MOSCOW, Idaho - The Vandals look to pick up its first road win over Portland State since 1987 when the ninth-ranked Vandals meet a dangerous Viking team who is coming off an impressive road win over Sacramento State on a strong performance from outstanding dual-threat quarterback Dante Chachere. Idaho is coming off of the bye week and looks to extend its win streak to three games as the Vandals enter the final stretch of the regular season

ABOUT IDAHO: The Vandals are on the road for the first time since October 12th and are coming off the best offensive performance of the year behind the return of Jack Layne. The sophomore gunslinger threw for 235 yards and two touchdowns in his return from injury. Keyshawn James-Newby is first in the Big Sky with 7.5 sacks through nine games. Injuries have limited Idaho's effectiveness on the offensive side of the ball. Leading rushers Nate Thomas and Elisha Cummings have missed time with injuries.  Jordan Dwyer has a team-high six receiving TDS.  

ABOUT PORTLAND STATE: Portland State brings in a solid offense with a balanced attack. The Vikings rush of 191 yards per game while passing for 196. Chachere accounts for a big bulk of the offense, leading the passing attack and the rushing attack, including 12 rushing touchdowns. The defense is giving up an FCS-high 561.3 yards per game, 50 yards more per game than any other FCS team, but had its best performance of the season last week against Sac State.  Michael Montgomery and Peyton Wing lead the Viks with 66 tackles each. Veteran head coach Bruce Barnum is in his 10th season.
  1. TOUGH SCHEDULE: According to the Massey Computer rankings, Idaho has played the fifth-toughest schedule in the FCS to date.  The Vandals played back-to-back FBS opponents in Oregon and Wyoming before hosting a ranked UAlbany team at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome before traveling to Abilene Christian and UC Davis. Idaho hosted a ranked NAU team before playing on the road at Montana State. The Vandals are 5-3 through the first seven games. Idaho's losses are to teams with a combined 26-1 on the season, including 9-0 Oregon, 9-0 Montana State and 8-1 UC Davis. Portland State has the toughest schedule according to Massey.

2. ECK'S VANDALS TOPPLE THE MOUNTAIN WEST, AGAIN: Idaho is now 2-0 in games against Mountain West programs under Jason Eck after topping Wyoming 17-13 in Laramie. The Vandals have given up just 19 total points in two games against Mountain West opponents in the last two seasons and gave up just one touchdown between the two games. The win helps put Idaho in excellent position as it moves into the FCS portion of the schedule. Montana State and Idaho both picked up wins against Mountain West teams this season.

3. YOUTH ON OFFENSE: There are 54 offensive players listed on the Idaho roster. One, transfer tight end Mike Martinez,  is listed as a senior. Out of the 54, 46 are listed as freshmen or sophomores. The youth movement on the Idaho offense is real, but the talent is there to match after the Vandals put together Top-10 FCS recruiting classes each of the last two years. 

4. JACK IS BACK:  Season opening starting quarterback Jack Layne was injured in the fourth quarter of Idaho's season opener at Oregon. He returned to action last Saturday against Eastern Washington, throwing for 235 yards and two touchdowns on 17-28 passing. Jack Wagner's performance in the stretch without Layne was good enough to earn him a Jerry Rice Award Watch List nod. 

5. EXPERIENCE IN THE TRENCHES: Idaho has replaced starters at nearly every skilled position on offense, both corner positions and two of three linebackers, but the line is a different story. Seven of the 10 offensive linemen on the final depth chart of last season return, including four starters. On the defense, six of the eight return, including all four starters from last season. Last year, nine of the 10 players on the O-line depth chart were freshmen or sophomores and while there is still not a single senior on the O-line, the group has the game experience of a much older squad. 

6. DOMINANT D-LINE: The Idaho defensive line has shown that it can play with anyone. It faced two strong FBS units and came away with a Big Sky Conference leading seven sacks. Keyshawn James-Newby leads the Big Sky with 7.5 total sacks through nine games, surpassing his total of five from all of last year. He also has 11 TFLs and nine QB hurries. The Vandals held Oregon to just 24 points, the first time an FCS team has ever held Oregon under 35 points. Xavier Slayton has 4.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks. Idaho has held three of nine opponents under 80 yards rushing.