Appalachian State Mountaineers vs Idaho Vandals Preview

It all comes down this for the Appalachian State Mountaineers on Senior Day. They have come back from the abyss and overcome expectations to be a factor in the Sun Belt Conference. Now, on Senior Day, they must show off what they have learned against the Idaho Vandals.

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Not scared of the Vandals? Not scared of Paul Petrino’s legions that hail from Moscow, Idaho as they leave their wintry mountain home to come and play in a slightly less wintry and slightly less mountainous place? Idaho is hungry for a second win this season, and easy to overlook.

Date: November 29
Time: 2:00 PM
TV: ESPN3
Venue: Kidd Brewer Stadium
Last Time: Doesn’t Seem To Be One

Nov 8, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs defensive back J.J. Whittaker (7) tackles Idaho Vandals wide receiver Joshua McCain (8) during the third quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Opponent: Idaho Vandals (1-9)

There have not been a lot of bright spots for the Vandals this year. They do possess the Sun Belt’s leading receiver in Joshua McCain, but that is a product of the amount of time Idaho has been trying to throw the ball to get back into games as much as it is a sign of McCain’s talent.

Nov 8, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Idaho Vandals head coach Paul Petrino talks to players in the huddle during the third quarter against the San Diego State Aztecs at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Coach Petrino would like to have a high powered offense along the lines of what Louisville, Arkansas, or even Western Kentucky were able to achieve under his brother. That requires having the talent to do that with, and in year two Petrino does not yet have it. The results have been a loss to every team not named New Mexico State on the schedule.

Idaho is 23rd in the nation in passing yards, but 98th in the run game. This means that the Idaho defense finds itself on the field a lot during a game. As a result they are 115th in scoring defense. Idaho’s hope will be to initiate a shootout. That should be just fine with App State, as their running game is starting to flourish late in the year.