MOSCOW - It may have been a Saturday, but school still was in session for the University of Idaho football team as it hit the midpoint of spring practice.

"Traditionally, we scrimmage on Saturdays but we changed it up today," Vandals coach Robb Akey said. "We wanted to get more accomplished. We livened up parts of practice and we still got some teaching done. I thought it was productive today."

Akey had praise for the running of backs Ryan Bass, a senior, and James Baker, a junior college transfer, as well as for the leadership safety Gary Walker and receiver Mike Scott are displaying.

Still, though, he said there is a great deal to accomplish before spring ball comes to a close with the annual Silver and Gold game, scheduled for April 20 at 6 p.m. at the Kibbie Dome.

"We need to be more consistent with our assignments and be more consistent with our technique," he said. "Our physicality needs to continue to grow."

The race between juniors Taylor Davis and Dominique Blackman for the starting quarterback job is far from over, Akey said.

"They're gaining ground," he said. "They're both understanding about what we can get done with the offense, how they can take some freedom with the offense. They're both grasping more. We're gaining ground there."

The Vandals open the 2012 season Aug. 30 at home against Eastern Washington. Season tickets go on sale Monday at www.GoVandals.com or by calling 208-885-6466.