Vandals’ Defense Shows Up This Time

Tom Cable has been in football long enough to know that the euphoria from one spring scrimmage isn’t guaranteed to carry over to the next.

Saturday’s lesson was reinforced by the defense, which one week ago yielded 505 yards to what promises to be a powerful UI offense. But in a 2-hour session Saturday at Lewiston High School’s Bengal Field, the defense dominated the offense.

The four Vandals quarterbacks completed 32 of 59 passes for 303 yards but threw interceptions to David Smith, Jordan Kramer, Antjuan Tolbert and Dennis Gibbs.

“We thought we’d be crisper; a little sharper,” said Cable. “We weren’t. We didn’t focus. I didn’t see the detail like I wanted.”

Part of the reason, Cable admitted, was the revamped Vandals defense started to come together with its new schemes and alignments.

“I like the way we’re headed,” said Cable.

Offensively, redshirt freshman quarterback Brian Lindgren had the most consistent and productive outing. He completed 10 of 15 passes for 94 yards. Projected starter John Welsh, a junior, went 11 of 24 for 130 yards.

All told, the four quarterbacks went to 14 receivers, something Cable said Vandals fans should expect to see from the new offense.

Junior Justin Wilson hauled in seven balls for 50 yards and tight end Geoff Franks caught four for 42 yards.

Senior Willie Alderson broke free on a 57-yard run and led the running backs with 96 yards on 12 carries.

The defense, though, looked solid in collecting 10 sacks, including two each from junior Wil Beck and sophomore Jason Hines. The secondary broke up five passes in addition to its four interceptions.

The Vandals practice three days this week before concluding spring drills with the 7 p.m. Silver and Gold game Friday night at the Kibbie Dome.

Idaho opens the 2000 football season at the University of Washington on Sept. 2.