2010 NCAA football preview: Idaho
It has been a tough road for Robb Akey as the head coach of the Idaho Vandals football team. When he took over after the 2006 season the team was fresh off a 4-8 season, its seventh losing season in a row.
He would not have much luck with the team either in his first two seasons. In 2007, the Vandals would only succeed in defeating the Cal-Poly Mustangs, a division I-AA team (and only by a touchdown, 20-13). The following year would only be a little better. The team would win two games, one against in-state rival Idaho State (a division I-AA team) and a conference opponent, the New Mexico State Aggies.
The third season was the charm for Akey and the Vandals. With a couple recruiting classes of his own entrenched on the team, Akey was able to field what he wanted instead of having to make do with what he had. He succeeded in leading the team to their first winning season since 1999 and their first bowl game since 1998.
Capping the season off with a thrilling 43-42 victory was a fitting way to end a rare successful season. Now the question will be whether Akey can get the Vandals to do it again in 2010.
Offense
Idaho had one of the best offenses in the nation last season and should be among them again in 2010. While they did lose some key personnel, they still have a lot of talent and experience returning.
Nathan Enderle could end up being the next late-round draft pick to explode in a few years in the NFL. He’ll be a late round pick primarily because no one will hear about him at Idaho. Last season he was one of the most efficient passers in the country (fifth); he completed more than 61 percent of his passes for just under 3000 yards, 22 touchdowns, and nine interceptions for a QB rating of 157.3.
Even though he will be without his best receiver from last year, Max Komar, he will have four returning that caught more than 30 passes last year including tight end Daniel Hardy and senior wide receiver Maurice Shaw. Both should do even better this year as the team looks to reestablish a running game behind Princeton McCarty and Deonte Jackson; both running backs will have big shoes to fill in former running back DeMaundray Woolridge.
Defense
Their defense however is another story altogether. Last year there was not much that they did well. Overall the defense was seventh in the conference and 107th in the nation. Against the pass (116th in the nation and eighth in conference) and scoring (114th in the nation and ninth in conference) they were not very good. The rushing defense was the best part of their game ranking 77th in the nation, but was good enough to be third in the WAC.
The unit returns ten starters and really has no excuse not to perform better than they did last season. Of the group, strong safety Shiloh Keo is the leader of the group; the fourth year starter will be coming off a 113-tackle season in 2009. Gary Walker received significant time during his freshman season last year and should step in to the starting role at free safety.
The defensive line has a pair of large men at tackle, Michael Cosgrove and Jonah Sataraka, which probably accounts for the team’s performance in defending against the rush. However, with their ends are a bit on the smaller side which while great in the pass rush department does not help much when it comes to the run.
In 2010 the Vandals will not have a shot at winning the WAC; Boise State will have no problem doing that. With the offense that they have they should be competitive in every game; scoring points will not be a problem at all. However, the future of the team will depend on how well they are able to stop other teams from scoring.
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