The Idaho football team will go for two at 2 p.m. Saturday when it takes on Arkansas State in the Kibbie Dome. Two wins, that is.
The team picked up its first win of the season Oct. 18 against New Mexico State when it allowed the Aggies to score just 17 points, the fewest Idaho has given up all season. Another key to the win was the team’s 310 rushing yards, led by senior running back Jerrel Brown, who had 151 yards on the ground.
“We’re starting to run the ball,” senior center Mike Marboe said. “The last three games we’ve ran the ball well.”
In their last three games against New Mexico State, Georgia Southern and Texas State, the Vandals have rushed for a total of 580 yards.
“We got to be able to run the ball,” Idaho coach Paul Petrino said. “We don’t want to drop back and throw it every down against these guys (Arkansas State). They rush the quarterback too well. So we got to make them defend the run and the pass.”
While Brown had a big day against New Mexico State, sometimes it’s hard to predict who will receive the majority of the carries each game.
“Everyone has to play a role,” Brown said. “I’m not the only guy on this field that can make plays. (Elijhaa) Penny again is humongous. He’s going to run guys over. Kris (Olugbode) is a strong back. Duck (Aaron Duckworth) is fast, and we all have attributes that contribute to this team.”
When the running game is working, it usually means the offensive line is opening up holes for the backs.
“Guys are getting a little more experience,” Marboe said of the offensive line. “We’re coming together. We’re communicating better at the line of scrimmage. On the sidelines we’re making adjustments. It’s good. It makes the game a lot more fun when things are flowing better.”
Idaho (1-6 overall, 1-4 Sun Belt) is coming off its bye week, but Arkansas State (4-3, 2-1) will play the Vandals with a little more rest than usual as well. The Red Wolves last played Oct. 21 at Louisiana-Lafayette and lost 55-40.
Arkansas State is led by junior quarterback Fredi Knighten and junior wide receiver J.D. McKissic.
“Offensively, 23’s (McKissic) as good a playmaker as there is,” Petrino said. “Thirty four’s (Michael Gordon) been running the ball really well and their quarterback’s athletic.”
The Red Wolves rank 27th in the FBS in rushing yards, with 224 yards a game. Knighten leads the team in carries with 112 carries. The next closest is sophomore running back Johnston White with 64 carries. McKissic leads the team in receptions and receiving yards.
As for the Vandals, Petrino said redshirt freshman quarterback Matt Linehan appeared to be fine at Monday’s practice. Linehan sustained a concussion in the first half of the New Mexico State game after being hit on a play while sliding. Sophomore quarterback Chad Chalich replaced him during the game. Petrino said they will have an offensive package for Chalich against Arkansas State.
Garrett Cabeza can be reached at [email protected]