OGDEN — It's been many years since the Wildcats had a game as big as today's road contest at Portland State.
For starters, a victory over the Vikings (5-5, 3-3) can give Weber State (5-4, 4-2) its best Big Sky Conference record since finishing 6-2 in 1991. That's quite a turnaround for a team that was 1-10 last year.
A win, coupled with losses by Montana and Montana State in the next two weeks, can also give the Wildcats a share of the Big Sky Conference title, something that hasn't happened since they finished tied at the top with Idaho in 1987. There is no way Weber State can earn an automatic bid to the Division I-AA playoffs, but if the 'Cats can win their last two games, there is a possibility they could earn an at-large bid.
What better way to prepare for such a crucial game than to have a week off? The last time Weber State had a bye was November 2003. At the time, the 'Cats were coming off a victory over Idaho State, like this year, and their opponent following the bye was guess who? Portland State. The Wildcats went on to defeat the Vikings, 45- 21.
WSU coach Ron McBride said the week off was good for the team.
"I liked the fact we got some rest and a lot of our nagging injuries healed up, but I hope it doesn't put a damper on our momentum," McBride said.
WSU comes into the contest as winners of three straight. Portland State is coming off a heart-breaking, last-second loss to Idaho State and this game marks the end of the Vikings' season. McBride expects a tough battle.
"This is a tough, physical team on both sides of the football. They will be a physical challenge for us to match up against," McBride said.
The Wildcats lead the all-time series against the Vikings, 15-10. Last year, Portland State's Joe Rubin and Ryan Fuqua combined for 287 yards rushing and two touchdowns to lead the Vikings to a 34-15 victory in Ogden. The Vikings are 4-0 at home this year. They are 31-8 at home since the start of the 1999 season. Weber State is 1-3 on the road this season.
The winning team will also probably defeat its opponent in a ground attack. PSU ranks first in the league in rushing offense with 175.5 yards per game. Weber State is third with 172.0. Portland State coach Tim Walsh has been impressed with the Wildcats this season.
"This is a very good Weber State team with a chance to get a share of the Big Sky championship," he said. "They have gotten better every week. The key will be stopping the run and not letting their fast receivers make big plays."
WILDCAT NOTES: This week's game will serve as an Oregon homecoming for seven Weber State players. Drew Dukeshire, Wiley King, Paul and Pat McQuistan, Craig and Sam North, and Ed Brown all claim Oregon as their home state . . . Weber State inched closer to cracking The Sporting Network's NCAA Division I-AA top 25. Last week the Wildcats were 35th. This week, the 'Cats received 68 votes and came in at 28th.
Wildcats on the air
Weber St. (5-4, 4-2) at Portland St. (5-5, 3-3)
Today, 4 p.m.
Radio: 1430 AM