Area college football preview

Aggies at Vandals

Kickoff: 2 p.m., Kibbie Dome, Moscow

Records: Idaho (0-6, 0-4 Sun Belt), New Mexico State (2-5, 1-2)

Online/Radio: ESPN3/1080 and 1280-AM

Overview: The Far West Chapter of the Sun Belt Conference convenes in Moscow with the common hopes of ditching some bad baggage. The Aggies have lost five straight after a 2-0 start; the Vandals have the nation’s longest FBS losing streak at 13. NMSU has a devil of a time stopping the run, so Elijhaa Penny and his fellow Vandals running backs could have a huge impact on this game. But this one is all about the Vandals’ D: Can they stop the big play (which they haven’t all year) and corral wide receiver Teldrick Morgan, the Sun Belt’s receptions leader? The Aggies may have a new quarterback, as coach Doug Martin opened the door this week to freshman Andrew Allen replacing JC transfer Tyler Rogers.

John Blanchette

Pirates at Wildcats

Kickoff: 1:30 p.m., McMinnville, Ore.

Records: Whitworth (4-2, 2-1 Northwest Conference), Linfield (4-0, 2-0)

Radio: 1230-AM

Overview: Whitworth’s high- powered offense goes on the road to take on No. 5 Linfield, which enters the game undefeated. The Pirates have decided to put quarterback Ian Kolste on the shelf and seek a medical hardship after he injured his throwing shoulder in the Whittier game. After battling through a sore hip, senior quarterback Bryan Peterson should be healthy. Junior receiver Anthony Fullman made the trip and is hopeful to play. Senior cornerback De’ Hall will not play and senior linebacker Nic Brockhoff remains questionable. Running back Griffin Hare remains injured and didn’t make the trip but Duke Degaetano, who has been battling a sore foot, is ready to go. Linfield holds a commanding 35-5-2 record against the Pirates.

Thomas Clouse