Sobolewski Growing in the Job

There were some pretty good coaching jobs turned in by Big Sky Conference women's basketball coaches this year: Wendy Schuller took an Eastern Washington team picked in the bottom half of the league to a regular season championship; and Jamie Craighead, the youngest Division I coach in the country, reinvented the Sacramento State program, winning a school record 10 conference games and initiating her own brand of "40 minutes of hell." So I don't expect Idaho State head Coach Seton Sobolewski (left) to win conference coach of the year honors.

But the second-year Bengal mentor did a great job as he continues to grow into his position at ISU. He took a team that lost its top scorer and rebounder in Michelle Grohs, and its steals and assist leader in Jenna Brown, mixed in six freshmen, all of whom played significant minutes, endured a brutal non-conference slate, and wound up tied for second in the conference with ten wins. Sure, the loss in the first-round of the tournament to Portland State was disappointing, but finishing with a .500 overall record after playing such a difficult non-conference slate was something to relish.

As further testament to Sobolewski's coaching, consider the Bengals were 5-0 in games decided by five points or less, 3-1 in overtime, and finished 4-4 on the road in Big Sky games. He also shook off the loss of 6-5 freshman center Ashlee Rigter, who left the program before ever playing a game, and the mid-season unavailability of wing players Morgan Wohltman and Chelsea Pickering due to illness and injury, respectively. It was no coincidence the Bengals finished the season with a six-game winning streak after both returned to the lineup, but Sobolewski managed to keep the Bengals together while they struggled during their absences.

The next phase in Sobolewski's coaching "growth," if you will, comes next season, when the Bengals lose leading scorer and rebounder Oana Iacovita, assist and steals leader Andrea Videbeck and defensive stalwart Devin Diehl. Those three seniors depart with 53 percent of the Bengals' scoring, 44 percent of their rebounding and 63 percent of their assists in conference play.

The good news is that Sobolewski has built a nice foundation for the program with the six freshmen who got significant playing time this past season. Aussie Ashleigh Vella was the most consistent of the frosh, starting 29 of 30 games and averaging 8 points and 5.6 rebounds a contest. She started off the year focusing primarily on rebounding, then shifted to becoming a regular double-figure scoring threat. She shot almost 53 percent from the field in Big Sky play, 40 percent from the three-point line.

The other freshmen all played roles this year, but some of them are going to have to take that next step in development and become key contributors next year. Wohltman is a great three-point shooter, but needs to work on quickness and creating her own shot. Kaela Oakes got 13 starts at point guard, but shot only 27 percent from the field in league play. Two-guard Brea Matthews and power forward Ashley Smith need to become more aggressive on the offensive end of the court. And Shannon Byrne, well she needs to start living up to her many physical skills, which Seton has praised all year. The 6-3 lefthander runs, jumps and shoots well -- now she needs to translate that ability into something more than the five minutes, two points and one rebound a game she averaged in conference play.

Pickering and guard Andrea Blodgett hopefully will grow into leadership roles as the key seniors next year, and Sobolewski's early signing period recruiting class produced three players who will likely see some minutes next year: post Cydney Horton, point guard Sheryl Bitter and wing player Kara Jenkins. Because Sobolewski has built some depth and versatility on his roster, none of those freshmen will have to carry an inordinant burden next year, however.

That young depth also has given Seton the ability to gamble a bit in spring recruiting. He already has one commitment from a high school forward this spring, and he's going to use his final three scholarships to pursue high-risk, high-reward prospects where he may be going up against a stronger level of competition. He's pursuing a couple of players who could be "difference makers" this spring. If they sign, they could elevate ISU to the next level in the Big Sky Conference; if they don't, well the Bengals should still remain competitive for the next several years as a very young team -- and a young coach -- continue to grow together.

Broncos Look for New Coach

Boise State made the decision to fire head basketball coach Greg Graham, and eat the last year of his $362,000 a year contract, not, primarily, because of his up-and-down win-loss record, but rather because of raging apathy in the Boise Valley. Graham, just two years removed from a WAC championship, was axed last week on the heels of a season that saw BSU draw an average of just over 3,100 fans a game to spacious Taco Bell Arena. I know when I broadcast the ISU-BSU overtime loss to the Broncos at TBA in 2008, I was stunned at how much the game-day atmosphere had deteriorated in Boise. There was simply no life in the place.

With the Broncos knocking on the door of the Mountain West Conference, they need a relatively healthy and vigorous men's basketball program to enhance their appeal to MWC administrators.

The success of the BSU football team has certainly raised the bar on expectations for the basketball program. I see some parallels between Boise and Missoula, which used to be a great college basketball town, but has seen enthusiasm and attendance for its basketball program drop in almost inverse proportion to the way Montana's football program has grown in dominance. The Griz, who won a first-round NCAA tournament basketball game not so long ago, and won over 20 regular season games this year, still averaged just over 3,300 fans a game.

The Broncos and Griz are also feeling the national fallout from the dropping interest in college basketball. As we've noted before, attendance and television ratings for college basketball are diving all over the country, and Boise and Missoula are not immune.

It will be interesting to see what impact Graham's demise will have on Idaho State's future basketball schedules. ISU Coach Joe O'Brien was working on a home-and-home deal with the Broncos before Graham's firing.

With the announcement that Eastern Washington is keeping men's coach Kirk Earlywine for at least another year, it appears the Big Sky Conference coaching rosters, on both the men's and women's sides, will be stable going into next season. That's barring any late-breaking developments, of course. Last year Portland State's Ken Bone was hired for the Washington State opening, and Sac State's women's coach departed in late spring for an assistant's job at Oregon. Both were replaced by assistant coaches from the existing staffs.

Football Tidbids

I got a chance to chat with Bengal football Coach John Zamberlin last week for the final episode of Bengal Review, and came away with some nuggets of information. First, Coach Z told us he's adding Josh Fetter, a former defensive line coach at Portland State, to his staff. Fetter, who played at Idaho with current Bengal defensive coordinator Brian Strandley in the 1990s, worked for both Tim Walsh and Jerry Glanville at PSU. I'm assuming he'll take over the duties of Joe Cullen, who went back to the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaquars.

Zamblerin also noted that, even though it's off-season, football players are still not immune to the injury bug. He told us that incoming freshman quarterback Justin Level will not take part in spring ball due a knee injury; and transfers Jahmel Rover (running back) and Bo Hudeen (linebacker) are both struggling with leg injuries that could restrict their spring availability. Returning linebacker Phil Arias is also dealing with a stomach ailment that could sideline him as well.

Coach Z said the search for a kicker/punter continues. He brought a prospect to campus last weekend but they haven't confirmed his academic status as yet.

--Brad B.

Tale of the Two Deeps

Idaho State issued its two-deep roster for this week's opening game with Arizona State and we learned almost as much about the team from who's not on it than who is. The big news was that defensive back Kenny Viser, a transfer from Nevada who impressed a lot of folks with his athleticism during spring ball, is academically ineligible. And we learned that linebacker Jeremy Gibson and defensive back Kelvin Miller, both of whom were expected to play important roles in a rebuilding Bengal defense, may be ineligible, pending the outcome of their grade appeals.

So that took a little of wind out of what has really been a very positive fall camp for the Bengals. The one thing I wanted to see from this, John Zamberlin's (above) third edition, was some evidence of a rising talent level. For the last two seasons, the talent base on this ISU team has been well below the Big Sky level. Coach Z's first two recruiting classes were not all that productive, so it was critical that he showed the dwindling Bengal fan base that there is hope for the future.

I think he's done just that. Zamberlin and his staff had just one healthy scholarship running back during spring ball, for example, but they added four young backs who have impressed this fall, and they have all come from varying backgrounds: Stew Tracy, a Boise State transfer; Jordan Scott, a JC; and Skyler Morgan and Darrius Coleman, two freshmen. Add that talent infusion to senior Clint Knickrehm and redshirt freshman Ben Laporta, and I think you've got the start of a pretty good backfield -- and, best of all, one that should have quality depth for several seasons to come.

Another thing I find particularly attractive about this collection of young kids is the Idaho pedigree. We've all been engaged in the ongoing debate over on the Bengal Den about how well ISU recruits Idaho kids. Those who contend the Bengals need more of a Gem State flavor should be excited to see 14 Idahoans on the two-deeps, and 30 total on the roster. (Let those who are most vociferous about recruiting Idahoans also be forewarned: their theories about how Idaho kids will compete more vigorously, and attract more fans will also be put to the test).

Finally, I like the presence of all those young defensive linemen on the roster: of the 15 d-linemen in camp, only two are seniors. The Bengal coaching staff recognized how critically undermanned the program was on the d-line last year, and moved to rectify the shortage with not only numbers, but what appears to be quality. The two-deeps include two JC transfers, Rustin Phillips and Chad O'Donnell, and a true freshman in Minh Williams, with another true frosh, Isaiah Walker, expected to see action.

The bummer, of course, came with the news of Viser's ineligibility and the questions about Gibson and Miller's availability. Linebacker still appears to be one of this team's weak spots, and Gibson could bring a playmaking element to the position -- if he gets eligible. Losing both Viser and Miller, meanwhile, would not be fatal, but it surely would weaken the patient. With Viser and Miller, the defensive backfield likely would have been counted among the areas of real growth in talent and depth. Without them, however, it appears there is a significant dropoff after starters Keith McGowan and Michael Wright at the corners.

After watching both scrimmages and talking with the coaching staff, I like the direction this program is going. It appears the overall talent level is on the rise, and now we'll watch to see who among these talented youngsters will rise to the level of playmaker. Unfortunately, they may be difficult to identify in those first two games against ASU and Oklahoma.

Arizona State Suspends "5 or 6" for Opener

Sun Devil coach Dennis Erickson told a reporter he's suspended "five or six" players for the opener against Idaho State on Saturday, but he declined to name the players. Also, ASU freshman linebacker Vontaze Burfict, who has not been cleared yet by the NCAA, will not play on Saturday.

Big Sky Predictions

Shot in the dark time. Okay, here we go:

Portland State at Oregon State: Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this game will be seeing how much, if any, Jerry Glanville's offensive approach has changed now that long-time offensive coordinator Mouse Davis has retired. JG has vowed to be more committed to running the football this year, but how committed will he be if the Vikings fall behind early to their PAC 10 neighbors? The Beavers, who are picked to finish fourth in the conference after coming off a 9-win season, shouldn't have much trouble winning this game, so what matters will be how the Vikings play the game.

Montana State at Michigan State: This is another "foregone conclusion" game where style points will matter most. MSU named Mark Iddins as its starting quarterback earlier this week which comes as something of a surprise after the way Bobcat coach Rob Ash talked up Cody Kempft earlier this summer. Iddins got the nod because he didn't turn the ball over in fall camp. No turnovers would be a worthy goal for the Bobcats against a Spartan team that also won 9 games last season, and who are picked to finish third in the Big 10.

Western State at No. 3 Montana: Keeping with the theme of quarterback selection, this game will serve as a dress-up scrimmage for two contestants for Griz starting QB -- Andrew Selle, incumbent backup; and Justin Roper, Oregon transfer. The final score will be a mere distraction. For those who are looking at Idaho State's non-conference schedule and comparing with the Griz, remember one thing: when you put 20,000 butts in the seats, you can play anybody you want to.

Weber State at Wyoming: Upset of the day? Why not. The Wildcats are experienced on both sides of the football, but particularly at the most important postion -- quarterback. The Cowboys are breaking in a new head coach and a new offensive system after averaging just 13 points a game last year. Sure, I'll take Weber in this one.

Northern Colorado at No. 25 Kansas: Just for the record, I think the Jayhawks, who are picked to finish behind Nebraska in the Big 12 North race, are overrated. Also for the record, I don't think it will matter against Northern Colorado. Jayhawks quarterback Todd Reesing has thrown for 68 touchdowns and over 7500 yards in his career. It should be a short work day for Mr. Reesing.

Sacramento State at UNLV: Perception in the coaching busines is everything. Sac State's Marshall Sperbeck is perceived as being a success in his two seasons with the Hornets with his 9-14 record, including a 6-6 campaign last year. UNLV head coach Mike Sanford, meanwhile, is feeling the Vegas heat with his 11-36 mark after four years. And yes, it's a dry heat, but Sanford's goose will likely be well-cooked if he doesn't show marked improvement this season. Freudian slip of the week goes to the author of the Big Sky game notes, who wrote, "UNLV is picked to finish in the Mountain West." Take that anyway you want. BTW, I'm still going with the Rebels in a completely forgettable matchup.

Western Oregon at Eastern Washington: Well, since nobody in Cheney's heard from the NCAA lately, I guess we can assume the Eagles' probation is still in force. This matchup with D-2 Western will be the first "chip test," then. As in, "will Eastern play with a chip on its shoulder because it can't go to the playoffs, or simply lose interest." Western Oregon, coming off a 7-4 year and a respectable 31-14 loss to Portland State last season, could give Eastern a game if the Eagles are indeed distracted. But I don't think Western has the firepower to hang for 60 minutes.

--Brad B.

And thanks for being a Bengal fan -- it ain't always easy, but it's always fun.

Looking Ahead No. 10: Montana

One of the more common questions I hear as I travel around the Big Sky Conference is, "Why has Montana become so dominant in football?" Here's my theory: the Grizzlies were just another competitive program until Nevada, Boise State and Idaho, the three best programs in the league, all moved up to Division-I (now FBS). Montana was the best positioned program to take advantage of their departures, and they have done so with gusto.

The Griz, as anyone who has followed the Big Sky for any length of time knows, have won or tied for 11 straight BSC titles. They've been in the FCS playoffs for 16 consecutive seasons, and they've had a winning record 23 straight seasons. But the Montana dominance really began in 1996, the year after BSU and Idaho left the league, and three years after Nevada departed. The numbers tell a pretty simple story:

Until last season, Nevada (71 percent), Boise State (65 percent) and Idaho (63 percent) had the all-time winningest records in Big Sky Conference football competition. Montana edged past the Vandals last season, on the basis of a 7-1 record, which gave the Griz a 64 percent winning percentage all-time in league play. Before 1996, when BSU and Idaho left the league, Montana had just a 52 percent winning percentage. Since 1996, Montana has gone 86-13 -- 87 percent.

Montana already had a number of advantages in place when that triumverate left the league -- a new stadium, an excellent coach in Don Read with an exciting system, a good recruiting platform and an emerging fan base. When the opportunity to dominate the league arrived, then, the Griz were more than poised to pounce.

Even though the Griz have had some of the best offensive teams in Big Sky history during that run, it's always been my contention that their dominance has been based on solid defense more than anything. In a league where there are always two or three teams that put a lot of points on the board, consistent defense has been a discriminator for Montana. Again, that distinction has been much more pointed in the post-1996 period. To wit: In the first 32 years of Big Sky play, the Grizzlies led the league in scoring defense five times. Not bad, but certainly not distinctive. Since 1996, however, UM has led the BSC in scoring defense nine out of 13 seasons. No other school has held that honor more than once.

So in a year when Weber State, the other defending co-champion, returns a ton of offensive weapons, the Griz will once again rely on their five returning all-league defenders -- and the home field advantage when the Cats and Montana meet on Halloween in Missoula -- as the difference-makers.

That's not to say Montana doesn't have some offensive playmakers of their own. Running back Chase Reynolds (above) emerged last year to rush for 1,583 yards and a school record 22 touchdowns as just a sophomore. Wide receiver-kick returner Marc Mariani, meanwhile, caught 69 passes for 1,308 yards and 15 touchdowns, and also returned two punts (including a back-breaker against Idaho State) for scores. Reynolds and Mariani are poster boys for home-grown, small-town Montana talent. Reynolds is from the tiny town of Drummond (population 318), and got only a partial scholarship when he first signed with the Griz; Mariani, from Havre (pop. 9,621) walked on initially.

To make best use of those playmakers, however, the Griz are going to have to identify a new starting quarterback and shore up an offensive line that gave up a whopping 55 sacks in 16 games last year. The Griz return three offensive linemen who earned at least honorable mention all-league notice last year, and tackle Levi Horn is a pre-season all-Big Sky selection this year. But it seems like some of the Grizzlies' honor winners may have been riding the coattails of the program's success. Even Idaho State, which had trouble generating any kind of pass rush all season, sacked Grizzly quarterback Cole Berquist four times in Montana's 29-10 win in Missoula last year.

Replacing Berquist is not going to be an any easy job. Even though he played poorly against ISU last year, he was exceedingly efficient throughout most of the season, completing almost 61 percent of his passes and throwing 28 touchdowns to only eight interceptions. In fact, when you look at Montana's 2008 season, when they finished second to Richmond for the national championship, "efficiency" is the word that really stands out. The Griz were second in the league in scoring, first in scoring defense, first in net punting, second in pass efficiency, second in pass defense efficiency, and second in total defense. And in the stat that literally defines efficiency, the Griz were first in turnover margin, with a plus-16 mark -- more than doubling No. 2-ranked Weber State (plus 7).

Finding a new quarterback who can match Berquist's execution, then, becomes the top priority for UM Coach Bobby Hauck. Andrew Selle, who played in seven games last year, emerged from spring ball as the heir apparent, but the Griz took a flyer on Oregon transfer Justin Roper this summer, which tells you they may not be entirely sold on Selle. Neither Selle nor Roper's limited experiences so far indicate they are ready to operate at the same high level as Berquist did last year. Selle completed only 51 percent of his throws last year, with four touchdowns and two interceptions. Roper, meanwhile, has completed only 53 percent of his tosses in 11 games at Oregon, with nine touchdowns and six interceptions. Those aren't bad numbers against PAC-10 competition, but I don't think anybody in Missoula is ready to cede the starting job to Roper just yet.

As I noted above, the Griz return five all-league players on the defensive side of the ball, including end Jace Palmer, who led the team with 8.5 sacks; second-leading tackler Shane Schillinger, who had four picks from his safety position; linebackers Shawn Lebsock and Brandon Fisher; and cornerback Trumaine Johnson, who earned all-league recognition as a freshman. The Griz will have to find a secondary pass rusher or two, having lost second-leading sack man Mike Stadnyk to graduation. The Griz really did not excel at pressuring the quarterback last year, registering only 32 sacks in 16 games.

Last year's loss in Missoula was the coming out party for Bengal quarterback Kyle Blum, who thew for 246 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions in his first starting assignment. He showed good mobility and a penchant for making plays against the Griz, but his decision-making also demonstrated his inexperience. Now that Idaho State head coach John Zamberlin has named Blum as his starter going into the season, the ISU-Montana game scheduled for Nov. 7 in Holt Arena should provide a good benchmark on how much Blum's grown in a year's time in that position.

--Brad B.

And thanks for being a Bengal fan -- it ain't always easy, but it's always fun.

The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round

Heading out to Boise (load the busses at 8:30, wheels moving at 9 am), and from there, a quick flight back in time to Spokane, since we land earlier than when we leave. Sometime tonight I'll send out another post with some of the details of a road trip...I was thinking you folks might like to know a little about how a trip like this is structured. I would have done it now but this is our first commercial flight with the team, so I'm kind of curious to see how it goes myself.

Also, the team looks pretty sharp.....ties for everyone on this trip....just trying to represent. On quick link....after my guest column on Eye on Sports Media (I've linked permanently to their blog, as it is really pretty insightful, Will Hoenike at IdahoSportsZone had a guest column as well, talking about how we at ISU are way ahead of the curve. What's funny is I credentialed Boise Bengal YEARS ago when he was taking photos and doing stuff for a very, very, very old incarnation of the Bengal Den....back even before it was on rivals for a little bit. Also, Tacoma picked up Dan Thompson's story on the wide-spead coaching tree for the Eastern game, and I believe Dan's piece that will be in GameDay is longer, but here is what was in today's Tacoma paper, which is John Zamberlin's hometown paper. Mitch Worthington's must read blog also has his thoughts on wrestling overtaking Holt and displacing the basketball team, and he makes some pretty solid points. OK...see you in Cheney/Spokane ... behave yourselves...

Getting Into the Swing of Things...

Quarterbacks coach Brian Jensen can give me all the grief he wants, but I'm still psyched over a 9-0 shutout last night. Only the second shutout in the past five seasons....yeah, my team is pretty good for once. Anyways, not to much for a blog entry today, other than some links.

Dust Up
This is where I'll do some commenting. First, read the blog post by Dan Thompson regarding yesterday's practice and his take on the little flare up that happened. Now, we can all agree that these things happen in practice right? (OK, maybe not the helmet throwing). Well, I've NEVER seen Z that charged up before, and man, it was great. Last season, there was a definite difference between the discipline styles and practice demeanor between Zamberlin and Larry Lewis, but this year, there is a difference between 2007 Zamberlin and 2008 Zamberlin. It's hard to describe, but he is way more intense, and more into it, if that makes any sense. I mean the team looks better (deeper, more playmakers and better athleticism), but the coaching staff has really turned the dial up to 11 so to speak.

And what's great is they do all of this while remaining positive with the players. It's never a "you did this wrong", it's a "here's what you can do better" ... it "can" instead of "can't" ... it's "this is right" instead of "this is wrong" ... just fun stuff to watch...it's really as good a staff as I've seen here.

Soccer Starts
For all the soccer fanatics out there (or the one guy on the internet who goes by "soccerfanatic"...), Tim Flagstad covered both practices for the Journal, and Dan Thompson actually broke away from football for a column on the 2008 prospects of the team.

One Smart Bronco
Chadd Cripe of the Statesman has an article on Richie Brockel, who is definitely a guy who takes the "dumb Jock" stereotype and Chuck Norris's it into oblivion.

I Love Manhattan.....Kansas?
While the men's basketball team is headed to Manhattan, Kansas for a January 3 game against the Wildcats, they can get hotel information from assistant track coach Jackie Poulson, who was just there.

Football and Soccer Aren't the Only Ones in Camp
Someone posted some clips of the Bengal Dancers on Youtube during their camp in Twin Falls. This dance is a little calmer, but I believe this would fall under the "Hip-Hop" category. And yes, this dance is called "The Mating Game". In fact, just go here to see all 13 videos, including actual performances.

Soccer is Just a Kick in the Grass

Soccer camp opens today, and the second practice is a fun one usually if coach Gibson does what she normally does. The opening practice at 9 is the dreaded fitness test, including a mile run that has to be done in under six minutes (Proud to say I passed that one in all three years of college soccer that I took it). The second practice is fun, because the coaches usually sit in the stands, break the team into two sides, and let them scrimmage, just to see who does what...definitely the practice to go to. To the links....

The Big Boys Get Some Love
Dan Thompson focused in on a big key for 2008, the offensive line. FYI, linemen are generally the best football guys to interview. Dan also blogged about ISU's Chris Kirkegaard, who went from not sure what he was doing for college to scholarship in the span of about four day. Also, Brad Shellgren has been out the past two days, and his opening day camp story is here, and the story on the tight ends should show up there sometime this afternoon.

Welcome Back Chris
Century's Chris Winland is also back in the fold, and he will be a redshirt junior this season. Chris redshirted the 2005 season, then left the program originally due to academics, but after spending last season in "cowboy protection", meaning in layman's terms he was a non-funny rodeo clown, he is back and fighting for time along the defensive line.

Jayson Bird....He's Been Busy
Ryan Collingwood caught up with Jayson Bird, since that's in his coverage area and all, and put up a lengthy piece on the visit.

Finally, ISU on the List
Kellis Robinett's Big Sky predictions have Idaho State at #5. He has several good points in there, and I like his take on Ryan Phipps.

For Grins and Giggles
Look at the photo on this page about the NFL's Snowplow Game, and you will see ISU head coach John Zamberlin wearing #54, putting him on the field for one of the most famous plays in NFL history.