UI Travels Familiar Path On Brink Of Winning Record, Vandals Prepare For Ewu

Please turn to the chapter in Idaho’s playbook titled: “Fork in the Road.”

The Vandals have reached this point in each of football coach Chris Tormey’s three seasons - teetering between conference-title runs and losing records.

In 1995 and 1996, Idaho started 1-3 before responding with 5-2 runs. The current Vandals are 4-4, but are on an unsightly two-game losing streak.

“I’m fully positive we’ll pull this thing out,” senior offensive tackle Crosby Tajan said. “When this team faces a negative situation we try to put it behind us as quickly as we can and focus on the next task.”

Idaho’s been there and done that, but the difference from previous years is the magnitude of losses. UI was blistered by Nevada (42-23) and Utah State (63-17) the last two weeks.

Three games remain, beginning with Eastern Washington at Albi Stadium on Saturday.

“It’s a huge disappointment for us, but it’s something we have to respond to,” Tormey said. “Nevada had lost four games in a row and played pretty well against us. We still have a lot to play for and there’s nothing wrong with this team that one win won’t cure.”

EWU has been a cure-all for Idaho. The Vandals improved to 2-3 in 1995 with a 37-10 win over the Eagles. UI was 3-4 when it handled EWU 37-27 last season. Idaho has won 10 of the last 11 in the series.

But the ‘97 Eagles are experienced and stout on the offensive line. At 7-1, EWU is on the prowl for a Big Sky Conference title or, at worst, a spot in the Division I-AA playoffs.

So Idaho must contend with shell-shock and a talented opponent.

“Our guys were disappointed Monday,” Tormey said. “But each day we see an improvement in that and we got after them pretty good on Monday, at least I did. That performance (against Utah State) wasn’t acceptable, that needs to be understood. From here on out, it’s all positive ‘til Saturday.”

If Saturday’s results are positive, Idaho’s recovery potential is bright. The Vandals have a bye the following Saturday, a road date versus 2-6 New Mexico State and close against 3-5 Boise State in the Kibbie Dome.

UI quarterback Brian Brennan (sprained ankle, turf toe) likely will play. If he isn’t ready, freshman Ed Dean will step in. Post Falls High grad Darick Pope, who began his UI career at receiver before moving to tight end and receiver, backs up Dean. Idaho wants to avoid playing freshman John Welsh to maintain his red-shirt status.

Tormey wants whoever quarterbacks to get reacquainted with the running back. Down by large margins, Idaho has attempted 118 passes in the last two games.

Meanwhile, emerging freshman Anthony Tenner and Jerome Thomas have averaged 4.5 yards per carry, but have only had 46 combined attempts.

“We need to get more balance,” Tormey said.

And more bounce-back, according to Tajan.

“We had higher expectations than what has taken place so far,” he said. “We always set our goals high. When you don’t reach them it’s hard, but you’ve got to endure.”

And sidestep forks along the way.

Notes

Receiver Antonio Wilson’s grandmother died earlier this week in Los Angeles. Wilson will attend her funeral and is expected to rejoin the team Friday… Brennan practiced in a limited role on Tuesday and Wednesday… Tormey is pleased to be playing at Albi Stadium as opposed to EWU’s Woodward Stadium. He expects the crowd to be divided roughly 50-50. Tormey’s memories of Albi Stadium aren’t too pleasurable. As a senior at Gonzaga Prep, he blew out his knee against Rogers at Albi in 1973.

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