In five days, Idaho football coach Robb Akey will unveil an on-the-field product that figures to be the most polished since his arrival three years ago. The defense has never been so rangy and athletic. A stocked supply of skill players is starting to come of age. The defensive line finally has more than a smattering of able (and thick) bodies.Yes, everything points to a much healthier program than the one Akey inherited after Dennis Erickson’s swift departure in 2006. Nevertheless, this fact remains: All the anecdotal progress means nothing unless the Vandals start churning out wins/Josh Wright, SR. More here.

• Weekend Poll: 79% of 108 respondents said Rex Rammell's comments re: Obama hurt Idaho Republicans because they didn't denounce them strongly enough. .Results here.