Early in the season, there were rumblings about Paul Petrino’s future as Idaho football coach.

There was the way he handled the discipline of a star receiver who repeatedly ran afoul of the law.

There was his shouting at a beat reporter at practice, over comments in the reporter’s blog.

There was the anonymous email from someone claiming to be a Vandal player, accusing Petrino of using foul language and of committing NCAA violations concerning practices.

Those rumblings have since died down, with Idaho winning three games — and giving up big leads in two other losses which, had the Vandals won, would have had them challenging for a bowl berth.

In the last couple of weeks, the coach of this week’s Vandal opponent, Texas State, has made the news, amidst the report that Dennis Franchione was going to step down as coach at the end of the season.

Franchione, who is 213-133-2 in 28 seasons as a head coach, denied the rumors.

“I’m a huge fan of coach Franchione,” Petrino said. “I’ve coached against him my whole career. I think he’s as good as there is in the business.”

Idaho (3-8, 2-5 Sun Belt) wraps up its season today, playing host to Texas State (3-7, 2-4) at the Kibbie Dome.

Robert Lowe has rushed for 890 yards and seven touchdowns for the Bobcats. Quarterback Tyler Jones is the second-leading rusher, with 531 yards and eight TDs. He’s also passed for 2,076 yards and 12 touchdowns.

“They do a great job of scheming, and running the ball,” Petrino said. “We’ve got to do a great job of stopping their quarterback and their running back.”

Texas State beat Idaho 35-30 last year in San Marcos, Texas.