In recent years, a game against Idaho was an easy ?W? for all but the Western Athletic Conference?s worst teams. Whether at a home or on the road, the Vandals have been one of the WAC?s traditional doormats.
Last season Idaho only won two games. But it?s a new year, and the Vandals are the conference?s most improved team, off to a 6-2 start to the season.
Tech gets a crack at the upstart Vandals today. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho.
?It?s a tough place to play,? Louisiana Tech coach Derek Dooley said. ?We were there two years ago, and we didn?t play very well, but we pulled out a win.?
Idaho opened the season on a 6-1 tear, notching wins over New Mexico State, San Diego State, Northern Illinois, Colorado State, San Jose State, and Hawaii. The Vandals are just now entering the toughest part of their schedule ? with games against Nevada, Tech, Fresno State, and Boise State ? but six wins is six wins.
?You?ve got to give their coach (Robb Akey) a lot of credit for what they?ve done this year,? Dooley said. ?They?re already bowl eligible after seven weeks. Their quarterback (Nathan Enderle) is playing really good.?
Enderle leads the WAC in passing with 2,077 yards and has 13 touchdowns through eight games. He?ll test a hobbled Tech secondary ? defensive backs Deon Young, Terry Carter, and Chad Boyd are all battling injuries.
Enderle is playing behind a much-improved offensive line.
?They?ve got a big, physical offensive line,? Dooley said. ?Those are the two biggest differences you see from a year ago. They always had a good scheme, but now with the quarterback playing the way he?s playing, and the big offensive line knocking you off the ball, it?s tough.?
Making the game even tougher is Tech?s inability to win on the road this season. The Bulldogs are 0-4 away from Joe Aillet Stadium.
Last season Idaho only won two games. But it?s a new year, and the Vandals are the conference?s most improved team, off to a 6-2 start to the season.
Tech gets a crack at the upstart Vandals today. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho.
?It?s a tough place to play,? Louisiana Tech coach Derek Dooley said. ?We were there two years ago, and we didn?t play very well, but we pulled out a win.?
Idaho opened the season on a 6-1 tear, notching wins over New Mexico State, San Diego State, Northern Illinois, Colorado State, San Jose State, and Hawaii. The Vandals are just now entering the toughest part of their schedule ? with games against Nevada, Tech, Fresno State, and Boise State ? but six wins is six wins.
?You?ve got to give their coach (Robb Akey) a lot of credit for what they?ve done this year,? Dooley said. ?They?re already bowl eligible after seven weeks. Their quarterback (Nathan Enderle) is playing really good.?
Enderle leads the WAC in passing with 2,077 yards and has 13 touchdowns through eight games. He?ll test a hobbled Tech secondary ? defensive backs Deon Young, Terry Carter, and Chad Boyd are all battling injuries.
Enderle is playing behind a much-improved offensive line.
?They?ve got a big, physical offensive line,? Dooley said. ?Those are the two biggest differences you see from a year ago. They always had a good scheme, but now with the quarterback playing the way he?s playing, and the big offensive line knocking you off the ball, it?s tough.?
Making the game even tougher is Tech?s inability to win on the road this season. The Bulldogs are 0-4 away from Joe Aillet Stadium.
