Haynes, Ikharo earn starting jobs

Idaho will have its starting running back Saturday, but there will be a new look at wide receiver.

Sophomore Jayson Bird, who appeared to injure his knee late in the first quarter of Saturday’s 56-10 loss to Washington State, had an MRI that revealed slight damage to his meniscus, but nothing that should prevent him from playing against Idaho State.

Bird was expected to go through a non-contact practice Tuesday, head coach Dennis Erickson said.

At receiver, Erickson said Marlon Haynes and Tariq Ikharo will make their first starts in Saturday’s home opener. Idaho was plagued by dropped passes, seven or eight by Erickson’s estimation, against WSU, and the Vandals haven’t generated enough big plays in the passing game.

“We’ve got to get some playmakers out there,” Erickson said. “They’ve only been practicing a couple of weeks, but they’re very talented. I thought they stepped up and made some plays in that game and practiced pretty good as the week went on. Our thinking is to get them in practice and get them a lot of turns so we can see what they do.”

Haynes had four catches for 64 yards against WSU. Ikharo had one reception for 11 yards. They were teammates at Laney College in Oakland, Calif.

Idaho was in a two-tight end formation for considerable portions of Saturday’s game.

“We’ve got to open ourselves up a little bit, that’s why we have to find some playmakers at receiver,” Erickson said. “We can’t sit in two-tight and do that all the time. … We’ve got to open things up and we’re going to start doing it on Saturday.”

Bengals-Vandals ties

There are numerous connections between Idaho’s and Idaho State’s programs. Bengals starting center George Yarno is the nephew of ex-Idaho standout John Yarno and the son of ex-UI and current WSU assistant coach George Yarno.

Former UI sports information director Rance Pugmire is ISU’s senior associate athletic director. Former Vandals assistant basketball coach Jay McMillin is executive director of the Bengal Foundation. He was previously an ISU assistant basketball coach.

Idaho State head coach Larry Lewis’ staff includes ex-Washington State defensive back Torey Hunter and ex-Cougars player and coach Bryant Thomas. Lewis is a former WSU assistant.

Sandpoint High graduate Erik Stoll is a backup safety for ISU. He’s a true freshman.