Freshman Back Sparks Vandals

Looking like a running back from the past, the Idaho Vandals got a glimpse of the future on Saturday.

Wearing the No. 32 of former Idaho standout Sherridan May, true freshman Jerome Thomas ran for 128 yards on 32 carries, leading the Vandals to a 16-12 win over 15th-ranked Northern Iowa.

Thomas became Idaho’s third starter of the year at running back when senior Lavoni Kidd could not play because of an injured ankle.

“Jerome did not play like a freshman today,” said Idaho quarterback Eric Hisaw. “He played his butt off for us.”

The victory improved Idaho to 5-4 and marked the second straight win on the road for the Vandals over a nationally ranked team.

Idaho’s defense recorded six sacks, picked off three passes and recovered two fumbles while holding the Panthers to just 229 total yards.

Idaho 16, Northern Iowa 12

Idaho 7 0 3 6 - 16

N. Iowa 3 6 3 0 - 12

UNIFG 40 Waller

UI-Longoria 1 run (Woolverton kick)

UNI-Clayton 33 pass from Berg (kick blocked)

UI-FG 38 Woolverton

UNI-FG 49 Waller

UI-FG 25 Woolverton

UI-FG 37 Woolverton

A-16,324

UI UNI First downs 20 10 Rushes-yards 45-137 31-34 Passing yards 210 193 Return yards 120 121 Passes 16-34-2 8-26-3 Punts 7-38 6-37 Fumbles-lost 1-1 3-2 Penalties-yards 9-72 8-58 Time of Possession 36:50 23:10

RUSHING - Idaho, Thomas 30-122, Hisaw 14-14, Longonia 1-1. N. Iowa, Porter 11-32, Stovall 10-11, Berg 10-(minus 9).

PASSING - Idaho, Hisaw 16-34-2 210. N. Iowa, Berg 8-26-3 193.

RECEIVING - Idaho, Warren 4-65, Thomas 3-57, Scott 6-48, Griffin 2-28, McKinzie 1-12. N. Iowa, Ward 3-107, Clayton 2-42, Kothe 1-17, Porter 1-16, Taylor 1-11.