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Whitman Two weeks arter practice opened, the Idaho grid machine ushered in the 1931 football season by running and pas.~ing its way to a 32 to 7 victory over Whitman College, Northwest Conference champions, on MacLean Field. The two teams battled on nearly even terms for the first period, which was scoreless, but from the beginning of the second quarter the game was all Idaho's. Willis Smith, who went in at quarterback for George Wilson at that time, opened the touchdown parade when he planted his cleats in scoring turf on a long end run. The Vandal interference functioned nicely and the Whitman team was unable to stop the Idaho ball carriers. "Buddy" Applegate, Missionary triple-threat field general, was the one bright spot in the invader's offense. The Idaho backs had little difficulty in rolling up 512 yard rrom scrimmage and passes while Whitman was getting 186. Most of the Idaho yardage was made on straight football, featuring end runs and power plays. Bill Bessler was acting captain fot' Idaho.
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