Vandals get a second chance to back up a big win
Southern Utah at Idaho • Today, 2 p.m. • TV: SWX/ESPN+ • Radio 1230 AM, 107.1 FM
By MARK NELKE
Sports editor
Speaking of been there, done that ...
Three weeks ago, the Idaho Vandals opened plenty of eyes with their victory over Montana State, then ranked No. 1 in the FCS.
But the Vandals followed that up by allowing 307 rushing yards in a loss at Weber State.
Then, last week Idaho went into storied Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula and beat No. 7 Montana 42-35.
Today, Idaho (2-5, 2-2 Big Sky) looks to back up that big win when Southern Utah (3-4, 2-2) visits for homecoming at 2 p.m. at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome in Moscow.
"The key to making sure that we don't take a step backwards," Idaho coach Thomas Ford Jr. said, "is understanding one week's success or failure does not guarantee you anything in the future."
And, this just in ... Southern Utah, in its first year back in the Big Sky after four years away, also runs the ball well.
Fifth-year running back Floyd Chalk has topped 100 yards on the ground in each of the Thunderbirds' seven games, and has 1,035 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. He is second in the FCS in rushing yards, just ahead of Montana's Eli Gillman.
"Floyd Chalk can take it the distance from pretty much anywhere on the field," Ford said.
Dual-threat quarterback Will Burns has run for 656 yards and nine TDs.
The T-Birds are second in the nation in rushing offense, at 269.1 yards per game.
"If we can get them to throw the ball, advantage us," Idaho defensive coordinator Lee Stalker said.
Playing with the lead last week for one of the few times this season, Idaho actually gained more yards on the ground than Montana, 158 to 143.
"We were able to commit to the run with the lead," Idaho offensive coordinator Ian Shoemaker said. "This is where we would like to be — more balance, run the ball, use the quick game ... "
Southern Utah has Big Sky wins the past two weeks over Utah Tech and UC Davis, and league losses to Montana and Idaho State earlier.
After Saturday, Idaho travels to Portland State, plays host to Eastern Washington, is home vs. UC Davis and finishes at Idaho State.
Crazy as it sounds, if the Vandals could win out, they would be 7-5, 7-2 in the Big Sky, and perhaps in the conversation for a berth in the 24-team FCS playoffs.
"If we can go 1-0 five weeks in a row, it would be hard to keep us out of the playoffs," Ford said. "I think the playoff committee likes hot teams, and if we can find a way to get it done the next five weeks, I think we'll be one of those hot teams."