Three games ago Idaho scored an offensive touchdown during regulation and since then, an offensive drought has consumed a weary Vandal squad and while the problems are obvious, the solutions are not.
Combining for 31 points in its last two games, Idaho seeks offensive production and a much-desired win against WAC foe New Mexico State Saturday in Las Cruces, N.M. The Vandals have yet to win in WAC play thus far, but it’s been four years since they have fallen to the Aggies, a team that has gotten comfortable resting on the bottom of the WAC standings.
New Mexico State University has two wins under its belt, including one against Big-10 force Minnesota and another against in-state rival New Mexico of the Mountain West.
Idaho may be without running back Ryan Bass for the fourth consecutive game and despite a subpar performance from quarterback Brian Reader last week against La. Tech, offensive coordinator Steve Axman said he has seen a great deal of efficiency from the team during practice this week.
“They’ve been working really hard, I really have no problems with how hard our offense works, but it just seems like they’ve stepped it up a notch and are really anxious to get back on track and get a win this weekend,” Axman said.
Reader, who was 19 for 47 against the Bulldogs, spoke of a decrease in confidence after the Homecoming loss, but Axman said he has seen improvements in the senior’s mental approach this week. Both he and Reader hope to exploit New Mexico State University’s defense, which Axman described as very “sound.”
“He’s had a couple of games now that we feel aren’t the way he can perform,” Axman said. Through times of offensive despair, the special teams unit has proven its ability to pick up the slack, scoring 21 points in Idaho’s last two games. A blocked punt for a touchdown at Virginia and a Justin Veltung 81-yard punt return for a touchdown have highlighted the scene.
Vancouver, Wash., native Bobby Cowan, holds the most punting yards by any player in the FBS with 2,531 and his average of 47.8 yards per punt is fourth in the nation, while his long punt of 76 yards ranks third. Cowan has been a weapon for Idaho this season and has given the defense field position within ten yards of the opposing goal lines.
“That’s one thing I strive for is for the defense to start out with good field position, that’s my job and that’s what I’m here to do,” Cowan said. “So when I get an opportunity I expect myself to get it done and the defense expects it as well.”
On the defensive side of the ball the Vandals have been without senior captain Michael Cosgrove, the centerpiece of Idaho’s defensive line. Coach Robb Akey is confident Cosgrove will be healthy to play Saturday.
“He wasn’t strong enough to protect himself Saturday so that’s why the trainers didn’t clear him. I think he’ll gain ground very quickly so I anticipate him playing against New Mexico State and certainly expect him to play well,” Akey said. “I know he’s hungry to play, I think Barry had to duck when he told him he wasn’t going to be able to play.”
Senior linebacker and captain Tre’Shawn Robinson emphasized the experience that Cosgrove brings to the field.
“He knows the defense just like I know the defense. It’s easier when he’s in, I don’t have to make as many calls and checks to the defensive line,” Robinson said.
Wide receiver Marsel Posey suffered neck injuries last weekend after running into a metal beam following a failed two-point conversion attempt and although Akey said Posey’s status remains uncertain, it’s likely he’ll sit out Saturday.
Saturday’s game begins at 5 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN3, Altitude 2 and KWX Spokane.