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Week Six FCS Predictions
http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/misc/around_the_fcs.htm
By David Coulson, FCS Executive Director
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) -
No.3 Montana (4-0, 0-0 Big Sky) at Weber State (3-2, 1-0 Big Sky), 3:05 p.m.
It has been 10 long years since Weber State has beaten Montana. The Wildcats clawed out a 27-20 victory in 1998, but have been frustrated ever since.
Many of those matchups have been blowouts, but WSU felt like it let wins slip away in a 24-19 loss in 2005 in Missoula, MT., a 33-30 defeat in 2006 in Ogden, UT. and an 18-10 loss last year in Missoula. With those games still fresh in the memory banks, the Wildcats are hungry for an upset.
The Grizzlies have struggled in three of their four wins, needing big finishes in each. There was a 30-28 win at Cal Poly in Montanas opener when the Mustangs missed a 27-yard field goal as time expired and a Cole Bergquist- inspired comeback in the final minutes at home against UC Davis, 29-24.
Montana was able to survive Division II Central Washington last week by virtue of a 42-yard field goal by Brody McKnight with one second left to deliver a 38-35 win for the Grizzlies.
One of the positives the Grizzlies can take from the narrow victory over Central Washington was the play of Bergquist, who completed 24-of-35 passes for 377 yards and three touchdowns.
One problem Montana has encountered this season is the ability to run the football. The Grizzlies are averaging just 135 yards per game on the ground.
While Montana was able to rely on Lex Hilliard last season, the running game has been a committee approach this season and ranks 99th nationally. Andrew Schmidt has rushed for 166 yards, while Chase Reynolds has added 144 and Thomas Brooks-Fletcher has contributed 130.
Defensively, the Grizzlies have struggled at times, particularly against the pass, where they are yielding 233 yards per game. Colt Anderson anchors the secondary and is a Buck Buchanan Award candidate. The senior has amassed 31 tackles. Montana ranks 40th in the FCS in total defense, surrendering 319 yards a game.
Weber State is what many consider to be the 'sleeper team' in the Big Sky, and the Wildcats could go as far as quarterback Cameron Higgins and a potent offense can lead them.
Higgins is having a sensational season for the Wildcats, leading the FCS in passing yards (1,535). He has thrown 15 TDs with just three interceptions.
The Wildcats also have running back Trevyn Smith (416 yards rushing, 194 yards receiving, eight TDs) to power the nation's 15th ranked offense (418 yards per game).
Defensively, the Wildcats rank 54th nationally (344 yards per game), yielding a majority of their yards through the air (212 yards per game). The defense is anchored by safety Beau Hadley, who has 40 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception. The Wildcats also have one of the nation's best return men in All-American Bryant Eteuati (14.7 yards per punt return, 24.4 kickoff returns).
WSU has had their sights set on this game for some time and, playing at home, should be able to pull an upset behind its powerful offense.
Weber State 35, Montana 31
http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/misc/around_the_fcs.htm
By David Coulson, FCS Executive Director
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) -
No.3 Montana (4-0, 0-0 Big Sky) at Weber State (3-2, 1-0 Big Sky), 3:05 p.m.
It has been 10 long years since Weber State has beaten Montana. The Wildcats clawed out a 27-20 victory in 1998, but have been frustrated ever since.
Many of those matchups have been blowouts, but WSU felt like it let wins slip away in a 24-19 loss in 2005 in Missoula, MT., a 33-30 defeat in 2006 in Ogden, UT. and an 18-10 loss last year in Missoula. With those games still fresh in the memory banks, the Wildcats are hungry for an upset.
The Grizzlies have struggled in three of their four wins, needing big finishes in each. There was a 30-28 win at Cal Poly in Montanas opener when the Mustangs missed a 27-yard field goal as time expired and a Cole Bergquist- inspired comeback in the final minutes at home against UC Davis, 29-24.
Montana was able to survive Division II Central Washington last week by virtue of a 42-yard field goal by Brody McKnight with one second left to deliver a 38-35 win for the Grizzlies.
One of the positives the Grizzlies can take from the narrow victory over Central Washington was the play of Bergquist, who completed 24-of-35 passes for 377 yards and three touchdowns.
One problem Montana has encountered this season is the ability to run the football. The Grizzlies are averaging just 135 yards per game on the ground.
While Montana was able to rely on Lex Hilliard last season, the running game has been a committee approach this season and ranks 99th nationally. Andrew Schmidt has rushed for 166 yards, while Chase Reynolds has added 144 and Thomas Brooks-Fletcher has contributed 130.
Defensively, the Grizzlies have struggled at times, particularly against the pass, where they are yielding 233 yards per game. Colt Anderson anchors the secondary and is a Buck Buchanan Award candidate. The senior has amassed 31 tackles. Montana ranks 40th in the FCS in total defense, surrendering 319 yards a game.
Weber State is what many consider to be the 'sleeper team' in the Big Sky, and the Wildcats could go as far as quarterback Cameron Higgins and a potent offense can lead them.
Higgins is having a sensational season for the Wildcats, leading the FCS in passing yards (1,535). He has thrown 15 TDs with just three interceptions.
The Wildcats also have running back Trevyn Smith (416 yards rushing, 194 yards receiving, eight TDs) to power the nation's 15th ranked offense (418 yards per game).
Defensively, the Wildcats rank 54th nationally (344 yards per game), yielding a majority of their yards through the air (212 yards per game). The defense is anchored by safety Beau Hadley, who has 40 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception. The Wildcats also have one of the nation's best return men in All-American Bryant Eteuati (14.7 yards per punt return, 24.4 kickoff returns).
WSU has had their sights set on this game for some time and, playing at home, should be able to pull an upset behind its powerful offense.
Weber State 35, Montana 31