UI Has Bye, But Cable Not Cutting Any Slack

It was more than just a loss. It was a personal affront.

University of Idaho football coach Tom Cable didn’t mince words in reviewing Saturday’s unsightly 31-14 road loss to Utah State.

“I don’t care what happens other than we come out and compete because I’m determined to get this program back to (being) a respected, feared and tough program,” Cable said. “For someone to coach and play for six years at this school, to develop a pride and a tradition, it really hurts. Not just me, but Ed (Rifilato, defensive coordinator and former UI player), Todd (Hoiness, running backs coach).”

That’s how much UI deteriorated on Saturday. Cable discussed matters during a long team meeting Sunday.

“There was a time when this was a feared and respected team. They (some of the players) said it didn’t feel like it had been that way for a while,” Cable said. “I said, `That’s not the way it’s going to be.”’

Cable expects some changes in approach and personnel, but he hasn’t firmed up his plans.

“It’s not like we haven’t been competitive all year, or we haven’t tried to win games. For whatever reason, with everything on the line, we cashed it in,” he said. “That (competing) is the one thing, even with the frustrations of turning the ball over, we have done every week. I don’t think there’s anybody we haven’t hit in the jaw and looked in the eye.”

Idaho has a bye Saturday before visiting North Texas on Nov. 4. The Vandals will practice today and Thursday, then resume normal gameweek preparations on Sunday.

“The next two weeks are really key,” he said. “We’ve got to go back and learn how to compete.”

Sinking feeling

Arkansas State is 0-8 and its best - perhaps only - chance for victory figures to come in its regular-season finale with woeful North Texas on Nov. 11.

That’s because ASU blew a chance for victory last week. The Indians led New Mexico State by 10 points midway through the fourth quarter. A fumble by standout receiver Robert Kilow helped New Mexico State pull even in the closing seconds.

The Aggies scored in overtime to take the lead, 35-29, but missed the PAT. Instead of capitalizing, Arkansas State’s Kilow fumbled on the ensuing play.

“The football gods are not kind to Arkansas State football so far this year,” coach Joe Hollis said.

20-20 vision in red zone

Boise State has put together 13 straight games scoring 30 points or more. One reason why? Red-zone success.

The Broncos are 20 for 20 in their last 20 trips inside the enemy’s 20-yard line. BSU has scored 16 touchdowns and four field goals during that span.

“That’s about as good as it gets,” BSU coach Dirk Koetter said.

Sick bay

Idaho guard Brett Morton (shoulder stinger) and fullback Laki Ah Hi (knee) might miss practice time, but both are expected back for North Texas. Center Jeremy Wallace (ankle) and tight end Geoff Franks (ankle, knee) are expected to practice this week.

Notes

Utah State’s Emmett White leads the nation in all-purpose yardage (203.9 per game)… . BSU’s Bart Hendricks, with 19, is second in touchdown passes to Florida State’s Chris Weinke (22)… . The Broncos’ 59-0 shutout of North Texas was its first since a 74-0 victory over Humboldt State in 1986… . North Texas quarterbacks were just 3 of 20 against BSU. They did complete three passes to BSU players. The Mean Green didn’t complete a pass in the first half. UNT has been outscored 100-3 in the second quarter this season.