Vandals offense struggles

MOSCOW, Idaho – After another spring scrimmage in which touchdowns were noticeably scarce, Idaho quarterback Nathan Enderle suggested that perhaps the coaching staff had something to do with the offense’s futility.

“You know, they put us in a couple situations where it’s not very easy to score touchdowns – 2-minute situations with a minute left on the clock where you can’t expect to get a touchdown every single time,” Enderle said Saturday.

A few minutes later, coach Robb Akey reminded reporters what the Vandals accomplished late last December in Boise.

“These (late-game scenarios) were easy compared to the last time these guys all got together and did that thing,” said Akey, alluding to Idaho’s last-second drive to win the Humanitarian Bowl.

Entering the final week of spring practice, the Vandals are still trying to settle into an offensive rhythm. They managed just two touchdowns during Saturday’s run-through after getting shut out for most of last week’s intrasquad scrimmage.

Much of the inconsistency can be traced to a reworked offensive line. UI must find four starters after last year, and it hasn’t helped that two key newcomers on the interior of the line – Tevita Halaholo and Sam Tupua – have missed time this spring with injuries.

Tupua, a junior-college transfer, sat out with a bruised knee. The severity of his injury won’t be determined until the swelling goes down, Akey said.

As it has for most of the spring, the Vandals’ defense had a clear advantage, registering six sacks and an interception of backup QB Brian Reader during the 75-minute session. Enderle spent much of the morning scrambling outside the pocket but still completed 9 of 15 passes for 86 yards.

The soon-to-be redshirt senior, a three-year starter, had a stellar 2009 season with nearly 3,000 yards and a 61.5 completion percentage. The success came after he prevailed in a drawn-out competition with Reader last fall.

But he still feels pressure with a capable backup behind him.

“I think the guys on the team see me more as a leader than they did last year at this time,” the 6-foot-5 Nebraska native said. “But I still got to compete, and (Reader is) a really good player. I need to show up every day to keep my spot, and he knows that and I know that.”

In the past, Enderle often deferred to teammates with more boisterous personalities when it came to taking a leadership role. Since the end of last year, though, the QB’s focus has shifted.

Akey noticed the change as soon as spring practice began.

“I saw more of the general taking place,” the coach said. “He’s grabbing guys, getting them directed to where they need to (be). And that’s something that you’re going to get out of a senior quarterback. And for Nate to be doing that, that’s him taking another step forward. I’m happy about that.”

Key players missing

In addition to not having Tupua, the Vandals were without starting defensive lineman Michael Cosgrove (burst bursa sack). He suffered the knee injury early in the scrimmage and could have returned, Akey said.

Receiver Maurice Shaw also didn’t scrimmage. He’s been away from the team while dealing with undisclosed off-the-field issues. Akey expects him back for the final week of spring.