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OGDEN — Weber State football has increasingly limited opportunities to make a statement in non-conference play.
This week is the last week of non-conference play for the Wildcats, and they travel to Texas to take on Stephen F. Austin of the Southland Conference.
Weber State defeated the Lumberjacks in Ogden last season, using a Bo Bolen kick return to win 50-40. SFA finished the 2013 season with a record of 3-9, and 1-6 in conference play.
The Lumberjacks had an offseason filled with turmoil, as they also have a new coach leading the program. Clint Conque came to Stephen F. Austin from Central Arkansas, where he led the school to two conference titles in his 14 seasons. Another notable offseason issue came from a dropdown transfer that didn’t happen. TCU defensive end Devonte Fields was expected to leave Big 12 member Texas Christian for Stephen F. Austin, but reneged on the transfer at the last minute.
So far in 2014, the Lumberjacks are 2-1, with non-conference wins over Incarnate Word and Texas A&M-Commerce.
#SFA
Offensively, Stephen F. Austin is considered one of the nation’s top squads, currently ranked fourth in total offense amongst FCS teams. The Lumberjacks average 286 passing yards a game and average 26 first downs per game. SFA uses a two-quarterback system, anchored by Zach Conque and Joe Minden. Conque, who is also the head coach’s son, threw three touchdown passes in the win over Commerce.
The Lumberjacks also have a competent running back. Senior Gus Johnson averages 8.9 yards per carry, part of his 136.3 yards per game. So far, Johnson has scored seven rushing touchdowns.
The elder Conque said the team is developing on a positive track.
“If the effort and the attention to detail continues to be present, then this is a team that I’m hoping will continue to grow,” he said. “We had some untimely penalties (against Commerce), and some really senseless fouls, so we’re not so talented that we can make these types of mistakes. We have to get where we get these (mistakes) cleaned up, particularly heading into this week.”
While the Lumberjacks score the ball well, there are defensive struggles Weber can take advantage of. Through three games, Stephen F. Austin has given up 347 yards of offense per game and 25 points a game. However, the pass rush is potent, currently ranked 12th in the country with 3.3 sacks per game.
Conque said he expect Weber’s offense to provide a challenge for Stephen F. Austin.
“We’ve got a Big Sky school coming in here that beat SFA on the road last year,” he said. “(Weber’s) got playmakers at quarterback, at running back and at receiver. (The Wildcats) are very physical. We’ll need to have a great week of preparation.
“(Weber) is a very big challenge; probably our biggest challenge since Kansas State.”
This weekend’s game is also Stephen F. Austin’s final non-conference game, and Conque said the Lumberjacks should view the Weber game as an opportunity to improve and refine skills.
“We need to pull things together and play a little cleaner,” he said. “We have to pull things together a little bit tighter this week, because we’ll have to play four quarters. We’re expecting a four-quarter battle.”
