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Sep. 9—MOSCOW, Idaho — An Idaho season that began with enormous optimism was on shaky ground after this weekend’s play.
The Vandals opened the season with a stare -down against third-ranked Oregon before the Vandals narrowly lost, 24-14, and followed with a 17-13 upset of Football Bowl Subdivision’s Wyoming during which Idaho’s second quarterback, Jack Wagner, was injured in the second half .
However, Idaho coach Jason Eck held out hope that Wagner could return Saturday when the Vandals, ranked fourth in the Football Championship Subdivision, play their first home game against Albany, the team that knocked them out of the FCS quarter-finals a year ago.
Wagner, who completed his first eight throws against Wyoming, was subbing for Idaho’s original starter, Jack Layne, who broke his collarbone against Oregon.
Redshirt freshman Nick Josifek came on for the final 6 minutes, 56 seconds after Wagner exited against Wyoming with a sprained shoulder. While Josifek attempted no passes nor led Idaho to a score, Eck said the QB ran the offense competently and will start against Albany if Wagner can’t go.
“We have a lot of confidence in Nick Josifek. He is a talented young man,” Eck said.
But Eck added there is a chance Wagner will be able to play. Coaches will monitor Wagner throughout the week, and if he can get through a complete practice Friday he may be called on.
“I am optimistic, but I don’t know for sure,” Eck said of Wagner’s prospects of playing Saturday.
If Wagner is not yet recovered, Josifek will start. The Vandals are mighty thin behind him, though.
Freshman Rocco Koch would be the backup, and freshman safety Matt Irwin, from Owyhee High School, who played quarterback in high school, is working with the quarterbacks this week in case he is needed.
“I don’t think Wagner will be out long,” Eck said hopefully.
An outstanding…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/idaho-may-rely-third-string-020100982.html
Author : The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
Publish date : 2024-09-10 02:01:00
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