NEW ORLEANS, La. – Idaho football took to New Orleans over the weekend for the annual Sun Belt Conference Football Media Day and Fais DoDo.  The Vandals were represented well, with head coach Paul Petrino, quarterback Matt Linehan and defensive lineman Aikeem Coleman taking the podium.
 
The Vandals were outstanding in 2016, finishing the regular season 8-4 before taking down Colorado State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.  This year's team knows that it will need to keep working to improve, with all three participants in media day stressing the team mantra of #RaiseTheBar.
 
"We're trying to raise the raise the bar," said Coleman.  "But raising the bar means we have to get more wins than we did last year.  So 10 or 11, somewhere in the double-digits is perfect."
 
"Our moniker is #RaiseTheBar and I think we expect to not only just as well, but better than last year," Linehan said.  "We're confident in a lot of guys that we have returning.  We're confident in our scheme and our team.  I think we're going to do a great job this year."
 
Petrino had a lot of positive things to say about both his offense, but the Idaho head coach really lit up when talking about his defense.
 
"I think our strength, what we're really excited about, is our speed on defense," Petrino said.  "I think it will be the most speed on defense since I've been at Idaho."
 
Watch both videos, from coach Petrino to the players, for more from Sun Belt Media Day.


 
The 2017 season is right around the corner, with fall camp starting up next week.  The Vandals kickoff the season at home on Thursday, August 31 against Sacramento State.  Check GoVandals.com/tickets to get your seat today.
 
Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho football by following the team on Twitter, @VandalFootball, on Instagram, @VandalsFB, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals Football.

For more information on Idaho Athletics, visit GoVandals.com.  Fans can also find Idaho on Twitter and Instagram, @Idaho_Vandals, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals.