MOSCOW, Idaho — After UC Davis dealt the Vandals their first FCS and Big Sky Conference loss last week, they're excited to get back home, although injuries are still a question mark heading into Saturday's matchup with 25th ranked Northern Arizona.
Head Coach Jason Eck said quarterback Jack Wagner should return this week despite exiting the game in the third quarter last week after reaggravating the shoulder injury he sustained against Wyoming. However, quarterback isn't the only position with injury questions. Eck said that tight end Jake Cox is out for the season, and safety Hayden John will have season ending surgery. However, he's confident in the Vandals' depth.
“Nick Josifek was a warrior in the game, and I think he earned a lot of respect from his teammates to come in there and lead us down to two scoring drives," Eck said. "I was very, very impressed. We’ve got a lot of guys on this team who will step up, so that’s what happens when you have injuries. Wagner stepped up and led us to two wins, and Josifek did a great job giving us a chance in that game to get back into it, and the tight ends will step up, Alex Moore, Mason Minni is a guy whose role will have to increase.”
While there's debate as to whether "momentum" after winning games really exists, Northern Arizona is coming off of a 34-16 win over ranked Sacramento State. However, Eck said he's confident in his team's ability to respond.
“I think momentum is real. I also think there’s also, with good programs, even though you don’t have momentum, you have increased resolve or attention to detail when things don’t go your way," Eck said. "Last year, after Montana beat us, we came back and we had a bye week, but then we came back and beat Montana State, which was probably our best win last year.”
The Vandals are back in the Kibbie Dome for homecoming Saturday at 2pm.
