Idaho Vandals

Grading out the Idaho/Fresno State game

Posted on 09 November 2009 by Jesse Baumgartner

Here are the weekly grade estimations. Chime in with what you think, as they’re meant to be fun/debatable feature. And check back in tomorrow for the 2nd edition of the monster WAC Extra post, Robb Akey’s press conference and more.

Quarterback: C Brian Reader said he was more comfortable in the second half, and that was evident during the game. In the first half he was off target a fair amount. The Vandals ran the ball a lot even though they were down, and Reader only threw 25 times. He got going in the second half and made his two of his best throws to Max Komar on a slant for a TD and a route to the sideline for a first down. Also, a tough spot to be thrown into for his first collegiate start.

Running backs: B-plus The Vandals ran the ball well all night long (230 yards, 7.7 yards a carry). But DeMaundray Woolridge coughed up the ball at an extremely costly point, when UI looked like it was rallying a little.

Wide Receivers: B-minus Didn’t see a ton of action. Daniel Hardy dropped a catchable ball, and it looked like Max Komar had a shot at a deep ball in the end zone on the first possession. Komar came back with four catches and a TD, and Maurice Shaw had a highlight-reel TD in the closing seconds.

Offensive Line: B The line had a few penalty issues during the game, but kept Reader upright (no sacks allowed) and opened holes for a productive running attack.

Defensive Line: B-minus The line got off to a rough start on Mathews’ opening touchdown, but defended the run much better after that (just over 100 yards for the remainder of the game). The Vandals had one sack, and missed multiple opportunities to wrap up for other sacks.

Linebackers: B-minus Also got better as the game went along, but started off slow in pursuit and fitting up the run game. FSU helped by running the ball so exclusively in the second half, and Idaho started defending it much better. Paul Senescall was in the backfield a fair amount.

Secondary: C-minus This unit was mostly helping with the run game in the second half, but failed to force a single incompletion from FSU quarterback Ryan Mathews. Aaron Grymes was picked on twice in the second possession of the game (a deep ball and a touchdown) and was replaced by Eric Hunter, who played for the remainder of the game.

Special teams: B-minus Idaho recovered its onside kick and gave Shiloh Keo room to return four punts. Kickoffs were an issue at the beginning of the game, as the FSU coverage got to UI returners inside the 20. There was also a holding call on a return. Trey Farquhar missed his one attempt from 54 yards on Idaho’s opening drive.