Oft-injured Vandal hurt again
University of Idaho junior tight end Luke Smith-Anderson is back on the injury list.
Smith-Anderson, who has missed nearly three full seasons in his career with various injuries, had arthroscopic surgery Monday to repair cartilage damage in his knee. The Lake City High product was injured in Idaho’s win over Idaho State on Saturday.
“He might be back for New Mexico State (Oct. 7),” head coach Dennis Erickson said. “It just depends on how quickly he heals.”
Smith-Anderson was injured after catching a pass and getting tackled on the Vandals’ second series. The ball came loose and was ruled a fumble, but a booth review overturned the call. Smith-Anderson played the rest of the game and finished with two catches for 24 yards. He’s third on the team with six receptions.
Receiver Marlon Haynes sprained his ankle Saturday, but Erickson is optimistic Haynes will play against Oregon State on Saturday.
Early showdown
Boise State cracked the rankings at No. 25, marking its fifth straight season with at least one appearance in the poll. BSU hasn’t been ranked since losing to Georgia in the 2005 opener.
Hawaii, which looks improved on defense and is always a handful on offense, visits BSU Saturday to open WAC play.
“Those guys are playing as good as I’ve ever seen them play,” Broncos coach Chris Petersen said of Hawaii. “I hate to keep saying this every week, but this will be our toughest challenge.”
BSU’s defense has given up just 24 points in three games and opponents are averaging only 171.3 yards per game. BSU’s offense is puttering along at 217 yards per game, paced by standout sophomore running back Ian Johnson (119.7 yards per game). Quarterback Jared Zabransky has attempted just 33 passes. He’s averaging 73.7 yards per game and has only one touchdown pass.
Dog day afternoon
Fresno State, stung by several special teams gaffes for a second straight week, is 1-2 after losing 21-20 to Washington.
“Guys weren’t into it; weren’t getting it done,” coach Pat Hill told the Fresno Bee. “I don’t think we played as hard as we can. That’s not good enough.”
After the game, the Bee reported a furious yell was heard despite the closed-door locker room. Hill later walked into an empty hallway and screamed.
“I’m not accepting those last two losses,” Hill said. “We’re going to find some new players if we have to.”
Zero tolerance
Utah State is still looking for its first offensive points of the season. The Aggies lost 48-0 to Utah on Saturday, the most lopsided defeat in the 114-year history of the rivalry. In three games, USU’s only points have come on an interception return against Wyoming.
The Aggies gained just 98 yards against Utah, their lowest output since an 82-yard effort against Illinois in 1989. USU ranks last in the nation (119th) in total offense at 158 yards per game.
“You worry about it a lot and I think those (offensive) guys worry about it a lot,” Aggies coach Brent Guy said. “We had an opportunity to kick a field goal against Arkansas and we wouldn’t be scoreless right now, but we still wouldn’t have scored a touchdown.”
Idaho visits Utah State on Sept. 30.