The Matchup: Football season finally is coming underway this weekend with the Idaho Vandals traveling to University Park to take on the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Building an identity: Penn State will be no easy task for the Vandals, with almost all the odds stacked against Idaho Football in the opening matchup. Despite possible struggles against one of the most historic programs in the nation, this is a perfect opportunity for Idaho to give an all-out performance against one of the Big Ten’s elite. If the Vandals stay competitive with Penn State, then the home debut against Central Washington will be an easier road block for this Vandal team.
Tight end Conor Whitney and Head Coach Paul Petrino – Argonaut
Double the potential: These coming four weeks will be crucial for one main position group — the quarterbacks. Just like last season, senior Mason Petrino and junior Colton Richardson will be splitting reps at quarterback. During this time, it is expected that Idaho head coach Paul Petrino will decide who’s going to start once Big Sky play begins, and a strong performance against Penn State can surely help propel either Petrino or Richardson as the prominent front runner.
Holding the line: Idaho’s defensive line has made quite the splash throughout both spring and fall camp. Now possibly their biggest challenge of the season is going against the offensive line of Happy Valley. With only one freshman on the Penn State offensive line, the Nittany Lions bring experience to the 2019 squad. Idaho’s defensive line can make quite the statement by making the Penn State offense feel uneasy on Saturday.
Forced into action: One of the most intriguing players for Idaho this coming season has to be true freshman running back Nick Romano. Just from the few glimpses at fall camp, Romano looks to be one of the next great Idaho running backs for the next four years. But it’s not just Romano, the depth that the Vandals bring this season at running back can make the position group poised for a breakout like the Idaho receiver core a year ago. With senior Noah Johnson leading an improved offensive line — that may be the best since the 2016 bowl year — Romano and the rest of the running backs could have a tremendous year.
What to expect: The last time an FBS powerhouse dropped an opener to a FCS opponent was when Appalachian State pulled off the improbable over the Michigan Wolverines. While it will be a tall task for the Vandals on Saturday to pull off the unthinkable, Idaho fans across the country would rejoice with a statement win to kickoff the season. Focusing on the little things and building towards Central Washington next week should give fans insight as to how the season may potentially play out.
Where/when: Idaho football will hit the road to take on Penn State at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. The game will be broadcasted on the Big Ten Network.
Check back with Vandal Nation for takeaways from Saturday’s road opener action.
Chris Deremer can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @chris_DEREMER