Vandals seek victory strike

Lightning will not strike a third time this season for the Idaho Vandals today.

But a victory might.

Coming off an encouraging 38-31 loss at Louisiana-Monroe in their season and Sun Belt Conference opener, the Vandals play host to a Western Michigan (0-1) that was 1-11 last year.

"It was probably the best I've felt after a game of ours - our kids' effort, and fight and will to win," Idaho coach Paul Petrino said. "Now our execution's got to get better."

Western Michigan, idle last week, lost 43-34 at Purdue in its opener two weeks ago.

"They've got some really good talent on offense," Petrino said. "(Sophomore Corey Davis) is a great receiver, (sophomore wideout Daniel Braverman) has got great speed, they've got a true freshman running back (6-foot, 220-pound Jarvion Franklin) that's big ... It's our first home game - we've got to start a home game winning streak, and we're looking forward to playing at home."

Petrino has spoken about making the Kibbie Dome a tough place to play for opponents. Idaho is only 3-13 at home over the last three seasons, but is a rare favorite this week, by three points over the Broncos.

The Vandals' lone win last year came at home, over Temple.

"This needs to be a place where people don't like to come," Idaho quarterback Matt Linehan said.