OGDEN — It surely isn't the ideal way to start conference play.

After making a long trip to Boston College last weekend, Weber State has to quickly regroup for its Big Sky and home-opener Saturday night. The Wildcats host Northern Colorado, a team that has continually improved since joining the Big Sky and looks to be dangerous in 2010.

"You got to do what you got to do, man," Weber State coach Ron McBride said of his team's challenge of opening league play after facing a big, physical Boston College team last week. "It wears on you. That's life."

Life for the Wildcats has been fairly sweet against Northern Colorado. They've defeated the Bears all four times they've played. But those games have been tough, as three of them were decided by eight or fewer points.

Northern Colorado, now in its fifth season in the Big Sky, figures to finally be well-equipped to compete in FCS football. The Bears, with 18 seniors, have their best and most experienced team.

"Very good team," McBride said. "I think they've kind of arrived on the field now. Very good on defense. Very systematic on offense. Just got a real good football team. Looking at them on film, they don't have a lot of deficiencies."

While Weber State opened its season on the road against Boston College, Northern Colorado played Adams State, a Division II school. The Bears rolled against the inferior competition, winning 54-0, while outgaining Adams State, 452-104.

"They're going to come in here real positive," McBride said. "I think they got the confidence they needed to get over the hump. It's taken a few years, but I think this team is going to make some noise in the league."

The Wildcats have already made their noise in the league and are one of the Big Sky's elite teams. They came out of last week's loss to Boston College with a clean bill of health, and showed many positives.

Quarterback Cameron Higgins reverted to his 2008 form, completing 24-of-39 passes for a touchdown and an interception. The interception he threw was on a tipped pass. Higgins needs just four passing yards Saturday night to reach 10,000 for his career at Weber State. "Cameron Higgins is one of the finest quarterbacks in the FCS and possibly all of Division I football," said Northern Colorado coach Scott Downing, whose team is 1-15 in conference road games since joining the Big Sky. "He's a guy that we have to limit his impact on the field."

The Bears will also need to slow running back Bo Bolen, who gashed his hometown team for 207 yards on 37 carries in their game at Northern Colorado last week.

The Wildcats will debut their new home black uniforms Saturday. A fireworks show will follow the game.

e-mail: aaragon@desnews.com

Wildcats' home opener

Northern Colorado (1-0)

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at Weber State (0-1)

Tonight, 6 p.m.

At Stewart Stadium, Ogden

TV: Altitude Radio: 1430 AM

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