Weber State game-day grades reflect mixed efforts against Arizona State


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TEMPE, Ariz.- Using last year's 70-7 drubbing at the hands of the University of Utah as a baseline, Weber State football drastically improved its performance against PAC-12 teams over a season ago.

Obviously, anytime there is a matchup of an FCS team against an FBS team, it's important to grade both teams' performances according to the opponent they're playing. While the Wildcats' grades at Utah were all bad, this season's efforts against Arizona State show there is something building in Ogden; it just isn't fair to compare it against the defending PAC-12 South champion.

Offense: C- -----------

The Weber State offense clearly wasn't great, but to say the Wildcats were ineffective would be wrong. A total of 308 yards isn't embarrassing, but not finishing off the drives is what lowers the grade, even with taking into account the caliber of the opponent.

An impressive moment for Weber though was seeing running back Zach Smith go 60 yards for a touchdown in the fourth. Signs of tenacity when a team is clearly struggling don't go unnoticed; nor should they.

Defense: D+

Again, not a failing grade here. Weber was able to contain Arizona State in the second half, although the Sun Devils pulled star quarterback Taylor Kelly. A sign of improvement came from how the Wildcats continued to force ASU into third-and-long situations. However, not forcing punts hurt their cause.

When he was playing, Kelly and the first-team offense rang up 339 yards. That hurt.

Special Teams: D-

Punter Blake O'Neill shanked a couple of punts in the first half, albeit with pressure in his face. Against a quality PAC-12 opponent, that is more understandable, but it will have to improve if the Wildcats are to make strides in Big Sky play. Good teams can't allow punts to get blocked.

Team: D+

Weber State achieved its goals in playing a game without significant mistakes, while also not suffering any significant injuries. Obviously, the Wildcats were at a disadvantage in some circumstances, but they made plenty of mistakes that will need to be corrected in time for North Dakota State.

After the game, the Wildcats felt unsatisfied, which is a good thing for Weber. In order to feel badly about missed opportunities, there have to have been significant opportunities that mattered in the first place. Weber State didn't play well enough to win, but Wildcats football appears to have turned a page.

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Jon Oglesby

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