Vandals Push Forward After Early Struggles | Spokane News

The Idaho Vandals aim to turn things around at home this Saturday against Lamar, bouncing back from tough losses to Cal Poly and Utah. Coach Ford insists those games don’t define them—and they believe they can compete with top programs when they play their best. Defense remains the focus, with urgent needs in tackling, pass rush, and coverage; coordinator Lee Stalker demands accountability and intensity, calling for “light years better” play. The defense gains momentum with the return of key injured players Zach Wusstig and Darrell Gipson Jr., plus simplified communication to sharpen instincts. They’ll prioritize stopping Lamar’s powerful run game. Offensively, QB Joshua Wood shines as a dual-threat leader, driving both passing and rushing stats while keeping morale high. The running back role is still unsettled—with Hayden Kincheloe expected back—while Ferrari Miller, Damonte Bias, and Kenny Golston battle for consistency. Establishing a reliable ground game is critical for their offensive strategy. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/4b5970cf44883a97