This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
It's always something.
Breakdowns have been a constant source of irritation as Weber State attempts to finally break through and earn a "1" in the win column. And these game-changing mistakes differ from game to game.
For example, the Wildcats (0-7, 0-4 Big Sky), who travel to in-state rival and conference newcomer Southern Utah (3-4, 2-2) on Saturday, played their best defensive game of the season in a 19-14 loss at Sacramento State.
Trevor Pletcher led WSU's defense with two sacks, while Anthony Morales recorded a team-high 10 tackles as the Hornets were held to 310 total yards.
This time, however, it was an improving offense that took a step backward, gaining a measly 237 yards to remain the only team in the Big Sky Conference without a victory. Quarterback Mike Hoke completed 19-of-34 passes, but could not find yards downfield.
Hoke didn't have a lot of time to make decisions. The young Wildcat offensive line gave up five sacks, giving them a FCS high 28 for the season.
Still, says WSU coach Jody Sears, "What I like about our team is there has been no let down. The kids are starting to believe what they're doing."
Sears also hinted at there being some carry over from the coaching fiasco from the end of spring practice, when John L. Smith suddenly left for Arkansas and Sears was named head coach.
"We've really only had [the players] for three months," Sears said. "We need to learn to play with more consistency."
Sacramento State scored in every way possible — touchdown, an extra point, field goal and a safety.
Of Weber State's seven games, two have been against FBS teams and three FCS teams ranked in the top-20, including newly minted No. 1 Eastern Washington.
No. 12 Cal Poly is the only one of the four remaining undefeated FCS teams to have a win over and FBS team. The Mustangs beat Wyoming 24-22 on Sept. 15.
Twitter:@tribmarty —
Weber State at Southern Utah
Saturday, 1 p.m.