FARMINGTON, Utah – Head football coach Paul Petrino participated in the Big Sky Football Virtual Kickoff, airing on Thursday morning. Petrino was joined by Mariluz Cook from the Big Sky Conference office, as well as Cal Poly head coach Beau Baldwin and Eastern Washington head coach Aaron Best. The event was originally recorded on July 8.


 
Petrino highlighted his defense ahead of 2020, a unit that returns most of its starters from a season ago. Petrino, as well as Baldwin and Best, also shared their thoughts on the current college football and national climate. Petrino also shared his thoughts on the Vandal Family, and what things have been like for him and his staff without student-athletes on campus.
 
"The first thing that you really understand is why we do this, why we coach, and that's being around them. You miss the interaction, day-in and day-out, helping them with whatever that is. When you do get to see them, even just going into the weight room, it's just exciting."
 
Senior linebacker Christian Elliss takes over for the Vandals on Friday morning. His segment will begin around 11 a.m. Pacific.
 
The Big Sky Conference also announced its preseason rankings. The Vandals were selected 8^th by the media and 9^th by the coaches.
 
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