The Vandals' retooled offensive line appears to be coming together. The starting five -- though no one is calling it that -- protected much better, which led to some explosive plays from Nathan Enderle and Co.

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By Josh Wright
Correspondent

MOSCOW, Idaho – Once again, Idaho place-kicker Trey Farquhar trotted onto the field to salvage drives far too often for coach Robb Akey’s taste.

But aside from the eight field goals attempts and a touch of sloppiness, for the first time in fall camp the Vandals’ offense operated Tuesday night with an efficiency that had been lacking.

Idaho’s second of three scrimmages at the Kibbie Dome was full of explosive runs and accurate downfield connections. A big reason for the improvement seems to be a more cohesive offensive line.

Just 15 days before UI’s opener against North Dakota, the retooled line appears close to being solidified. The same players – four new starters and returner Matt Cleveland – have remained with the first unit throughout the preseason.

“We’re improving, a little at a time, day by day,” said Cleveland, UI’s left tackle. “But from last scrimmage, it’s definitely a big improvement with the cohesiveness of the line.”

The Vandals’ first-team offense delivered two splashy touchdowns – a 17-yard Princeton McCarty burst to the edge and a leaping 18-yard Eric Greenwood catch in double coverage in the end zone.

Quarterback Nathan Enderle, after tossing an interception on his first pass in the first scrimmage, completed four of his first five passes. The senior looked comfortable throughout throwing to the 6-foot-6 Greenwood and Kama Bailey, a junior running back who regularly lined up in the slot.

“It felt good for the offense as a whole to kind of get things going because we had a rough first scrimmage,” McCarty said. “We had a great tempo and got out there and made some plays.”

The defense, playing without starting linebacker JoJo Dickson (shoulder), didn’t have quite the same energy as it did in the first scrimmage. The Vandals registered 11 sacks last week, but Tuesday the first-team D failed to get to Enderle or backup QB Brian Reader.

But that didn’t mean Akey was entirely pleased with the offense. UI repeatedly faltered inside the 20, particularly in goal-line situations. It was a similar theme as the first scrimmage.

The Vandals, Akey noted, have just four practices before their final scrimmage, after which they start in earnest preparations for North Dakota.

“I thought the first scrimmage might have been a little bit better than this one,” Akey said. “There was some good things that took place out here, but I want to make sure we hold ourselves to a higher standard. I wanted to see greater improvement today than what I did.

“There were some things to me that took on a sloppy look today that we haven’t even done in practice. I want to get that out of our system.”

Akey declined to say five starting offensive lineman have officially wrapped up starting spots. Cleveland and Tyrone Novikoff appear to be settled at the tackle spots, while Tevita Halaholo looks to be locked in at right guard.

Center Clell Hasenbank and left guard Sam Tupua also have been consistently with the first team.

“We have an idea,” Cleveland said when asked about the starting five. “We’re still going to try to some things out. But you can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

NOTES

In addition to Dickson’s absence, players who were sidelined included linebackers Korey Toomer and Conrad Scheidt (concussion). Receiver Maurice Shaw (hamstring) also sat out for the second straight scrimmage, and fellow wideout Mitchell Crockrum had his left ankle in a boot and missed the scrimmage.

Starting defensive end Aaron Lavarias left the field with what Akey called a banged-up knee. “I’m told to expect everything to be fine with that,” the coach said.

Safety Shiloh Keo (back spasms) returned to action after missing almost a week.

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