Quarterback Mike Harrington
Idaho’s passing numbers don’t reflect that it normally lines up with only one running back behind junior quarterback Michael Harrington.
The Vandals are averaging 112.3 passing yards per game this season, compared to 256.1 in 2003.
Harrington has not shown confidence in his arm, choosing to scatter short passes that result in minimal gains.
First-year head coach Nick Holt said Harrington is not getting enough opportunities from his receivers once the ball is snapped.
“Mentally, he’s really sharp,” Holt said. “He’s doing a really, really nice job getting us in the right football plays and making the checks at the line of scrimmage.”
Oregon’s pass defense can likely secure a victory this week by keeping the Vandals under 150 yards passing, something that Boise State, Utah State and Washington State accomplished.
Holt detailed his plan to use a two tight end offense before the season started, but so far, Idaho’s tight ends have combined to catch only seven balls for 32 yards. A young offensive line, with little depth, has had to call on its tight ends to assist in the blocking duties rather than be an outlet for Harrington’s passes.
Last weekend, backup quarterback Brian Nooy threw the longest pass of the season for the Vandals, a 46-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Heacock.
“Brian will most likely see some action,” Holt said. “I don’t know when, but he’ll get in and continue to get better.”
This will mark the second time Harrington has seen action at Autzen Stadium. As a freshman in 2002 he came off the bench to complete two of four passes for 15 yards.
Cornerback Sam Hughes
Oregon’s main concern for Saturday’s game against the Idaho Vandals is keeping Idaho’s pass offense under wraps to force them to run into the teeth of the Duck defense.
Due to injury though, Oregon may be shorthanded as two of its more experienced players — junior cornerbacks Justin Phinisee and Aaron Gipson — are questionable for the game. Phinisee is battling a nagging leg injury that kept him out of most of the Oklahoma game.
“Justin Phinisee could play, but I don’t think it will be in his best interest,” Oregon head coach Mike Bellotti said. “He basically made it through practice last week to find out (he) wasn’t ready for the game.”
On the other side of the field, Gipson suffered a concussion while fielding a punt against Oklahoma and will play if cleared.
“When he is symptom-free, he will have to pass the various tests associated with concussions,” Bellotti said.
According to Bellotti, Gipson is the most likely out of the two to play against the Vandals.
The injuries will give freshmen Ryan Gilliam and Jackie Bates along with senior Sam Hughes ample time to gain experience on the field and help provide depth for the Ducks later in the season.
The Oregon secondary — along with the rest of the defense, according to Bellotti, will be ready and has watched film on Idaho’s short passing game. “It is a more short, controlled passing game,” he said. “The (defensive backs) will adjust. The ball is out fairly quickly, which can frustrate the rush. What it does is affect the pass rush. It puts a premium on tackling in the secondary.”

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