This island I'm about to set foot on, it's going to have few inhabitants.

People may think it's crazy to suggest anything positive came out of the Idaho football team's 38-point loss to That Team From Boise on Saturday. But if you look past the Vandals' wretched defensive performance and seven turnovers, there's some encouraging news: The Vandals have a truly legitimate offense — even with an inexperienced backup quarterback taking all the snaps.

They proved that in various ways against a top 10 team, a squad that has been lauded for its defense's stinginess all season long.

• The Vandals reeled off 514 yards — 56 more than TTFB. They also had more first downs.
• More than half of Idaho's yardage came in the first half, meaning the team didn't simply pad its statistics in garbage time at the end of a blowout.
• The Vandals' attack was balanced, as about 300 yards came through the air and about 200 were on the ground.

Four players caught at least three passes. Running back DeMaundray Woolridge was outstanding from start to finish. And, for the most part, the offensive line dominated in both run blocking and pass protection, providing more proof it may be the best trench unit in the Western Athletic Conference.

Then there was Brian Reader. Thankfully, performances as heart-breaking as this second-string quarterback's against TTFB usually only come around once in a career. With highly successful starter Brian Enderle inactive due to injury for the second consecutive weekend, Reader's five interceptions and one fumble interrupted drive after drive and helped give the high-powered opposing offense great field position on a consistent basis.

Idaho picked the wrong game to become careless with the pigskin. Two of Reader's interceptions were simply thrown way wide of open receivers, with the second one virtually gift-wrapping a 71-yard touchdown return for TTFB's Kyle Wilson. In another key spot, a pass that Daniel Hardy deflected right to a guy in a blue-and-orange jersey.

When the blue turf shards settled, the Idaho players and coaches appeared dumbfounded. Coach Robb Akey didn't even really acknowledge his offense's success — evidently wanting to make sure the players didn't think a 63-25 debacle could have a silver lining.

But fans know better. They should be proud of the Vandals' great strides this year. And with Enderle most likely retaking the helm in their next and final game, Nov. 28 in the Kibble Dome versus Utah State, they should expect the same entertaining brand of football they've witnessed all season.

One dribble forward, one dribble back

It's difficult to say whether Vandal men's basketball fans should be excited or worried after the team's puzzling kickoff weekend.

First Idaho pulled off one of its most impressive road wins in recent memory, defeating Utah for the first time in 71 years. Their improved depth was on full display, with eight players contributing at least six points. The top two scorers were newcomers. And Idaho outrebounded the Utes, a team with exceptional height.

With the state still abuzz over the big win, the Vandals turned in a horrendous performance in a seven-point loss to underdog Texas Southern two nights later. Idaho turned the ball over 18 times. Conversely, the squad could only muster two assists against the Tigers, who were 7-25 last season. The Vandals' bench scoring drastically fell off as well.

With the season in its infancy, and with so many first-year additions still searching for their roles, speed bumps on the road to the WAC fast lane should be expected.

Still, Vandal fans can take solace in the fact that Idaho has much more depth, size and quickness than anyone in Moscow has seen in a long time.

The wins will come — as will a wild ride in the conference race.