Vandals look to exit cellar

MOSCOW, Idaho – Having escaped one cellar, the Idaho Vandals are trying to make sure they stay out of another.

Last week’s road win over Eastern Michigan allowed the Vandals to leave behind the No. 117 (last) ranking in I-A and they now turn their attention to the Sun Belt Conference standings. A win today over Louisiana-Monroe would keep the Vandals, now No. 111, away from the Sun Belt basement. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. in the Kibbie Dome.

Idaho (1-4, 0-1 Sun Belt) is one of three Sun Belt teams yet to win a conference game. Louisiana-Monroe, ranked No. 114 by CBSsportsline.com, is 0-4, 0-1. Middle Tennessee is 0-2 in conference and is host to Arkansas State (1-0 in conference) today.

“It would be nice to keep playing well and keep executing and keep making plays,” Idaho coach Nick Holt said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

Louisiana-Monroe’s offense is somewhat similar to Eastern Michigan’s, which hung 41 points on the Vandals. The Indians spread the field, but probably have better team speed than Eastern Michigan.

“Their record doesn’t indicate the talent on their team,” Holt said. “They’re similar to us in that they played a tough non-league schedule. They played well in a lot of those games and they lost a heartbreaker to Arkansas State. They were driving for the tying score when they coughed it up, which is similar to our game with Utah State. Monroe is more talented than Eastern Michigan.”

Louisiana-Monroe has moved the ball fairly well, but it hasn’t translated into points. The Indians are averaging 12.8 per game against a rugged schedule that included Arkansas and Auburn. They’ve scored just one touchdown in the second halves of four games.

“We scored 20 against Arkansas, 21 against Arkansas State and then we go play Wyoming (last Saturday) and I don’t believe they’re as talented as Arkansas and we score 10,” Indians coach Charlie Weatherbie said. “I’m not sure it’s our opponents as much as it’s ourselves.”

The Indians don’t lack weapons. Junior quarterback Steven Jyles is a run-pass threat. He’s in his third year as the starter and has surpassed 5,000 career yards. Drouzon Quillen (15 catches, 272 yards) is Jyles’ favorite target. The running game, paced by Kevin Payne, is averaging 146 yards per game.

So what’s the problem? Lack of big plays (only three runs and nine passes of 20-plus yards), penalties (33 in four games) and red-zone inefficiency (three touchdowns in 10 trips).

Idaho was troubled by many of those same issues until last Saturday. Holt credited improved play by the entire offense, but particularly the line for the Vandals’ 45-point, 464-yard effort. However, the front five is again dealing with some injuries. Tackle Hank Therien has a sore ankle and guard Jade Tadvick is bothered by his pectoral tendon, an injury that sidelined him for most of spring football. Their status wasn’t immediately known.

Tailgating options

To comply with State Board of Education policy, Idaho has designated several areas for pre-game functions.

The field north of the Kibbie Dome is open to the public, but access is available only to ticket holders. Alcoholic beverages cannot be brought to the area, but can be purchased.

Vandal Boosters lots west of the Dome are designated for private pre-game functions and open to those with Vandal Scholarhip Fund parking permits. There are corporate and private-function tents on the northeast end of the Dome outdoor fields that are invitation-only.

Notes

This game was a pick ‘em at the beginning of the week, but UL-Monroe is now a two-point favorite. … Idaho has played 17 true freshmen, one more than reported in an article Tuesday. … Lake City High grad Jeff Edwards will probably miss Idaho’s next two games with a sprained knee. Mike Bonelli has moved from defensive end to tackle to help bolster the position. Linebacker Nate Nichols (ankle) might play, but probably won’t start. Redshirt freshman Josh Bousman, who made five tackles last week, is the likely starter. Cornerback Reggie Jones (ankle) is out. Senior Chris Nathan is expected to make his second straight start.