Idaho-South Alabama football preview

Jaguars at Vandals

Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. at Kibbie Dome, Moscow, Idaho

Records: South Alabama (5-5, 1-5 Sun Belt). Idaho (6-4, 4-2)

Radio: 92.5-FM

Overview: Finally, the Vandals are back at home. It’s been six weeks since they clobbered New Mexico State at the Kibbie Dome on Oct 15. All they’ve done since is win two of three on the road, enjoy two bye weeks … and, oh, yes, become bowl eligible. “It feels like it’s been a long time (since we played at home),” coach Paul Petrino said. “So hopefully everyone who’s in town this weekend wants to come out and watch us play.” Because UI students are on Thanksgiving break, the crowd could be smaller than usual. But those who make it should see an entertaining game. Idaho has won four of five and is motivated to win out before learning its bowl fate. “We made the goal that we set, but I’m telling you, there’s more meat on the bone here now,” UI offensive coordinator Kris Cinkovich said. “We need to stay hungry because we can accomplish more.” South Alabama needs one more victory to get over the bowl-eligibility threshold. The Jaguars bagged early wins over Mississippi State and then-No. 19 San Diego State, but they’ve lost three of their last four against Sun Belt teams. Each conference loss, including to first-place Arkansas State, has come by 10 points or less. They’re “a really good football team that has a bunch of great athletes,” Petrino said. In addition to continuing their hot late-season play, the Vandals would like to avenge for last year’s 52-45 loss at South Alabama, a game they led 24-7 at halftime.