#fc: dylan saunders | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

ms-rampage · 4 years ago

Text

Eden's Gate: Left Behind Chapter 4 - Bonding

Warnings: Some swearing, slight cuteness between Kate and Wheaty, slight angst

Word count: 1.8k

Alissa (FC: Rhea Ripley)

Sarah (FC: Toni Storm)

Morgan: (FC: Kathryn Newton)

Ashley (FC: Chloë Grace Mortez)

Layla (FC: China Anne McClain)

Becky (FC: Taissa Farminga)

Ryan (FC: Ryan Potter)

Kevin (FC: Evan Peters)

Ivan and Isaiah (FC: Dylan & Cole Spouse)

Dylan (FC: Joe Keery)

********************************************

5 YEARS EARLIER

March 2013

Payette National Forest

McCall, Idaho

18 year old Paige and 14 year old Kate drive down the quiet lonely roads of Idaho. Working a case on a potential "animal" attack.

Paige driving, and Kate searching the attack.

"So what's the case?" Paige asks keeping her eyes on the road, Kate clears her throat and reads the report from her laptop. "4 people 2 male, and 2 female go camping one night, they hear an unusual sound, typical teen werewolf movie, the 2 guys and 1 of the girls are attacked, and killed.

The other girl gets away bruised but uninjured" she stops reading the report. "Sounds like an animal attack to me" Paige says

"That's what the coroner's said, but they examined the bite marks and they don't look like bites from a bear, wolf or a mountain lion. They said the bones were broken, and the flesh was torn clean off".

Paige thinks for a moment "So a Werewolf? Vampire? Leviathan?".

Kate shrugs, and says "Possibly the bite marks look like ones of a werewolf".

They drive down the road, and stop at a gas station, Kate goes inside the market, and Paige fills up the Impala, as she’s grabbing snacks and drinks, the TV behind the cashier plays the news "In local news the McCall police department have found two more bodies at the Payette National Forest, the identities of these bodies are of George Fillman and Robert Peters".

Kate pays for their stuff and leaves the store, Paige is done filling up the car. "Well they found 2 more bodies in the forest".

Paige sighs as she puts the pump back "Son of a bitch" she says frustrated. They get into the car and drive to the forest.

END OF FLASHBACK

__________________________

Kate is with her friends Morgan, Sarah, and Alissa hanging out in the grass area of the quad of their college campus. During their mandatory 1 hour lunch break from work.

Talking to their friend Sarah about what happened at the diner the day before.

“Yeah for real. Holly was pissed” Morgan says to Sarah.

Kate and Alissa, laugh at this.

“Yeah, she was pissed off because this guy. I guess him and Holly had a thing in the past. He was flirting with Kate” Alissa adds.

Sarah turns to Kate “For real?!?”

She nods her head “Yeah. I felt his eyes on me the whole time”.

“I told you. He wants to fuck you!!” Morgan exclaims.

Kate shrugs, and says “Well he did ask me out”.

They all stare at her in shock, “Yep, he definately wants to fuck you” Alissa says.

“When are you two going out?!?” Sarah asks.

“Tomorrow. After work, he’s gonna take me for a ride in his plane” she replies.

They all gasp at the same time. “Are you sure that’s not code for something else??!” Morgan asks.

Kate shrugs as a reply. Unsure but kinda hoping it is.

“Well maybe, he does wanna have sex with you!!” Sarah says.

“What was his name?!” Morgan asks.

“John. I didn’t get his last name, but he also mentioned he’s a lawyer” Kate replies.

“Damn girl, going after the rich ones” Sarah jokes.

They all laugh. None of them don't know of the Cult that’s growing in Hope County. They’re all new to the whole town, and its residents.

Kate has known Sarah, and Alissa for 4 years, they met in University back in Wyoming. Morgan, she’s known her pretty much her whole life, she’s a hunter as well. Their mothers were childhood friends.

Alissa changes the subject to something else.

“So, about tonight?!. The get together!! The Whitetail Mountains!!!” she says.

“Yes, we’ll be there” Morgan says.

“Kate are you going?!” Sarah asks.

Kate hesitates on her reply. Not sure if she wants to go after all.

“Of course, she'll be there. I’ll pick her up, and take her home” Morgan says before Kate could answer.

“Who else is gonna be there?!” Kate asks.

“Becky, and Ashley the Junior Deputies, Ryan, Kevin, Dylan and a few others” Alissa says.

Sarah checks the time on her phone, and immediately stands up. “Shit, my next class starts in 5 minutes. I’ll you guys tonight” she says, running to class.

They bye to her, and head back to the diner. Having to deal with Holly for another 5 in half hours.

*******************************************************

At Joseph’s compound, John enters the church, and sees his older brother sitting at one of the pews. He approaches him, and stands next to him as he remains sitting down.

“The girl?” Joseph asks. His voice soft, and calming.

“I’m seeing her tomorrow” John replies.

Joseph stands up, faces him, placing his hand on his younger brother's shoulder.

“I’ve seen her. Make her a wife. A mother. God has plans for the both of you” he says.

He nods, “Yes, Joseph. I will".

“What do you know of her?” he asks.

John tells him everything he knows about Kate.

“Her name is Kate. She works as a waitress, she’s a student and from Phoenix. Lived in Jackson, Wyoming”.

“God was right. Make her a part of our family. The Lord knows. He knows what he’s doing. Don't let her go."

John nods again, “Yes Joseph”.

“She must not be harmed in any way. Tell my Children not to do her any harm. I don’t want her to be scared away. You must protect her” he adds.

He nods once more, “Yes, Joseph I'll tell them, and I will do everything to protect her".

*****************************************************

Several hours later, Kate, Morgan and Alissa leave the diner, finishing their shifts. Walking to their cars.

“I’ll pick you up at 7:30!!” Morgan yells out to Kate.

“Okay!!! See you then!!!” she yells back, and enters her car. Driving home.

10 minutes later, Kate pulls into her driveway, and goes inside her house.

Dropping her stuff to the floor in a dramatic fashion.

Haley wagging her tail excitedly at her owner.

Kate lets out an overly exaggerated groan, “Fuck!!!!’ she says, tired.

She drops herself onto one of her chairs. She really needs to get a couch in this house.

After a few minutes, she gets up and takes a shower.

The warm water feels fantastic against her skin, relaxing her muscles. After 15 minutes, she gets out, drys off and changes into some clean clothes.

Jeans, high top Vans, and a flannel shirt. Her usual attire.

She chills on her chair, watching tv, waiting for Morgan to pick her up. 7:30 rolls around, and she hears a honk outside her house.

She gets a message on her phone “I’m here!” - Morgan.

Kate gets up, grbs her jacket, locks up her house and goes into Morgan’s car.

“Sup” she greets her, followed by a smile.

“Hey” she responds, with a smile of hers.

They drive to the Whitetail Mountains, catching up, laughing and reminiscing.

“Remember when we were 10, working a case with our moms in Rogers, Arkansas and we put a mix of horseshit, dog shit and cow shit in that racist old man’s gas tank of his car!?!” Morgan asks laughing.

“Shit, yeah I remembered that, and we never got in trouble” Kate says laughing.

“So how’s Paige doing?!. How did she react to you wanting to leave the hunting demons, and ghosts life behind?!” she asks.

Kate stays silent for a moment, looking down, then out the window. Then back to Morgan.

“She’s doing good. She wasn’t mad, but umm”. She goes silent for a moment.

“She-she was disappointed,” she says hesitantly, looking out the window again.

Silence fills the car once more. Morgan breaks the silence, asking her.

“I don’t want you to take this the wrong way. But, you know I love Paige, I think she’s an awesome person. But do you think she holds you back?”.

She stays silent again, looking down at her hands.

“Sometimes” she mutters. “Sometimes” she says again, slightly louder.

“But she’s my sister. She basically raised me, protected me, and I know all the times where she held me back was because she wanted to protect me”.

*************************************

They make it to the campsite. The only bonfire in the dark wooded area.

They get out, and approach the bonfire.

Alissa, and Sarah arrive at the same time they exit their vehicle. They stop and wait for them to catch up.

“So how do you feel about not hunting monsters anymore?” Morgan asks her, practically in a whisper.

“It feels great. I’ve been wanting this for a long time now” she answers.

“You know, even if you call it quits. Those bastards don’t stay away” she reminds her.

Nodding her head, “Yeah, I know but I have faith that they won’t come around” she responds.

Alissa and Sarah catch up with them, and they walk the rest of the way to the fire pit.

They approach their group of friends, who are sitting around a bonfire near the lake.

The moon shining off the water.

"Hey guys" Morgan says, approaching the group.

"Hey, it's about time you 4 showed up" Ryan jokes.

Their friends group is Hope County Junior Deputies Becky Taylor, Layla Michaels and Ashley Saunders.

Classmates Ryan Cho, Dylan Paulson, Kevin Baker, and the Wren twins Isaiah and Ivan.

Lastly, Wheaty who is a member of the Whitetail Militia, and host of the Whitetail radio. Playing pirated music.

"Yeah, well I had to make a multiple detours to pick up Sarah because of some stupid redneck fucks" Alissa says annoyed, rolling her eyes.

Wheaty who is looking down, looks up and his eyes immediately go to the short brunette of the group, Kate. Staring at her, unable to look away from her.

"Wow, she's really cute" he thinks to himself.

The 4 of them sit around the fire with their friends, and Kate sits next to Wheaty.

She gives him a little smile as she sits next to him, and his heart skips several beats.

"H-Hi" he says nervously.

"Hi" she replies with a smile.

"Are you new here?" he asks, trying to keep his cool.

"Yeah I just moved here last week" she answers.

"You go to the University?" he asks.

She nods her head, "Yeah, I'm a psychology major".

They talk for a few minutes, as well as everyone else, and Ashley steps away from the bonfire.

"That damn heat" she whines exaggerating, waving her hand in front of her face.

Morgan looks over at Kate and says.

"Girl, don't say anything about heat, or hot weather around her" pointing her thumb to her.

Ashley looks at Kate with confusion, and a slight head tilt.

"Yeah I'm from Phoenix, Arizona. So if anyone knows hot weather it's me!" she jokes, chuckling.

"So you're from the desert?" Wheaty jokes.

"Yeah basically, I was born there in August, where it's literally Hell, and then my family moved to Jackson, Wyoming" she replies.

“How’s life in Wyoming?!” Ivan asks.

“It’s pretty boring” she jokes, “But it’s really peaceful, you get used to it after awhile”.

Everyone talks, gets to know each other. Kate and Wheaty spend the whole time talking. Getting to know each other. Wheaty can feel his feelings for Kate grow by the second.

They even exchanged numbers, as well with everyone else.

Wheaty has never had a crush on anyone until he saw, and met Kate. He got more information about her, than John did researching her.

After 12am, everyone parted ways, said their goodbyes and went home.

Morgan dropped off Kate at home, and she practically passed out the second her head hit the pillow.

#far cry 5 #john seed #kate winchester #john seed x oc kate winchester #kate winchester x wheaty #joseph seed #my ocs #my writings #fc5 #the seed family #paige winchester #my ocs are my children #eden's gate: left behind #john seed x kate winchester #far cry 5 wheaty #wheaty x kate winchester

11 notes · View notes

pavspatch · 7 years ago

Text

South Shields don’t scare Canning

Weekend Non-league Football Previews

THE fact that South Shields are hot favourites to win the Evo-stik NPL first division north title doesn’t worry Mark Canning in the slightest.

GLOSSOP NORTH END’s new caretaker manager believes his side has more than enough talent to win at at Surrey Street tomorrow (Saturday) and become only the third club to inflict a league defeat on the Mariners this season.

“We won’t be there just to make up the numbers, that’s for sure,” said Canning. “Paul Phillips and Steve Halford assembled a squad that can compete with the top three. These lads can play good football and I’m hoping to get a nice little reaction from them.

“If the players listen, do their jobs and perform like they can, then there’s going to be some fun. We’ll be going out there to play football for 90 minutes and I certainly won’t be parking any bus.

Canning was appointed caretaker boss at Surrey Street on Tuesday, a day after Phillips and Halford were announced as co-managers of Buxton. He has the job until the end of the season. The Glossop board are inviting applications for the post and Canning admits it’s something he would definitely consider.

In the meantime, he has spent what he says has been a very hectic few days dealing with comings and goings. He has appointed former Bury, Hyde and Stalybridge striker Andy Bishop as his number-two, and signed goalkeeper Russ Saunders to replace Paul Phillips.

Jude Oyibo (who was also registered with Curzon Ashton) and Callum Chippendale have both joined their former managers at Buxton. James Aspinall has been recalled by Bolton.

Canning said: “I’m up against it as the transfer deadline is on Thursday but I do have plans to make signings and it’s not impossible that Andy will turn out.

“It’s been difficult to do anything so far because things have been very hectic and we didn’t have time to put seven days in for anyone. I also needed to know who was staying and leaving so that I knew what gaps needed filling.

“But as I’ve said, Paul and Steve left me a fantastic squad. They’re fantastic guys and I wish them all the best.

“If we can pick up some results who knows what might happen? You could say we’re going to get a baptism of fire tomorrow but isn’t that what football’s all about? Just watch this space.”

With freezing weather forecast for the weekend, there will be a pitch inspection at Surrey Street at 8.30am.

After unexpectedly losing at Ossett Albion in midweek, HYDE UNITED have received the good news that Luke Porritt will be fit to play against promotion rivals Bamber Bridge at Ewen Fields.

Porritt sustained mild concussion in last weekend’s victory at Droylsden, which man the Tigers had to travel to Yorkshire on Tuesday without any of their recognised wide men. Tom Pratt and Chris Sutherland remain injured.

Although DROYLSDEN have still not won a game in 2018 they have shown signs of a revival recently. After giving Hyde a torrid time last Saturday, they held Bamber Bridge to a 2-2 draw on Tuesday and were winning with 11 minutes left.

However, they will have to face Prescot Cables at home tomorrow without Danny Ventre, Alex Frost or Ben Barber, all of whom are injured. Dylan Smith is suspended.

MOSSLEY have signed midfielders Mike Jones and Tyrell Palmer on loan from FC United as they prepare to visit Brighouse Town.

James Blair returns after almost a year out with an ankle injury, Tom Dean is available after completing a two-match ban, and Fylde keeper Max Povey should start.

In the premier division, STALYBRIDGE CELTIC face mission impossible when they visit their bogey ground, Moss Lane, to play NPL champions-elect Altrincham.

Bridge have won there only once in 23 visits since 1992 — a 2-0 Cheshire Senior Cup triumph in 2003.

Manager Steve Burr has a fully fit squad to choose from as his team embark on a minimum 16 games in six weeks run.

Wide man Theo Bailey-Jones returns earlier than expected after suffering a hamstring injury in the win at Warrington in mid-February.

Jack Dyche comes into the mix for ASHTON UNITED who go to Stourbridge. The Scunthorpe striker has returned to Hurst Cross on loan until the end of the season.

Aaron Chalmers is the only injury absentee. Rick Smith has left the Robins to sign for Radcliffe Borough.

Manager Jody Banim said: “I’m really excited about Jack coming back as he’s going to freshen up the front three. We believe in him and he just needs to knuckle down and get some games.

“Previously he scored 18 goals in 36 matches for us, none of which were penalties. That’s a decent record for a kid of his age.

“As for Rick, he wanted to play and I couldn’t guarantee him enough games.

“Aaron’s injured but he’s not far way from a return. When he comes back it will give us a few good headaches in terms of selection. We’re not too far from full strength which is good because we’re getting to the business end of the season.”

Regarding Tuesday’s defeat at Coalville, Banim added: “We could have won. Obviously I’m disappointed because it kind of killed our momentum but we’re still third. We have to make the most of the games we have left.”

In National League North, CURZON ASHTON’s match at Blyth Spartans has already been called off because of a waterlogged pitch.

The Nash won’t relish having to travel up to Northumberland on a Tuesday night but the postponement gives more time for Niall Cummins (knee) and Matt Regan (groin) to recover.

0 notes

springlakehq-blog · 8 years ago

Note

mwm fcs? also what characters they'd suit? pls and thank you.

I would love to see more fathers here in Spring Lake and more males of color!

For the fathers I would love to see Norman Reedus, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Andrew Lincoln, Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins, Idris Elba, Oscar Isaac & Ryan Gosling.

Male fcs that I would like to see here include:

Tyler Posey, Alberto Rosende, Jake T. Austin ( Angel Ramirez)

Alfred Enoch, Michael B. Jordan, John Boyega ( Robert Saunders )

Khylin Rhambo, Keith Powers, Jordan Fisher ( Michael Saunders or James McAlister )

KJ Apa, Cody Christian, Avan Jogia, Booboo Stewart, Ross Butler ( Russell McAlister or Johnny Miller )

Harry Styles, Nat Wolff, Dylan Minette, Tom Holland, Dylan Sprayberry, Ansel Elgort ( Jackson Knight or Jason Hughes )

#oc rp #appless rp #town rp #secrets rp #rp #Anonymous

0 notes

junker-town · 8 years ago

Text

Idaho can play for titles in FCS, but the Vandals’ last season in FBS is still sad

The Vandals are headed down to the FCS’ Big Sky Conference, but not before attempting to replicate last year’s nine-win run.

Things are going to be alright. If you take anything away from Idaho's 2016, take that.

It was easy to go to a dark place when talking about Idaho football. In the four years between 2011 and ‘14, the Vandals won all of five games. It was a definitive sign of improvement when they went 4-8 in 2015.

In the meantime, the WAC folded, and they barely found a home via short-term deal with the Sun Belt. And with such a miserable run, the Sun Belt announced that Idaho and NMSU would be booted from football membership when their contracts ran out after 2017.

Even with a sudden turnaround, Idaho would be blocked from potential Mountain West membership by both rivalry (Boise State wouldn't allow it) and math (the MWC already has 12 members and likely wouldn't be in the market for just one more). So given no hope for a landing spot and considering the challenges of long-term independence, Idaho announced it would be dropping to FCS.

The dread in that scenario is obvious. Idaho was basically relegated, which is basically the story of Idaho's entire football existence.

The program was in the Pacific Coast Conference until the 1950s, when USC and company started a new conference and didn't send an invitation to Moscow.

Idaho stuck it out as an independent from 1959 to 1974, then dropped down a division.

After a successful run at the I-AA level, the Vandals returned to I-A in 1996, only to watch rival and former community college Boise State surge. The Broncos have won 10-plus games 14 times and finished ranked 10 times since the move. Heading into 2016, the Vandals had been to two bowls (both in Boise) and finished with a winning record just four times.

All of this is bad. Throw in Idaho-in-late-fall weather, a cranky-at-its-happiest fan base, and the aging nature of the Kibbie Dome, and you've got a dreary existence.

Despite impending relegation, Idaho went out and played fun, aggressive, and frequently successful football in 2016. The Vandals absorbed a 2-3 start, then ignited when the scheduled eased up a hair. They finished the regular season with six wins (four by double digits) in seven tries, then raced out to a huge lead on Colorado State in the Potato Bowl and won a ridiculous shootout, 61-50.

It might not have saved them, but 2016 was Idaho’s best FBS season since its 9-3 run in 1998. It reminded the Vandals and their fans of what could lie on the horizon: wins. And soon, in theory, title runs.

Here are the top 10 FCS teams in 2016's Sagarin ratings, with Idaho added:

James Madison (No. 33 overall)

North Dakota State (No. 44)

Eastern Washington (No. 54)

Youngstown State (No. 67)

Idaho (No. 73)

South Dakota State (No. 82)

Wofford (No. 85)

Sam Houston State (No. 89)

Jacksonville State (No. 91)

Chattanooga (No. 94)

Northern Iowa (No. 95)

Idaho would have ranked just below the four FCS semifinalists. Depending on home-road splits, the Vandals might have won the Big Sky, one of the FCS' best conferences.

Granted, this came with an allotment of 85 scholarships (Idaho will have to work down to 63 at the FCS level). And granted, these scholarships were accepted because of the promise of FBS play. Plus, this was only one season.

Still, this was a reminder that Idaho was a pretty big deal at the FCS level. The Vandals went to the I-AA/FCS playoffs 11 times between 1982 and 1995, reaching the semifinals in 1988 and 1993. They were able to hire FBS-level coaching talent like Dennis Erickson (1982-85), Keith Gilbertson (1986-88), John L. Smith (1989-94), and Chris Tormey (1995-99). They attracted eventual NFL-level talent like quarterbacks John Friesz and Doug Nussmeier and lineman Mark Schlereth.

Plus, let's face it: The Sun Belt isn't all that much tougher than the Big Sky. Per Sagarin, the top six non-Idaho teams in the Sun Belt had an average ranking of 84; the top six in the Big Sky: 107. There are plenty of big games in Idaho's future.

But first things first: the encore. They bring into battle a 3,000-yard passer, two 600-yard rushers, an all-conference right tackle, and maybe the best linebacking corps in the Sun Belt.

S&P+ isn't a huge Idaho fan because of recent history and recent recruiting, but if the Vandals avoid the more vengeful side of the injury bug and thrive in tossup games, they could reach one more bowl before their goals shift from Potato Bowl to FCS Playoffs.

2016 in review

2016 Idaho statistical profile.

For Idaho, the season basically started on October 8. Before then, the Vandals were the sketchy team they were projected to be. After that, it was 1998 all over again.

First 5 games (2-3) — Avg. percentile performance: 25% | Avg. performance vs. S&P+ projection: minus-11.3 PPG | Avg. yards per play: Opp 6.4, Idaho 4.6 (minus-1.8)

Last 8 games (7-1) — Avg. percentile performance: 63% | Avg. performance vs. S&P+ projection: plus-14.8 PPG | Avg. yards per play: Idaho 6.2, Opp 6.1 (plus-0.1)

The improvement was almost all offensive, as you can see. Quarterback Matt Linehan had a 105.7 passer rating through the first five games, then had a 154.8 from that point forward.

Opponent quality had something to do with this, but so did certain guys stepping up (including Linehan). Jordan Frysinger, for instance, missed the first five games, then averaged 3.3 catches for 58.1 yards per game thereafter. Meanwhile, the run game became a bit sturdier when Isaiah Saunders took off. He averaged just four carries per game over the first six contests but averaged 23.4 carries for 112.6 yards over the final five games (all wins).

Saunders and Linehan are back, but Idaho does have to replace Frysinger, twin-tower tight ends Deon Watson and Trent Cowan (combined: 1,242 yards, 9 touchdowns), and Z receiver Callen Hightower.

Including sophomore Jante Boston, who missed 2016, the top five returning wideouts combined for a decent 104 catches in their last seasons of action. But they averaged just 9.9 yards per catch, and for all of his strength, Saunders isn't a home run hitter either. The Vandals will need to find some new big-play guys.

Offense

Full advanced stats glossary.

Petrino might be as cranky as the Idaho fan base, but he and coordinator Kris Cinkovich can coach an offense. Even with last year's slow start, the Vandals finished in the Off. S&P+ top 85 for the third consecutive year. That's not amazing, but it's clear improvement: Idaho ranked 115th in each of Robb Akey's last two years.

The Vandals' running and passing games were polar opposites of each other last year. Hell, the run game was the opposite of itself. Aaron Duckworth, the primary ball-carrier for the first half of the year, was all-or-nothing, carrying the ball at least five yards a paltry 31 percent of the time but showing nice explosiveness. When Saunders took over, he brought more efficiency but rarely broke bigger gains.

Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images

Isaiah Saunders

Meanwhile, the passing game provided the efficiency. Idaho ranked 12th in passing success rate, with Linehan completing 62 percent of his passes and finding a nice stable of efficiency options -- Watson (52 percent success rate), Cowan (61 percent), Hightower (55 percent), Frysinger (67 percent!), etc. Idaho had only 48 gains of 20-plus yards, 107th in FBS, and the big-play capability sank when Duckworth began getting fewer carries. But the efficiency was high enough to pull it off.

With Watson (17 yards per catch) and Frysinger (17.9) gone, Idaho's big-play potential might be even further tamped down in 2017. That could be an issue, especially against a defense that is sturdy enough to limit efficiency.

Linehan has good size and a good arm, and Idaho has solid size both at running back (Saunders, Duckworth, and sophomore Denzal Brantley average 5'10, 213) and on the offensive line (three returnees with starting experience average 6'5, 318). The Vandals are nice and physical, even though the line now lacks for experience with the loss of six players from the two-deep.

But big plays are the biggest issue here. Where are they going to come from? Might Duckworth become efficient enough to earn more carries again? What might Bradley or redshirt freshman back Dylan Thigpen have to offer? Can a younger receiver like Boston, sophomore Michael Garner, redshirt freshman Brandon Luckett, or freshman J.J. Wills bring some explosiveness to the table?

Idaho's quick passing game reduces negative plays and keeps the ball moving forward. But you need some chunk plays.

Defense

If you have a specific identity, these radar charts are designed to find them. With the offensive chart above, you quickly see that Idaho was good at passing efficiently but couldn't bring a lot to the table with the run or big plays.

With this defensive chart, you see the opposite.

Idaho played sturdy run defense but struggled with efficiency and against the pass. The Vandals ranked 65th in Rushing S&P+ and gave up only four rushes of 30-plus yards all year (seventh in FBS), but they ranked 106th in Passing S&P+. Opponents completed 63 percent of their passes with a 147.3 passer rating.

Pass defense was a tipping point of sorts. In Idaho's nine wins, opponents still managed a 135.7 passer rating but completed just 58 percent of their passes with a nearly 5 percent interception rate. Idaho strangled the run game and forced opponents into passing aggressively. Within this environment, the Vandals typically made enough plays to offset what they were giving up.

In four losses, they got positively gashed: 73 percent completion rate, 171.8 passer rating, 13 touchdowns to three interceptions.

The secondary was scuffling all year. Safety Jordan Grabski and corner Dorian Clark missed all season after combining for 79.5 tackles in 2015, and only three of nine remaining regulars played in all 13 games. Safeties Jayshawn Jordan and Russell Siavii combined for eight picks, 12 breakups, and three tackles for loss, but the unit had little continuity.

Still, the partial effectiveness was a nice step forward. Idaho ranked 117th, 123rd, and 125th, respectively, in Def. S&P+ over Petrino's first three seasons but improved to 98th last year. That's something.

This coming fall, the strengths might need to flip. Four of the top five linemen are gone; departees Tueni Lupeamanu, Kevin Shelton, Glen Antoine, and Khalin Smith combined for 19 tackles for loss, and they were four of only five linemen to record more than 11 tackles. Idaho got away with iffy depth up front because these five players missed a combined one game.

Assuming Grabski and Clark return at full strength, the secondary might have the continuity it lacked. Jordan, Siavii, and corners D.J. Hampton and Desmond Banks are all gone, but in Grabski, Clark, and safeties Ty Graham and Armond Hawkins, there's a decent base of experience. If a lesser known player -- sophomore Qendarrion Barnett, sophomore Lloyd Hightower, redshirt freshman Vaughn Daggs II, JUCO transfer Tyrece Parker -- is able to step up, and Idaho avoids significant injury, maybe the pass defense gets by. But those are some unsteady ifs.

Luckily, Idaho still has its linebackers. Juniors Tony Lashley, Ed Hall, and Kaden Elliss combined for 20 tackles for loss, five sacks, five picks, and four breakups. They were play-stoppers against the run and play-makers against the pass. Linebackers can't do much if the guys in front of and behind them stink, but if Idaho is semi-stable elsewhere, the linebackers could assure another top-100 ranking at least.

Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images

Tony Lashley

Special Teams

Marginal improvement on defense helped Idaho to break through, but special teams helped as well. Austin Rehkow was one of the nation's steadier kickers, and while punt returner Denzal Alfonso Onunwor lacked in explosiveness, he was steady and efficient. Idaho ranked 18th in Special Teams S&P+, and the point or two per game that Idaho drew from special teams certainly helped to assure the Vandals' 4-0 record in one-possession games.

Onunwor's back, but in Rehkow Idaho loses a great place-kicer and a solid kickoffs guy and punter all in one. The Vandals are starting over in this unit, in other words.

2017 outlook

2017 Schedule & Projection Factors

Date Opponent Proj. S&P+ Rk Proj. Margin Win Probability 1-Sep Sacramento State NR 28.0 95% 9-Sep UNLV 118 1.7 54% 16-Sep at Western Michigan 74 -15.4 19% 21-Oct at Missouri 53 -21.4 11% TBA Appalachian State 62 -14.1 21% TBA Coastal Carolina 114 1.0 52% TBA UL-Lafayette 112 0.5 51% TBA UL-Monroe 121 3.9 59% TBA at Georgia State 113 -5.1 38% TBA at New Mexico State 124 -1.5 46% TBA at South Alabama 108 -6.1 36% TBA at Troy 79 -14.2 21%

Projected S&P+ Rk 119 Proj. Off. / Def. Rk 91 / 121 Projected wins 5.0 Five-Year S&P+ Rk -5.5 (89) 2- and 5-Year Recruiting Rk 125 / 128 2016 TO Margin / Adj. TO Margin* 11 / 6.0 2016 TO Luck/Game +1.9 Returning Production (Off. / Def.) 50% (56%, 43%) 2016 Second-order wins (difference) 6.7 (2.3)

The 2016 season was an unquestionable success for Idaho, but the Vandals might struggle to replicate that in their last FBS go-round. Among other things, a 4-0 record in one-possession games is hard to replicate, especially with Rehkow and the rare offensive big-play guys gone. But even if you think of Idaho as more of a seven-win team in 2016, that bar might also be hard to clear with this schedule.

S&P+ is a little bearish on Idaho because the Vandals don't stand out well in recent recruiting (deep into the 120s) or returning production (a below-average 50 percent) and because 2016 was a single successful season. And with a conservative projection, S&P+ basically sees one likely win, four likely losses, and seven games that range between 36 and 59 percent win probability.

It would be a shame if Idaho couldn't go out with another nice season, but last season showed us what Idaho might be capable of at a lower level. And while relegation is never a pleasant experience, there is, I guess, a benefit to punching in your weight class.

Idaho will probably be just fine in the Big Sky. More regional games, wins, playoff appearances, etc. Still, it's been a while since FBS lost a team to a lower level. And it's unfortunate.

Team preview stats

All preview data to date.

0 notes