Vandals Hope Aggies Don’t Break Bad Habits

Had the Kibbie Dome been an air-supported structure, it might have collapsed late in Idaho’s football practice Wednesday.

That was when quarterback Ryan Fien’s leg did a pretzel imitation - interrupting the breathing patterns of coaches and teammates.

“He got caught in a pile and his leg was rolled up,” UI coach Chris Tormey said. “He felt a sharp pain in his knee and his ankle was sore. He was scared more than anything else.”

A checkup revealed a minor ankle sprain and knee bruise, Tormey said. Fien’s fine and the Vandals look to be in good shape for today’s 3:05 p.m. Big West Conference visit from beleaguered New Mexico State.

The 1-8 Aggies have two bad habits: They give up a lot of points and they don’t score many. Average outcome: opponent 36.6, Aggies 12.8.

New Mexico State’s defense has been brutalized by ground (242.4 yards per game) and air (215.7) attacks. Idaho has dominated opponents when running lanes look like boulevards.

There is a losing correlation between Fien’s high yardage and UI’s paltry rushing. Three of Fien’s top four yardage games (587 yards vs. Wyoming, 419 vs. Utah State and 381 vs. San Diego State) came in losses. Those were Idaho’s lowest three rushing totals (78, 31 and 42 yards).

“Week after week if we can run and stop their run, we should be OK,” said Tormey, who also put in a plug for limiting UI turnovers.

Idaho has been eliminated from Las Vegas Bowl consideration, but can still share the Big West title. UI needs to close with three wins (New Mexico State, North Texas and Boise State) and have Nevada defeat Utah State today.

“It’s our last home game for our seniors, and that’s always an emotional time,” Tormey said. “We still have a lot to play for.”

The run is New Mexico’s meal ticket. The chef is sophomore Denvis Manns, who averages 27 carries per game. He toted 31 times in a 49-point loss to Nevada last week, so it would appear the Aggies will run until the clock runs out.

“I guess they figure if he runs up in there enough he can break a big play,” Tormey said. “It’s a concern.”

Especially after last week, when Idaho gave up three long runs to Eastern Washington.

“Manns is about the size of (EWU’s Joe) Sewell, but faster. He’s a slasher who makes you miss,” Tormey said.

Idaho would like to contain Manns and put the burden on 6-foot-7 quarterback Chad Salisbury, who completes 45.7 percent of his passes.

Notes

This is just the second time New Mexico State has played indoors. The other occasion: a 33-6 loss to UI in 1976… . Tormey has fond memories of New Mexico State. Idaho beat the Aggies 47-44 in Las Cruces in 1977 as Tormey, a Vandals defensive end, had seven solo tackles and blocked a punt… . Manns rushed for 1,120 yards last year and needs 86 today to reach the century mark… . Fien is back in first nationally in total offense at 365.4 yards per game… . Idaho’s pass defense has given up an average of 278 yards, but only seven TDs. Meanwhile, New Mexico State snagged its first interception of the season last week… . The Aggies’ lone win was a 52-21 decision over I-AA Southern Utah. Idaho has beaten three I-AA teams and one I-A (Nevada).

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Graphic: Vandals vs. New Mexico State