Harrington solid, steady

At first glance, Michael Harrington’s numbers don’t leap off the stat page.

Take a second look. The University of Idaho junior quarterback is quietly putting together a solid season and he’s close to breaking a long-time school record.

Harrington, 16 of 21 in Idaho’s 45-31 homecoming win over Arkansas State on Saturday, has completed 66.5 percent of his passes this season. At that pace, he’ll finish with the second best percentage in Vandal history, behind Rick Sloan’s 68.1 in 1985 and ahead of John Welsh’s 64.4 in 2001.

Harrington has benefited from Idaho’s play-calling, which emphasizes high-percentage passes and a power running game. He’s managed to stay healthy despite operating behind an offensive line that has been beat up most of the season.

“He’s really done a good job of handling all the stuff we want him to handle,” head coach Nick Holt said. “He’s played really smart and he’s improved. I can’t ask much more from Mike. We’ve missed some throws throughout the season, but he’s getting better.”

In two previous seasons, one as a backup and last year as a part-time starter, Harrington never completed more than 50 percent of his passes and he’s never had more touchdowns than interceptions.

Harrington has passed for 1,698 yards with eight interceptions and eight touchdowns this season. His passer rating is 121.01, well above last year’s 92.94.

Harrington trails two Sun Belt quarterbacks in completion percentage — Middle Tennessee’s Clint Marks (72) and New Mexico State’s Buck Pierce (69.1).

Numbers game

Idaho drew 9,425 to Saturday’s game, but it still isn’t sure if it has satisfied NCAA attendance requirements. The Vandals are waiting for the official crowd count from their September game with Washington State. The announced crowd was 34,858.

In addition to Saturday, Idaho drew roughly 11,900 for Louisiana-Monroe and 6,500 for Louisiana-Lafayette. That’s approximately 28,000 for three home games. The NCAA requires an average of 15,000 per home game. Idaho would need about 32,000 from the WSU game to qualify.

The NCAA is reviewing the attendance rules in January.

“There are a bunch of schools that probably won’t make it, ” Idaho athletic director Rob Spear said. “I think the hurricanes in Florida have raised eyebrows in the NCAA that there are some circumstances that are beyond the school’s control, whether it’s the opening of deer season or a huge storm or a hurricane. I’m hopeful (the rule is abolished). It needs to happen.”

Yellow fever

The Idaho-Arkansas State game wasn’t bogged down by penalties, but there were several unusual situations involving flags. On one play, Arkansas State was penalized for an illegal shift, ineligible receiver downfield and offensive pass interference — and still threw an incompletion.

Idaho, which seemingly gets flagged for sideline warnings every game, was hit with three warnings, the last resulting in a five-yard penalty. Also, UI assistant coach Alundis Brice was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct late in the fourth quarter.

“One of our defensive backs really got hit late and they weren’t protecting our kids and I thought it went on a couple times,” Holt said. “Our coach was really trying to protect the player, but he got a little too aggressive toward the ref. It shouldn’t happen and we have to address that.”

Of the sideline warnings, Holt said, “That’s me. I’ve got to do a better job with that.”

Dennehy dismissed

Utah State fired coach Mick Dennehy on Sunday, one day after the Aggies’ 32-25 loss to Louisiana-Monroe. Dennehy will coach USU’s remaining two games, said assistant coach Chris Tabor.

The Aggies (2-7, 1-4) are in last place in the conference. Dennehy has an 18-36 record in five seasons.

“I hate to hear that,” Louisiana-Monroe coach Charlie Weatherbie said. “He’s a real fine coach and he’s done a pretty good job there. They’ve had a lot of injuries; I think 7 or 8 surgical injuries on linemen on both sides of the ball.”

Notes

For the first time in school history, New Mexico State surpassed 600 total yards in consecutive games. … North Texas, Idaho’s opponent on Saturday in Denton, has clinched at least a share of the Sun Belt title. The Mean Green can earn an outright championship with a win over the Vandals or against Arkansas State on Nov. 18. Troy, New Mexico State and Louisiana-Monroe maintain slim title hopes.