Vandals May Feast On Eagles Ewu’s Kramer Believes Idaho’s Defensive Line Too Dominating
Eastern Washington did it last week. Idaho will try to do it today.
EWU bounced back after a deflating loss to Montana by defeating Idaho State last week. Idaho’s bounce will be tested by the Eagles in a non-conference football game at 3:05 p.m. in the Kibbie Dome.
The Vandals come off two emotional games, a win over Nevada and a 35-28 loss to Utah State last week.
“These kids are pretty well ingrained in their work habits,” UI coach Chris Tormey said. “We had a good week and worked hard and we were on ‘em pretty hard.”
The Vandals have incentive. UI has a 16-game Dome winning streak, dating back to the 1993 campaign. And at 3-4, Idaho is battling to post its 15th straight winning season.
EWU coach Mike Kramer wants to win as badly as the next guy. He’s just not sure his team can do so.
“I think it is (a mismatch), on turf, with Idaho’s defensive front and our offensive front,” he said. “If we win it’s because they made some mistakes and we played superhuman.”
Kramer recalled the dominance of Idaho’s line in last year’s 37-10 squashing of EWU.
“They knocked down our quarterback 21 times,” he said.
Better turn to the running game, eh Mike?
“I don’t think we can (run),” he said. “It’s basically the same offensive line against the same defensive front. I’m sure their front seven are thinking this is a chance to get healthy.”
No doubt Kramer is overstating matters. In his next breath, he praises offensive line coach Paul Wulff as doing “our best coaching job.” EWU has adjusted after the loss of probably its best lineman, T.J. Ackerman, to a knee injury.
UI defensive coordinator Nick Holt sees balance in EWU’s offense, led by freshman quarterback Griffin Garske and running backs Joe Sewell and Rex Prescott.
“Garske’s doing a great job, for a guy as young as he is,” Holt said. “They have such a good running game, they don’t put the burden on him down after down.”
UI quarterback Ryan Fien felt that burden last week. He pitched 53 passes when the Vandals couldn’t run against Utah State, so Idaho will strive for better balance today.
EWU has given up plenty of passing yards, but the Eagles have 17 interceptions. Safety Maurice Perigo has picked off six passes, returned two for touchdowns, and also returned a punt for a score.
“Our John Wetteland,” Kramer said. “He comes out of the bullpen after the first guy gets on in the ninth.”
Notes
EWU, 6-2 and chasing a I-AA playoff berth, probably needs two wins in their final three games. Idaho’s postseason hopes end today if Utah State beats North Texas. … For what it’s worth, results against common opponents favor EWU, which whipped Southwest Texas State 38-7. Idaho lost to SWTS 27-21. … In the Sagarin computer rankings for all teams, EWU is rated No. 104 and UI is No. 113. … Idaho center Bill Verdonk (ankle) should play. Reserve running back Jerome Thomas (ankle) is doubtful.
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Graphic: Vandals vs. Eagles