Sun Belt: Idaho

Idaho Vandals

2015 Results: 4-8 (3-5, 5th in Sun Belt)

Returning Starters: 8 OFF, 6 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule

September

1st MONTANA STATE

10th at Washington

17th at Washington State

24th at UNLV

October

1st TROY

8th at Louisiana-Monroe

15th NEW MEXICO STATE

22nd at Appalachian State

November

5th at Louisiana

12th at Texas State

26th SOUTH ALABAMA

December

 3rd GEORGIA STATE

The Vandals have fallen on hard times. Paul Petrino enters his fourth year as head coach, and after owning a 6-29 record, might be coaching for his job. Idaho is also the one team in the conference that is away from the other institutions. With seven road games on the schedule, that is a hard mountain to climb for anyone.

This edition of the Idaho football team should have the best offence since Petrino got there. Expect the Vandals to pass early and often. Quarterback Matt Linehan returns for his third year starting, and he has talented receivers around him. The Vandals return three receivers who went for over 500 yards a year ago. Deon Watson returns a year after catching seven touchdowns, but Callen Hightower might be the more talented of the two. Hightower closed the year out strong after averaging 112 receiving yards per game in the season's final five contests. Three players are expected to make up the running back committee with junior Aaron Duckworth getting the bulk of the workload.

Last year's defense was atrocious. The Vandals allowed 487.7 yards per game while giving up 42.1 points. For the Vandals to have success, both of those numbers need to bottom out. Linebacker Kaden Elliss recorded 83 tackles as a freshman a year ago, and is expected to continue that high output. Senior defensive end Tueni Lupeamau will hold down the front seven and also called upon for his senior leadership. The secondary will be the strength as they return three while inserting senior D.J. Hampton at corner back.

Player to Watch: Matt Linehan

Linehan is by far the best quarterback in the conference. With questions in the running game, and an abundance of receivers returning, Linehan will have plenty of opportunities to sling the ball. 

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/10 at Washington

They won't win this game, but they will be playing at one of the top teams in the nation. Linehan & Co. will be letting it fly in what should be a high scoring affair.

What to Expect

This season is all or nothing for Idaho. The Vandals are playing for their coaches jobs, but it will be a difficult feat for them to make a bowl with such a tough schedule and only five home games.

Prediction

4-8 (3-5, Sun Belt)

-Dug

@chansm1th