2-minute drill: Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Don’t take your eyes off …

Colorado State junior wide receiver Michael Gallup (6-foot-1, 195 pounds) had a monster season in the Mountain West Conference, and he’s one of the primary concerns for Idaho. When the Rams aren’t running out of their two-back offense, they love to throw out of play-action sets or spread formations. Gallup’s 70 catches this season were more than Colorado State’s next three leading receivers combined.

When Idaho has the ball …

Watch what the Vandals do on first and second down, particularly in the first quarter. Success early in possessions (and early in the game) usually means quarterback Matt Linehan has found a rhythm and he’s spreading the ball to UI’s many playmakers.

When CSU has the ball …

Check to see if the Rams test Idaho’s secondary early. The Vandals have been susceptible to deep passes when they haven’t been able to pressure or disorient opposing quarterbacks. That could be a problem against Colorado State’s formidable offensive line and usually-on-target quarterback Nick Stevens.

Did you know?

Colorado State leading rusher Dalyn Dawkins and Idaho coach Paul Petrino knew each other back in Louisville, Kentucky, where Petrino coached and Dawkins grew up. Mason Petrino, Paul’s son and a freshman with the Vandals, played youth sports with Dawkins’ younger brother.