Idaho coach Robb Akey football is satisfied that the teams with something on the line to better than those who do not tend to play.
Fourth year coach hopes to be proved true Saturday night, when the Vandals play at Fresno State.
Idaho has to win its last two games to be bowl eligible for the second consecutive year. The Bulldogs have already qualified for a bowl and close the season next week at home against Illinois.
"We're playing for a lot now," Akey said. "We're fighting for our lives - our lives bowl I think we can play more than they are .."
The vandals put their backs against the wall to lose three consecutive games against the best teams in the WAC - Boise State, Hawaii and Nevada - but their hopes of dominating the season 28-6 Utah State last week remains alive.
"It is our goal from day 1, and we expect to see a bowl game," Akey said. "We had 13 chances to obtain a minimum of seven victories. The longer you go, close the window of opportunity. I have some oil on the fire. We've all dealt with in fashion."
Akey is the Vandals compared the situation to a team playoff wild card in the NFL, with three wins needed to make the Super Bowl.
It's totally different than last year, when Idaho was started 7-2 and finished dish before next October.
"When we received the invitation, this may be a better scenario for us because we will highlight," said Akey.
Nathan Enderle Idaho quart, reaching over 133 meters to 3,000 for the year must be said of the playoff at the end of the season is good to feel the Vandals.
"I think it adds to the excitement," said Rob Enderle. "We know we can not be a disappointment, and that was our goal every day. We are of good energy. We want and play hard and that it continues. "
Idaho has no team yet to record a victory this season and beat Fresno State team is the last chance for a game of petanque.
Team coach Pat Hill's in the game on a sequence of two defeats and win, more is required to guarantee a winning campaign. The Bulldogs lost to Boise State 51-0 after dropping a 35-34 decision at home in Nevada.
And Fresno State could still lose track when she finished in Idaho, Illinois, and falls into a set of balls if they get an invitation.
"They have had their ups and downs, like almost everybody," said Rob Enderle. "We are waiting for better prepared and we know we need to know more about the challenge."
Fresno State is the second in the WAC in defense against the pass (213.6 yards per game) and third in sacks (27). These strengths appears to play a major role in Saturday's game that allowed the Vandals heavily on the passing game (312.3 yards per game) and a 37 WAC worst bags.
"They have a solid defense with a lot of good players who play hard," said Rob Enderle. "They have good pressure, so we'll have to get the ball quickly."
There should have won Idaho, the Vandals were in last place San Jose State at home next week to fight the winner winning season.
"Of course we have taken another step this week," said Akey.