Vandals Say Revenge Is Incidental

The problem with having a good memory is that it can dredge up misery from the past.

For example, Idaho’s 26-21 football loss to Idaho State in Pocatello in 1995.

“Bad memories,” Chris Tormey recalled of the third game of his first season as Vandals’ coach. “A lot of guys on this team remember that game.

“We’ve had a couple of really good practices this week. I think our guys are focused.”

On ‘97, that is. It would be foolish to suggest that payback is Idaho’s primary motive entering today’s 3 p.m. PDT tangle with ISU at Holt Arena.

But it is somewhere high on the Vandals’ list.

“We just remind (our players) of the last time we went down there and got beat,” Tormey said. “We didn’t play very good.”

Tormey’s ‘97 team has played well, particularly on defense. UI has surrendered only 14 points.

ISU (0-1), meanwhile, is playing hard, but thus far ineffectively. Under new coach Tom Walsh, the Bengals had just 111 total yards - 73 on a late possession - and gave up 527 in a 41-7 loss to Utah State.

Four new starters join one holdover from 1996 on ISU’s offensive line. Skill-position starters have been in the program for years but in minor roles.

The Vandals’ defense would appear to have an edge.

“They look like a team built for AstroTurf,” Walsh said. “They do a lot of things that focus on quickness and change of direction. They’re not going to sit there and read. These guys penetrate.”

Idaho’s offense will attempt to correct a deficiency inside an opponents’ 25-yard line.

“We’re young up front and we’re young at running back,” Tormey said. “We’re going to make mistakes. The key is that we learn from those mistakes.”

Fat-free Bengals

It’s a small world in Pocatello.

Defensive tackles Mike Fullwood (265 pounds) and Zach Lee (285) are the only ISU defenders who weigh more than 225-pound Idaho quarterback Brian Brennan.

“We battled (Utah State) as best as our size allowed us,” Walsh said. “We had some guys that were very sore on Sunday and Monday.”

Idaho probably won’t be as physical as Utah State.

“It’s great to follow that kind of game with a bye to have a week for recovery,” Walsh said. “It’s tough to follow up a Division I with another Division I.”

Vandals notes

The flu has been making the rounds at UI. “I’m going to give them the Michael Jordan talk,” said Tormey, referring to the flu-ridden Jordan leading the Bulls to a win in an NBA Finals game. “We’re probably going to have some guys get sick (today) that might have to play.” … Freshman running back Anthony Tenner is expected to play. Coaches had hoped to redshirt Tenner, but they believe he can help this season… . Joel Thomas (knee) was lost for the season against Air Force two weeks ago… . Ryan LaPointe has moved from tight end to defensive end. He’ll probably play today, Tormey said.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Graphic: Vandals at Idaho State