Lack Of Offense Spells Trouble For Vandals Simply Put, Idaho ‘Can’t Block, Can’t Throw, Can’t Catch, Can’t Run’

A few years ago, a reporter for The Spokesman-Review cynically wrote that there was no “D” in I-D-A-H-O, referring to the Vandals’ leaky defense.

These days, some might suggest there’s no “O.”

Idaho’s offense was reduced to a whimper for the second time in three outings this year during a 26-21 setback to Idaho State on Saturday at Holt Arena.

Two things make this especially daunting.

One, Idaho has been an offensive juggernaut since Dennis Erickson took over in 1982.

And two, ISU had four defensive starters sidelined due to injury/legal problems.

“If you can’t block, can’t throw, can’t catch, can’t run, you’re not going to do anything against anyone,” said frustrated quarterback Brian Brennan, who admitted afterward that UI’s recent penchant for alternating quarterbacks has been unsettling.

Coach Chris Tormey appeared ready to yank Brennan near the end of the third quarter. Backup Eric Hisaw warmed up, but wasn’t called upon.

“I felt Brian was playing fine,” Tormey said. “It’s our feeling that if we have to throw to win, if we’re behind, that Brian is the better of the two.”

But Brennan was again tortured by a blitzing defense and unable to burn ISU with quick-strike passes. His line and receivers must share in that downfall.

Asked what’s missing in UI’s offense this year compared to previous seasons, ISU defensive coordinator Rob Bolks said: “It’s the ability to throw the ball under pressure quickly and consistently.

“In the past when you came with a blitz, they got the ball off quickly and threw to an inside receiver with a lot of success. That timing doesn’t seem to be there right now.”

“They don’t have as much power as they did when I was a freshman and (quarterback) Doug Nussmeier was throwing six touchdown passes against us,” added linebacker Telly Lockette.

ISU played without linebackers Eric Johnson (ankle) and Eddie Williams (knee) and defensive back Brion Bethel (legal troubles). Additionally, linebacker Ike Johnson was suspended before the season started due to legal woes.

“We really felt handcuffed coming in,” Bolks said.

Idaho, meanwhile, looks dazed. Its offensive line, though experienced and sizable, hasn’t done its job, senior all-American tackle Jim Mills said.

“They outplayed us, plain and simple,” said Mills, who was particularly perturbed because his assignment, ISU end Josh Hays, had three sacks. “I was very lackadaisical.”

Joel Thomas ran with heart and some success, but the holes weren’t exactly gaping.

“We weren’t able to knock them off the line like we needed to do,” Tormey said.

Tormey was asked if changes would be forthcoming, but he said he feels somewhat handcuffed.

“It’s not like we can play a bunch of guys who haven’t been playing,” Tormey said. “The players who are playing have to play better. We’ve played two really good defenses (ISU and Oregon State). We’re not about to scrap things and panic.”

Mills isn’t panicking, but he’s ticked off. He said the mood in the locker room “was people getting mad, angry, yelling, stuff like that.”

Asked about Idaho’s prospects for the rest of the season, Mills focused only on Montana State next Saturday.

“I know I’ll be ready to play,” said Mills, who graciously waited while reporters concluded interviews elsewhere. “Geez, they’re a better team than us right now.”

, DataTimes