The sweet taste of victory

Winning makes everything better.

Just ask Idaho football coach Robb Akey, whose Vandals snapped a seven-game losing streak with a come-from-behind 32-29 victory at San Jose State last Saturday.

"I'm going to tell you what - that was the best Popeyes chicken I've ever had," Akey said of the postgame meal in San Jose. "I think that's the best plane ride I've ever been on in my life too. Coffee tasted a lot better (Sunday) too."

It was Idaho's first victory since beating North Dakota 44-14 on Sept. 10, and the Vandals' first victory this season over a Football Bowl Subdivision school.

"It means our guys can smile again," Akey said. "It means they finally got rewarded for what they've been working to accomplish. They were able to finish a ballgame with a smile on their face, and have a great time doing it. I'm happy for them."

Idaho (2-7) travels to Provo, Utah, on Saturday to play BYU (6-3), which is coming off a bye.

Quarterback situation settled ... for now: Much like the Hawaii game the previous week, Akey did not announce a starter prior to the San Jose State game.

But redshirt sophomore Taylor Davis got the start for the second straight week and, especially after the Vandals rallied to win, appears to have earned the job. Senior Brian Reader started the first seven games.

“I think since we won, we’re going to keep him (as starter), Akey said. “We’re like butter now — we’re on a roll. We’re going to keep it going.”

Notes: Idaho rushed for a season-high 183 yards at San Jose, led by Kama Bailey’s career-high 163 yards on 19 carries. Akey said the running game has improved in recent weeks. Earlier in the season, Idaho trailed so much it had to throw, but in recent weeks has continued to run in an attempt to catch up. “There is a fine line in staying persistent in your running game, and knowing that you’ll be rewarded for it later,” Akey said. ... The Vandals put offensive lineman A.J. Jones in the backfield last week in short-yardage situations, which proved effective. “We’ve been running that play all year long,” Akey said. “We just put a little more beef in the backfield. It was sponsored by Wendy’s.” ... Akey said he hopes Justin Veltung (turf toe) will be back this week, which should help with a spotty return game.