Determined UI debuts
If the Idaho Vandals were in search of some positive reinforcement before their season opener, they need only look at what took place a year ago at this time.
Taking on top-ranked Southern Cal to kick off the 2007 campaign, the Vandals “were supposed to get blown out of the Coliseum by a score of 99-0,” coach Robb Akey recalled earlier this week. “I think that’s what the Vegas spread was on it.”
Instead, UI raised eyebrows with a showing that was more respectable than anyone could fathom. The 38-10 loss was a positive step then, and it seems promising in the buildup to tonight’s season debut at Arizona.
Another Pac-10 foe awaits, and this time the Vandals understand what they’re getting into.
“We want to show everyone else in the world that we can play with any conference,” sophomore tailback Deonte Jackson said. “… We’re not an (1-11) team and we’re going to go out and show that. We’re going to make them play up to our level.”
Jackson was referring to the Vandals’ record last year, their eighth consecutive lower than .500. It was a mark that Akey called “unacceptable.”
So what is acceptable this year?
“Our goal is a bowl,” said Jackson, who led UI last year with 1,175 rushing yards. “That’s what we’re going to get to.”
The first step in that quest is grappling with the 27-point favorite Wildcats, who are coming off a hard-to-stomach season themselves. UA went 5-7 a year ago, failing to reach the postseason yet again under Mike Stoops.
The defensive-minded coach, in his fifth year, has all sorts of pressure to deliver. His veteran offense returns 10 starters from a unit that averaged 28 points per game in ’07.
Arizona’s prime threat in its spread attack is quarterback Willie Tuitama. The senior threw for 3,683 yards and 28 touchdowns last year.
The Vandals will counter with a defense that’s lean on experience but has more depth than in 2007, especially up front. The club’s most savvy defender is freewheeling safety Shiloh Keo, while JoJo Dickson leads a new, all-sophomore linebacker crew.
Even if it has trouble containing the Wildcats’ potent attack, UI should move the ball. Arizona is breaking in a defense that wasn’t air-tight last year and has just three starters back.
“They’re obviously going to be a very talented team,” Idaho quarterback Nathan Enderle said. “Big up front. They’re going to have a Pac-10 line and D-line. (But) we’ve seen talent before, so …”
Notes
The Vandals haven’t won a season opener since 1999. They have also lost 16 straight games to Pac-10 opponents since beating Washington State in 2000.