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OGDEN -- The Weber State Wildcats hope they have recovered from last week's wild four-overtime win over Northern Colorado in time for Saturday's showdown against the Hornets of Sacramento State.
The Wildcats beat Northern Colorado 50-47, but needed those four extra periods to finally claim victory.
"It was certainly one of the most bizarre games I've been through in my 40 years of coaching," said Head Coach Ron McBride. "The overtimes, the lights going out, some big plays at key times, plus getting pummeled on the sidelines, all made for an interesting night."
There were positives and negatives for Weber State last week. Quarterback Cameron Higgins was probably the brightest star. He threw for 340 yards and four touchdowns on 33-54 passing. He also surpassed the 10,000 total passing yard mark and his four TD passes put him ahead of former WSU star, Jamie Martin, as the school's career leader in touchdown passes.
The most obvious negative was the number of times the Wildcats turned over the ball. Six lost fumbles would make any coach cringe.
"Obviously we need to work on our ball carrying skills to make sure we hold it high and tight and not let opponents take swipes at us," McBride said. "Turnover margin is really the key to having success. I don't ever remember winning a game and losing six fumbles, that's almost unheard of."
Last season when these teams met the Wildcats easily defeated the Hornets 49-10. Tim Toone led Weber State with eight catches, 154 yards and three touchdowns. Toone also set a Big Sky Conference record with a 95-yard punt return for a touchdown.
Cameron Higgins completed 23-30 passes for 290 yards and five touchdown passes.
Sacramento State lost their first game this season at Stanford 52-17, but defeated Western Oregon State at home 31-17 in its second game.
The Hornets have a solid running threat in Bryan Hilliard who rushed for 107 yards against Western Oregon State last week.
"I like their running back they got back. He impressed me two years ago," said McBride.
Christian Clark leads the defense for the Hornets and is a pre-season All-American. He finished last season with 10 quarterback sacks.
"Their front defensive guys are tough, strong and aggressive," said McBride. "They've plugged some holes and look to be much improved over last year. Their place has always been a tough place for us to play."
The Wildcats are hoping they can hold onto the ball better against a tough defensive Sacramento State team. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.
