Vandals romp past Bengals
MOSCOW, Idaho – At some point last week, the news circulated to Maurice Shaw: Idaho was going to open its first drive of the season at the Kibbie Dome with a deep, play-action pass.
How it would work, of course, was anybody’s guess. Or maybe it wasn’t.
“I had a couple dreams about it,” said Shaw, a sophomore wideout. “Every time I visualized it, it came out to that reality (of scoring a touchdown).”
To the delight of winning-starved Vandals fans, his dreams proved to be on the mark. Shaw hooked up with Nathan Enderle for a 77-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage, and the Vandals rolled to a 42-27 rout of Idaho State on Saturday.
An announced crowd of 15,013 – the actual number was closer to 11,000 – was on hand as Idaho snapped an 11-game losing streak dating back to Sept. 8 of last year.
“I’m happy for these kids,” Idaho coach Robb Akey said. “They’ve been working, and there’s finally a reward that’s come to them. It’s one game, but you appreciate every opportunity you get.”
It was particularly gratifying after getting smoked 70-0 last week at Arizona. Ridding themselves of any lingering effects from the humiliating loss – the program’s worst since 1968 – didn’t take the Vandals long.
Enderle’s first pass of the game was floated beautifully over the middle to Shaw. He was several steps beyond safety Keith Goins Jr., who had hesitated on Enderle’s fake handoff to tailback Corey White.
Five minutes later, Idaho came up big on special teams. ISU punter Jon Vanderwielen, standing near the Bengals’ 5-yard line, bobbled a high snap and Eric Hunter blocked the makeshift punt and landed on the ball in the end zone.
Just like that, the Vandals led 14-0. And for the most part, things got worse for the Bengals.
By early in the fourth quarter, Idaho was reveling in a 42-13 cushion. Much of its damage was the result of ISU’s self-inflicted mistakes.
“You know, it feels good,” UI center Adam Korby said. “When you see everybody smiling on the sideline, it brings that feeling back. We’re just going to have to build off this.”
With most fans in the Dome lulled into a comfort zone, the Bengals actually staged a semi-comeback. Back-to-back touchdowns from quarterback Russell Hill pulled ISU within 42-27 with 4:45 left.
The Bengals then scooped up the ensuing onside kick, but officials ruled that an Idaho State player had touched the ball before the kick went the necessary 10 yards.
Nonetheless, the Vandals still couldn’t breathe comfortably. Three plays into their next drive, third-string tailback Preston McCarty fumbled after an 8-yard gain. Video replays appeared to show that McCarty’s knee touched the ground before the ball squirted loose, but officials upheld the call after a review.
One play later, Hill was picked off by Vandals free safety Virdell Larkins. The third of Hill’s four interceptions sealed Idaho’s win.
Asked if he was nervous on the sideline, Akey said, “I wouldn’t say nervous, no. I would say irritated, yes. It’s always aggravating to me. I didn’t like those couple scores at the end. We’ve got to continue getting better with our pass defense and getting pressure with a four-man rush.”
Hill went 36 for 65 for 308 yards and four TDs. Eddie Thompson broke a 39-year-old Bengal record with 17 catches.
Idaho starting tailback Deonte’ Jackson shined in part-time duty. Despite an ailing back, he rumbled for 100 yards on 12 carries. The bulk of his production came in the second quarter, when he racked up 75 yards.
“It felt good when I was out there,” the sophomore said. “I have to make sure that I’m good and warm. That’s why I sat out the first couple series.”
Notes
The Vandals played without starting linebacker JoJo Dickson (shoulder). He’s questionable for next week’s game, Akey said. Defensive end Charles Smith, who was ill, also missed the game.