Idaho at Nevada

KICKOFF: 1:05 p.m., at Reno, Mackay Stadium

Records: Idaho 6-1, 3-3 WAC; Nevada 3-3, 2-0

TV/Radio: SWX (tape at 5 p.m.)/1080-AM

Overview: This is the Vandals’ highest-stakes game in years – and it marks a dramatic step up in competition. Idaho is sitting atop the WAC standings, but it has beaten three conference foes with a combined record of 1-7 in league play. To stake a legitimate claim as a member of the WAC’s elite, the Vandals must pull off an upset as 15-point underdogs against a team they haven’t beaten since 1999. Nevada boasts the nation’s top rushing attack and rolled up 264 yards on the ground – while holding Idaho to 24 rushing yards – in last year’s 49-14 flattening of the Vandals. UI must account for elusive dual-threat quarterback Colin Kaepernick and productive running backs Vai Taua and Luke Lipincott, both of whom have nearly 500 rushing yards. The Vandals will counter with the WAC’s stingiest rush defense, led by a stellar defensive line.