One of football's longtime axioms says that a team makes its greatest improvement between its first game of the season and its second - because it has something to build on and learn from.

But what if a team's first game is canceled, as was the case when weather wiped out Idaho's scheduled season opener last week at Florida?

"If anything, it should make our guys fresh," Idaho coach Paul Petrino said. "They looked really fresh (Monday) night. We had a good practice (Monday) night; they went out there and got after it, were really enthusiastic. Guys looked faster, and guys were flying around. It (not playing the game) hurts you in one aspect, because you usually make huge strides between your first game and second game, but we didn't get the experience of the first game. But as far as being fresh and everybody being ready to go, that part of it should help."

see VANDALS, B2

Linehan named starter at QB: Redshirt freshman Matt Linehan was named the Vandals' starting quarterback for the Louisiana-Monroe game.

But Petrino was quick to note that sophomore Chad Chalich, who started the first seven games last year before a shoulder injury sidelined him for the season, would also play.

"They're both our quarterbacks," Petrino said. "They're both going to play. They were both going to play last week. They'll both play this week, but Matt will just be the guy that goes out there first."

Petrino said Linehan "had a little better fall camp" and earned the right to start.

"I think they both have improved and they're both playing better than we played at that position last year," Petrino said.