Idaho State gearing up for a new era and the season opener on Saturday

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) - Excitement is building at Idaho State, because the Bengals play football this week when they open the 2022 season, and a new era of ISU football at UNLV on Saturday.

Saturday's contest is the first in the Charlie Ragle era at Idaho State, and he expects his team to play clean football.

"Well, I think the key is consistency," Ragle said. "I think you're going to hear us say that a lot around here over the course of the next umpteen years. We just have to be consistent in everything that we do, and we can't be a program that beats ourselves. You'll hear me say that a lot. College football games are lost more times than they are won."

Ragle also said the Bengals must embrace the mental game in addition to the physical game to be successful this season.

"They have to see themselves as winners," Ragle said, "And they've worked like winners this summer, and now, we've got to go get the fruits of our labor."

Under center, Tyler Vander Waal won the starting job at quarterback last week, and with everything Vander Waal has been through in recent years, including a season-ending injury last season, Ragle said Vander Waal is ready for this moment.

"I think Tyler's poised for a big year, and I think he's got something to prove," Ragle said.

Idaho State's season opener Saturday at UNLV is set for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff in Las Vegas.