2009 Idaho Vandals College Football Predictions

2009 Idaho Vandals Predictions
2008 Record: (2-10, 1-7)
Coach: Robb Akey, 3rd year (3-21 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Steve Axman (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Mark Criner (3rd year)
Returning Starters: 11 (5 offense, 6 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Nathan Enderle)

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Offense: The Vandals return five starters from a unit that produced just 19.6ppg. Junior QB Nathan Enderle (6-5, 223) returns, though he had to beat out juco transfer and one-time Arkansas Razorback Brian Reader. Enderle was up-and-down last year with 2,077 passing yards, 20 TDs and 17 picks. He did make strides in his sophomore season over his freshman year when he threw for just 10 TDs and had 18 picks. The running game was mediocre (133.2ypg) and needs to step up. Junior Deonte Jackson (5-8, 191) averaged 97.9 yards per game as a freshman, but last season tallied just 696 yards (nearly 500 less than 2007), because he shared time with Princeton McCarty (5-8, 174). Washington State transfer DeMaundray Wooldrige could also have an impact. It appears they’ll have the same rotation again this year. At receiver, they return both starters, but they lose star TE Eddie Williams, a late-round NFL draft pick, who was twice as productive as their top receiver last year. Up front, they return just two of five starters.

Defense: The defense returns six starters from a unit that allowed a whopping 42.8ppg (117th in the nation) and 472 yards per game (116th). The Vandals’ defense was very young last season and they also had to battle injuries. One of the key players who went down was junior Shiloh Keo (5-1, 214), who racked up 31 tackles in four games (and a blocked punt), before injuring his shoulder. UP front, they bring back junior Aaron Lavarias (6-3, 262), who moves to end. Sophomore Michael Cosgrove (6-4, 265) and junior Jonah Sataraka (6-2, 285) will occupy the tackle positions. They are very inexperienced at linebacker where junior JoJo Dickson (6-2, 215), was the most experienced player, though he’s had injury issues during the season and in the spring.

Outlook: Idaho faces New Mexico State on the road to start the season and then takes on four straight non-conference foes in Washington on the road, San Diego State at home, Northern Illinois on the road and Colorado State at home. They also face Boise State on the road and Nevada on the road. Not that it really matters as the Vandals will stuggle this year against the upper-echelon of the WAC.

This WAC conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com