A young and hungry Idaho football squad is finally ready to face off against one of the Mountain West’s best.
The Vandals look to steal a win from the Fresno State Bulldogs Saturday, with many athletes suiting up for the first time.
Senior running back Isaiah Saunders said he is excited for this new Vandal squad to feel the atmosphere on Saturdays.
“Some of these freshmen and junior college guys haven’t been in a game situation with us,” Saunders said. “Everyone just needs to trust the coaches, and trust everyone’s abilities.”
The official depth chart for Saturday’s game, released Tuesday morning, showing the array of young talent on both sides of the ball who will be participating in the season opener.
The lingering question surrounding the depth chart ahead of the season opener still hangs in the air — who will fans see under center Saturday, junior quarterback Mason Petrino or sophomore quarterback Colton Richardson? Could it be both?
Idaho Head Coach Paul Petrino said both quarterbacks will get playing time Saturday.
“There are definite plays in the game plan where I am going to use one or the other for that certain play,” Petrino said.
The deep wide receiver core created a buzz throughout fall camp, and the whole eight-man rotation at receiver will be on display in Fresno.
“It will be exciting to get out there and see what we can do with a younger offense,” Petrino said. “I think we have some good young, offensive guys and it will be exciting to see.”
Fresno State had an exciting season last year on their way to a Mountain West Di- vision title and a Hawaii Bowl win against Houston. This team returns 17 starters from a season ago, including quarterback Marcus McMaryion who was named to the Johnny Unitas Award Watch List earlier this month.
Senior linebacker Ed Hall said he believes the Fresno quarterback is what stands out on the Bulldog offense.
“The quarterback throws a very good deep ball. When we were watching film, it seemed like every deep ball was completed,” Hall said. “We need to get in his face a bit up front and not give him time to throw.”
Stopping the run will also be a key focus on Saturday, Petrino said.
Any of the athletes could have a break out game at this point in the young season, but all hands will need to be on deck for this Vandal squad if they want to escape with a victory.
Containing the speedy receivers of Fresno State, as well as stopping the run will be a tough task for Idaho, but expect the veteran defense to make a statement.
“It’s going to be an exciting one down in Fresno,” Hall said. “We have a young core that is happy and motivated and I think we are going to do great this year.”
Young depth and veteran leadership will be a key to a successful season for Idaho.
With many storylines heading into the opener, fans seek answers they have been searching for, and an opening day victory.
The Vandals will travel to play the Fresno State Bulldogs 7 p.m. Saturday in Fresno.
Chris Deremer can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Cderemer_VN