Idaho fans had plenty to be happy about Saturday.
The Vandals took down the Western New Mexico Mustangs 56-10 Saturday in the home opener at the Kibbie Dome.
The Vandals did not disappoint in the opening minutes.
Idaho junior quarterback Mason Petrino got the start, leading the Vandals downfield before scoring on a scramble to the outside pylon for a touchdown.
The Vandal faithful went crazy, and it seemed as if it was going to be a smooth sailing opener for the Vandals.
The Mustangs had a different idea in mind.
Idaho’s defense struggled early, with Western New Mexico finding many open lanes to run right down the middle. Even with the pressure from Idaho’s defensive front, Western New Mexico quarterback Blayne Armstrong found a way to scramble on plays and gain first downs.
The Mustangs finished the first quarter converting three of four third downs throughout the quarter, as well as dominating the time of the possession, having the ball for 19 minutes throughout the first half compared to Idaho’s 10.
Western New Mexico found itself with an early 10-7 lead against Idaho.
“We were thinking about the next play,” Idaho Head Coach PaulPetrino said. “Mason (Petrino) lead the team right down and scored on that second drive and we finally got things rolling.”
Idaho’s starting quarterback is still in question, but for all the right reasons — both Mason and sophomore quarterback Colton Richardson performed exceptionally well in their season home debuts.
“It’s really encouraging how much they support each other,” Paul Petrino said. I told them earlier in the week that they have to have each other’s back because there is probably not a whole lot of people who like you two or me, so we all have to stick together.”
Mason Petrino finished the game 12-13 for 151 yards passing and a touchdown, as well as a rushing for a score to start the game.
Richardson played settled into the game late in the second quarter, to leading Idaho downfield before finding junior wide receiver Jeff Cotton in the end zone on a clean 25-yard throw in the corner.
Richardson finished the day 9-13 for 95 yards and two touchdowns.
The two-headed attack at quarterback will continue to be the story throughout the year, and if they both keep up the consistent play the duo may see action for the rest of the season.
The true star of the game was senior wide receiver David Ungerer, who finished with 118 yards receiving on nine catches and a touchdown. Ungerer showed off his quick feet on special teams as well, scoring a 65-yard punt return touchdown in the middle of the fourth quarter.
“I am really happy I was able to bounce back from last week,” Ungerer said. “I was really focused this week and trying to make sure I was going to bounce back the way I was supposed too and luckily we did that today.”
After the abysmal performance from the special teams a week ago, Idaho had a complete turnaround this week.
Idaho had a déjà vu moment when they found themselves on the right side of a blocked field goal, when senior linebacker Kaden Elliss got a hand on it before senior cornerback Dorian Clark returned the block kick all the way back for a touchdown.
After another stop by the Vandal defense on the following play, Idaho’s special teams scored again with a punt return from Ungerer.
Overall Idaho got the confidence booster they needed on Saturday, showing many Vandal fans that they are prepared for the Big Sky battles ahead.
Idaho takes a week off before hitting the road to open up conference play with UC Davis 4 p.m. Sept. 22 in Davis, Calif.
Chris Deremer can be reached at [email protected] or on twitter @Cderemer_VN