They're hunting for #8, which has multiple meaning for the 2009 Vandals, when they take on Western Athletic Conference rival Utah State at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Kibbie Dome.

"There is a lot on the line for this game," coach Robb Akey said. "First and foremost is taking care of this senior class. This senior class has been through a lot."

Saturday's game is the last in the Kibbie Dome for 12 seniors - six of whom have been at Idaho since their redshirt seasons in 2005. That means they've been through the coaching staff relay (Nick Holt to Dennis Erickson to Robb Akey) and finally have the stability and continuity in their mentors to put together the season they've sought.

"Every one of them has spoken with conviction about leaving a mark," Akey said. "For those players to win their final game in the Dome is extremely important. This is a good group of kids that is producing. There is a burning desire."

The burning desire has led to a winning record and Idaho on the verge of its first bowl game since 1998. Winning also would guarantee a winning record in the WAC (a 5-3 league mark would come with a Saturday victory).

"Eight is a very important number," Akey said. "Eight wins is hard for anybody to accomplish. That's why you keep track of those things."

Akey's plan is the bye week left the Vandals physically and mentally recharged. So far, it netted the return of quarterback Nathan Enderle, the WAC leader in average passing yards per game, and safety Jeromy Jones, a senior who adds experience to the secondary.

Their savvy and experience will go a long way against a Utah State team that features a talented quarterback-running back pair and a defense Akey, a former defensive coordinator, deems well-coached.

"Utah State is a talented football team," Akey said. "It is a team that easily could have had a few more wins. They have some very strong weapons."

So, too, do the Vandals. Offensively, Enderle leads a crew that features Outland Trophy finalist Mike Iupati with senior receiver Max Komar (ninth on the all-time receiving yards list) and the "three-headed monster" running back trio of senior DeMaundray Woolridge, junior Deonte Jackson and sophomore Princeton McCarty. Komar is one of a herd of receivers contributing for the Vandals, who have had 13 players catch passes.

Defensively, junior safety Shiloh Keo comes into the game as the WAC's second-leading tackler. He plays being a front seven that helped the Vandals to the league's third best defense against the run.

• Student section tickets are available Saturday for $12 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger.
• Pregame activities have been moved to the Idaho Commons where "Vandalville" will offer traditional tailgate activities for all ages. Admission is free. Food and beverages vendors will be inside.