Idaho to take on first place team in the Sun Belt, GSU
Winless through five games this season and in the midst of a 12-game losing streak, it’s a lack of confidence that might explain the slow start Idaho has had each game.
Nathan Romans | Argonaut
Senior corner Joe Smith prepares for the snap during Wednesday’s practice. Idaho plays Saturday at 3 P.M. in Statesboro, Georgia against Geaorgia Southern.
“That’s what we keep talking to them about — confidence,” Idaho coach Paul Petrino said. “We got to step on that field and believe right from the get-go that we’re good enough to go win.”
While the Vandals have been outscored 117-50 in first halves this season, the team has faired better in second halves outscoring its opponents 78-71.
Offensive coordinator Kris Cinkovich compared the slow starts to a boxer who gets knocked out in the first round. He said by the time he wakes up, it’s too late.
“I think sometimes we’re not sure of who we’re playing, how good they’re going to be and we kind of feel it out, and that’s not what good teams do,” Cinkovich said. “Good teams come out all in, and that’s what we have to do.”
Confidence won’t be an issue for Idaho’s next opponent. After almost a century of dominance at the FCS level, with six national titles to show for it, Georgia Southern will step onto the field 3 p.m. Saturday in Statesboro, Georgia, expecting to win.
“They’re a good team and they’re kind of used to winning,” Petrino said. “They’ve had a great program forever … When you won year after year, players step on the field and expect to win and that’s where we got to get.”
Despite being its first year at the FBS level, Georgia Southern has made the transition look easy. Through six games, the Eagles are 4-2 with a 3-0 record against fellow Sun Belt teams, which puts them atop the conference standings.
“They got a great chance at winning the league this year,” Petrino said. “So we got to go down there and beat them and give them one loss.”
What makes Georgia Southern dangerous is its triple-option rushing attack. The Eagles lead the nation with an average of 375.8 rushing yards per game.
Petrino said the offense is similar to last week’s opponent Texas State. He said the main difference is the Georgia Southern offense is much faster.
Nathan Romans | Argonaut
Senior wide receiver Josh McCain watches a pass go through his hands during Wednesday’s practice at the SprinTurf. McCain has recently been added to the 2014 Biletnikoff Award watch list which recognizes outstanding wide receiver play.
“Their quarterback is really fast,” said Petrino of GSU quarterback Kevin Ellison. “His whole life he’s been running the wishbone from underneath center, now he just does it from shotgun.”
Linebackers coach Eric Brown said Ellison is almost a receiver playing quarterback. He said Ellison is decent at throwing on the run, but he’s more of a straight option quarterback and will usually scramble if given the opportunity.
“They do a little bit of smoke and mirrors and make you think it’s a play and run something else at you,” Brown said. “They don’t throw it very often, which at times it lulls you to sleep … We try to preach staying alert, staying focused and doing your job every play.”
After surrendering three long touchdown runs to Texas State last weekend, the Vandal defense is focused on one thing — discipline.
“Playing option defense is about having discipline and just making sure everybody has their assignment,” senior defensive end Maxx Forde said. “If you can do that, you can shut down the option.”
Forde added the defense is playing better overall, but they need to limit the big plays. He said the Texas State game would have been a great defensive performance, if not for the long runs by TSU running back, Terrence Franks.
“I think every week is a new challenge for us,” Forde said. “We go out there fighting to and expecting to win. The motivation is always there every game, every week.”
Korbin McDonald can be reached at [email protected]