Practice means playing time for Vandal back Baker

If you don't practice well, Idaho football coach Paul Petrino likes to say, you don't play.

One example - Vandal running back James Baker. He had totaled just 198 rushing yards in Idaho's first seven games. But three weeks ago, at Arkansas State, the junior college transfer totaled 150 yards on 23 carries, both totals his most ever as a Vandal. He also ran for two touchdowns.

Last week at Mississippi, he carried the ball a team-high 13 times, though for just 24 yards.

Why the increased workload of late, as Idaho (1-7) prepares to play host to Texas State (5-3) today at the Kibbie Dome, on Dads' Weekend?

"I just think he's learned how to come to practice every day and finish his runs and work hard on every rep," Petrino said. "He's made himself a better player by his preparation, by his practice habits, and that carries over into games, because obviously he's a very talented kid. He's big, he's strong, he can catch the ball well, he can do a good job in protection. ... Each week he's improved his practice habits, and that usually carries over, and you play better in the game."

Notes: The teams met last season, with Texas State winning 38-7 in San Marcos, Texas. ... both teams have played Wyoming this season. Texas State beat the Cowboys 42-21 at home on Sept. 28, three weeks after Wyoming beat Idaho 42-10 in Laramie. ... Petrino said earlier in the week indications were that Taylor Davis would start at quarterback for the second straight game, as Chad Chalich, who started the first seven games, and Josh McCain recover from shoulder injuries. ... Texas State will be a foe of Idaho's next year in the Sun Belt Conference. The Bobcats run the read option, and Idaho devoted time to defending that offense during its bye week a couple weeks ago.