Tyler Vander Waal getting ready for ISU season after winning starting QB job

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) - Tyler Vander Waal will be the Idaho State Bengals' starting quarterback when ISU battles UNLV in Saturday's season opener in Las Vegas.

The Wyoming transfer threw for more than 1,800 yards in an abbreviated six-game Spring 2021 schedule, but he suffered a season-ending injury just three games into the campaign last year.

For Vander Waal, winning the starting job meant much more than just playing time.

"When they told me, it was a big sigh of relief," Vander Waal said. "I felt a lot of weight lifted off my shoulders, so to speak. I felt a lot of confidence. My confidence spiked up after being named the starter and I just kind of felt like, this week in practice, I've been playing more free, not having to worry about one mess up costing me the starting job."

Vander Waal leads the Bengals under center in Las Vegas Saturday at 1:30 p.m. against UNLV.