Vandals’ offense shows improvement

MOSCOW, Idaho – The goal Saturday was 10 touchdowns. That the University of Idaho offense hit the magic number after 118 plays was the indication of improvement over a week ago.

“That means the offense played a little better,” coach Paul Petrino said.

But, it wasn’t all good. There were four interceptions and one fumble along with five pass breakups, five tackles for loss and 2½ sacks.

“They can’t turn the ball over down here,” Petrino said. “I did like the defense flying around and hitting people.”

Among the four interceptions was one returned 61 yards by defensive end Maxx Forde for a touchdown. D’Mario Carter had an 84-yard return and James Randall and Trey Williams each picked one pass.

Quinton Bradley was credited with two of the five pass breakups, while Matt Willis was the tackles leader with 13 stops – 12 solo and one assist. Randall also had a double-digit tackle day with 10 – seven solo and three assists.

“We’re getting tougher,” Petrino said. “There’s no question we’ll be a tough team.”

The offense netted 801 yards – 531 on the combined passing of Chad Chalich and Taylor Davis, and 270 rushing.

Chalich and Davis combined for 42-of-65 passing with five touchdowns. Chalich was 27 of 40 (67 percent) for 319 yards and three TDs, while Davis was 15 of 25 (60 percent) for 212 yards and two TDs – but with all four of the interceptions.

They mixed passes to 12 receivers with Jahrie Level leading the way with nine for 102 yards. Roman Runner had 96 yards on four catches, while Marquan Major had 76 yards on six catches.

Kris Olugbode carried the ball 17 times for 49 yards and Jerrel Brown 16 for 55. James Baker was back in the mix with five carries for 53 yards.

“Those two (Olugbode and Brown) might be the two biggest studs of the whole camp,” Petrino said. “Running backs are one of our strengths.”

The Vandals head into the final week of spring ball with 4 p.m. practices on Tuesday and Thursday and the 6 p.m. Spring Game on Friday.