Idaho story lines

Last year they missed a second straight bowl trip because of one second-half collapse. Now the Vandals are motivated to erase the memories of a six-win 2010 season and return to the postseason. While UI has new faces at almost every key position, it boasts an upgraded offensive line and running game – and QB Brian Reader looks primed for a successful season as Nate Enderle’s replacement. Questions remain about Idaho’s secondary, but the defensive line has never been deeper or bigger during Robb Akey’s tenure.

Who will carry the ball?

The Vandals have options at running back. Arizona State transfer Ryan Bass is a potential workhorse. Kama Bailey is an elusive open-field runner and threat as a slotback. Princeton McCarty is a senior who averaged 5.9 yards per carry in 2009. And Troy Vital is a bruiser who should see goal-line carries. “I’m going to be honest with you: they’re all going to play this year,” running backs coach Jason Gesser said of the Vandals’ top four ballcarriers. The tailback most likely to break out is Bass, a 206-pound junior with a mixture of explosiveness and power. During spring camp he said he expected to get 20 carries a game this fall – and that might end up being the case.

Stout D-line

Depth along the defensive line has steadily improved in Akey’s five years as coach, and this season the Vandals have a rotation that the coaches tout as a legitimate strength. The D-line is led by senior defensive tackle Michael Cosgrove and rush end Benson Mayowa, both of whom will get more rest than last year with a stronger supporting cast. “We’re looking at eight to 10 guys who we feel good about,” defensive line coach Eti Ena said. Two players to watch: starting nose tackle Karel Kearney (who made a big impression during the spring) and redshirt freshman Jesse Davis (the most improved player in fall camp, according to defensive coordinator Mark Criner).

New receiving targets

The Vandals’ passing game will have a different feel without Enderle in the pocket and Eric Greenwood, Maurice Shaw and Daniel Hardy running routes. But offensive coordinator Steve Axman likes what he sees from the new cast of receivers – and a few standbys. If healthy, Justin Veltung (who had eight touchdowns last year) will be Reader’s prime target. Armauni Johnson returns and Preston Davis, fully recovered from a knee injury, “really looks like he has a new lease on life,” Axman said. Then there’s Mike Scott, a walk-on who will be on scholarship after an impressive fall camp. Meanwhile, tight end Taylor Elmo proved late last year he can fill in adeptly for the departed Hardy – who missed the last part of 2010 with an injury – as a pass-catching tight end.

Interchangeable linebackers

When Robert Siavii was lost for the season during UI’s spring game, the Vandals’ apparent depth at linebacker took a hit. Nonetheless, Idaho has more experience and speed among its ’backers than a year ago, particularly on the outside. Korey Toomer, Homer Mauga and Conrad Scheidt – all who “can flat run,” Criner said – will split duty at the two outside linebacker spots, while Tre’Shawn Robinson should be a dependable tackler in the middle. Criner has also been pleased with backup MLB John McKinley and James Randall, who moved from safety to weakside linebacker in fall camp.