Heat of the moment — Vandals’ much-anticipated season begins tonight in east Texas
Idaho at Lamar * Today, 5 p.m., ESPN+, 92.5 FM
By MARK NELKE
Sports editor
Coming off a playoff season in 2022 and entering a campaign with higher expectations, the heat is on for the Idaho Vandals.
Literally.
A high of 99 degrees is predicted for Thursday in Beaumont, Texas, where the Vandals take on Lamar University in their season opener.
Throw in the humidity, and …
“I’m an Arizona kid,” Idaho junior receiver Hayden Hatten said. “I’m used to playing my first game in high school in 105 degrees at 6 o’clock at night with the sun still out. It just comes down to, how tough are you willing to be? I don’t see myself fatiguing because it’s hot.”
It’s one of those games where coaches stress hydration almost as much as preparation.
“You’re going to have moments you have to push through,” second-year Idaho coach Jason Eck said. “Up here, it’s not humid but it’s been 90. That’s where the mental toughness comes in, when you get tired, being able to push through and still execute when you get tired."
That’s the known.
The unknown is Lamar, coming off a 1-10 season, has a new head coach (Pete Rossomando, who previously turned around programs at DII New Haven and FCS Central Connecticut) and several transfers, and as of earlier in the week, had yet to announce a starting quarterback.
So the Vandals have to be prepared for anything and everything.
“We have to do a good job in the first 10 minutes figuring out how they’re trying to play us, and then seeing what the adjustments are,” Eck said.
One thing’s for sure …
“I’m expecting a tough, physical team,” Eck said of Lamar. “I don’t think this will be a one-win team again, I think they’ll be improved — hopefully the bulk of their improvement starts after they play us.
“It kind of reminds me a little of our team last year — we had pretty good talent; we just had to get them going in the right direction better.”
Lamar wide receiver Sevonne Rhea and defensive backs Javon Davis and Kristian Pugh earned Southland Conference preseason second-team all-conference honors. Last year's leading rusher, junior Khalan Griffin, returns.
Eck said his team has more depth this year to be able to, uh, weather a game like tonight.
Especially on the defensive line, led by Malakai Williams, transfer Jahkari Larmond, Montana Tech transfer Keyshawn James-Newby and others.
“I think we’re going to have depth, which is important at that position, to keep guys fresh so they can just play hard and keep chasing all game, and play with great effort,” Eck said.
Playing on a Thursday is just fine for a season opener, Eck said. Playing on a Thursday after a Saturday game … not so good.
In any event, the Vandals are anxious to get going.
“We get to play on a Thursday — don’t have to wait for Saturday. I can’t wait to play,” cornerback Marcus Harris said. “As a defense, we’re excited to get out and play, and let loose.”