COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Vandals' belief to be tested in Boone

by MARK NELKE
Sports Editor | October 22, 2016 9:30 PM

Appalachian State handled the Idaho Vandals 47-20 last year in Moscow.

And while the Vandals appear better than last season’s version, so, apparently, do the Mountaineers.

“I think they’re better on defense,” said Idaho coach Paul Petrino, whose Vandals (4-3, 1-1 Sun Belt) play at Appalachian State (4-2, 2-0) today at Boone, N.C.

Petrino had particular praise for App State outside linebacker Kennan Gilchrist and inside linebackers Eric Boggs and John Law

“It starts with those three guys,” he said.

Last year, Jalen Moore ran for 244 yards on 27 carries against the Vandals. Appalachian State totaled 415 yards on the ground.

“Offensively, they re going to run the ball,” Petrino said. “They do a great job running outside zone, and then mix it up with the option, and if you get too many guys up there, he (quarterback Taylor Lamb) is going to throw it over the top.”