News Story - Idaho State Journal

dthompson@journalnet.com

BOISE -- Idaho State coach John Zamberlin was afforded a rare opportunity during Saturday's 49-7 loss to Boise State at Bronco Stadium.

For the first time in his life, he got to throw a challenge flag. Figuratively, anyway.

"I didn't have a flag," he said, "so I just said, 'Hey man I wanna challenge'."

Zamberlin's opportunity came with less than six minutes left in the third quarter when, on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, Idaho State junior Clint Knickrehm was ruled down just inches from the goal line.

Replay confirmed the ruling on the field, and Idaho State was penalized a timeout, per Football Bowl Subdivision rules. The Big Sky does not allow challenges, but Big Sky teams can ask for a challenge when playing road games against FBS teams.

"I thought we broke the plane," Zamberlin said, "so what the heck we got to lose?"

Idaho State trailed 35-7 at that time. Boise State then drove 99 yards for another touchdown.

Holmesly ruled ineligible

Junior transfer Chris Holmesly began the week as Idaho State's starting strong safety.

But on Friday afternoon he was ruled ineligible for the rest of the season because not all of his junior college classes transferred properly, coaches confirmed Saturday night.

"I live with him and he's one of my better friends here," senior linebacker Brad Rife said of Holmesly. "He was so excited for his first game at a big stadium, and finding out (Friday) and seeing him driving away crying ... up until game time I tried to block it off and play my best. It was hard, I think for the whole team, the whole defense."

Holmesly is expected to be eligible for next season, but he will not be allowed to play this year. Sophomore Keith Goins Jr. started in his place.

Vanderwielen shines, but snapper may be done

Junior punter Jon Vanderwielen was forced into plenty of action Saturday, but he made the most of the chance.

In his first collegiate game, Vanderwielen punted eight times for an average of 41.4 yards per punt, including a long of 52. Each of his last three kicks pinned Boise State inside its 20-yard line.

He might, however, be taking long snaps from someone new the rest of the season. True freshman Chris Kirkegaard left the game in the first half, and senior Evan Dietrich-Smith -- the regular field-goal and extra-point snapper -- filled in the rest of the game.

Dietrich-Smith bounced at least four snaps, including one that was blocked in the second quarter. Zamberlin said doctors told him Kirkegaard may have torn his ACL, and the snapper was on crutches and wore a brace on his left leg. It was unclear how he sustained the injury.

By Dan Thompson

This document was originally published online on Sunday, August 31, 2008

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