Following last week’s loss in the conference opener, the Vandals return to Moscow this Saturday for the Homecoming game against Portland State.
Not only is Homecoming one of the most hyped games of the year, it also is a crucial step in the standings for this year’s conference.
Eastern Washington University, UC Davis and Montana State sit at the top of Big Sky Conference standings currently, all with a 2-0 conference record. Idaho holds a record of 0-1 in conference, and 1-3 overall. Another loss would only create a deeper hole in the standings for the Vandals to climb out of.
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s game with the Portland State Vikings, here’s what we might be able to expect:
Consistency at Quarterback
Vandal freshman quarterback CJ Jordan suffered an injury against UC Davis and will be out at least a few weeks. Freshman quarterback Gevani McCoy has gotten more reps this week at practice and will be the de facto third quarterback as a result. This leads to no confusion as to what Idaho’s plan will be this week — Mike Beaudry will receive most of the snaps at quarterback with sophomore Zach Borisch being rotated in throughout the game. This provides a consistency for the Vandals that might do well against a defense that ranks No. 83 in the FCS.
“There was about two or three times I wanted to unveil (different plays) on Saturday, and it wasn’t the right spot of the field or the right time of the game,” Paul Petrino said during a press conference this week. “You keep watching … hopefully they’ll show up in a game for a big play.”
Defense
This game is one where the defense has an opportunity to shine. In five games this season, Viking senior quarterback Davis Alexander has been sacked ten times and has thrown six interceptions. Idaho’s defense went toe-to-toe against one of the best offenses in the entire FCS and they have a chance to do the same against a quarterback that has been prone to mistakes this season.
Home crowd
Homecoming games are typically the biggest crowds of the year for Idaho. After three weeks straight of being on the road — the Vandals’ return to the Kibbie Dome cannot come at a more opportune time. They will be greeted and met by fellow Vandal fans and students of the past, present and future who will make their voices heard on Saturday.
The Vandals will face Portland State on Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. in the Kibbie Dome and will air on ESPN+.
Live coverage of the game can be found on Twitter @VandalNation
Teren Kowatsch can be reached at [email protected]