Vandals come up big in Logan (Photo Gallery)

After giving up 14 first quarter points to a Utah State team that previously hadn't scored a TD all year, the Vandals rolled with 41 unanswered points for most of the next three quarters to come away with a 41-21 road win in Logan. The win was sparked by CB Stanley Franks' 98 yard interception return, and was capped off by a 74 yard JO-ARTIS RATTI fumble return. Inside are images from the game.

True freshman strong safety Shiloh Keo led all Idaho tacklers with 10 tackles on the afternoon, including 1 tackle for loss, a pass breakup and his first interception on the season which he returned 33 yards to setup an Idaho touchdown.

The Vandal defense came up huge Saturday in the WAC opener against Utah State in Logan (UT). Despite digging themselves a hole to start the game, giving up two quick first quarter touchdowns, the defense - and cornerback Stanley Franks specifically - get credit for turning this game around for Idaho. Down 14-10 in the second quarter, and with the Aggies on the Idaho 2 yard line, cornerback Stanley Franks picked off a pass in the flat and returned it 98 yards for the score. It was Franks' 4th interception of the season, and from there Idaho reeled off 24 unanswered points to build a 41-14 lead deep into the fourth quarter.

Sophomore field goal kicker Tino Amancio continues to impress. Saturday he went 2-2, connecting on attempts of 42 and 19 yards. His second quarter 19 yard kick cut USU's lead to 14-10. For the year he has connected on 85.7% of his attempts.

Junior offensive lineman Marcis Fennell started Saturday at left guard in place of injured senior Jade Tadvick. He helped the offensive line lead the way for two rushing touchdowns and 128 net yards on the ground.

Linebackers Jo-Artis "Sledge" Ratti (43) and Robert Davis (17) are part of a six-man Vandal linebacker rotation that is the strength of the Idaho defense.

Jo-Artis Ratti takes off on an 74-yard fumble return for a touchdown on a play set up by punishing quarterback sack delivered by outside linebacker Brandon Ogletree. Ratti's touchdown gave Idaho a 41-14 lead with seven minutes left in the game.

Sophomore runningback Jayson Bird led all Idaho rushers with 52 hard fought yards on 13 carries with 1 TD and an average of 3.9 yards per carry.

Junior runningback Brian Flowers finished the day with 42 yards on 11 carries and a touchdown.

True freshman kick returner and runningback Raymond Fry is working his way into the lineup more each week, and gained 16 yards returning kicks for Idaho against Utah State.

Senior quarterback Steve Wichman had one of his best games of the year, not necessarily from a statistical standpoint but from decisions he was making during the game (i.e. tucking and running or throwing it out under pressure, not forcing things, etc). Statistically he finished with 188 yards passing (50 yards on one key second half pass to keep a drive alive), 37 yards rushing, threw a TD pass and was not picked off once.

From the official site: “It was a good win for us,” Dennis Erickson said. “I thought our guys showed a lot of character when we got down 14-0. It was just a good win. We needed one badly.”

University of Idaho cheerleaders in action at the game.

Vandal Game Day on the road at Utah State

The Idaho band made a surprise and welcome appearance at the game Saturday afternoon.

Vandal fans made an excellent showing at the game Saturday. Although things were a little quiet in the first half, Idaho fans cheered strong when the team stepped up.

The Vandal football teams sings the fight song after beating USU on the road.