Turnovers, rushing critical for a Weber victory over Northern Colorado


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OGDEN — For weeks, the keys for Weber State football have been to win games.

Now, after a road win over North Dakota, the Wildcats are focused on not falling back into their losing ways. Weber beat North Dakota, 24-12, and did so many things they haven’t done enough of throughout the season: limit big plays, force turnovers and stop the run game.

Cornerback Deontae Florence had an interception, and the team limited North Dakota to only 237 yards of offense.

Weber’s opponent this week enters Stewart Stadium also looking to continue its positive moment. Northern Colorado has won just three games during the season, and one of those wins came against conference co-leader Northern Arizona.

The keys for a Weber State victory this week are similar yet different, reflecting the team’s need to focus on fundamentals while also expanding its repertoire of skills.

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

1\. Don’t lose the turnover margin ---------------------------------

Inopportune turnovers have sunk the Wildcats many times this season, but winning the turnover margin at North Dakota helped key a Weber victory. Ball security is important for every team, but turnovers have proven to destroy the Wildcats’ confidence over the course of the season. Conversely, creating turnovers has been a huge boost to the team’s confidence.

Of note, Northern Colorado is plus 11 in the turnover margin, which leads the Big Sky. The Bears have also intercepted 15 passes.

2. Run the football better

Weber State’s rushing attack has been inconsistent at best this season. The Wildcats rushed for only 41 yards in a win over North Dakota, but rushed for 318 yards in a 29-22 loss to Northern Arizona the week before. However, no team can expect to consistently win while rushing the football for 41 yards.

In Weber’s defense, North Dakota blitzed several times, loading the box full of run stoppers. A solid passing attack should help solve this problem though.

3. Let Jadrian Clark be a dual-threat quarterback

In his recent comments, Weber State coach Jay Hill has mentioned Clark’s ability to make plays with his arm and feet are what set him apart from Billy Green. Clark has done just that recently, rushing for two touchdowns against Northern Arizona and throwing three touchdown passes against North Dakota. Offensive coordinator Steve Clark should build a game plan that gives his quarterback plenty of opportunities to both pass and run early.

As showcased in a 22-0 start against Northern Arizona, when Clark establishes he can throw the football proficiently, the field opens up for the rest of the offensive attack.

4. Contain Sean Rubalcaba

Like Weber State, dual-threat quarterback Sean Rubalcaba leads Northern Colorado’s offense. Rubalcaba completes 68.5 percent of his passes, good enough for third in the country. Containing him is easier done than said though. His offensive line has been unable to protect him throughout the season. So far, Rubalcaba has been sacked 44 times this season. The key for the Wildcats will be to blitz early and often, knowing the line can’t consistently protect him, and hope the defensive backs will be able to cover long enough to give the pass rushers time.

5. Use trick-plays early

The opening flea-flicker pass against North Dakota State jump started Weber’s offensive attack in the season opener, and the Wildcats should do the exact same thing here. An exciting victory in the final home game of the season will help the program a great deal in the offseason.

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SportsWeber State Wildcats
Jon Oglesby

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