Defensive Line

Idaho’s defensive line has been a big reason why opponents are scoring 32 points per game against the Vandals. Senior Ben Alexander leads the group with 15 tackles including three for a loss.

Fellow tackle Siua Musika is second in the nation in forced fumbles and the other upperclassman of the group. Junior defensive end Taylor Rust has two sacks on the season – the only Vandal to record a sack this year.

True freshman defensive tackle Fonomanu Sekona started the first game of his career last week in a loss to Washington State and had two assisted tackles. Despite having two seniors and a junior, the D-line of the Vandals has been run over for three games.

Grade: C

Linebackers

While D-line has been the downfall for the Vandals this year, the linebackers have been the positive.

All three starting linebackers – Brandon Ogletree, David Vobora and Jo Artis Ratti – are seniors. Vobora is a team captain and was named to WAC preseason team after earning all-conference honors last year by leading the WAC in solo and assisted tackles.

Ogletree earned a WAC Defensive Player of the Week award two weeks ago after a win over California Poly. Ratti is currently fourth on the team in tackles this season with 17. This linebacking corp is highly talented and experienced. However, Vandals’ opponents have racked up 403.7 yards per game of total offense.

Grade: B-

Secondary

Senior cornerback Stanley Franks leads the Idaho secondary after collecting an NCAA-best nine interceptions last year.

Safety Shiloh Keo leads the team with two interceptions on the year and is second on the team in tackles with 21. Fellow senior safety Chris Smith has 20 tackles on the year along with a recovered fumble.

Perhaps the best tackler on the team is Breyon Williams who came to Idaho after playing at Northern Arizona and Pasadena City.

The secondary has a lot of experience playing together but can’t seem to cover its opponents.

Grade: C+