The Cyber Game Ball

Its taken us much longer to award the game ball this week, but we publish it with the same level of gusto!

The Oregon game was a tough one to gauge. On the one hand a number of our guys were stepping up to the challenge of playing a Top 15 team in their house. At the same time, it looked like a few key guys were getting rattled by the situation. One of the most quietly consistent players on the team is senior linebacker Jordan Kramer, who is among the top 2 on the team in tackles, and again this week led the team. Senior receiver Chris Belser led the team in catches (8), while senior Josh Jelmberg led the team in yards (91 on 6 catches). But, in our opinions, the guys below stood out the most.


Honorable Mention:
Robert Ortega, 6-1, 200 pound junior Free Safety.
Robert made his first start of his career since transfering to Idaho this summer, and he made an impact against the Ducks last weekend. For the game he tied for the team lead in tackles with 5 on the day, including 3 solo takedowns. He also had at least one pass deflection, and simply made his presence felt. We're going to need him and the rest of Idaho's rebuilt secondary to step up big this weekend against San Diego State at The Dome.

The Cyber Game Ball Winner:
Malfred Shaw, 5-10, 212 pound junior Runningback.
Earlier this spring we saw Malfred jump in head first to let his new teammates know that he wanted to be a major part of this offense this season. Throughout spring and fall drills he exhibited his workmanship approach to the game, getting tons of carries and generally being a load to bring down. He didn't get many carries in the Boise State game, but started to make an impact against Washington State. For his efforts, he was given an opportunity to start against the Ducks, and immediately cashed in on that opportunity with an impressive 51 yard touchdown run in the 2nd Quarter. He would finish the day with 86 yards on 13 carries, 1 touchdown and an average of 6.6 yards per carry. He also caught 2 passes on the afternoon. As Malfred gets more comfortable with this offense, we expect the trio of Malfred, Zach Gerstner, and returning starter Blair Lewis (fighting his way back from a major ACL injury last season) to continue their growth. Last week these 3 combined for 167 yards against a tough Oregon defense, and we're going to need them even more as the year progresses. But for now, Malfred's effort stands as the best on the day.

VandalVenue.com

#31 Malfred Shaw, 5-10, 212, Jr
Sacramento, CA