Idaho Offense, Defense Inconsistent

Idaho football coach Tom Cable had mixed emotions Saturday following the Vandals’ first scrimmage.

“I was disappointed in our defensive intensity particularly the first hour,” Cable said.

In the second half, the offense took some heat.

“Offensively, we don’t have the killer instinct yet,” he said. “We got lackadaisical at the end and it showed.”

Starting quarterback John Welsh was solid, completing 6 of 11 passes for 77 yards. He connected with senior tight end Mike Roberg for a 10-yard touchdown.

“It looked like John had a good command of the offense,” Cable said, “and the offensive line looked like it had some push.”

The extra push opened enough holes for a 267-yard rushing game that included the solid, steady efforts of seniors Willie Alderson (seven carries, 27 yards) and Anthony Tenner (six carries, 55 yards), the debut of junior college transfer Blair Lewis (13 carries, 63 yards), and the breakaway ability of sophomore Rahimu Pettit (nine carries, 86 yards).

Quarterback Ed Dean hit 5 of 9 for 53 yards and one interception and Brian Lindgren connected on 5 of 8 for 64 yards and one touchdown.

There were some spectacular catches by wide receiver Chris Lacy and tight end Justin Odom, but dropped passes left Cable shaking his head.

“We had way too many dropped balls,” Cable said.

Cable attributed some of the defense’s inconsistencies simply to a matter of a lot of information to be assimilated in a short amount of time.

“Maybe it has them thinking too much,” Cable said.

“That was a typical first scrimmage, I suppose,” starting strong safety Brad Rice said. “Guys came out tentative; maybe too ready. After a couple of series, though, guys started to relax and we played like we’re capable.”

That led to the offensive production slowing considerably.

“We just couldn’t get anything going there,” Welsh said of the final minutes of the scrimmage. “We have two more scrimmages. Hopefully we can pick it up.”

Cable was philosophical as he left the practice field.

“That’s the one thing about being a head coach,” he said, “you’re always a little disappointed unless you win the game.”

The Vandals scrimmage again Wednesday at 4 p.m. and have their final scrimmage Saturday at 9 a.m.

Idaho opens the 2000 season at the University of Washington Sept. 2. Game time is 12:30 p.m.