Idaho win would make major statement
MOSCOW, Idaho – Almost two full seasons into his bid at reviving the beleaguered Idaho football program, Robb Akey has ratcheted up the stakes.
He didn’t shy away this week from making big-picture proclamations, and he made no attempt at downplaying what today’s clash with Boise State means to the Vandals.
In a way, it seems Akey wants his players to feel a tinge of pressure as they gird for BSU.
“The building of our program has a lot riding on this thing,” the coach said. “And we’ve got a responsibility to turn this thing back into a rival game, and the best way to do that is to go win that game.”
The depleted Vandals (2-8, 1-5 WAC) and surging Broncos (9-0, 5-0) will square off at a sold-out Kibbie Dome at 2 p.m. The annual meeting between in-state rivals will be televised on KSKN 22.
As Akey hinted, this hasn’t been a competitive series lately. BSU, which has risen to elite status while UI remains stuck in a rut, has won nine straight encounters with the Vandals. A 10th straight victory today would give the Broncos at least a share of the WAC championship.
The closest call in recent years came in 2003, when Tom Cable’s bunch lost 24-10. Since then the No. 9 Broncos have bagged a BCS win (the Fiesta Bowl after the 2006 season) and appear headed toward a third undefeated regular season in five years.
This BSU squad, however, might be more well-rounded than its counterparts. The defense has no identifiable stars but is yielding the second-fewest points in the nation (10.33 per game). The running game doesn’t have a true workhorse, yet that’s by design.
Meanwhile, Boise State’s aerial attack has flourished under the leadership of redshirt freshman Kellen Moore and a stable of capable wideouts.
“I think (this) is as good a Boise team as we’ve faced,” UI senior center Adam Korby said. “It’s going to be a challenge.”
The Vandals, coming off a bye week, have put together competent performances in three of their last four outings. Only one of those, however, translated into a win. That was a squeaker over the same New Mexico State team that BSU walloped 49-0 two weeks ago.
In the meantime, Idaho’s depth has taken a hit with the suspension of starting cornerback Breyon Williams, safety Shelton Miles and returner Dewey Hale. The trio, along with starting tailback Deonte Jackson, was involved in a skirmish outside a Moscow apartment on Nov. 2.
All four have been cited for misdemeanor battery by the Moscow Police Department. Yet even with the off-the-field distractions, Boise State coach Chris Petersen seems genuinely wary of the Vandals.
“Everybody gets hung up on records,” he said. “That’s what the fans do and people on the outside. We don’t. We put the tape on and look at their schemes and if they’re sound and how hard the guys play.
“I think they play hard and I think they’re believing, and I know in this game the stakes will be even higher.”