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OGDEN — Weber State started off the season with a dominant 50-point performance, but has since struggled to gain traction by losing their next three games. The Wildcats hope to rebound after a 43-6 loss to McNeese State last Saturday.
Here are five ways Weber State can move past their early woes and rebound.
Keys to the Game: Weber State1\. Find a passing attack
------------------------One of the consistent problems for Weber State in the first four weeks of the season has been creating a consistent offensive attack through the throwing game. While it is not set in stone that the Wildcats needs to create a majority of their offense through the air, it is necessary for them to improve upon the 106 yards a game they are currently averaging.
This week should be a good chance for Weber State to get on track, as Sacramento State gives up 281 passing yard per game. Not all of it needs to come through the vertical passing game, but it will be important for the Wildcats to make opposing defenses have to be a little more honest in their strategy against the Wildcats. Also, Austin Chipoletti is slated to start at quarterback for the third consecutive game so Weber should have some continuity at the quarterback position.
2. Improve special teamsOne of the reasons for the Weber State offense's struggles over the past three games has been the abysmal starting field position the Wildcats are starting from, and part of this problem is owed to the special teams unit. Currently, Weber is averaging only 3.3 yards on punt returns- a statistic that needs to change in the worst way possible.
It may sound like common knowledge, but better punt returns means better field positions means better scoring opportunities. If the Wildcats can average even five to six yards more per return, it could be the difference between a win or a loss- seriously. In a game of inches, five to six yards more could make the difference.
3. Get the defensive line to be more aggressiveIn four games, Weber State has a grand total of two sacks. If the Wildcats want to contend in the Big Sky Conference, they will have to get more pressure on the quarterback. The last three games have seen teams run up massive yardage against the Wildcats, with teams averaging 591 yards of offense per game against Weber State.
Now that Weber is in conference play, it will be important for Weber State to blitz more using both straight-up and exotic blitzes to try and confuse teams. Simple fact is- the Wildcats don't have the necessary depth at cornerback to defend against a quarterback with a lot of time to throw the football. So, Weber State has to make sure it gets consistent pressure on the quarterback to keep the thrower from getting into a rhythm.
4. Clean up everythingObviously, the Wildcats need to improve in all three phases of the game but more than anything, Weber State needs to clean up mistakes which keep happening. Penalties, dropped passes, missed assignments, bad throws- all of these things need to change in order for the Wildcats to contend in Big Sky Conference play. Frankly, with an offense that is averaging only 283 yards per game, the Wildcats can't afford to have five yards in penalties, let alone the 78.8 yards they are averaging right now.
5. Take advantage of HomecomingThe Wildcats are celebrating their Homecoming on Saturday, and it couldn't come at a better time for Weber State, after the struggles of the past three weeks. Weber has never lost to Sacramento State in Ogden, in eight tries. The key for the Wildcats this game is to get the crowd involved early, and this will come through an early offensive strike. Whether it is a vertical pass or on a trick play, the Wildcats need to get some good feelings early in this game. After three tough weeks on the road, it's chance to start with a clean slate and begin to contend for a conference title. With only five home games, the Wildcats have to take advantage of each and every one.
One of the consistent problems for Weber State in the first four weeks of the season has been creating a consistent offensive attack through the throwing game. While it is not set in stone that the Wildcats needs to create a majority of their offense through the air, it is necessary for them to improve upon the 106 yards a game they are currently averaging.
This week should be a good chance for Weber State to get on track, as Sacramento State gives up 281 passing yard per game. Not all of it needs to come through the vertical passing game, but it will be important for the Wildcats to make opposing defenses have to be a little more honest in their strategy against the Wildcats. Also, Austin Chipoletti is slated to start at quarterback for the third consecutive game so Weber should have some continuity at the quarterback position.
One of the reasons for the Weber State offense's struggles over the past three games has been the abysmal starting field position the Wildcats are starting from, and part of this problem is owed to the special teams unit. Currently, Weber is averaging only 3.3 yards on punt returns- a statistic that needs to change in the worst way possible.
It may sound like common knowledge, but better punt returns means better field positions means better scoring opportunities. If the Wildcats can average even five to six yards more per return, it could be the difference between a win or a loss- seriously. In a game of inches, five to six yards more could make the difference.
In four games, Weber State has a grand total of two sacks. If the Wildcats want to contend in the Big Sky Conference, they will have to get more pressure on the quarterback. The last three games have seen teams run up massive yardage against the Wildcats, with teams averaging 591 yards of offense per game against Weber State.
Now that Weber is in conference play, it will be important for Weber State to blitz more using both straight-up and exotic blitzes to try and confuse teams. Simple fact is- the Wildcats don't have the necessary depth at cornerback to defend against a quarterback with a lot of time to throw the football. So, Weber State has to make sure it gets consistent pressure on the quarterback to keep the thrower from getting into a rhythm.
Obviously, the Wildcats need to improve in all three phases of the game but more than anything, Weber State needs to clean up mistakes which keep happening. Penalties, dropped passes, missed assignments, bad throws- all of these things need to change in order for the Wildcats to contend in Big Sky Conference play. Frankly, with an offense that is averaging only 283 yards per game, the Wildcats can't afford to have five yards in penalties, let alone the 78.8 yards they are averaging right now.
The Wildcats are celebrating their Homecoming on Saturday, and it couldn't come at a better time for Weber State, after the struggles of the past three weeks. Weber has never lost to Sacramento State in Ogden, in eight tries. The key for the Wildcats this game is to get the crowd involved early, and this will come through an early offensive strike. Whether it is a vertical pass or on a trick play, the Wildcats need to get some good feelings early in this game. After three tough weeks on the road, it's chance to start with a clean slate and begin to contend for a conference title. With only five home games, the Wildcats have to take advantage of each and every one.
