Brennan Heads Coach’s Qb Depth Chart

The race for Idaho’s starting quarterback job took a surprise turn on Tuesday when coach Chris Tormey announced Brian Brennan is on top of the depth chart.

That doesn’t necessarily mean Brennan will start in the Vandals’ home opener against Sonoma (Calif.) State on Saturday. Tormey said that decision likely will be made Thursday.

Tormey said Brennan and senior Eric Hisaw, who started the season opener against Oregon State, will play Saturday.

Hisaw had the better statistical performance against Oregon State: 8 of 20 for 96 yards and one touchdown. Brennan was 7 of 20 for 40 yards.

One week ago, Tormey had said Hisaw was still No.1.

But Tormey said Brennan seems to have overcome arm soreness that has bothered the 6-foot-5 sophomore for several weeks. Brennan was given a couple of days off last week and moved ahead of Hisaw following a Monday scrimmage. In that one, Brennan completed 3 of 3 passes against UI’s No.1 defense.

“That hasn’t happened in a while,” Tormey said. “That was encouraging.

“I think they both got better this last week, so I don’t want to give the impression that we’re unhappy with Eric. But as we know, it’s a position that’s in competition and we’ll continue to evaluate.”

While Brennan may have moved into a starting role at quarterback, Tormey hinted that Brennan may be replaced by Justin Spiva as Idaho’s punter.

Brennan averaged 32.6 yards on five punts against Oregon State. Robert Gamelin’s seven punts resulted in a 32.9-yard average.

Spiva, a left-footed punter, is a freshman from Walla Walla High School.

“In fairness to Brian, by playing quarterback and punting, he doesn’t have enough time to refine his punting skills,” Tormey said. “He’s got a strong leg.”

Dressed-up Dome

Idaho doesn’t have the most attractive home football schedule this season, with just four dates (Sonoma State, Eastern Washington, Montana, Boise State), but it should have a more attractive home.

The Kibbie Dome has a new scoreboard and sound system, improved lighting (photographers everywhere rejoice!) and freshly painted yardage lines and logos at midfield and in the end zones.

Often criticized for its drab appearance, the “new” Dome will no doubt be more viewer friendly.

The improvements cost $1 million, but the $225,000, four-color scoreboard was funded through advertising revenue.

Most noticeable is the new lighting, which boosted foot-candle power from 45 to 65 and the number of fixtures from 176 to 288. We’re not sure what all that means, but it sure is easier to see inside the Dome these days.

The sound system has 10 suspended speaker clusters instead of six. Each seating section is now served by a speaker cluster.

Injury update

Receiver Dwight McKinzie should be back this week after he suffered a shoulder injury against Oregon State. Tight end Andy Gilroy, recovering from a sprained ankle, also is expected to play.

Cornerback Arnold Gunn is out for at least two weeks. Coaches hope he’s back for the Idaho State game on Sept. 30 or Montana State on Oct. 7.

Running back Joel Thomas is expected to return for the ISU game after having knee surgery on Monday.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo