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Zamberlin, Bengals excited to play in Boise
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The Idaho State University Bengals are hard pressed to find a winning season. ISU’s head coach, John Zamberlin, knows what the team is getting themselves into. And he is very keyed up about the game.
“I choose to believe that our players are excited about going up to play a great opponent and they are awful proud to be Bengals,” Zamberlin said.
The past few seasons have not been kind to the Bengals. They have failed to find a winning season since 2003. It was the last time that ISU faced Boise State University Broncos where they were defeated 0-62.
“I think that we are heading the right direction,” Zamberlin said. “There is a positive attitude here. Players excited about being here. I have been impressed with our work ethic during the preseason. The progress was made. It takes time to get your program where you want it to be. I think that we have a solid foundation.”
That solid foundation will be tested for the first time this weekend when they face the young, but determined, Broncos.
“It’s going to be nice to line up against somebody else and see where we are at,” Zamberlin said. “The unfortunate thing is that we are lined up against a team this probably one of the top 25… It’s going to be a great challenge for us.“
The challenge is mirrored by BSU Head Coach Chris Peterson. After close calls with teams such as Portland State in Oct. of 2005 (BSU 21, PSU 14), it is clear that the Broncos are not impervious to playing down teams.
“I think that they play hard,” Peterson said. “I think they are well coached. They’ve got a good scheme on both sides of the ball… I know that the second year with that staff will help them a lot. I know how it is to be new.”
The ability to recruit Idaho players is nice for any program. About 30 percent of the ISU players are homegrown.
“I don’t think that it matters where you are,” Peterson said. “You like to get guys out of your back yard and your home state.”
Peterson recognizes the conscious effort that ISU and Zamberlin make to pursue Idaho athletes.
“We recruit this state hard,” Zamberlin said. “We want to build this program with in-state kids.”
One Boise native who will be making a trip from ISU campus in Pocatello is red shirt sophomore Russel Hill.
The Timberline High School graduate won the starting quarterback position for the Bengals. The Broncos scouted him but it was never meant to be.
“He took some lumps but really progressed as the season wore on and did some very good things,” Zamberlin said. “He’s doing a really good job. Tremendous character and work ethic. Wants to be a really good football player.”
The young man from Boise will have his hands full. But as a team Zamberlin feels that the “attitude” in the Bengals’ football program is in good shape. It will be key if they are to perform against a persistent and consistent Bronco offense.
“You go in with confidence,” Zamberlin said. “Where that comes in is in the preparation and what you do in practice and how you execute. Then from that preparation you gain confidence and belief in each other… We believe that when step on the field, no matter who it is, we can line up and win that football game. It’s an attitude.”
This year ISU will need to be ready to face a potent running game that has been in the making over the years at BSU. The Bengals gave up 1,973 yards on the ground last season.
“I’ve never felt this ready for a game,” senior running back Ian Johnson said. “My body feels great. I’m confident in the offense. Confident in the defense. This is the perfect start to a season right now.”
An in state rivalry is a great way to begin the season for any program. It is the same for both underdogs and powerhouses.
“We are going to do what we are going to do,” Zamberlin said. “People are going to find that out when we come up there… It’s just the beginning of a journey. It’s going to be fun to go up there. Line up to play in a great venue and see where we match up.”
Kirk Bell
