Idaho defense delivers

MOSCOW, Idaho – The defense got the better of the offense in the University of Idaho’s first football scrimmage.

That’s not a surprise. The unit has a bit of a head start.

“We’ve had this scheme in the last two years and the guys in with the ones definitely understand it,” outside linebacker David Vobora said. “We may be a couple of steps ahead (of the offense), but they’re definitely coming along.”

After a rocky start – and we’re not talking about the thunder and lightning that sent the team from its outdoor field inside to the Kibbie Dome shortly after Thursday’s practice began – the No. 1 offense started moving the ball, particularly on the ground.

“I thought we ran the ball pretty consistently, that’s what we have to do,” head coach Dennis Erickson said. “We’ve got three or four (running backs) that are starting to show. If we can do that we can take a lot of pressure off (quarterback) Steve (Wichman).

“And I thought the first group on defense played pretty well, ran around and made some plays.”

Early on, the first-string defense put heat on Wichman and stuffed the run. The second- and third-team offensive lines had considerable protection issues, too, leaving frustrated offensive line coach Gregg Smith to inform his players, “We can’t even get a play off.”

After a couple of ineffective possessions, senior guard Jade Tadvick called an informal meeting of the first unit.

“Really, you just have to give them a pep talk every once in a while when you’re a senior and let them know what’s up,” Tadvick said. “I let them know we weren’t playing well, me included, and we had to get it going a little bit.”

Shortly thereafter, Wichman connected on passes to Wes Williams, Tracy Ford and Marlon Haynes. Jayson Bird and Brian Flowers followed by picking up good yardage on running plays.

There was plenty of hitting, including one collision that left middle linebacker Jo Artis Ratti with an apparent dislocated shoulder. Ratti, who was in the running for a starting job, figures to miss 2-4 weeks, Erickson said. Safety Jevon Butler drilled receiver Jomar Drake on a crossing route at the outset of the scrimmage. Drake was shaken up, but continued to play and he eventually made a nice touchdown catch in traffic. Butler appeared to be slightly woozy later as he met with the training staff.

Position battles

There are several positions up for grabs on the offense. Junior college transfer Marlon Haynes is competing with DeAngelo Ramsey at split end. Max Komar and Wes Williams are splitting time at slot receiver. Up front, Kris Anderson and Billy Bates are battling at right tackle, and Adam Juratovac and Marcis Fennell are dueling at right guard.

On defense, true freshman Shiloh Keo worked with the first team and is challenging Tone Taupule at strong safety. Lee Jones, sidelined with a sore hamstring, and Chris Smith, who had an interception return for a score, are in the running at free safety.

Facilities update

UI president Tim White updated the State Board of Education on the status of a proposed facilities upgrade project. Idaho is hoping to add several thousand seats among other improvements to the Kibbie Dome and build a multiple-use events center, which would be home to basketball and volleyball, at a price tag of about $40 million.

“Dr. White is presenting the concept as an informational item to the board,” athletic director Rob Spear said. “We’ve hired an architect who will do a feasibility study and come back with different concepts.”

Notes

There are a couple of additions to the roster, including linebacker Andrew Blevins, a walk-on from Mead High. Keep an eye on Kiel McDonald, a cornerback/safety who played at Sacramento State last year. Under a new NCAA rule, he is eligible to transfer to another school if he has completed his degree and has one year of eligibility remaining. He probably won’t practice until next week. … Starting center Adam Korby sat out with a thumb injury that isn’t believed to be serious. … Wichman finished 6 of 8 for 42 yards. Bird and Flowers combined for 50 yards on 12 attempts. The defense registered eight sacks.