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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Vandals Boss Claims His Team Will Figure In The Big West Race

Idaho’s football schedule has been ridiculed. Three defensive linemen graduated to the NFL. The expected starting quarterback lost the job two years ago and is coming back from shoulder surgery.

It’s going to be a long year in Vandalville, right?

“We’re going to be right in the mix,” Vandals coach Chris Tormey said Thursday at the Big West Conference Media Day.

Tormey offers convincing evidence, including the soft schedule.

True, Idaho plays Division I-AA Portland State, Idaho State and Eastern Washington, and Division II UC Davis for homecoming.

But the Vandals also have three of five conference games at home. And they have a bye week before opening Big West play against North Texas, which faces Texas A&M the previous week.

In terms of personnel, Tormey has loads of skill-position talent, led by running back Joel Thomas and receiver Antonio Wilson. Both were All-Big West last year.

All four starters return in the secondary, a position that traditionally has been a sore spot. The defense’s team speed is excellent.

“There’s not a team in the league we can’t line up and play with,” Tormey said. “But there’s not a team in the league that can’t beat us if we’re not playing our best on Saturday.”

Tormey’s concerns start on the lines.

The offensive front has a cornerstone in left tackle Crosby Tajan of Sandpoint. Center Bill Verdonk should be ready for fall camp after having knee surgery last winter.

After those two, though, are unproven talents in left guard Brett Morton, right guard Bob Horbaczewski and right tackle Jeff Senkevich. Morton and Horbaczewski are redshirt freshmen; Senkevich is a sophomore.

Ex-Vandal defensive linemen Ryan Phillips and Ryan Smith are in training camp with the New York Giants and Barry Mitchell is with Atlanta.

That leaves big holes, but the Vandals have experienced replacements. Senior John Harper, who has run a 4.65-second 40-yard time, will be a rush end. Senior Garner Moody, who broke his ankle in last year’s season opener, moves in at tackle alongside holdover Tim Wilson, a potential all-conference player.

James Durrough and Nick Alexakos are battling at the other end.

If the offensive line shines, points could be plentiful. Thomas is the “foundation of our offense” and needs at least 20 carries per game, Tormey said.

Wilson (6-foot-3) and Robert Scott (6-1) are tall and talented. Scott will move to the slot to increase his number of catches.

Quarterback Brian Brennan is back with the first team. A year ago, a slow recovery from shoulder surgery had Brennan worried that his career might be over.

The fifth-year senior understands the offense and had a good spring.

“He clearly was No. 1 at the end of spring,” Tormey said.

Notes

The times of Idaho’s home games with Utah State (Oct. 25) and Boise State (Nov. 22) have been switched to 5 p.m. to accommodate live television coverage back to Boise… . Tormey said the benefit of playing Air Force’s wishbone attack in the season opener is that it gives UI plenty of preparation time… . Lewiston’s Ryan Skinner probably will start at middle linebacker.

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