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2010 Jun 21
OPPONENT REPORT: Idaho
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(This photo is from the Idaho Statesman)
As Nebraska’s 2010 spring football season is over, Husker Locker takes a glance at what NU’s opponents – as well as the Big 12 and the nation as a whole - are doing this spring.
Team: Idaho (8-5 overall, beat Bowling Green 43-42 in the Humanitarian Bowl)
Coach: Robb Akey (11-26 overall)
Plays Nebraska: Sept. 11, 2010
Spring Game: April 23
Summary: Fairytales come in a lot of shapes and sizes, and while the Vandals were blown out several times in in 2009, they still managed to win several heart-stopping games with their multiple offense led by North Platte native Nathan Enderle. Enderle engineered the most dramatic comeback of the bowl season, converting a clutch two-point conversion on the game’s final play to upset Bowling Green in the Humanitarian Bowl (we’re sure you saw it, considering it pre-empted, for many Husker fans, Nebraska’s first touchdown in the Holiday Bowl).
Idaho is a team built on its passing game. Enderle threw for more than 2,900 yards and 22 touchdowns. The Vandals scored more than 32 points per game in 2009 - but gave up 36 points per game. Chalk that up to some ugly blowout losses to Nevada (70-45) and Boise State (63-25). Like many teams in leagues that don’t get automatic BCS bids, Idaho lacks the size and speed on defense to stop its opponents on a consistent basis, especially when the high-octane offense is a point of emphasis.
Progress so far: Akey focused on improving the defense in the spring - which he insisted occurred. A relatively low-scoring spring game - the Silver beat the Gold 27-14 - was apparently proof of that, although Enderle and backup Brian Reader still racked up nearly 400 passing yards between them.
Breakout player: Armauni Johnson, a junior college transfer who caught 7 passes for 103 yards in the spring game. At 6-4, 200 pounds, Johnson got some looks from Kansas, Oklahoma State and UCLA before committing to Idaho. He could be the best receiver NU faces in the non-conference season, and he’ll quickly become a favorite target of Enderle.
What You May Not Know: The Vandals return both their kicker (Trey Farquhar) and punter (Bobby Cowan) and both are pretty good. Farquhar hit 13-19 field goals - all but one inside 40 yards - and has range to 55 yards. Cowan averaged 43 yards per punt last season. Those are nice special teams weapons to have.
Keep an eye on: The progress of the defense, which is relative to how much any defense that isn’t Boise State can progress in the WAC. Also watch the quarterback race. Reader replaced Enderle in one game last year, and if things go south in fall camp or in the first game against North Dakota, Akey probably wouldn’t hesitate to make another switch.
Spring Opponent Reports: Washington, Missouri, Texas A&M Oklahoma State, Iowa State, Texas, Kansas State, Kansas, Western Kentucky, Colorado
As Nebraska’s 2010 spring football season is over, Husker Locker takes a glance at what NU’s opponents – as well as the Big 12 and the nation as a whole - are doing this spring.
Team: Idaho (8-5 overall, beat Bowling Green 43-42 in the Humanitarian Bowl)
Coach: Robb Akey (11-26 overall)
Plays Nebraska: Sept. 11, 2010
Spring Game: April 23
Summary: Fairytales come in a lot of shapes and sizes, and while the Vandals were blown out several times in in 2009, they still managed to win several heart-stopping games with their multiple offense led by North Platte native Nathan Enderle. Enderle engineered the most dramatic comeback of the bowl season, converting a clutch two-point conversion on the game’s final play to upset Bowling Green in the Humanitarian Bowl (we’re sure you saw it, considering it pre-empted, for many Husker fans, Nebraska’s first touchdown in the Holiday Bowl).
Idaho is a team built on its passing game. Enderle threw for more than 2,900 yards and 22 touchdowns. The Vandals scored more than 32 points per game in 2009 - but gave up 36 points per game. Chalk that up to some ugly blowout losses to Nevada (70-45) and Boise State (63-25). Like many teams in leagues that don’t get automatic BCS bids, Idaho lacks the size and speed on defense to stop its opponents on a consistent basis, especially when the high-octane offense is a point of emphasis.
Progress so far: Akey focused on improving the defense in the spring - which he insisted occurred. A relatively low-scoring spring game - the Silver beat the Gold 27-14 - was apparently proof of that, although Enderle and backup Brian Reader still racked up nearly 400 passing yards between them.
Breakout player: Armauni Johnson, a junior college transfer who caught 7 passes for 103 yards in the spring game. At 6-4, 200 pounds, Johnson got some looks from Kansas, Oklahoma State and UCLA before committing to Idaho. He could be the best receiver NU faces in the non-conference season, and he’ll quickly become a favorite target of Enderle.
What You May Not Know: The Vandals return both their kicker (Trey Farquhar) and punter (Bobby Cowan) and both are pretty good. Farquhar hit 13-19 field goals - all but one inside 40 yards - and has range to 55 yards. Cowan averaged 43 yards per punt last season. Those are nice special teams weapons to have.
Keep an eye on: The progress of the defense, which is relative to how much any defense that isn’t Boise State can progress in the WAC. Also watch the quarterback race. Reader replaced Enderle in one game last year, and if things go south in fall camp or in the first game against North Dakota, Akey probably wouldn’t hesitate to make another switch.
Spring Opponent Reports: Washington, Missouri, Texas A&M Oklahoma State, Iowa State, Texas, Kansas State, Kansas, Western Kentucky, Colorado
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Tags: spring opponent report, idaho, robb akey, nathan enderle
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