Petrino expects to play both quarterbacks for Senior Day
Nineteen seniors will play their last game in the Kibbie Dome 2 p.m. Saturday as the Vandals attempt to earn their second win of the season against a two-win Troy team.
Idaho has played its fair share of close games this season, and the San Diego State game last Saturday was no different. With one win, the team has felt what it’s like to win, but that’s not enough for some.
Nathan Romans | Argonaut
Senior tight end Justin Podrabsky jogs along the sideline after a catch during Wednesday’s practice at the Kibbie Dome. Podrabsky has 304 yards receiving on the season with one touchdown.
“We’ve touched our toe and tapped the water and felt the water and we’ve done everything — we just need to put it together to get it done,” said offensive cordinator Kris Cinkovich of the Vandals progress this season.
After leading Idaho to its only win of the season against New Mexico State Oct. 18, sophomore quarterback Chad Chalich played his way into the role of starting quarterback against SDSU.
Chalich entered the NMSU game after freshman quarterback Matt Linehan had an early exit because of a head injury. Linehan had started every game of the season before the injury.
In the two games since NMSU, the two quarterbacks have been splitting time at the position.
“No matter what you do, you’re always just trying to find what’s best for the team,” Idaho coach Paul Petrino said. “You just try to find whatever way you think is best that’s going to help your team win.”
Petrino said Chalich suffered a hip injury in the game against SDSU. He said if he’s healthy, both quarterbacks will play against Troy.
While some might dislike a two-quarterback system, Cinkovich thinks it’s an advantage for Idaho.
“It’s a whole bunch of offense for an opponent to prepare for, because they don’t know which of those quarterbacks is going to step on the field,” he said. “And there is some differences in what we do with them and how they do it.”
With a variety of options in his multiple-style offensive scheme, Petrino said it allows them to call plays for player’s strengths.
“We have a pretty big volume in our offense,” he said. “It’s really always been about what our players do best and that starts with the quarterback and the o-lineman and whatever the best way is to get the ball in our skill players hand. That’s kind of how we’ve always adapted.”
Nathan Romans | Argonaut
Senior offensive linemen Jesse Davis, left, and Mike Marboe, center, clear the way on a running play during Wednesday’s practice in the Kibbie Dome.
The rushing attack has been the offense’s strength in recent weeks. After a pass happy attack in the first half of the season, Petrino has found success with the running game, which has gained 746 yards in the last three games.
“We feel really confident that we can run the ball against anyone we face,” senior running back Jerrel Brown said. “Our offensive line, this whole team, the coaching staff, all feel very confident that we can move the ball on anyone in this conference.”
Success shouldn’t be too hard to find against Troy. Opponents have averaged 247.9 rushing yards on the Trojans defense, which ranks 120th nationally.
Petrino said Troy has changed up its defense in recent weeks and has moved more guys into the box to try and stop the run.
The Trojan offense has found success in the past couple games, especially in the running game. Idaho defensive backs coach Ashley Ambrose said Trojans have been getting the ball into their playmakers hands. He said Trojan wide receiver Chandler Worthy is one of the best players in the Sun Belt.
Ambrose said they like to get their receivers the ball on fly sweeps or quick screen passes.
“I’ll tell you what, they got some athletes,” he said. “They got some playmakers. I’m kind of surprised it’s been a down year for them because they got a lot of good athletes, guys that are good in space, guys that can run.” Petrino said he has a lot of respect for Troy coach Larry Blakeney, who is retiring this season after 24 years as head coach of the program.
“It’s a game that I think we believe that we need to win — we need to go out and get it,” Petrino said. “Their head coach has done an outstanding job there … I have a lot of respect for him. He’s going out, this is his last year, so I’m sure his players are going to play really hard for him, too.”
Korbin McDonald can be reached at [email protected]