Big Sky Media Day: Vandals look to be contender

AIRWAY HEIGHTS — High expectations and the Idaho Vandals football program haven’t gone hand in hand in recent years.

But after reaching the playoffs last year for the first time since returning to FCS in 2018, the Vandals are considered among the teams to beat in the Big Sky Conference.

“You know we probably snuck up on some people last year,” second-year Idaho coach Jason Eck said Monday, at the Big Sky Football Kickoff at Northern Quest Resort & Casino near the Spokane Airport. “We’re going to give everybody’s best shot, and we’ve got to embrace that. We have to rise to that occasion and take advantage of it, and I think we have a lot of guys that are going to embrace that and run with it.”

Idaho went 6-2 in the Big Sky last year, tied for third with Weber State, and was one of five conference teams to make the 24-team FCS playoffs. The Vandals finished 7-5 after a first-round playoff loss at Southeastern Louisiana.

“I just feel like everybody bought in, as soon as the new coaching staff got in, it just felt like a different culture … everybody bought in and wanted to be there,” Idaho senior receiver Jermaine Jackson said. “A different joy came to the team … we took a step forward last year; we’re trying to take a bigger step forward this year, for sure.

“Coach Eck has done an amazing job with the community and the culture of the Idaho Vandals, in Moscow and other areas … in Coeur d’Alene, in Boise …" said Idaho senior receiver Hayden Hatten, the preseason Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year. “All the Vandal fans have grown a sense of belief in this football team, and a sense of pride to be a Vandal. Being able to be here during this transition period is truly a blessing.”

“Ever since I stepped on campus (in 2020, after playing two seasons at College of San Mateo in California), there was always talent at Idaho, from the Ellisses to the Tre Walkers,” Jackson said. “We always had good players, but we just couldn’t put it together like we did last year.”

Last year, Idaho was picked to finish eighth by the coaches and ninth by the media in the 12-team conference.

This year, the Vandals are picked to finish second (to Montana State) by the media, and fifth by the coaches.

“I don’t think they were far off before,” said Eastern Washington coach Aaron Best, whose Eagles are 3-3 vs. Idaho since the Vandals returned to the Big Sky. “Give a lot of credit to coach Eck and his staff, to bring that team from where it was, and take what coach (Paul) Petrino left, and enhance it. They have one of the best playmakers in the conference with Mr. Hatten, and JJ’s obviously a phenomenal slot receiver and punt/kick returner. They have dynamic players. I think they just did a really good job getting those guys balls in space, and letting their playmakers make plays. When you have great players that are committed to the process and trust the coaches, anything is bound to happen. They did a great job; make no bones about it. They were much improved from the year before.”

One of Idaho’s biggest wins last year was a 30-23 triumph at Montana in its sixth game — the Vandals’ first win over the Griz since The return.

“They managed their game against us very well,” Montana coach Bobby Hauck recalled of the 2022 meeting. “They got themselves into the playoffs, which is great. I’m certain they would like to get back to the playoffs, and maybe win one this time, so we’ll see where it goes. They’ve done a good job.

“I’ve got a lot of friends that have been the head football coach at Idaho, going back to Dennis Erickson, Keith Gilbertson, John L. Smith, Tom Cable, Nick Holt … Paul Petrino. And I have high regard for Jason Eck. He’s a great football coach in a long line of great head football coaches at Idaho. … I think they’ll do a great job this year.”

Idaho made the playoffs despite a 44-26 loss at UC Davis in its 10th game. UC Davis (6-5, 5-3 Big Sky), which finished fifth, did not make the playoffs.

“The quarterback (Gevani McCoy) really came on for them, I think that helped a lot,” UC Davis coach Dan Hawkins said. “I always thought, every year we played them, it’s not easy. They had a good range of talent; they still do. I think the quarterback’s probably a lot of it, and staying healthy. Schedule goes your way, and you get a couple of wins, you get a little confidence and away you go.”

What helps is many of Idaho’s key players — especially on offense — return.

McCoy, the Jerry Rice Award winner last year for the top freshman in FCS, is back. Hatten and Jackson each had breakout seasons, and, with sophomore running back Anthony Woods, all four were named to the preseason all-conference team.

Idaho is strong in the secondary, with Marcus Harris, a preseason all-conference pick, along with Murvin Kenion III and Tommy McCormick. Eck said the depth in the secondary was such that safety Mathias Bertram was moved to outside linebacker.

And Eck, an offensive lineman at Wisconsin, stressed getting better at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.

Among the newcomers Eck said could play big roles are Jajkari Larmond, a defensive lineman brought in to help against the run; and Tre Thomas, an inside linebacker and transfer from South Dakota.

“A guy who's been here but has had a great offseason is Malakai Williams, expecting great things from him,” Eck said. “I think he’s playing better at the defensive end spot than anybody in the two years I’ve been here, and we had a couple second-team all-conference guys there last year.”

What could make it tougher this year for the Vandals is their schedule. Last year they didn’t play Montana State, which advanced to the FCS championship, and Weber State, which also made the playoffs.

Both are on the slate this year.

“We miss UC Davis (picked to finish second by the coaches, fifth by the media), so maybe that’s a blessing because they kicked our butts last year,” Eck said.

Idaho plays two “money” games again this year, visiting Nevada (a Group of Five team from the Mountain West) and California (a Power Five team). Last year, Idaho played two Power Five teams (Washington State and Indiana) in its first two games, losing just 24-17 to the Cougars and 25-22 in Bloomington.

“Last year, you look at those first two games, it was encouraging even though we lost, that we played them close,” Eck said. “I think that’s over; I don’t think we’re going to be encouraged by playing Cal or Nevada close; those are games we have to find a way to win, they’re going to be tough games.

“Top to bottom, I think our conference is very strong, and you’ve better bring it every week.”