Welcome to 1^st & goal. A new series where I will give my 4 things to watch, know or expect for the Vandals upcoming game and a score prediction.

The Vandals are on the road at high elevation in Laramie, Wyoming against the Cowboys

 

1^st Down

Idaho is going to Wyoming with a 1-1 record. Yes, we were able to sneak out a win last week. Now we’ll try to build on that against another FBS opponent. With a win this week it would start a win streak. Everyone seems to forget we won last week.

Central Washington (last week’s opponent) only lost to Eastern Washington by three points in 2010. Eastern, you may remember, went on to win the national championship that season. So I am saying there is a chance we do something this season … just don’t bet the family condo on it.

2^nd Down

The QB competition appears to be over after last week. I personally feel its hard to name a starter when one of the competitors has 17 pass attempts all season … while the other one has over 30.

It appears to be Mason’s show, so let’s see how he does. He is efficient and has an incredible understanding of the offense. I’s just not convinced that’s enough. We are going to have to see more.

3^rd Down

Colton Clark of the Lewiston Tribune wrote an amazing article about true freshman, Idaho 5A MVP, Nick Romano. I’m enjoying the chances we’ve had at to watch him this season. We have quite the stable of backs this season. Every snap Nick Romano takes I just seem to tune in just a little more. He is such an easy kid to root for.

Especially since according to the Idaho Statesman, Idaho High School football is in a decline. It is nice to see a local kid do good!

4^th down

Jeff Cotton officially has the most receptions in a single game this season. That is for all of college football: NAIA to Division I FBS. He hauled in a whopping 16 receptions, 145 yards and caught two tuddies. He was no slouch at Penn State either, leading the team in yards and receptions again.

He deserves to be talked about like Sammy Akem (Montana), Andrew Boston (Eastern Washington) or Mitch Gueller (Idaho State) in the Big Sky. He is arguably the best receiver in the conference and most don’t know who he is.

This is another chance for him to introduce himself to the world against a FBS opponent that has beaten an SEC school this season. So tune in to ESPN+ today and give Cotton and the boys a watch.

Touchdown!

Chris: Wyoming 38 Idaho 9

TJ: Wyoming 42 Idaho 13

Brian: Wyoming 53 Idaho 13

Marten : Wyoming 34 Idaho 13