Freshman tailback TROY VITAL's mom tosses the coin to start Idaho's 2008 Millitary Appreciation Day game against San Jose State.
Freshman tailback TROY VITAL's parents were on hand for Military Appreciation Day 2008 in Moscow.
MONEY: Who does Idaho turn to when they need absolute ball control? Freshman tailback TROY VITAL. Against SJSU he carried the ball when Idaho was pinned deep, and he closed out the game against NMSU.
STIFF-ARM 101: In the next two frames, sophomore leading tailback DEONTE JACKSON demonstrates how to deliver a perfect stiff-arm.
STIFF-ARM 101 (Part II): Above, the defenders arms flail in the background as Deonte runs for daylight.
PRODUCTIVE RECEIVER: In the first half Saturday against SJSU, Williams breaks free for a big 1st quarter gain that led to Idaho's first score.
O-LINE DELIVERS: Idaho's senior-laden O-Line paved the way for 220 yards rushing against SJSU's formidable D, and yielded just one sack in the game.
JUNIOR LEADERSHIP: Junior wideout MAX KOMAR is second on the team with 242 yards on 21 receptions, with some of Idaho's longest gainers of the year. Saturday, the above catch was good for 44 yards.
TOUCHDOWN EARLY: Senior wide receiver LEE SMITH has battled back from a preseason injury, and is seeing his PT rise each week. Saturday he got a foot down in the endzone before falling out of bounds.
STEADY EDDIE: Williams scores a TD later in the game. He finished Saturday with 51 yards on 5 receptions and TD. This year he leads UI with 687 yards, 54 receptions, 6 TDs, and countless key blocks
END AROUND: True freshman receiver PRESTON DAVIS is third on the team with 220 receiving yards and 3 TDs on the year. Saturday, he had a reverse called back due to a penalty.
MATURING FAST: True freshman KAMA BAILEY has not only taken over kick return duties, he's doing it with effectiveness. Saturday he averaged over 20 yards per return, with a long of 36 yards.
GROWING PRESENCE: Freshman 'backer ROBERT SIAVII is playing a bigger role in the Vandal D. A fixture on special teams, he started at SAM and finished with 5 tackles, 1TFL, and a pass breakup.
Sophomore defensive lineman AARON LAVARIAS has a tremendous motor, and his QB hurry on this play led to Siavii's pass breakup.
SACK GAME: In the first six games, senior DE JOSH SHAW went without a single sack. Since then he has three sacks and is living in the backfield. Overall he has 10 TFL, 41 tackles and 2 QB hurries.
Senor TAYLOR RUST has started every game the last two years at rush end. This season he has 29 tackles, 4 TFL and 2 QB hurries.
Junior VIRDELL LARKINS, Idaho's heavy hitting starting free safety, leads the Vandal defense in tackles (71) and picked off his second pass of the year Saturday against SJSU.