This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Portland, Ore. • Weber State continues its brutal 2013 schedule Saturday, when the Wildcats hope to snap a seven-game losing streak at Portland State.
The Vikings are 4-4 overall and only 1-3 in the Big Sky Conference. But they rank first nationally in total offense among Football Championship Subdivision schools and have already surpassed their combined win total from the last two years.
"They have a lot of good talent," said Weber State coach Jody Sears. "They have a lot of good players. They are a good football team. ... We're going to have our hands full."
Weber State hasn't won since a 50-40 victory over Stephen F. Austin in the season opener.
Along the way, the Wildcats have faced Utah and Utah State from the Football Bowl Subdivision and three of the top five teams in the FCS —No. 3 Eastern Washington, No. 4 McNeese State and No. 5 Montana State.
The good news?
Before last week's bye, the Wildcats played their best game since the opener during a 34-16 loss to Montana State.
The Bobcats' point-total was a season-low for Weber State opponents and the 'Cats piled up a season-high 497 yards of offense. Late in the third quarter, they trailed only 19-16.
"It was nice to see the offense get some production," Sears said. "That's been our focus the whole year — consistency and execution."
Weber State used its bye to get ready for its final four games of the season. The Wildcats practiced only lightly while the coaching staff went on the road to recruit.
"Hopefully, we freshened up some of our young bodies," Sears said, "so we can finish the season strong. ... We're looking to take another step forward." —
Weber Stateat Portland
O Saturday, 2 p.m.
TV • None
Radio • 1430 AM, 103.1 FM
Records • WSU 1-7, 0-4; Portland State 4-4, 1-3
Series • WSU, 20-12
Last meeting • Weber State, 48-33 (2011)