The good news is the Vandals didn’t lose Saturday — but they didn’t win, either.
Idaho coach Robb Akey said the team was able to take advantage of its bye week and enjoy Thanksgiving with family and friends, which was much needed after a painful 42-49 double-overtime loss Nov. 19 against Utah State.
“This is the first time we’ve had that break,” Akey said. “Most of them went home, saw their families. There were a few of them still in town, even some of the ones that stayed in town went off and joined some of the families, teammates and that kinda thing.”
Akey said he had a few players at his house for Thanksgiving dinner and the time away from football helped heal injuries across the Vandal squad.
“We got some bodies feeling healthier anyway,” Akey said. “We got them all back in here yesterday, and had a good introduction session … anxious to hit the floor runnin’ and play this last opportunity we have to all play together.”
Idaho will prepare this week for the Wolf Pack of Nevada, a team the Vandals (2-9, 1-5 WAC) have not beaten under Akey. Kickoff is set for 1:05 p.m. Saturday in Reno.
Akey said quarterbacks Brian Reader and Taylor Davis will compete for the start in Reno, but at this time Reader will lead the Vandal offense. He said Reader started against Utah State because he showed the best opportunity to win the game — not because it was senior night.
“Brian graded out better in practices in the previous week and that’s what got him the opportunity to start that game,” Akey said.
Reader gave his best performance of the season, throwing for 275 yards and completing 27 of 39 attempts with only one interception against the Aggies.
“He (Reader) played a good game. We were more productive on offense,” Akey said. “He needs to perform well during practice this week. Taylor needs to perform well this week. … Your back-up is one play away from needing to go in.”
Even in the ninth loss of the season, there were a lot of positives. Three Vandals had double-digit tackles, with senior Tre’Shawn Robinson leading the crew with 20 total tackles and a forced fumble. On the opposite side of the ball, running back Kama Bailey rushed for 110 yards and linebacker and short-yardage running back Korey Toomer made it into the end zone three times.
“He (Toomer) did alright didn’t he?” Akey said of the redshirt senior’s performance against the Aggies. “That’s like hitting three home runs in a baseball game. Korey’s done a great job for us this year.”
The Wolf Pack are likely not as strong as in recent years with the departure of stand-out dual-threat quarterback Colin Kaepernick, but are 6-5 overall and employ a run offense that ranks ninth in the country.
“I think they’re a good football team — no question about that,” Akey said. “But I also think that if we go play well, I expect to have the opportunity to win that game. This is the last chance for these seniors to play football.”
Akey said some of the seniors might have the opportunity to play after college, but that is something that is never guaranteed. He said the mindset this week is to remember that it might be the last time some of the guys will ever play football, and for those that do get to come back, it’s a long time until spring practice begins.
“Hopefully that will add a little fuel to our fire,” Akey said. “If we’re capable of being in a double-overtime with Utah State … if you’re that close to beating Utah State, who just beat them (Nevada), if you play better than them, you’re going to give yourself an opportunity to win the game.”
Akey said he wants his players to get the most they can out of their last time on the field together.
“We’ve got one last opportunity to smile coming off the field again,” Akey said. “Let’s go have a great time in this game that we love and feel good about it. Hoot ‘n’ holler and see how many plays we can make.”