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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Vandals picked eighth

Media, coaches differ on No. 1

News service report

The University of Idaho Vandals are searching for respect as they begin their second football season under the tutelage of head coach Robb Akey.

The Vandals, 1-11 last season, including 10-straight losses to end the season, gained some measure of that on Wednesday when they were picked by both the Western Athletic Conference coaches and the media to finish eighth in the nine-team conference this season, ahead of Utah State in both polls.

“The preseason polls tell you the amount of respect people have for your program,” Akey said. “We’ve just started something here. It’s our responsibility to build that respect.”

Fresno State was picked No. 1 by the coaches in their poll, and Boise State was the favorite of the media.

The Vandals report to Moscow Aug. 4 with practices beginning the next day. They open the season at Arizona on Aug. 30.