By Chadd Cripe
ccripe@idahostatesman.com

Lots of news came out of Chris Petersen's press conference Monday. We have a rundown posted as a news update at IdahoStatesman.com. We'll also have audio of the press conference posted shortly.

Among the news: Nick Lomax has left the program, Toshi Franklin and Keith McGowen are suspended for the opener, Michael Choate and Tyler Shoemaker are getting scholarships, safety George Iloka likely will play this year and the linebacker situation still could change.

Also, to update my earlier post: Nevada has named sophomore Colin Kaepernick its starting quarterback, as expected.

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Here are some quick highlights from the WAC coaches teleconference Monday:

-- Hawaii quarterback Brent Rausch has missed some practice time in the past week with tendonitis in his arm. He still is expected to practice Monday and start Saturday at Florida.

-- Louisiana Tech named senior transfer Taylor Bennett its starting quarterback but considers backup Ross Jenkins, a sophomore, a second No. 1.

Bennett started every game last year at Georgia Tech.

“His experience showed over the course of the 20 practices,” coach Derek Dooley said. “Certainly he’s got the arm and ability to make more plays down the field than we have in quite some time. That’s something we’re going to need this fall if we’re going to be successful on offense.”

-- Idaho will unveil new uniforms and helmets this week as part of its deal with Nike.

“(There is) a better gold in the color and the logo is going to look different than what we had on there last year,” coach Robb Akey said of the new helmets. “It’s going to look sharp.”

-- The WAC continues to negotiate a new TV deal with ESPN. Commissioner Karl Benson said it’s possible the new deal will have some effect on this year’s football schedule.