Weber State football: 'Cats put positive thinking to the test

Is it possible to remain positive despite an 0-6 start?

Weber State coach Jody Sears, preparing for a Big Sky Conference game Saturday at Sacramento State, believes so.

"I was really pleased the way the kids bounced back after [the loss] at UC Davis," he said. "We were extremely flat. There are a lot of positive things that are happening for us. We have great veteran leadership. We are becoming more mentally tough, and we are moving forward and trying to improve on our weaknesses."

Certainly, the Wildcats don't appear to be in a free fall, especially after compiling more than 500 yards of offense a week ago in a loss against No. 20 Cal Poly. Despite large numbers, it continues to be the small mistakes that hound Weber State.

"We had a great effort," Sears said about the 45-23 loss, one that saw the Wildcats in front through nearly three quarters. "We need to put four quarters together."

Shoring up an offensive line — one that lost three starters, including an All-American — from last year's team is a priority. Weber State quarterback Mike Hoke, who threw for a season-high 291 yards against the Mustangs, has been the most sacked quarterback in Football Championship Subdivision — 23 times.

"We've replaced [departed seniors] with first- and second-year guys," Sears said. "But we're getting better."

The job doesn't get any easier with Sacramento State (4-2, 2-1 Big Sky). The Hornets defeated Colorado in Boulder earlier this season and are coming off a victory at Southern Utah.

Top Big Sky tackler

Weber State defensive captain Anthony Morales had a career-high 17 total tackles in Friday's loss to Cal Poly with the Mustangs, including eight solo tackles and two tackles for loss to lead the Big Sky with an average of 11 tackles per game. He has recorded double figures in tackles in each of the last three games.

Rushing for a grand

Weber State senior tailback C.J. Tuckett gained 98 yards against Cal Poly to become the 27th Wildcat to reach 1,000 career rushing yards.

In six games, Tuckett has 83 carries for 360 yards and three touchdowns. Tuckett has 171 career carries for 1,034 yards and 13 touchdowns.

martyr@sltrib.com

Twitter: @tribmarty