2010 Record: 6-7 (3-5), 6th WAC2010 Bowl Game: None
2010 Schedule/Results
North Dakota, W 45-0
@ Nebraska, L 38-17
UNLV, W 30-7
@ Colorado State, L 36-34
@ Western Michigan, W 33-13
@ Louisiana Tech, L 48-35
New Mexico State, W 37-14
@ Hawaii, L 45-10
Nevada, L 63-17
Boise State, L 52-14
@ Utah State, W 28-6
@ Fresno State, L 23-20
San Jose State, W 26-23
OFFENSE
386.8 yards per game
The Vandals got exactly what they expected out of senior QB Nathan Enderle in 2010, which was 253 yards per game and 22 TDs, but a lack of a backing rushing game relegated him to making too many throws, which forced him to toss 16 picks. Now one of the most decorated Vandal QBs of all time is on his way to the next chapter of his life after grduating, and Idaho starts from scatch in 2011. Brian Reader is the front runner, but will only be available for onemore season, forcing the Vandals into a quandry of wondering where long term development will come from.
The rushing game was a complete debacle in 2010, as nobody even averaged 40 yards rushing per game. That will have to change if the Vandals ever hope to sustain drives and keep their defense off of the field for any length of time.
Eric Greenwood led the team with 46 catches for 741 yards, and Justin eltung led the team with 8 TD catches, but Greenwood will be gone, and including him, 3 of their top 4 receivers moved on after the season. Not only will there be a new QB in 2011, but most everyone around him will be a new starter as well.
DEFENSE
420.3 yards allowed per game
The Vandals did little to defend in 2010, but Aaron Lavarias was one of the rare linemen who had an effect on anything in 2010. Lavarias was ferocious on his own, having ramped up 16.5 TFLs on the season, 12 more than any other lineman. Here's the news that sucks. He is gone. Nobody got close added up collectively to match his output on the line in 2010, so 2011 will bring lots of questions up front.
Here is some rare good news for Idaho fans. Both Robert Siavii and Tre'Shawn Robinson should return from solid 2010 campaigns at LB, where Siavii collected 14 TFLs and Robinson picked up 10.5 more. They also led the team at 1 and 2 in tackles with a combined 171 tackles, including a combined 92 solo jobs. That's a hell of a lot of production from two guys, and Homer Mauga, who had 74 tackles, joins them for one more run in 2011.
There was not a ton of solid production in a secondary that gave up 231 yards per game through the air, but the good news is that Gary Walker, Aaron Grymes, and Matt Harvey all return. Walker and Grymes were just sophs, so a pickup in production should be evident next fall. Depth will be the main issue, as there really is not much to speak of.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Tray Farquhar was all over the map as a sophomore, hitting on 18 of his 25 FG attempts. 72% won't cut it long term, but he got a ton of work in last fall, which should lead to learning from expeience as a junior. Expect more from him.
Bobby Cowan had a cannon for a leg, averaging 45.49 yards per punt in 2010, one of the best numbers in the country. Cowan was also just a sophomore, but he is already well developed, and would be a fine choice for pre-season punter of the year in the WAC. He will be a very important player next fall for the Vandals.
Justin Veltung will not only be the only experienced receiver returning, but will be handling kickoff returns as well, were he returned one for a score last fall.
The punt return job should be open, after the fall produced heinous numbers there.
FINAL NOTES
It would seem that the 2009 trip to the Humanitarian Bowl was a blip on the radar. Idaho fell back into old bad habits in 2010, and so was wildly inconsistent and fell short of repeating a bowl journey. With all of the major talent gone and a complete lack of faith in the defense, it would seem that the slide will worsen in 2011 unless miracle players step out of the shadows to lead a renovation that will not be expected.
2011 NON-CONFERENCE OPPONENTS
9/3 Bowling Green, 9/10 North Dakota, 9/17 @ Texas A&M, 10/1 @ Virginia, 11/12 @ BYU
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