Idaho Coach Paul Petrino Searching For Answers

Seldom does a football coach hold a press conference and there really isn't a single note worthy quote.

Such was the case this week as Idaho football coach Paul Petrino tried to explain the Vandals struggles in Pocatello last Saturday losing 62-28 to Idaho State.

The Vandals are now 2-3 overall, 1-2 in the Big Sky where before the season many felt the Vandals would fight for the league title and a spot in the 16-team FCS playoff format.

The closest Petrino came to offering a quotable statement was his feeling that everyone from coaches to players are to blame and that everyone needs to take the arrow.

The remainder of the press conference Petrino tried to explain the Vandals struggles by saying the players needed more effort, more consistency and simply play better.

I've seen that slippery slope before where coaches deflect effort away from preparation. Assuming Idaho has recruited players who can win, preparation is always the key and that preparation falls squarely on the coaching staff.

Petrino said many times against Idaho State his players were out of position and that sounds more like preparation than effort.

Idaho's move back to the Big Sky has renewed rivalries like Saturdays game in Pocatello where Holt Arena was sold out for the first time in 34 years! Somehow the Vandals have to get caught up in that excitement.

This week Idaho is at Montana State where they haven't won a game since 1991 and I'll guarantee you the Bobcats will use that fun fact as motivation.

Asked about Montana State, Petrino said the one thing he knew was their quarterback was big and a stud. I assume he'll learn more about the Bobcats in their game preparations as kickoff nears Saturday at 2 p.m. Boise time

Catch all the action on Sports Radio 630 The Fan, the pre-game starts at 1 p.m...630 The Fan your Treasure Valley home for Vandal Sports.