Wildcats can beat Portland State if they elevate level of play


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OGDEN — The Weber State Wildcats have spent just two of their first seven games playing in the friendly confines of Stewart Stadium.

Thankfully for Weber, that mark is changing and the Wildcats are getting maybe their most winnable game of the season to date this weekend, as Portland State travels to Ogden.

The Vikings are 2-5, but only one of those victories is over a Division I team. Portland State upended UC-Davis 23-14 in week three of the season, but also picked a narrow victory over Division II Western Oregon, 45-38.

Portland State is a predominantly run-first offense, as the Vikings had 336 yards of rushing in a recent 21-17 loss to Northern Arizona. Running back Steven Long is one of the stars, as he rushed for 253 yards against the Lumberjacks.

Still, this is a winnable game for Weber, and the keys for the Wildcats reflect a need to clean up the odds and ends keeping them from a victory.

Keys to the game: Weber State =============================

1\. Use the keys ---------------

In his postgame comments after a narrow loss at Montana State, Weber State coach Jay Hill said the Wildcats aren’t reading keys the coaching staff is preparing them for in practice. Weber needs to start doing this, and fast.

Portland State is a rushing team, but not an option team like Cal Poly. So, the Wildcats have to understand where their players are going based on the blocking and movement of the line.

2. Force the Vikings into third down

Against Northern Arizona, Portland State converted only 2-of-11 third-down attempts, and repeatedly failed to capitalize on down-and-distance situations. If Weber can force the Vikings into third-and-long situations, their rushing attack has shown it struggles to pick up the comparable yardage. Third-and-long is tough for anybody, but it’s especially tough for a team like Portland State.

3. Keep it high and tight

For the past few weeks, Weber State has struggled with inopportune turnovers, and the Wildcats need to end that issue promptly. Whether it comes on special teams fumbles, interceptions or snap issues, Weber continues to find ways to lose the football in critical situations in the game. Ending that trend will help Weber end its losing streak.

4. Focus on the fourth quarter

In each of the past three games, the Wildcats have had a fourth-quarter opportunity to take the lead. However, in each of the past three games, they have had a turnover or mistake end the opportunity. Obviously, teams should want to decide the game well before the fourth quarter, but Weber has to be better prepared to understand the seriousness of fourth-quarter situations. Dropped passes can’t happen, and taking care of the football is a must.

5. Bring all three units together

Every single game, one of the three units of the team (offense, defense or special teams) has performed well below the level necessary to win. The week Weber brings all three together will be the week the Wildcats pick up their first win of the season.

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Jon Oglesby

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