Cushion Uncomfortable For Tormey

Idaho football coach Chris Tormey admitted it.

“I’ve never been up 33 points at halftime and been as nervous as I was,” Tormey said after watching UI hold off Montana 55-43 Saturday.

Idaho led 49-16 at halftime but there was little peace of mind for the Vandals because of Montana senior quarterback Dave Dickenson.

A candidate for Division I-AA player of the year honors, Dickenson was finally silenced after launching 40 second-half passes and firing three of his five touchdown passes. He has thrown for nearly 1,600 yards in three career starts against Idaho.

“I never feel like we can lose a game (when Dickenson’s playing),” said Grizzly receiver Mike Erhardt.

Dickenson was critical of his own play, but his two second-half interceptions were accurate passes that bounded off receivers’ hands.

“I never really get a lot out of a loss, but we’ve got too much character not to come back from this,” he said. “I kind of already feel ready to play again.”

Painful win

Idaho lost safety/kick returner Montrell Williams to a knee injury.

Tormey said Williams will undergo tests in a day or so to determine the severity of the injury.

Also, defensive end Barry Mitchell sprained his ankle.

Williams’ absence opened the door for Travis Coffey, who came on to make a key interception.

No score

Late in the first half, Dickenson directed UM deep in Idaho territory. On fourth-down, Erhardt pulled in an apparent 2-yard TD pass in the back of the end zone, but before he had a chance to land, UI’s Arnold Gunn pushed the receiver out of bounds.

Montana argued adamantly, but Erhardt said the official explained that in college, contrary to the pros, a receiver can be knocked out of bounds and it doesn’t matter if he would have landed inbounds minus the contact.

“I wasn’t aware of that rule,” said Erhardt.

Pass the water

UI quarterback Eric Hisaw’s dad, Curt, missed a brief portion of the first half. His throat was dry from screaming his lungs out as UI put up rapid-fire scores.

“That was a pretty exciting first half,” the elder Hisaw said. “I was so thirsty I couldn’t talk.”

Hisaw’s performance, coming after he had to re-win the starting job from Brian Brennan, left papa proud.

“It’s been hard for us to be as supportive as we are, because it’s so tough not seeing him play,” Curt said. “I’m not criticizing the coach at all. But for him (Eric) to step in and put the numbers on the board he has (the last two games)… . as parents, it’s such a thrill.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo