Epps making (bad) news again

Dezmon Epps, Idaho's leading receiver in 2013 and after one game this season, was one of two Vandal players identified in a shoplifting incident last month at the VandalStore.

The other was defensive back Isaiah Taylor.

Items involved in the shoplifting incident were returned to the store by Idaho coach Paul Petrino, and the players were disciplined internally.

"Isaiah chose not to comply with our requirements and is no longer on the football team," Petrino said in a statement. "Dezmon thus far has met our requirements and has complied with the sanctions we imposed. As long as he continues to abide by these requirements, there is a place for him in the Vandal family."

The names of the players involved were released to the media Friday. In the light of the names being released, it was uncertain whether Epps would play start today, or play at all, when Idaho (0-1) visits No. 8 USC (1-0). The Trojans (1-0) were already favored by more than six touchdowns.

In any event, Petrino is looking for a better defensive effort from the Vandals, who yielded 489 total yards to Ohio.

"If we can tackle these guys, then we should have a good chance to tackle anybody the rest of the year, because they've got some skilled players," Petrino said.