Chance for Vandals to build momentum

It’s not like the Idaho Vandals (2-4, 1-2 Sun Belt) have any reason to look ahead, as their two football victories this season are the most since 2011.

But, with Louisiana-Monroe (1-5, 0-2) coming into the Kibbie Dome today, and Idaho traveling to New Mexico State (0-6, 0-2) next week, there’s a chance for the Vandals to build a little momentum.

“I said at the very beginning (of the season) that we had two of the best (Sun Belt) teams right off the bat, and then that there’s a bunch of teams that we can be very competitive against,” Idaho coach Paul Petrino said.

First things first.

Monroe has played two money games so far — at Georgia (a 51-14 loss) and at Alabama (a 34-0 loss).

“Monroe’s played some really tough teams, and they’re really talented,” Petrino said. “They’ve got some very talented football players, their defense is very unique, try to confuse your quarterback and offensive line.”

Monroe starts a redshirt freshman, Garrett Smith, at quarterback. He’s thrown for 1,305 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.

“Offensively they run a lot of empty (backfield), try to get guys the ball in space,” Petrino said. “It’s going to be a really close game, and we’ve got to find a way to win in the fourth quarter.”

Both teams have played Georgia Southern, which beat Idaho 44-20 and beat ULM 51-31.

Last year, after Idaho scored 10 fourth-quarter points to tie it at Monroe, the Warhawks scored late to win 38-31. The game featured a 2-hour, 6-minute lightning delay in the first quarter.

“It stunk that we lost to them last year,” Petrino said. “At 31-31, we had the ball, hit a big completion, and got called for a hold. We were in great position to win that game.”