Holt holds out on pick

Upon further review, there will be further review of the two players battling to become the University of Idaho’s starting quarterback.

Head coach Nick Holt reviewed the videotape of Thursday night’s scrimmage and liked what he saw from Michael Harrington and Steven Wichman in the second half. But nobody has wrapped up the job, Holt said.

“You saw exactly what has been happening,” Holt said Friday.

In other words, Wichman made several impressive passes, particularly on two touchdown throws, but he also made a few costly mistakes. Harrington was turnover-free and steady.

With the season opener at Washington State on Thursday, Idaho has adjusted its practice schedule accordingly. The players had Friday off. Coaches will begin installing the game plan at today’s practice.

“We’ll just see how the next few days go,” Holt said of the quarterback race. “We’re just looking at everything.”

Holt wouldn’t commit to when he wanted to name a starter, but doubted it be a game-day call.

Special delivery

Special teams have been a Vandals sore spot for several years, but punter T.J. Conley and kicker Michael Barrow were solid Friday. Conley averaged 41 yards on six attempts, including one mulligan. Barrow made all of his PATs and was 2 of 2 on field goals, including a 46-yarder.

“They’ve improved,” Holt said. “Michael punted last year because we needed him to. He didn’t want to and it really hurt him with the stuff he does well.”

Area products

Freshman defensive end Josh Shaw, a Lewis and Clark High product, had a sack and saw plenty of playing time.

Shadle Park grad Bryan Braman will probably redshirt, Holt said. Gonzaga Prep grad Kellen Beam and Post Falls’ Adam Shamion, who is recovering from knee surgery, will grayshirt, meaning they will enroll full time for second semester in January and be true freshmen next fall.

Notes

Running back and return specialist Antwaun Sherman (hip pointer) is expected to be available for the season opener. … Former UI offensive tackle Patrick Venzke was an interested spectator Thursday. He injured his shoulder a year ago in training camp with the Indianapolis Colts and was released. His shoulder is still healing, so he decided to finish up his degree. His wife, who is eight months pregnant, will join him soon in Moscow.