The Bengals aren’t angry, just anxious.

    Chomping on the bit to get spring practice started, Idaho State watched snow and rain wash away what was supposed to be the first session Tuesday afternoon.

    With Holt Arena being prepped for a monster truck show this weekend, ISU was set to put the new ICCU practice field to good use. Mother Nature had other ideas.

    “I’m a fan of monster trucks so hopefully they’ll put on a good show this weekend,” said Idaho State head coach Mike Kramer. “We’re not fighting the rodeo and we’re not fighting the monster trucks. Really we’re fighting the weather. We have one of the most awesome practice facilities that’s ever been made outside. We just can’t quite get to it because of the cameras and wet footballs.”

    The Bengals do not consider Tuesday’s rain out a setback, nor do they miss out on anything crucial for having to postpone.

    “We have a lot of flexibility in our schedule and we can kind of go when I want us to go,” Kramer said. “Right now we’re planning on practicing four out of seven days a week for the next four weeks. Obviously there are three days each week when we can plug in and do some things.”

    Obviously football is an outdoor sport, and had Tuesday been a game day the Bengals would have played. But, as Kramer explains, games are when players go out and execute what they learned. Spring practice is when that learning is done.

    And while most players on Idaho State’s roster are familiar with the offensive and defensive schemes, the start of spring practice is crucial for introducing new wrinkles and ideas. Just like every college football coach in America, Kramer wants ideal conditions to foster the correct environment and to set the proper tone for the rest of spring practice.

    “It’s no use to go out and have the kids more concerned about the weather than they are about listening to what their coaches are saying,” he said. “Those first couple of days, the first words you say and the first impression you make are lasting. We want our guys to retain as much as they can those first two installation days.”

    The Bengals are as patient to suit up as they are anxious. Time is in their corner.

    “We just back it up,” Kramer said. “Today is just another day and tomorrow is the first day of spring ball as far as I’m concerned. We’re chomping at the bit.”

    With nine starters returning on offense and seven on defense, ISU feels it has plenty of potential to finally make a breakthrough in the win column.

    “This is the best team we’ve had in four years,” Kramer said. “It’s the best team that Idaho State University has had probably since 2003-04. I like our ability.

    “This is a very good football team that needs to get on the field and prove it.”

    Notes: Holt Arena will be available to the Bengals beginning April 9. Should weather make the practice field unavailable anytime after that date, they will be able to move inside.

    “Whether we go outside or have to come inside will be of no importance next week,” Kramer said. “We’ll definitely be on schedule.”