MOSCOW, Idaho - The Vandals open Big Sky play on the road at eighth-ranked UC Davis. The game is scheduled to kickoff at 7 p.m.
1. THE GAME: Idaho is on the road for the third consecutive game, but the first against a Big Sky Opponent. The Vandals face No.8/12 UC Davis on the road in California. This is a true litmus test after facing a DII opponent in week one followed by a pair of Power five teams in Indiana and Oregon State. UC Davis is 4-0 on the year with a win over Tulsa and a road win over Weber to start the Big Sky slate.
2. ABOUT IDAHO: The Vandals return to action after a bye week and look to build momentum after a pair of losses to Power-five teams. three quarterbacks have played for the Vandals, with
Mike Beaudry getting the start in the last two games. The UI defense is led by All-American
Tre Walker.
3. ABOUT INDIANA: The Aggies have been impressive in the early going. UCD started the season with a 19-17 win over Tulsa before picking up a decisive road win at San Diego. the topped Dixie State before opening Big Sky play wiht a hard-fought 17-14 win over Weber State. Hunter Rodrigues leads the wa with 858 yards passing and six TDs in four games. Four running backs have over 100 yards rushing on the season. Jarred Harrell leads a strong receiving corps.
4. TRE WALKER: Fourth-year linebacker
Tre Walker proved why he's the best in the Big Sky last season. He led the conference with 13.5 tackles per game in his four outings and went on to earn five All-America honors. Walker was also a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, given annually to the top defensive player in FCS. His preseason accolades got better, as he was named the Big Sky Conference Preseason MVP and has been a consistent First Team Preseason All-America selection. He currently leads the Vandals with 24 total tackles.
5. COACHING CHANGES: Head coach
Paul Petrino announced coaching changes.
Brian Reader was promoted to Offensive Coordinator after the retirement of veteran assistant Kris Cinkovich. Quarterbacks coach
Charley Molnar was promoted to Assistant Head Coach and
Pryce Tracy added the title of Recruiting Coordinator to his running back duties.
6. QB BATTLE: Idaho enters Big Sky play with three strong options at the quarterback position.
Mike Beaudry and
CJ Jordan entered last year looking to battle for the starting spot, while
Zach Borisch emerged as a dark horse candidate following his incredible performance at Eastern Washington. All three continue to compete for the starting job in Moscow.
