The Idaho Vandals won six football games last year which, a few years ago, would have been looked at as a successful season.

But the Vandals fell one win short of returning to a bowl game for the second straight season, bringing a disappointing end to a once-promising season.

Idaho and coach Robb Akey are anxious to put that taste behind them, starting Thursday when the Vandals open the 2011 campaign at home against Bowling Green at the remodeled Kibbie Dome.

"This is a much improved football team," Akey said. "For a number of reasons, I'm excited as can be for 6 to get here on Thursday night so we can start finding out a lot of these things."

His own team: With only a couple players left over from the previous coaching staff, this is pretty much Akey's team now - recruited by him and his assistant coaches.

Senior Brian Reader takes over at quarterback, with Princeton McCarty, Arizona State transfer Ryan Bass and Kama Bailey expected to handle most of the rushing duties.

Two of Idaho's top three receivers - Preston Davis and Justin Veltung - are injured and likely to miss Thursday night's game.

Tackles Tyron Novikoff and Matt Cleveland, and guard Sam Tupua, are returning starters on the offensive line.

On defense, Idaho will miss linebacker Robert Siavii, its leading tacker from last season, who suffered a knee injury in spring ball and will redshirt this season. Tre'Shawn Robinson, at middle linebacker, and Homer Mauga at outside 'backer, return.

Returnees Michael Cosgrove at tackle and Benson Mayowa at end anchor the defensive line.

Punter Bobby Cowan and kicker Trey Farquhar return for their third seasons.

Idaho was picked sixth in the eight-team Western Athletic Conference, but Akey has higher aspirations.

"Last year's team was one play away from back-to-back bowl games," Akey said. "We need accountability - the expectation and desire to be 13th-game ready. We need to have a chip on our shoulder and do what they say we can't do."

As for the rest of the WAC ... : Akey was asked the other day about Nevada, Fresno State and Hawaii playing one more year in the WAC before fleeing the conference next year.

Though the door opens wider for Idaho to win the WAC next year when they're gone - following Boise State, which moved to the Mountain West this year - Akey has said many times his goal was and is to win the WAC while they're still here.

"I like that those guys are here," Akey said. "They're going to miss us when they're gone. I want them to remember us. You're talking about three strong programs.

"I want that phone ringing (next year) saying 'we want to play y'all again because we want to get even with you,'" he said.

As for Boise State, "last I checked, they weren't the lone rangers winning the conference (last year)," he said. "Nevada beat them. Good for them, but they're gone ... My goal is for us to be the WAC champion this year before everybody else gets the opportunity to leave."

Let there be (more) light: There should be some daylight left by kickoff, so fans might notice more the new east end wall replacement, which will match the west end wall replacement last year with the translucent panels which let in light and make the Dome not seem quite so dark.

Also new is premium seating on the south side, and the press box was moved to the north side and rebuilt.