2011 was a rough season for the Vandals, who last went to a bowl game in 2009.  It will need a lot to change from last season for that record to improve this season.

Offense: The team brings back four starters and will feature a new offensive coordinator, Jason Gesser, who coached the running backs last season in his first season as a college coach.  Gesser won’t be thrown into an easy spot tho, as not much experience returns and many sports are open for competition.  But that may be a blessing in disguise.  Neither Dominique Blackman nor Taylor Davis separated himself from the other in spring ball and they will go into fall camp fighting for the quarterback position.  Davis started four games last year, so he has some experience, but completed only 28-of-62 passes for 234 yards and one touchdown.  He also threw four interceptions.

Running back seems to be the one set position for Idaho.  Ryan Bass, who started his career at Arizona State, is finally healthy and is looking to break out.  In seven games last year, he rushed for 175 yards and two scores on 44 carries.

The receiving corp is an experienced one as the top six wideouts are upperclassmen, led by Mike Scott.  Scott, a senior, had 55 catches for 691 yards and two scores last season.  Justin Veltung, who grabbed 20 balls for 231 yards, will be the #2 target.

Defense: As inexperienced as the offense may be, the defense may be even moreso.  But also like the offense, that may be a good thing.  Last year’s defense only produced 17 sacks, gave up 33.3 points per game and 437 yards per game.  Even in the WAC, that won’t cut it.

The secondary is experienced and brings back two of those three starters.  Senior safety Gary Walker led the team in tackles last season with 109.  2010 tackles leader, Robert Siavii returns from an injury to man one linebacker spot, while end Benson Mayowa, who led the team with three sacks, will be looked upon to raise his game.

Recruiting:  Deon Watson comes in as a possible tight end/receiver or defensive end.  As a senior he caught 54 passes for 931 yards and 13 touchdowns.  In two seasons, he also had 12.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss.  Trae Armstrong had an impressive senior season as well, as he rushed for 1,794 yards and 23 touchdowns.  Linebacker Matthew Willis comes to Idaho after a year at LA Harbor.  While there, he racked up 122 tackles, seven sacks, 22.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions.

Schedule: The Vandals did themselves no favors with the schedule, as they have to travel to both LSU and North Carolina.  They also only have five home games, only one of which is against a team, Utah State, predicted to finish ahead of them.  Because the WAC only has seven teams, Idaho is set to play five nonconference games.  Other noncon games are at BYU, at Bowling Green and home against Eastern Washington.