OGDEN — As Weber State prepares to face Boise State in just one week, there is, perhaps, no group of players being asked to perform at as high a level as the defensive line.
The high-powered Broncos move the ball at will, score points in bunches and simply overwhelm most opponents.
The scary prospect of trying to stop — or at least slow down — the BCS-busting Broncos isn't lost on the Wildcats.
"Everybody is beatable," WSU defensive end Pate Moleni said. "We just have to treat them like we would anybody else and not go into that game thinking it's impossible."
Moleni — 40 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 11.5 tackles for loss — is one of several quality defensive linemen the Wildcats will rely on this year and not just in Boise. With the offense struggling much of the season in 2006, the defense was left to keep games close and did an admirable job.
Moleni, a junior and transfer from Utah, started five games at end and will move into the starting position on a full-time basis this year. He'll be joined by all-conference tackle Derek Johnson.
All-Big Sky tackle Rio Stotler was an academic casualty after a breakthrough sophomore season. He's sitting out this year but will be back in 2008.
Taking Stotler's spot on the line is Bryce Scanlon. JC all-American Steve Stutsman has been brought in to hold down the other end and the Wildcats are, again, pretty well-stocked on the line.
"The big key is going to be depth and how well those guys hold up inside," WSU coach Ron McBride said. "We've got to be able to get past the loss of a couple of guys. We all have to pick up the slack."
Other linemen McBride will look to for depth include former tight end B.A. Harrell, Brighton Barkdull, Kevin Linehan and Pene Fiuangaihetau.
Weber State Defensive Line
2006 STARTERS: Derek Johnson, Rio Stotler, Pate Moleni and Bryce Scanlon formed one of the best lines in the Big Sky.
ANTICIPATED 2007 STARTERS: Only Stotler is lost from last year's line. Johnson, Moleni and Scanlon will be joined by JC All-American Steve Stutsman.
OUTLOOK: The Wildcats have depth, experience and talent on the line. With other defensive positions not as experienced, this should be a strength while other players develop.
E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com