From news services

MOSCOW - The Idaho Vandals are months away from a football game but the competition begins today in their first scrimmage of the spring, scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Kibbie Dome.

With vastly improved depth across the board, the players know no position is safe.

"There are so many more guys battling for spots, it's been great," coach Paul Petrino said after Friday's practice. It's been really good. There is competition at every position."

The battle to start at quarterback is between sophomore Chad Chalich and redshirt freshman Matt Linehan - both of whom drew praise from Petrino on Friday. Out of the quarterback mix and into another is Joshua McCain, who in 2013 backed up Chalich before his season ended with a shoulder injury. He mulled his options at the end of the summer and decided to ask Petrino if he could make the switch to receiver. Petrino agreed and the fit has been perfect.

"I didn't know he'd be that good," said Petrino after four days of practice during which McCain has been sure-handed, run his routes accurately and displayed his speed - a perfect complement to returning senior Dezmon Epps.

The ideal scrimmage, Petrino said, would be a draw.

"What I would really like to see tomorrow is neither side of the ball dominating," he said. "Just play after play, battling each other."

Cougars practice,

not scrimmage, today

PULLMAN - Washington State football will hold a normal spring practice today at 1 on Rogers Field and in Martin Stadium. It will not be one of the three scrimmages scheduled for this spring.

The Cougars are expected to hold their spring scrimmages on the next three Saturdays - April 12, 19 and 26. Times will be announced at a later date.

All spring practices are open to the public.