News Story - Idaho State Journal

dthompson@journalnet.com

POCATELLO -- Junior Kyle Blum saw his most extensive playing time of the season on Saturday with his team down 21 points. Even he admitted it was a low-pressure situation.

It won't be that way this week.

Blum will make his first career start for the Idaho State football team when it plays fifth-ranked Montana on Saturday at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula, Mont.

"It's easy for Kyle to come in in the second half," ISU coach John Zamberlin at his Monday news conference. "It's gonna be a tough one going up to Montana for his first start."

Blum relieved starter Russel Hill after the first half of Idaho State's 59-27 loss to Weber State on Saturday. Blum completed 8-of-23 attempts for 88 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also ran for 25 yards and a touchdown.

Hill, a sophomore, had started 15 straight games for the Bengals dating back to last season. Through 10 games this season, Hill has completed 61.8 percent of his passes for 2,634 yards -- a record for an Idaho State sophomore.

But Hill has also thrown 15 interceptions and 14 touchdowns, the same as his ratio last season. His last touchdown pass this season came four games ago against Northern Arizona.

"At this point in the season, we thought Kyle brought a little excitement to the game," Zamberlin said. "It's nothing against Russ. He's doing some great things."

Hill is currently listed second on the depth chart behind Blum. Redshirt freshman Evan Mozzochi maintained his third-string post, though Zamberlin didn't rule out the possibility that he could play before the season ends.

"We'll see," Zamberlin said. "We'll focus right now on Kyle, Russ and then Evan."

Taylor expected to miss Montana game

Blum likely will be without junior Jaron Taylor, the team' second-leading receiver, on Saturday.

Taylor partially dislocated his elbow against Weber State, Zamberlin said. He returned to the field later in the game but did not add to his receptions total. He finished with just one catch for 26 yards, both his fewest single-game totals since going without a reception against Boise State in the season opener.

Through 10 games, Taylor has 55 receptions for a team-high 735 yards and six touchdowns. His absence likely will mean more playing time for senior Edsel Logan, who has 14 catches and three touchdowns this season. Zamberlin hopes Taylor will be available for the season finale against Sacramento State on Nov. 22.

Senior Eddie Thompson, whom Zamberlin said is still about 75 percent, is expected to play Saturday. How much, though, is uncertain.

Zamberlin also expects junior guard Lance Cartwright to miss his second straight game with a knee injury. Redshirt freshman Adam Chadwick is listed as the starter at left guard in Cartwright's stead, with last week's starter, senior Aaron Klovas, as the backup.

By Dan Thompson

This document was originally published online on Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Article Rating

Reader Comments

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of our paper.

Submit a Comment

Commenting Rules

We encourage your feedback and dialog. All comments are subject to deletion by our Web staff.

Report a Comment

Report a comment for review to the ISJ web staff.