This fall, revitalized Idaho could challenge the Wolf Pack in non-conference play. Here’s a first look at the Vandals.
Contact/Follow @BrandonGBlake and @MWCwire
Not to be overlooked.
Nevada Football: First Look at 2023 Non-conference Opponents
USC | Idaho | Kansas | Texas State
After opening the 2023 season on the road against CFP contender USC, the Nevada Wolf Pack return home to Reno to take on the Idaho Vandals.
Location: Moscow, Idaho
Conference: Big Sky
Series History: Nevada leads the all-time series against Idaho, 21-8.
2022 Record: 7-5 (6-2 Big Sky)
Head Coach: Jason Eck (second year, 7-5 overall). The Vandals had largely struggled since dropping to the FCS level in 2018, but last year marked a breakthrough as the team advanced to the playoffs. After beginning the year with close losses to Washington State and Indiana, they ripped off five wins in a row (including an upset of Montana on the road) and nearly took down conference champion Sacramento State before winning two of the last three.
Key Players
Gevani McCoy, QB
The heartbeat of the Vandals passing game is sophomore Gevani McCoy. Last season McCoy threw for 2,721 yards and 27 touchdowns while completing 68.4 percent of his passes. McCoy’s 68.4 completion percentage set the record for the best completion percentage by an Idaho quarterback in school history.
McCoy also recorded a passer rating of 170.38 which was the best among all Big Sky quarterbacks in 2022. He also led the Big Sky passing yards gained per attempt with 9.16 passing yards . McCoy’s success last season earned him the Jerry Rice Award for FCS National Freshman of the year.
Hayden Hatten, WR
Hatten is a big target for McCoy to pass the ball to in the Vandals offense. In 2022, Hatten caught 83 passes for 1,209 yards and scored 16 touchdowns. Hatten’s 83 receptions were tops in the Big…
..
