Idaho vs. La. Tech- VN Scouting Report

University of Idaho (1-4, 0-1 WAC) vs. Louisiana Tech. (1-4, 0-1 WAC)

October 8, 2011 2:oo P.M. PT- Kibbie Dome/Moscow, ID

Idaho- The Vandals are oh so close to getting that momentum-changing win and to the surprise of many, almost got it last weekend against ACC foe Virginia. Although receiver Preston Davis won’t be cleared to play, the Vandals will receive a boost from running back Ryan Bass, who has missed Idaho’s last two games because of internal injuries. Idaho have struggled offensively but last weekend the special teams unit was near flawless and the defense fared extremely well against a potent Cavalier run offense. Containing quarterback Nick Isham will be crucial and if the defensive line can put pressure on the true freshman, Idaho will will be able to focus on running back Lennon Creer, who has notched six touchdowns on the season thus far. 

La. Tech- The 2,236-mile trip from Ruston to Moscow will be the Bulldogs’ longest of the season so far. Despite their current three-game losing streak, La. Tech have proven to be competitive this season and three of their four losses were lost by10 points or less. Idaho’s Justin Veltung, a Paul Hornung Award watch list selection, had a career performance last year in Ruston, receiving for four touchdowns and 140 yards. La. Tech have allowed 15 receiving touchdowns this season and in addition to Veltung, must be weary of Mike Scott and Armauni Johnson, Idaho’s leading receivers. Lennon Creer has impressed this season with six rushing touchdowns and 474 total ground yards. Creer went for 179 yards and two rushing touchdowns in the Bulldogs 48-35 win against Idaho last year.

Other game notes

• La. Tech quarterback Nick Isham will turn 19 on Friday in Moscow.
• The last time the teams met in Moscow, La. Tech missed what would’ve been a game-winning field goal, giving Idaho the  Homecoming victory.
• Idaho walk-on Justin Hernandez was awarded the WAC Verizon Special Teams Player of the Week after his blocked punt led to a Vandal touchdown last weekend in Charlottesville.
• La. Tech have yet to travel west of Houston this season.
• The teams have played a total of four times, La. Tech lead the series 4-2.

The line: La. Tech by 5

VN final analysis: This will be the second time in three years Idaho have hosted La. Tech for Homecoming. The Bulldogs have proven they are unable to close out games and Idaho need this win for a variety of different reasons. Idaho have shown they can compete with the ACC on the road and should be able to take control of Saturday’s game. Though the game may be competitive, Idaho will get their first WAC win of the season, and take it by no more than a touchdown.

Akey press conference: 10/3/11

WAC Round-up: Week 5

BYU- 27 Utah State- 24

Once again the Aggies proved their inability to close out games that come down to the wire. Then again, playing in Provo is a challenge within itself. Utah State led 24-13 early in the fourth quarter but memories of their heartbreaking opening day loss to Auburn became reality and the Cougars rallied behind second string quarterback Riley Nelson, who threw for two fourth quarter touchdowns, including one with 11 seconds remaining. The in-state rivalry would go BYU’s way and Utah State remains winless against FBS opposition.

 

 

Boise State- 30 Nevada- 10

 Former Bronco kicker Kyle Brotzman wasn’t in the picture this go around and another Wolf Pack upset of the nation’s no. 4 team wasn’t in order. The hosts held Nevada scoreless through three quarters and allowed them 182 total offensive yards. Heisman finalist Kellen Moore didn’t convince anyone of why he deserves this year’s trophy as the senior quarterback threw for 142 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Nevada, who were 4-0 at this point last year, are 1-3 after week five and face two more Mountain West teams before continuing their WAC season.

 

 

San Jose State- 38 Colorado State- 31

 The Spartans may be the dark horse of the WAC this season and running back Brandon Rutley has contributed in a big way to the SJSU uprising. The Rams would overcome a 24-7 second quarter deficit thanks to quarterback Pete Thomas who threw for three touchdowns and rushed for another. After CSU tied it up at 31-31 with 11:33 remaining in the fourth quarter, neither team scored for 11 minutes, when quarterback Matt Faulkner connected with Jabari Carr for a 38-yard touchdowns pass, setting up SJSU with their second win of the year.

 

 

New Mexico State- 42 New Mexico- 28

 The battle for the Maloof Trophy ended in favor of the Aggies for the third year in a row but the Rio Grande rivalry was much less competitive Saturday then it was last year, when NMSU won by two. Aggie quarterback Matt Christian became the obvious hero in Albuquerque, passing for four touchdowns, 296 yards and zero interceptions. Three of Christian’s touchdown passes came in the first quarter, when the Aggies built a 21-0 lead. Despite outscoring their rivals 28-21 in the second, third and fourth quarters, the Lobos wouldn’t be able to overcome NMSU’s early cushion.

 

 

Hawaii- 44 La. Tech- 26

 The pre-season WAC favorites and quarterback Bryant Moniz racked up almost 500 yards of total offense Saturday in Ruston, proving why they may be the only WAC team worthy of a bowl berth. Moniz threw for 410 yards and four touchdown passes while La. Tech true freshman Nick Isham went for 305 passing yards, threw for three touchdowns and rushed for one. The Bulldogs turned the ball over three times, and Hawaii returned both a fumble and interception for touchdowns.

 

Ole Miss- 38 Fresno State- 28

Fresno State suffered their third consecutive non-conference loss, falling to their SEC opponent despite carrying a 28-27 lead into the fourth quarter. Jeff Scott of Ole Miss would respond with nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and a two-point conversion gave the Rebels a 35-28 lead. Fresno State’s offense was unable to answer and kicker Kevin Goessling missed a 49-yarder, putting the ball back in the Rebels’ hands with under a minute left. With the loss Fresno State falls to 2-3 and host No. 4 Boise State next weekend.