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NCAAF - Idaho Vandals have the edge at home against Utah State
Idaho Vandals have the edge at home against Utah State
Game Time: Thursday, November 26, 2009 12:00 AM ET
The Kibbie Dome in Moscow, ID, will be the site for a showdown of WAC schools that both own 7-4 ATS records when the Idaho Vandals host the Utah State Aggies.
The Idaho Vandals got off to a strong start this season before going off the rails over the past month. That's had a lot to do with a tough schedule that has included matchups with Nevada, Fresno State, and Boise State.
They should find the going much easier in their home finale, as they host Utah State.
Both teams own identical 7-4 ATS records this season, but it's Idaho that has managed to record a 7-4 SU record as well. Utah State is just 3-8 SU, including 0-6 on the road. The Aggies thought they could hang in there against Boise State last week, but that lasted for about a quarter-and-a-half before the Broncos exploded out to a 35-14 halftime lead.
Idaho is coming off a beating at the hands of Boise State as well, however unlike the Aggies, who were outgained by over 200 yards in their loss, the Vandals actually picked up 56 more total yards than the Broncos.
Two games back Idaho dropped a 31-21 decision against Fresno State, yet outgained the Bulldogs by 130 total yards. My point being, Idaho hasn't been completely outclassed against superior competition.
Idaho is expected to get a boost from QB Nathan Enderle this week. He missed the team's last two games due to an injured rotator cuff. Enderle was having a fine season before getting hurt, throwing for over 2,400 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Look for him to finish the season strong against a Utah State defense that allows 8.2 yards per pass play on the road.
Utah State's strength is in its ground game, but they're going up against a fairly solid Idaho run defense this week. The Vandals are allowing 4.7 yards per rush on the season, but that number drops to 4.0 ypr at home. In their last home game, the Vandals limited one of the best rushing attacks in the nation (Fresno State) to just 4.3 ypr.
Utah State crushed Idaho by a 42-17 score last season, but this Vandals program has seen a lot of improvement since that time. The Aggies are 1-4 ATS in their last five games as a road underdog of a field goal or less while Idaho is 6-2 ATS in its last eight lined home contests. I'll lay the short number with the Vandals in this one.
Free Pick: Idaho -2½ (-110)