Idaho Vandals Football 2011 Preview, Predictions, Picks, Odds | Sportsbookbuzz.com

Idaho Vandals Football 2011 Preview, Predictions, Picks, Odds

As the 2011 NCAA Football Season approaches, we are providing season previews for every college football teams to give you the betting edge. Follow the best College Football Handicappers as they analyze their teams in this 2011 season preview. Be sure to bookmark SportsbookBuzz.com your source for Sportsbook Reviews. Use our comprehensive and insider info to bet successfully on the College Football in our recommend sportsbooks.View the rest of our 2011 NCAA Football Season Previews here.

2010 Record: 6-7 WAC Record: 3-5 (6th) 2011 Returning Starters: 12; 3 offense, 7 defense, kicker, punter

Coach: Robb Akey, 17-33 (4 years)

Offensive Coordinators: Steve Axman Defensive Coordinators: Mark Criner

2011 Idaho Players to Watch: QB Brian Reader, RB Ryan Bass, TE Taylor Elmo, WR Annauni Johnson, WR Justin Veltung, DE Benson Mayowa, LB Tre’Shawn Robinson, LB Homer Mauga

2011 Idaho Strengths:
Despite losing its leader in S Shiloh Keo and potentially losing its leading tackler in Robert Siavii to injury, the defense returns alot of starters, experience and depth. The linebacking corps, in particular, has several veterans. The secondary, despite the loss of Thaad Thompson to injury, should be better in 201l.

2011 Idaho Weaknesses:
A new quarterback always raises questions, but an offensive line that allowed 3.46 sacks per game last year – the fourth highest total in the nation – raises more. It’s an experienced group, but injuries and a new coach will leave the offensive front with alot of work to do in the fall.

2011 Idaho Offense:

For the first time since 2006, Nathan Enderle won’t be under center. The good news for Idaho is that his replacement senior Brian Reader has plenty of experience and a grasp on coordinator Steve Axman’s offense. He completed 59 percent of his throws with five touchdowns and one interception a year ago and started two games as a sophomore when Enderle was injured. Reader will be throwing to a receiving corps that lost three of its top four producers, but there are enough playmakers returning to make Idaho’s passing game the strength of the offense once again. Preston Davis led the wideouts with 31 receptions last year, and deep threats Justin Veltung and Armauni Johnson will stretch the field. A corps of young, experienced tight ends also return. Running back Kama Bailey is also a weapon in the passing game. Idaho needs to improve its rushing offense. After generating a paltry 88 yards per game last season, expect that to be a focal point this fall. Three of the top four ground gainers are back, and Arizona State transfer Ryan Bass should make an immediate impact. He averaged 6.0 yards per carry in limited duty at ASU in 2009. The question, for the second year in a row, is the offensive line. Three starters are back, led by senior tackles Matt Cleveland and Tyrone Novikoff. In addition to struggling in run blocking a year ago, the Vandals yielded 45 sacks.

2011 Idaho Defense:

The biggest playmakers end Aaron Lavarias (9.5 sacks) and safety Shiloh Keo (three interceptions) are gone. But Idaho did play a lot of people last season and the overall depth, size and speed on the unit should be improved. The linebacking corps will be the strength of coordinator Mark Criner’s defense as three players with starting experience return, though the status of senior Robert Siavii is unknown after he suffered a knee injury in the spring. He led the Vandals with 91 tackles and four forced fumbles. Cornerback should be another area where Idaho should be capable. Three corners who started at some point last season Aaron Grymes, Kenneth Patten and Matthew Harvey are back and all have shown the ability to cover and tackle. Free safety Gary Walker is a returning starter, and the Vandals could play four safeties in the rotation and in a variety of packages. Depth on the defensive line is a plus, but the Vandals will need big years out of tackle Michael Cosgrove and end Benson Mayowa if the front is going to do more than hold its own.

2011 Idaho Special Teams:

Idaho’ returns kicker Trey Farquhar and first-team All-WAC punter Bobby Cowan. Farquhar connected on 18 of 25 field goal attempts, while Cowan averaged 45.1 yards per punt.

2011 Idaho Football Schedule | Idaho Football Sportsbooks

2011 Idaho Predictions:

The Vandals hope to get back on the winning track after falling a game short of a bowl last season. The key could be the development of the offensive line. Idaho’s defense has improved each year in the Akey era, and if that trend continues, the Vandals are capable of being successful on that side of the ball. The schedule is challenging with two games against BCS foes, but two open weeks should help the team stay healthy.

2011 Idaho Betting Odds:

Idaho Current odds to win a National Championship: +5000

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NCAA Football Handicapping Picks

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