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OGDEN — Homecoming Saturday had virtually every ingredient for a Weber State win.
The Wildcats finally forced a turnover, kick returner Bo Bolen scored a touchdown and Weber contained the Cal Poly triple-option attack.
However, the recipe for victory fell short with the critics, as Weber fell to Cal Poly, 30-24.
Each unit had highs and lows, and the game-day grades reflect the inconsistencies for each unit.
Weber State’s offense scored a total of 14 points. However, the offense’s production was disappointing, as the nationally ranked passing attack gained just 97 yards. Also, the Wildcats turned the ball over twice, both times killing promising drives.
Wildcats running back Zach Smith rushed for 132 yards and a touchdown, but the lack of a passing attack destroyed Weber State’s offensive game plan.
Despite giving up 510 yards to Cal Poly, the Wildcats did an exceptional job by limiting the Mustangs’ rushing attack to only 289 yards. Also, the defense forced a fumble. Overall, Weber contained the front side of each triple-option play well throughout the afternoon.
What hurt the Wildcats was the lack of containment on the backside of the play. Cal Poly turned the lack of containment into 221 passing yards, including a halfback pass to the quarterback.
The Wildcats’ consistently controlled special teams, with punter Blake O’Neill helping Weber control field position. Also, Bolen’s 94-yard touchdown helped the team tie the score at 24-24 in the fourth quarter.
The only missed play on special teams came on a missed 47-yard field goal by Josh Kealamakia.
In a consistent theme throughout the Wildcats’ season, two units of Weber football performed well enough for the win. However, the other unit, this time being the offense, fell short. It will be interesting to see if Weber can finally get solid performances from all three units next week at Montana State.
