Offense clicks in Idaho scrimmage

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-goal 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 in camp.

“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 defense 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.

The Vandals have just four practices before their final scrimmage, after which they start 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 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.