Idaho coach Robb Akey thinks rumor mill a good thing

Idaho coach Robb Akey was asked this week about his future and the possibility of his name coming up when other head coaching positions become vacant in the next few weeks. “I’ve not jumped around a lot,” Akey said. “I’ve been able to climb up in the places that I’ve been and that’s always the desire and the best place to go about it. “If people do start talking about us, I look at that as a good thing. That means they’re saying, ‘The Idaho staff is doing a good job’ and I think that’s a great positive for our program and the kids around here.” Akey is in the third year of a five-year contract. He and Idaho athletic director Rob Spear said they would wait until after the season to discuss an extension or a new contract. – Idaho Statesman

Idaho AD refuses to board Boise St.-themed plane

The Boise State vs. Idaho rivalry has taken to some not-so-friendly skies. University of Idaho Athletic Director Rob Spear says he declined to board a Horizon Air flight after learning the airplane was painted in Boise State’s blue and orange colors. Spear was traveling to Boise on Saturday for fundraising events. He requested another flight and then drove about 90 miles north to fly from the Spokane, Wash., airport to Boise. Boise State and Horizon Air unveiled the plane, which sports the team logo on its tail, as an ode to the Broncos earlier this month. Spear says he’ll board the plane after Horizon Air paints an airplane for the Vandals, whose football team will try to beat the No. 6 Broncos this Saturday for the first time since 1998. – Idaho