Robb Akey's radio show Thursday night was a mini pep rally.
The Idaho coach cracked jokes, gave his thoughts on his team and the Fresno State team, and rallied the crowd of at least 50 inside the Best Western conference room just down the hill from the Vandals' Kibbie Dome.
Fans laughed (a few wildly at times), clapped as the show came back from break and blew horns as it went to commercial.
It was the best crowd of the season, which has been a resurgent one for the Vandals, who have gone from a 2-10 record in 2008 to 7-2 thus far this season. (Read BJ Anteola's story about the Vandal turn around in today's paper.)
And Akey, has been a part of the turn around.
He seems to have gained the players' trust after all the coaching changes, and has them playing confidently. His outgoing personality, which was evident even when he was the DC at Washington State, also seems to play a part in the fans backing the team.
Akey stayed well after the event last night to talk with and shake hands with the fans.
All this brings up the question: how long will Akey stay in Moscow? If he can turn Idaho around and get the fan base excited, other teams have to be looking at him.
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