Idaho must turn page with game at No. 21 Utah looming

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Sep. 2—MOSCOW, Idaho — Losing to fellow Big Sky Conference member Cal Poly, 38-34, on a final-seconds touchdown pass on 4th and 8, in the season-opening game was a rude shock for Idaho, which, based on its 5-0 all-time record against the Mustangs and Cal Poly's recent reputation as a Big Sky speed bump had pretty much penciled this in as a win.

The defining game for the Vandals this year was supposed to be the home clash against defending Football Championship Subdivision Montana State Oct 2. But now the Vandals are already in damage control mode, needing to make a good showing against Football Bowl Subdivision Utah on Thursday to convince themselves, more than anyone, that they are a good team, better than their 4-8 record last year and their season-opening stumble, and still harboring hopes of making the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. This is all on Idaho. Utah has nothing to prove other than it can handle an FCS team.

Here are three things to watch when the Vandals and Utes collide.

1. Have the Vandals got their defense fixed?

Against Cal Poly the defensive line was regularly pushed off the ball. Idaho could not mount much of a pass rush or hold an edge against Mustangs' quarterback Anthony Grigbsy, who threw for four touchdowns and ran for 62 yards and another score, and Cal Poly's 197 rushing yard and 319 passing yards point to Idaho's shortcomings in tackling and pass defense. Linebacker Cruz Hepburn's 12 tackles and a pass breakup were notable. However, the Vandals can't give up 516 yards of total offense again against any opponent, let alone Utah, and expect to have much of a season.

2. Will anyone on offense besides QB Joshua Wood and receiving duo Tony Harste and Ryan Jezioro show up for Idaho?

Wood, under duress most of the game, threw for 362 yards and a pair of touchdowns against Cal Poly. Often on scramble plays, he rushed for 42 yards. Harste had a breakout game with nine receptions for 180 yards and two touchdowns, and Jezioro caught three deep balls for 93 yards.

But an offensive line that was touted in preseason as a Vandals' strength, not only forced Wood to flee the Mustangs' rush but managed to open holes for only 119 rushing yards, led by Ferrari Miller with 44 yards in 12 carries. If Idaho wants to shorten the game against what is likely to be an explosive Utes offense, it will need to both pass block and run block significantly better.

3. Can Idaho regroup from dramatic loss?

Before the season-opening game, Vandals' coach Thomas Ford Jr. made a point of insisting Idaho had to be composed and competent in end-of-game situations. Giving up the game-winning touchdown in the final seconds against Cal Poly showed the Vandals have work to do. Being able to take the game late into the fourth quarter and stare down the Utes then would pay big dividends as Idaho returns from Utah for three straight home games, including the pivotal match against Montana State. If Idaho can emerge from that stretch 3-2, hopes for a playoff remain bright. Anything less bodes another long year. Outplaying its record and its division against Utah, then, to generate momentum for the three-game homestand is the first critical test the Vandals face.

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