Idaho University

Type of Offense: Pro-Style I. This offense is a run oriented offense that uses run plays and play action to get defenders out of position for passes in the 15-25 yard range. The tight end and fullback are more involved in the offense as the fullback is a blocker and the tight end is 70/30 blocking versus running routes. Most known for the isolation running plays in the middle, the offense has evolved to a more off tackle and “counter trey” running offense. This is more of the style of professional ranks allowing for a QB with a strong arm to thrive.

Type of Defense: 4-3. Fast OLBs with the WLB being stronger in pass coverage and the SLB being stouter versus the run. MLB is balanced and expected to make most of the tackles, especially versus the run game. A lot of Cover 2 with the MLB expected to get deep (15 yards) on a pass play. Corners on an island playing the edges with help over top. Gap responsibilities on the run game with DL and LB filling gaps and DE normally containing on the edge.

 · Run/Pass %: 40/60

· Run/Pass Attempts: 373/549

· Points Per Game: 26.6

· Points Allowed Per Game: 28.3

Key Returning Players:

·  Robert Siavii, LB: Leading returning tackler with 91 tackles in 2010. Must get that total improved even more to give Idaho a chance to compete with the other teams on their schedule.

· Brian Reader, QB: Career backup who found his way into 10 games as a junior in 2010. Threw for over 500 yards and 5 TDs in limited action as backup. Must step up and take control of this team to have a successful season.

· Trey Farquhar, K: Returning PK who was 18-25 and 40-41 (XP) in 2010 ended up being a bigger part of the offense than expected in 2010. If he can improve to 22-25 or so in 2011, Idaho may be able to pull out another win or two in 2011.

Key Incoming Freshmen:

· Dominique Blackman, QB: A 3 star juco-transfer has the ability to steal the QB job in the summer and never let it go. Has more experience than incoming freshmen by going the juco route and does not expect to sit on the bench at all.

· Todd Handley, RB: A bit undersized at 5-8 but very talented 3 star recruit that played in California in high school. Has a lot of speed to burn and may be the big play RB that Idaho has been missing for years.  

Overall Assessment: In what can be considered one of the tougher college jobs in the country, Coach Akey has done a good job in his first year at the program. A 6-7 record with a chance to improve in 2011 is all you ask for out of the team. With some impressive juco transfers coming in and the returning starters improving, the Vandals may have a shot at pulling in a bowl bid. Time will tell but the Vandals may be on the upswing with a chance to be a player in the WAC in the future.