The Vandals had most of their success through the air and should be a threat with their passing game again considering the pieces they have returning. Petrino’s son, Mason, and Colton Richardson are back at quarterback. Mason Petrino played in 11 games last season, throwing for 1,933 yards and 15 touchdowns with eight interceptions, while Richardson threw for 434 yards and five touchdowns in five games, though accuracy (51.7 completion percentage) was an issue.

The two seemingly ended the spring deadlocked in a competition to be the starter this fall after each threw for three touchdowns in Idaho’s spring game.

Whomever ends up getting the nod, he’ll be throwing to some familiar faces. The Vandals return two of their top three receivers from last season in Cutrell Haywood and Jeff Cotton, who led the team with seven touchdown receptions. Haywood was next with six.

Idaho will need the passing game to do most of the heavy lifting until the Vandals find reliable options in the backfield. Their top two rushers from last season are gone. Sophomore Roshaun Johnson’s 99 yards are the most among Idaho’s returning running backs.

But none of it is going to matter if Idaho doesn’t dramatically improve on defense.