MOSCOW, Idaho — After two strong showings against FBS schools, Idaho is ready to settle into its FCS schedule. However, that may have to happen without starting quarterback Jack Layne and backup quarterback Jack Wagner.
Layne broke his collarbone in the Vandals' week one loss to Oregon, and Coach Eck said Wagner's injury in last week's game against Wyoming is likely a sprain or strain. They don't believe the injury is severe: no breaks or tears. However, they'll know later in the week if Wagner is able to play after more test results come back.
In the meantime, Eck and the rest of his staff are preparing a game plan for both Wagner and third-string quarterback Nick Josifek.
"Jack's got a game under his belt, and I almost think you have a couple of different game plans," Eck said. "I think you've got one for Nick and one for Wags, and they both have strong arms, coach Schleusner will do a great job and have a couple of plans ready for whatever we need to win the game."
If Wagner can't go, Josifek will take over, and they have a few guys on their team who have quarterback experience that are already stepping up.
"Matt Irwin is a guy who we recruited as a safety, and we actually used him last week doing some more scout team stuff because now Rocco [Koch] will be the backup. Matt, if Jack couldn't go, he'd be the third quarterback and run the scout team as well and do a good job."
The Vandals are facing off against UAlbany, the team that knocked them out of the playoffs with a 30-22 win last December. Eck said that while there may be a drive for revenge from a few players who didn't play well in that game last winter, it's a very different team than they played last year.
"So many guys have changed over," Eck said. "I think there's five guys out of their 22 starters who started last year, so mostly new faces, and I think all of their defense is new. So, the teams are a lot different. None of the same quarterbacks from last year. Their great receiver was in the NFL, so as you watch that tape, you're really more looking at the coaches than the players, and I think we're relying more on the film from this year for that."
Kickoff in the Kibbie Dome is set for 1pm.
