2008 Woodie Awards
WSU Football team focused for 0-9 ISU
'Cats look to keep Big Sky and head-to-head streaks alive vs. Bengals
Matt Gerrish
Issue date: 11/7/08 Section: Sports
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That's the story of this Saturday's matchup when the Weber State University Football Team travels to Pocatello, Idaho, to battle Idaho State University at 1:30 p.m. The 8-2 Wildcats are undefeated in Big Sky Conference play, while the 0-9 Bengals are still on the prowl for their first win, touting the nation's second-longest current losing streak at 13 consecutive games.
"There's a lot at stake," said WSU quarterback Cameron Higgins. "They're hungry for their first win, and I think this is the week we need to focus the most."
Focus may be the key for WSU heading into Saturday's game. Idaho State, as WSU's No. 1 rival, would love to play the spoiler to WSU's history-making season. With a win, the Wildcats will clinch at least a share of the conference title and a spot in the FCS playoffs. However, a late season loss to an unranked opponent would be a huge letdown for WSU considering it just jumped into the No. 9 spot in the FCS rankings.
"It's hard to avoid the letdown," said WSU fullback Marcus Mailei. "I mean, 0-9 teams have nothing to lose, and those are the teams that are most dangerous."Idaho State is coming off of a 49-10 loss last week at No. 3 California Polytechnic State University. After facing the No. 9 Wildcats Saturday, they'll finish their schedule against No.5 University of Montana.
Offensively, the Wildcats will look to improve against the Bengals from their performance last week in which they posted several consecutive three-and-outs in the second half against Portland State University, compared to most games in which WSU finishes strong. Running back Trevyn Smith will try to become WSU's all-time leading rusher this week, needing 121 yards on the ground to pass former Wildcat Nick Chournos' mark of 3,593 career yards. Smith may have an unexpected challenge, though. Bengal linebacker Ryan Phipps is averaging 8.9 tackles per game, good enough for third-best in the conference, along with 3.5 total sacks.
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