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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Idaho’s Iupati finalist for Outland

Idaho offensive lineman Mike Iupati is attracting a lot of notice these days, and not just in Idaho or the Northwest. The senior left guard has been named as one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy, given to the nation's top interior lineman. The other finalists are Nebraska star Ndamukong Suh and Oklahoma State lineman Russell Okung.

"It was kind of shocking to me but I look at it as hard work," Iupati said today after practice. "And it’s definitely been a blessing to me."

Interestingly, Robb Akey has coached another Outland Trophy winner -- Rien Long at Washington State in 2002. Long was a defensive lineman while Akey was WSU's defensive coordinator.



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