MOSCOW, Idaho – Improving. Finishing strong. Consistency.
 
That's a common thread in conversations with offensive players and coaches alike as the finale to spring football – the Silver and Gold game, nears for the Idaho Vandals. When they step onto the Kibbie Dome field for the game Friday night at 6, those tenets will be first and foremost.
 
"You hope you'll come out and demonstrate great execution, show your knowledge of your position, show your understanding of your technique," Idaho offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Kris Cinkovich said. "Hopefully, they'll take that into the off-season. They'll be able to say, 'We played really well here.' 'We believe it.' "
 
Quarterback Matt Linehan, who starts his senior season as one of the top quarterbacks in school history, said the Silver and Gold game gives the players the opportunity to take off the training wheels.
 
"It's all about really understanding the concepts now and getting to the point where we don't need our coaches every play," he said. "It's all about fine tuning."
 
Linehan has his backfield returning and the majority of receivers (although the Vandals are replacing both tight ends) but he's been working behind an offensive line that has just two returners in Jordan Rose and Noah Johnson.
 
"We've all improved in all facets but there is a lot of room left," Linehan said. "The ceiling is high but we have to make sure we get there."
 
You can follow the Vandals on Twitter @VandalFootball and on Facebook at Idaho Vandals Football. Click on the video player for practice highlights and interviews or on the buttons at right to reserve your season tickets, print a roster, preview the 2017 schedule or RSVP to the Vandal Reunion.