A state of panic has started to dawn on the Idaho Vandal faithful. In Moscow, where victory and football haven’t gone hand-in-hand since 2009, it’s not all that much of a surprise.
After a deflating loss in Saturday’s season-opener, those who are both highly critical and doubtful have already begun to emerge.
Okay, so the 40-6 scoreline wasn’t ideal. Neither was the lackadaisical secondary unit or burning three timeouts in two minutes. Covering the spread — which stood at just more than 15 points — did seem realistic.
But don’t panic, not just yet.
Think about it this way: seven Idaho starters were playing their first few downs of Division 1 football. Not to mention a brand new coaching staff managing those newcomers almost 2,000 miles in an unfamiliar environment.
If Saturday’s test revealed anything, it revealed potential. Don’t expect that potential to unveil itself immediately. We may begin to see it by the time the home-opener rolls around, or it may have to wait until next season.
The potential, though not all that visible, came in a variety of forms in the blowout loss. Chad Chalich, the team’s young gunslinger, passed the ball at a very high clip. Indeed, Chalich will need to cut down on the amount of hits he takes and read the field better before scrambling on third and 19. There was a lot to like about Chalich’s leadership and composure, however.
The skill players left a lot on the table, though the running game looked to be an improved version of last year’s group. Freshman receiver Dezmon Epps and redshirt freshman receiver Deon Watson had a bulk of Saturday’s receptions, hauling in 113 combined receiving yards.
Opening your season on the road is by no means favorable. The Vandals haven’t opened at home since 2009.
Eyeing the remainder of the Vandals’ schedule, it’s hard to pencil any one game as a guaranteed victory, based on Saturday’s woes and a couple of strong showings from Idaho’s opponents. That’s the beauty of an independent schedule, though.
If Petrino and the Vandals do manage to salvage something out of the season, it will come as a surprise. If not, it still provided a plethora of youngsters the opportunity to attain experience before breaking into a rigorous Sun Belt Conference.
For those struggling to find a glimmer of hope, I would say that change doesn’t happen overnight. Coach Petrino, by no means, is a miracle-maker.
What is important though, is that a foundation is built. Petrino’s foundation is one that seems to have stamina. Let the process work itself out.
Theo Lawson can be reached at [email protected]