Vandals' Petrino sees offensive development

The Idaho faithful got a bit of a scare last week when quarterback Matt Linehan went down with an apparent shoulder injury. Fortunately for the Vandals, it appears the redshirt freshman will be ready to go this week.

While Idaho (0-6) is still winless, Linehan has helped the program turn in the right direction. There have, of course, been growing pains along the way like the costly interceptions he threw late in Idaho's last two games.

"He was trying to make a great play - he actually had Richard (Montgomery) covered by a defensive end on a wheel route," coach Paul Petrino said of Linehan's interception late in Saturday's loss to Georgia Southern. "He was about five yards ahead of the guy and if we score right there, it's a two-point game. Unfortunately Matt didn't see him, tried to go to Deon (Watson) on the checkdown.

"Sometime you just need to bite it and take a sack or throw it away, but we've got to remember that he's just a freshman. He's kept us in a lot of these games and he's competing his tail off."

One other new face who has done his best to make the Vandals competitive this season has been running back Elijhaa Penny. The hefty junior powered in three touchdowns on the ground last week.

"He did a really good job in the critical zone scoring three touchdowns - would have been nice to get him another," Petrino said. "He still needs to lose a couple pounds to improve his quickness so he can get some explosive plays, but he's working really hard."

While the offense has been improving, the defense will have some extra work to do this week. Safety Chris Edwards has left the program, Petrino said without disclosing any details. With Jordan Grabski still recovering from an injury, it will be up to Russell Siavii and Tom Hennessey to anchor the secondary.

Austin Rehkow, who earned All-American honors last season, reclaimed his spot as the top punter in the nation last week. Against the Eagles, he boomed a 73-yard punt - besting his previous career best of 65 - to boost his season average to 48.5.

"Austin is punting the ball extremely well," Petrino said. "Jacob Sannon also is unbelievable on special teams."

Idaho will host New Mexico State, the only team it beat in the 2012 campaign, this weekend.

Ben Handel can be reached at (208) 883-4629, or by email to bhandel@dnews.com.