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Corvallis, Ore. • When Weber State coach Jay Hill looks across the field Friday night, he will see a familiar face.

Hill and the Wildcats open their new season against Oregon State, which is coached by Gary Andersen. The two have known each other for almost 20 years - ever since Andersen helped recruit Hill to play at the University of Utah.

"I'm proud of him," Andersen told reporters this week. "It just makes me feel old."

Hill ended up playing for Andersen at Utah. They also coached together before Andersen left Utah's staff for successful stints as the head coach at Utah State and Wisconsin. He's starting his first season at Oregon State.

Meanwhile, Hill begins his second year at Weber State, which returns 15 starters, including junior quarterback Jadrian Clark. He played in six games last season — four as the starter — and threw for seven touchdowns.

"Clark is definitely the guy right now," Hill said. "He manages the offense well and has really improved. He's worked his butt off. He's doing a good job of leading."

Weber State's defense could be its strength.

Sophomore linebacker Emmett Tela had 79 tackles in eight games last season. Junior safety Josh Burton had three interceptions after starting all 12 games.

The Wildcats hope history is on their side against the Beavers. Under former coach Mike Riley, Oregon State lost season openers to Big Sky members Sacramento State (2011) and Eastern Washington (2013). —

Weber State at Oregon State

P At Reser Stadium, Corvallis, Ore.

Kickoff • 6:05 p.m. MT

TV • Pac-12 Network

Radio • 1430 AM

Series • First meeting

About the Wildcats • They are 6-29 over the past three seasons. A year ago, however, they won two of their last three. … This is the third straight year they will play a Pac-12 opponent. They lost to Utah (70-7) in 2013 and Arizona State (45-14) in 2014.

About the Beavers • They finished 5-7 last year, including a 29-14 victory over Portland State of the Big Sky Conference. … They have only 13 seniors on the roster. … Either freshman Seth Collins or redshirt freshman Marcus McMaryion will start at quarterback. Neither has any college experience.