Sport: Football Category: Scores & Results

Idaho looks to fix defensive communication and run game against Lamar

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 2:01 AM

Last updated Sep 9, 2026

Idaho looks to fix defensive communication and run game against Lamar

Summary

Following an 0-2 start to the season, Idaho prepares for its first home game Saturday against Lamar. The Vandals seek to recover from a 38-34 loss to Cal Poly and a 66-14 defeat against Utah. Defensive coordinator Lee Stalker plans to simplify defensive communication to improve tackling and coverage. On offense, the team aims to establish a more effective run game to support quarterback Joshua Wood, who has totaled 474 passing yards and 83 rushing yards through two games. Head coach Thomas Ford Jr. expects senior safety Zach Wusstig and junior linebacker Darrell Gipson Jr. to return from injuries to bolster the secondary and linebacking corps.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Idaho holds an 0-2 record heading into its home opener against Lamar.
•Defensive coordinator Lee Stalker is simplifying schemes to improve defensive performance.
•Quarterback Joshua Wood has recorded 557 combined yards and two touchdowns.
•Senior safety Zach Wusstig and linebacker Darrell Gipson Jr. are expected to return from injuries.

Latest Updates

2:01 AMYahoo Sports — Amid 0-2 start, Idaho looks to simplify defense, establish a more effective run game

What they're saying

"
Sep. 8—MOSCOW, Idaho — Replay doesn't exist in the real world. The disappointment of losing on a last-second play against Cal Poly, and the chagrin of a blowout defeat to Utah are in the past. Learn lessons. Move on. Those were the themes of Idaho coach Thomas Ford Jr.'s news conference Monday. The Vandals (0-2) have their first home game Saturday against Lamar (1-1), which upset Abilene ...
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Football