? The defense brought pressure like it was going out of style — like they'd bought a Costco-sized vat that was three days past its expiration date. Aaron Lavarias led the charge, as a senior should, with two of the team's six sacks. And the Rebels were held to a paltry 187 total yards.
UI and UNLV are thought by many to be ho-hum members of their respective conferences, the Western Athletic Conference and the Mountain West. On Saturday the Vandals firmly suggested that maybe only half of that assumption is true.
The University of Idaho defense won't often this season be able to take as many chances as it did during tonight's 30-7 thrashing of UNLV. But it was the perfect gameplan against this particular opponent, an offense that presents less of a precision passing threat than Ryan Leaf. Present-day Ryan Leaf.
And it was fun, wasn't it? The defense brought pressure like it was going out of style — like they'd bought a Costco-sized vat that was three days past its expiration date. Aaron Lavarias led the charge, as a senior should, with two of the team's six sacks. And the Rebels were held to a paltry 187 total yards.
UI and UNLV are thought by many to be ho-hum members of their respective conferences, the Western Athletic Conference and the Mountain West. On Saturday the Vandals firmly suggested that maybe only half of that assumption is true.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Never undestimate a winner
Bobby Hauck is a winner — and you should never underestimate a winner.
The University of Idaho football should be expected to defeat Hauck's UNLV Rebels in Moscow this weekend. They've got the talent and home-field advantage — if you can even call less than 15,000 fans an advantage — to take care of business.
Still, UNLV has the benefit of a first-year coach who's decidedly not used to losing — and who has done nothing but lose so far this season.
Hauck was wildly successful during the past seven years at Montana. His teams went 80-17 and in the last four seasons were 51-6 overall and 31-1 in conference play.
What's more, his assistants at Montana are with him now at UNLV. So you can imagine the frustration and determination pulsating from that coaches meeting room in Las Vegas these days.
Another factor is that Hauck and Co. probably aren't afraid of the Vandals. They've beaten UI before: 41-28 in 2003, Hauck's first year as head coach at Montana. The year before the Grizzlies had defeated the Vandals as well, 38-31.
If they can beat Idaho at a lower-division school, imagine how confident they'll be to stroll onto the Palouse with a Football Bowl Subdivision team.
But even considering these boons for UNLV, the Vandals' success Saturday lies in their own hands — more specifically, in the massive hands of the offensive linemen. If UI can continue to make strides between the tackles, their skill-position players will blow UNLV away.
If not, Hauck will be able to reacquaint himself with a familiar letter: W.
The University of Idaho football should be expected to defeat Hauck's UNLV Rebels in Moscow this weekend. They've got the talent and home-field advantage — if you can even call less than 15,000 fans an advantage — to take care of business.
Still, UNLV has the benefit of a first-year coach who's decidedly not used to losing — and who has done nothing but lose so far this season.
Hauck was wildly successful during the past seven years at Montana. His teams went 80-17 and in the last four seasons were 51-6 overall and 31-1 in conference play.
What's more, his assistants at Montana are with him now at UNLV. So you can imagine the frustration and determination pulsating from that coaches meeting room in Las Vegas these days.
Another factor is that Hauck and Co. probably aren't afraid of the Vandals. They've beaten UI before: 41-28 in 2003, Hauck's first year as head coach at Montana. The year before the Grizzlies had defeated the Vandals as well, 38-31.
If they can beat Idaho at a lower-division school, imagine how confident they'll be to stroll onto the Palouse with a Football Bowl Subdivision team.
But even considering these boons for UNLV, the Vandals' success Saturday lies in their own hands — more specifically, in the massive hands of the offensive linemen. If UI can continue to make strides between the tackles, their skill-position players will blow UNLV away.
If not, Hauck will be able to reacquaint himself with a familiar letter: W.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Expect wins in Kibbie Dome — UNLV gameweek
Did you know the University of Idaho football team is tied for first in the entire nation with nine takeaways?
I figure that's a much better news item to dwell on than last week's lopsided loss to the University of Nebraska.
If you're looking for a "what this means" breakdown of last Saturday's game, you've come to the wrong place.
That's because the Vandals won't face any other teams like that this year. So why even bother comparing that game to the remaining matchups?
To put a realistic spin on this, UI is 1-1 and very capable of reaching a bowl game. After a Big-12-sponsored intermission, that postseason story picks up again this Saturday in the Kibbie Dome against UNLV.
The Rebels are nursing the mental wounds from a 41-21 beating by Wisconsin and a 38-10 loss to Utah. The statistics are ugly:
UI has taken its lumps as well, but this program is at the point where fans should fully expect home-field victories against a middling team such as UNLV.
One more thing: the score
The Vandals have the offensive pieces to make a lower-tier Mountain West Conference team look silly. And they'll perform well enough on defense — they can afford to take chances against a team devoid of big-play talent — to make this a comfortable victory.
UI: 35; UNLV: 21.
I figure that's a much better news item to dwell on than last week's lopsided loss to the University of Nebraska.
If you're looking for a "what this means" breakdown of last Saturday's game, you've come to the wrong place.
That's because the Vandals won't face any other teams like that this year. So why even bother comparing that game to the remaining matchups?
To put a realistic spin on this, UI is 1-1 and very capable of reaching a bowl game. After a Big-12-sponsored intermission, that postseason story picks up again this Saturday in the Kibbie Dome against UNLV.
The Rebels are nursing the mental wounds from a 41-21 beating by Wisconsin and a 38-10 loss to Utah. The statistics are ugly:
- Offense: Only 44 percent of passes completed, 5 yards per pass, 3 yards per carry.
- Defense: Zero sacks, five tackles for loss, three takeaways.
UI has taken its lumps as well, but this program is at the point where fans should fully expect home-field victories against a middling team such as UNLV.
One more thing: the score
The Vandals have the offensive pieces to make a lower-tier Mountain West Conference team look silly. And they'll perform well enough on defense — they can afford to take chances against a team devoid of big-play talent — to make this a comfortable victory.
UI: 35; UNLV: 21.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Leave the smashmouth stuff at home — Nebraska Gameweek
The University of Idaho football team had better use every page of that silver-and-gold playbook this weekend.
Especially that part labeled "special teams."
The Vandals' opponent at 10:30 a.m. Saturday will be the University of Nebraska, which returns 10 offensive starters and darn near every single skill-position player from the 2009 campaign.
Cornhuskers quarterback Taylor Martinez, a freshman, led a 49-10 romp in Week 1, completing 9 of 15 passes for 136 yards and rushing for 127 yards and three touchdowns on seven carries.
What's more, UN's defense is probably more dangerous than its offense.
The Vandals have a plentiful bundle of talented playmakers as well, but to have any chance of upsetting a top 10 team on the road — in front of more than 80,000 people — they'll need to be used in very creative ways — plays that squeeze every last drop of potential out of each drive.
UI would be crazy to line up and attempt straight-up smash-mouth football this Saturday. DeMaundray Woolridge is nowhere to be found, and Mike Iupati isn't walking through that lockerroom door.
But the Vandals might be able to put together some substantial put and kick returns and surprise the Cornhuskers with some timely reverses and gadget plays. They've got the practitioners to pull it off.
Receivers Eric Greenwood and Preston Davis are too valuable in their roles — jump-ball artist and No. 1 downfield threat, respectively — to be messing around with on special teams, but what about sophomore Justin Veltung, who emerged with an explosive game last week? Junior-college transfer Armauni Johnson and Maurice Shaw have the speed and athleticism to contribute in this regard as well.
Predicting special-teams success is no science, but UI has plenty of potential to provide some electrifying big plays.
It might be their best chance to hang around with the Cornhuskers — Unless the Vandals have a fleet-footed 245-pound running back I don't know about.
Especially that part labeled "special teams."
The Vandals' opponent at 10:30 a.m. Saturday will be the University of Nebraska, which returns 10 offensive starters and darn near every single skill-position player from the 2009 campaign.
Cornhuskers quarterback Taylor Martinez, a freshman, led a 49-10 romp in Week 1, completing 9 of 15 passes for 136 yards and rushing for 127 yards and three touchdowns on seven carries.
What's more, UN's defense is probably more dangerous than its offense.
The Vandals have a plentiful bundle of talented playmakers as well, but to have any chance of upsetting a top 10 team on the road — in front of more than 80,000 people — they'll need to be used in very creative ways — plays that squeeze every last drop of potential out of each drive.
UI would be crazy to line up and attempt straight-up smash-mouth football this Saturday. DeMaundray Woolridge is nowhere to be found, and Mike Iupati isn't walking through that lockerroom door.
But the Vandals might be able to put together some substantial put and kick returns and surprise the Cornhuskers with some timely reverses and gadget plays. They've got the practitioners to pull it off.
Receivers Eric Greenwood and Preston Davis are too valuable in their roles — jump-ball artist and No. 1 downfield threat, respectively — to be messing around with on special teams, but what about sophomore Justin Veltung, who emerged with an explosive game last week? Junior-college transfer Armauni Johnson and Maurice Shaw have the speed and athleticism to contribute in this regard as well.
Predicting special-teams success is no science, but UI has plenty of potential to provide some electrifying big plays.
It might be their best chance to hang around with the Cornhuskers — Unless the Vandals have a fleet-footed 245-pound running back I don't know about.
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