Vandals’ Line Regaining Strength
Idaho’s ailing offensive line might be getting healthier for Saturday’s Big West Conference opener against North Texas in the Kibbie Dome.
Freshman right guard Bob Horbaczewski will begin limited work in practices and could play, coach Chris Tormey said.
Horbaczewski started Idaho’s first three games before spraining his ankle prior to the Central Florida game on Sept. 20.
He was replaced by another freshman, Rick DeMulling. Three freshmen started on the line against Central Florida.
“For the fact that there are three freshmen, they’re coming along fine,” UI coach Chris Tormey said. “I think our offensive line will be better against (North Texas’) defensive line than we were a year ago (in a 24-17 loss). Even though we’re young, we’ve got better size than last year.”
The Vandals previously lost starting right tackle Justin Meek for the season to a knee injury.
Thomas to return?
Running back Joel Thomas, who dislocated his knee in the season-opener against Air Force in late August, will undergo surgery today.
Idaho will request next week that the NCAA grant Thomas a rare sixth year of eligibility.
“We’re cautiously optimistic,” Tormey said.
Mean Green in pain
North Texas is battered from prior games against Vanderbilt, Oregon State, Texas Tech and Texas A&M.
Mean Green coach Matt Simon listed five starters in jeopardy of missing Saturday’s game.
“We could not practice in full pads (Tuesday) and we’ll have to go light (today),” Simon said.
Pack’n on losses
Nevada’s season began with dreams of cracking the Top 25. Now, the Wolf Pack are 1-4 with a bye Saturday. Nevada faces talented Wyoming on Oct. 11.
Injuries have been part of the reason for Nevada’s slump. Starting quarterback John Dutton, the Big West offensive player of the year in 1996, had a separated shoulder and was expected to miss last Saturday’s loss to Toledo.
However, backup Eric Bennett sprained his ankle against Toledo and Dutton was forced into action. He attempted several passes, but was clearly hurting. Nevada’s last 16 plays were runs.
The Big West, in general, is struggling. Idaho and Utah State have the best records at 2-2. Idaho’s wins are over I-AA teams Portland State and Idaho State, which was one of Utah State’s victims. Conference teams are 9-18 overall with six wins against I-AAs.
Smith has close call
Utah State football coach John L. Smith was a passenger in a helicopter that had to make an emergency landing in the mountains near Ogden, Utah on Tuesday.
Smith was on his way to a weekly news conference in Salt Lake City with the head coaches of five Utah universities when the helicopter had mechanical problems, according to a Utah State news release.
Goble, Smith and two other passengers were not injured.
, DataTimes The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Jim Meehan Staff writer The Associated Press contributed to this report.