INSIDE SLANT

Idaho has a week to heal both mentally and physically after getting drubbed by rival Boise State for the 11th year in a row.

The Vandals (7-4 overall, 4-3 WAC) get the week off and return to action Nov. 28 when they play host to Utah State in the final regular-season game. It’s also the final home game for 11 seniors, who have won as many games this season as the program has won in the past three years.

Coach Robb Akey’s team has some health issues, namely starting quarterback Nathan Enderle’s shoulder. The Vandals are 0-2 under backup Brian Reader. Also, starting safety Jeromy Jones has a serious shoulder injury. And after playing 11 consecutive weeks, most Idaho players needed a break.

There is plenty at stake for the Vandals in the season finale. If they can beat Utah State, Idaho will finish with a winning WAC record for the first time and match their regular-season win total (eight) as a Football Bowl Subdivision program.

An eighth regular-season win also would virtually guarantee the Vandals their first bowl bid since 1998.

NOTES, QUOTES

• Forcing turnovers has been an issue for Idaho of late. The Vandals have just one forced turnover (a fumble recovery against Fresno State) in their past four games.

• Idaho leads the nation with the fewest three-and-out possessions on offense this season. The Vandals have had just 10 three-and-outs all year.

Next Game:   Idaho vs. Utah State, Nov. 28—With a victory, Idaho can finish with a winning record in conference play for the first time since joining the WAC in 2005. The Vandals haven’t beaten the Aggies in Robb Akey’s tenure. The game also gives the Vandals a chance to finish with eight regular-season wins, which would match the highest total since Idaho became a Football Bowl Subdivision school in 1996.

November At A Glance:   Idaho has yet to win a game this month, losing to Fresno State (31-21) and at Boise State (63-25). In fact, the Vandals haven’t won in the month of November since beating Arkansas State on Nov. 6, 2004.

Quote To Note:   “Nobody anywhere in the Vandal Nation is happy about what happened today. But I’m not going to let that destroy this season. That’s what I just talked to those players about.” Head coach Robb Akey, after his team lost to Boise State for the 11th consecutive year.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Looking Good:   Senior running back DeMaundray Woolridge was one of the lone bright spots for the Vandals against Boise State. He matched his season-high total with 143 yards. He also scored a touchdown, giving him 15 touchdowns on the year.

Still Needs Work:   Idaho’s pass defense was exposed in a big way against Boise State. A part of the problem is the lack of pressure that the Vandals have been able to generate on opposing quarterbacks. Idaho has managed just 12 sacks this season. Last season, Idaho had 10 sacks.

Star Watch:   Junior QB Nathan Enderle has missed the past two games with a shoulder injury. His status for the season-finale against Utah State and possible bowl game remains uncertain. Enderle has completed 62.2 percent of his passes and thrown for 2,404 yards. He has 15 touchdown passes and nine interceptions. He is ranked 10th nationally in passing efficiency.

Critical Decision:   Depending on the health of starting quarterback Nathan Enderle, Idaho may have to make a tough call at quarterback. Backup Brian Reader struggled mightily against Boise State (five interceptions), and the Vandals may need to win their season finale against Utah State to guarantee a bowl berth. Enderle might need additional rest for his shoulder, but will coaches be willing to risk losing their third game in a row?

Roster Report:  

• S Jeromy Jones (shoulder) did not play against Boise State and his status for the regular-season finale against Utah State in uncertain.

• QB Nathan Enderle (shoulder) is questionable for the season-finale against Utah State.

• Idaho will have 11 seniors play their final home game against Utah State. They are G Mike Iupati, WR Max Komar, T Bryce Sinclair, C Irvin Stevens, G Adam Juratovac, S Jeromy Jones, RB Devon Sturdivant, RB DeMaundray Woolridge, TE Peter Bjorvik, TE Kevin Small and DT Oga Faumui.