This time the University of Nevada comeback wasn't enough to beat Weber State.
Last year the Wolfpack scored 42 consecutive points in the second half to beat the Wildcats 55-49. This time around, Weber was able to hold on to its fourth-quarter lead to complete a major upset over Nevada, 23-21.The win was unlikely for many reasons. The Wildcats entered the game having lost all four of their road contests this year. Meanwhile, the Wolfpack had a 21-game regular season home winning streak dating back to 1989. Nevada moved up to NCAA Division 1-A and the Big West Conference this year and had more than held its own. The Wolfpack entered the game with a 5-2 record overall and in first place in their league at 4-0. Weber, on the other hand, was a mediocre 4-4 on the year and 3-3 in the Division 1-AA Big Sky Conference. The Wildcats hadn't beaten a Division 1-A team since 1979 and were 1-25 in their history when moving up a division to play.
But tailback Dwight Richards led the Wildcat offense with 136 yards rushing and a touchdown on 23 carries, while quarterback Jamie Martin passed for 208 yards and a pair of scores. The Weber defense was perhaps even more impressive, holding the potent Nevada attack to just 21 points.
With the score tied 15-15, Martin connected with Nate Burchette for a 26-yard score and then added the 2-point conversion on a quarterback draw to give the Wildcats a 23-15 lead with six minutes remaining in the game.
Nevada quarterback Fred Gatlin brought the Pack to within two points with 3:05 remaining, hitting wide receiver Chris Singleton with a 15-yard scoring strike.
Weber State's defense held on the ensuing 2-point conversion attempt that would have tied the score and then the offense made three crucial first downs to run out the clock.
The first half was a battle of field goals. Weber's Patrik Schmidle hit a 43-yarder in the first quarter and Nevada's Steve Terelak nailed two in the second quarter to give the Wolfpack a 6-3 lead at the half.