Idaho quarterback Chalich honored as independent offensive player of the week

After having one of the most productive games in school history, Idaho redshirt freshman quarterback Chad Chalich was chosen the Independent Offensive Player of the Week by College Sports Madness.

Chalich, from Coeur d'Alene High, threw for 310 yards on 26-of-43 passing and carried the ball 14 times for another 114 yards to lead the Vandals to their 26-24 victory over Temple on Saturday.

"He has really improved," coach Paul Petrino said. "He did a great job of taking what the defense gave him and led his team to a win. Anytime a quarterback can throw for over 300 yards and rush for over 100, that's a great game."

Included in Chalich's numbers are a career-long 52-yard run as well as a 64-yard touchdown throw to true freshman Richard Montgomery.

Chalich had career highs for passes, completions, passing yards and rushing yards.

The last time an Idaho quarterback rushed for 100 or more yards was Doug Nussmeier, who ran for 107 in a 49-16 victory over Boise State on Nov. 20, 1993. He threw for 198 yards in that game. On Oct. 20, 1984, Scott Linehan rushed for 104 yards and threw for 248 in a 32-25 loss to Eastern Washington.