Vandal defense has shined of late

Idaho's defense "is making some great strides" of late, Vandals coach Robb Akey says.

That defense, which racked up six sacks and held high-powered Hawaii to 16 points, figures to get tested today when Idaho (1-7, 0-4 Western Athletic Conference) plays at San Jose State (3-5, 2-2) at 1 p.m. at Spartan Stadium.

"They throw the ball a great deal," Akey said of San Jose State. "They've got a running back (Brandon Rutley) who we've got a lot of respect for. We've got to be able to stop their running game and be effective against their throwing game as well."

Spartan quarterback Matt Faulkner is second in the WAC in passing yards per game with 258.9. Sophomore receiver Noel Grigsby leads the conference with 7.38 receptions per game. Rutley is second in the WAC in all-purpose rushing yards with 153.1 yards per game, which includes rushing, receiving, punt returns and kickoff returns.

As of earlier this week, Akey hadn't decided whether senior Brian Reader or sophomore Taylor Davis would start at quarterback today. Davis replaced Reader as the starter last week vs. Hawaii, though Reader came on in the fourth quarter.

Whoever he settles on will guide an offense which has scored just three touchdowns in the last four games - and one of those TDs came in overtime. Idaho has lost six straight games.

San Jose State has WAC wins over New Mexico State (34-24) and Hawaii (28-27), and lost to Nevada (17-14) and Louisiana Tech (38-28). Idaho lost to New Mexico State (31-24), Hawaii (16-14) and Louisiana Tech (24-11).