Well here come the Weber State Wildcats in a game, on paper, that looks unimportant and lop-sided. However the amount of intangible factors at play in this game are fairly high. First consider what who will be calling the shots against the Grizzly defense, our former head coach, Robin Pflugrad. He was just today quoted saying that he believes and knows the team believes that Engstrom made a mistake in firing him. Words I think many of us agree with. However I kind of wish he weren’t putting words into players mouths through the media. Although I do believe that most all who played under him firmly believe and support his words. That said there’s an even bigger thing riding on this game, the playoffs. This Grizzly team is a lock for the playoffs with a win against Weber which would get them to 9 total wins on the season. The Griz are coming off 4 games in a row that were real nail-biters and required late game heroics for the 3 wins they got.
Add in its senior day, where quite the mix and match of seniors will be honored for their time as Grizzlies. This class graduates some of the last of the Hauck-era recruits that are still on the team, Tripp, Coyle, Pierson, Rominger, and Oiland in a round-about sort of way (went to UNLV to follow Hauck but came here a year later). It graduates some of Pflu’s first recruits in Poehls, Kistler, Tully, Kanongata’a, Bienemann, Warren, and Miles. It also graduates JuCo transfer Anthony Goodwin who committed to the Griz under Pflugrad but wound up playing under Delaney exclusively. I assume a win against Weber means these seniors will get at least 1 more game in the friendly confines of Wa Griz, but at this point all we as fans know is that this is our last guaranteed chance to give thanks to these seniors.
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Weber State 1-9
50-40 win vs SFA – With Pflu serving a suspension the Weber offense ran for 315 yards while their defense gave up 450 passing. The 3rd quarter was a wild one with 38 combined points scored.
7-70 loss vs Utah – Utah throttled Weber, running for 340 yards and passing for 300. Weber just barely eclipsed 200 total yards in the game. I believe this was the game where their only experienced spread QB in Adamczyk was injured (and eventually wound up quitting the team).
6-70 loss vs Utah State – Similar stats even, almost 600 total yards for USU, but an even worse showing from WSU on offense, just 138 yards. Weber had only 7 first downs the whole game.
6-43 loss vs McNeese State – Rounding out the 3rd road game in a row Weber’s rough schedule, they did have some success on the ground, almost 225 rushing, but very little passing success. However McNesse had almost 600 total yards, averaged 8.1 yards per rush and 15.9 yards per pass.
3-31 loss vs Sac State – Again a little bit of rushing success for Weber, 143 on the ground, but just 91 passing yards and 4 lost fumbles were killer. Sac passed for almost 300 yards total but were held to just 91 rushing yards.
19-41 loss vs EWU - This was actually a little close for a while, it was 20-12 EWU with about 6 minutes left before the half. However EWU’s offense was just too much. WSU had about 250 total yards while EWU had a very balanced 500. EWU seemingly had pretty good ease moving the ball 25 first downs in the game and only 9 faced 3rd downs.
0-47 loss vs CPSLO – Poly piled up 580 total yards in the game with 365 rushing, while holding WSU to 173 total. Weber didn’t have a single turnover, but went just 2 of 16 on third down and as best I can tell only crossed mid-field once, on the last drive of the game.
16-34 loss vs MSU – While losing yet again, Weber showed some signs of improvement against the Cats. This was looking close, until Weber had 3 turnovers in the 4th qtr all in MSU territory to kill promising drives. Weber out-gained MSU, 497 yards to 479, they ran for 188 and passed for 309. Weber’s 3 late turnovers plus 3 other series with turnovers on downs were the deciding factor as MSU was able to score TDs off all 3 turnovers.
24-45 loss vs PSU – Unlike the MSU game this one wasn’t close with a late surge, PSU controlled the game fairly well, however WSU did once again have some success on offense with 331 passing yards. PSU had just about 500 yards and grabbed two fumbles plus forced a turnover on downs. PSU had 350 rushing yards in the game.
21-27 loss vs SUU – The loss looks close, and it was, however 14 of WSU’s points were scored with less than 5:00 in the game. SUU went up 24-7 with 6:30 to go, Weber scores a quick TD. SUU hits a fieldgoal after a failed on-sides, Weber then scores again with 0:02 left in the game, but no luck on this onsides either. SUU’s got one of the crummier offenses in the Big Sky, they had just 259 yards in the game while Weber had 350 with 263 of that coming in the air.
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General Stats
- Weber is scoring 15.2 points per game (but over 20 ppg in their last 3) and averaging 168 passing and 135 rushing for a total of 303 yards per game. Meanwhile the Grizzly defense is allowing on average 23.6 points per game and allowing 147 rushing and 253 passing for a total of 400 yards per game.
- Weber is allowing 44.8 points per game with 244 rushing and 260 passing allowed for a total of 504 yards per game. The Grizzly offense is averaging 38.5 points per game and averaging 179 rushing per game and 272 passing per game for a total of 451 yards per game.
- Weber is -9 on the season, they’ve actually grabbed more ints than ones they’ve lost (8 forced to 7 lost) but have lost 14 fumbles and only recovered 4 opponent fumbles. Meanwhile Montana is currently +10 on the season.
- Weber only converts 29% of their 3rd down attempts while allowing opponents to convert 40%. UM converts 42% of their 4rd downs while allowing a (gulp…) 44% 3rd down conversion rate.
- Weber hasn’t been in the red zone all that much (just 17 times, compare to UM at 40 times) and they score RZ touchdowns 59% of the time while their defense allows RZ touchdowns 75% of the time. The Griz score RZ touchdowns 68% of the time and allow opponent TDs 52% of the time.
- Weber has only scored 13 points in the 2nd quarter this whole season while their defense has allowed 152 points this year in that same quarter.
- Weber’s kicking game isn’t pretty, only 6 fieldgoal attempts this whole season, they’re 3-6 kicking, have had 2 others blocked, and have also had 3 missed extra points.
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Players to watch
#8 Bo Bolen, Running Back – I think Bo was enrolled at Weber when I graduated high school in 98, ha ha, and he’s just a junior. The main running back for the team at 5-9 and 200 pounds he’s got 443 yards on the ground, 153 receiving, 5 total TDs (4 rushing / 1 KR). He’s their main PR/KR guy and has a kickoff return for a TD.
#16 Austin Chippoletti, QB – Taking over a few games into the season Chippoletti has had his struggles, he averages 143 passing yards per game and has 7 TDs to 6 INTs. He’s 153 rushing yards on the ground and 2 rushing TDs as well. His last 3 games though he’s gone 309 passing, 331 passing, and 263 passing.
#83 Erik Walker, WR – A smaller 5-10, 173 WR he’s got a team high in receiving yards with 593 yards. He’s got 2 receiving TDs as well, also 45 rushing yards and 1 rushing TD too.
#25 Zach Smith, RB – A 6 foot 195 pound running back who is tied for 2nd in rushing yards with 283 and 1 TD on 69 attempts. Also look for #24 Josh Booker who also has 283 rushing yards and 2 TDs this season.
#81 Cam Livingston, WR – 2nd in receptions on the team, he’s taller at 6-2 and has 340 receiving yards and 4 receiving TDs (leads the team in TD receptions.
#44 Anthony Moralas, MLB – Leads the team with 73 tackles. He’s got 1 sack, 2nd highest 6 TFLs, and 1 blocked kick.
#50 Roman Valenzuela, OLB – 2nd on the team with 72 tackles, he’s got a team-high 3 QB hits.
#28 Adam Padilla, CB - A 5-9 cornerback who is 3rd on the team in tackles with 65 total tackles, he’s also got a team high 2 forced fumbles.
#29 Deon’Tae Florence, CB – I’m assuming he will cover Ellis, he’s got 4 interceptions this year and 12 pass breakups. Statistically their best guy in the secondary.
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Keys to a Grizzly victory
- 1-11. We know Pflu’s offense, this defense will too. The D will be tested with zone-read, quick passes, end-around runs. Watch for 5 to 6 different ball carriers and the WRs to catch a lot of short passes. This defense has a chance to get some swagger back but this offense will test an over-aggressive attack.
- Strong pass defense. Weber is passing well right now, they’ll test our pass D. Our corners, safeties, and outside linebackers will be tested.
- Get the ground game going. Weber’s defense does not look good, the ground game should find some lanes. Their defense will be vastly under-sized compared to the UM O-line. Get that push, open lanes up for Canada, Nguyen, (and Van? Although I’d bet not).
- Mix up the passing game. Weber has some aggressive corners, don’t just go with the deep shots, mix it up. They don’t have a strong pass rush, statistically, so keep Jordy clean and let him move the ball well.
- Grab those fumbles. Weber puts the ball on the ground about 2 times per game, keep that rolling.
- Contain “Mr Everything” Bo Bolen. That guy is the heart of the offense, he’s a good receiver, their best runner, and a serviceable returner.
- Don’t let WSU hang around. In this game, I’m backing off the “get the points” stance, if it’s 4th and 5 within the Weber 45… go for it, get those TDs.
- Don’t let the emotions of the game distract. Former head coach across the field, last guaranteed home game as a senior for quite the eclectic group of seniors, and the excitement of a win getting the team back to the playoffs. I almost expect a slow start due to this, but hopefully they overcome that fast.
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Like many others I think the Griz win this, however Weber’s recent success on offense and the last 4 games for the Griz plant some seeds of worry for me. Can Weber hang with this team? Yeah, they’ll need to execute very well but of late they’re improving.
I’m thinking it’s closer than expected at the half but the Griz pull away as the game goes on. I’ll say it’s a Griz win and all smiles after the game, 43-16.
Go Griz!
Add in its senior day, where quite the mix and match of seniors will be honored for their time as Grizzlies. This class graduates some of the last of the Hauck-era recruits that are still on the team, Tripp, Coyle, Pierson, Rominger, and Oiland in a round-about sort of way (went to UNLV to follow Hauck but came here a year later). It graduates some of Pflu’s first recruits in Poehls, Kistler, Tully, Kanongata’a, Bienemann, Warren, and Miles. It also graduates JuCo transfer Anthony Goodwin who committed to the Griz under Pflugrad but wound up playing under Delaney exclusively. I assume a win against Weber means these seniors will get at least 1 more game in the friendly confines of Wa Griz, but at this point all we as fans know is that this is our last guaranteed chance to give thanks to these seniors.
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Weber State 1-9
50-40 win vs SFA – With Pflu serving a suspension the Weber offense ran for 315 yards while their defense gave up 450 passing. The 3rd quarter was a wild one with 38 combined points scored.
7-70 loss vs Utah – Utah throttled Weber, running for 340 yards and passing for 300. Weber just barely eclipsed 200 total yards in the game. I believe this was the game where their only experienced spread QB in Adamczyk was injured (and eventually wound up quitting the team).
6-70 loss vs Utah State – Similar stats even, almost 600 total yards for USU, but an even worse showing from WSU on offense, just 138 yards. Weber had only 7 first downs the whole game.
6-43 loss vs McNeese State – Rounding out the 3rd road game in a row Weber’s rough schedule, they did have some success on the ground, almost 225 rushing, but very little passing success. However McNesse had almost 600 total yards, averaged 8.1 yards per rush and 15.9 yards per pass.
3-31 loss vs Sac State – Again a little bit of rushing success for Weber, 143 on the ground, but just 91 passing yards and 4 lost fumbles were killer. Sac passed for almost 300 yards total but were held to just 91 rushing yards.
19-41 loss vs EWU - This was actually a little close for a while, it was 20-12 EWU with about 6 minutes left before the half. However EWU’s offense was just too much. WSU had about 250 total yards while EWU had a very balanced 500. EWU seemingly had pretty good ease moving the ball 25 first downs in the game and only 9 faced 3rd downs.
0-47 loss vs CPSLO – Poly piled up 580 total yards in the game with 365 rushing, while holding WSU to 173 total. Weber didn’t have a single turnover, but went just 2 of 16 on third down and as best I can tell only crossed mid-field once, on the last drive of the game.
16-34 loss vs MSU – While losing yet again, Weber showed some signs of improvement against the Cats. This was looking close, until Weber had 3 turnovers in the 4th qtr all in MSU territory to kill promising drives. Weber out-gained MSU, 497 yards to 479, they ran for 188 and passed for 309. Weber’s 3 late turnovers plus 3 other series with turnovers on downs were the deciding factor as MSU was able to score TDs off all 3 turnovers.
24-45 loss vs PSU – Unlike the MSU game this one wasn’t close with a late surge, PSU controlled the game fairly well, however WSU did once again have some success on offense with 331 passing yards. PSU had just about 500 yards and grabbed two fumbles plus forced a turnover on downs. PSU had 350 rushing yards in the game.
21-27 loss vs SUU – The loss looks close, and it was, however 14 of WSU’s points were scored with less than 5:00 in the game. SUU went up 24-7 with 6:30 to go, Weber scores a quick TD. SUU hits a fieldgoal after a failed on-sides, Weber then scores again with 0:02 left in the game, but no luck on this onsides either. SUU’s got one of the crummier offenses in the Big Sky, they had just 259 yards in the game while Weber had 350 with 263 of that coming in the air.
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General Stats
- Weber is scoring 15.2 points per game (but over 20 ppg in their last 3) and averaging 168 passing and 135 rushing for a total of 303 yards per game. Meanwhile the Grizzly defense is allowing on average 23.6 points per game and allowing 147 rushing and 253 passing for a total of 400 yards per game.
- Weber is allowing 44.8 points per game with 244 rushing and 260 passing allowed for a total of 504 yards per game. The Grizzly offense is averaging 38.5 points per game and averaging 179 rushing per game and 272 passing per game for a total of 451 yards per game.
- Weber is -9 on the season, they’ve actually grabbed more ints than ones they’ve lost (8 forced to 7 lost) but have lost 14 fumbles and only recovered 4 opponent fumbles. Meanwhile Montana is currently +10 on the season.
- Weber only converts 29% of their 3rd down attempts while allowing opponents to convert 40%. UM converts 42% of their 4rd downs while allowing a (gulp…) 44% 3rd down conversion rate.
- Weber hasn’t been in the red zone all that much (just 17 times, compare to UM at 40 times) and they score RZ touchdowns 59% of the time while their defense allows RZ touchdowns 75% of the time. The Griz score RZ touchdowns 68% of the time and allow opponent TDs 52% of the time.
- Weber has only scored 13 points in the 2nd quarter this whole season while their defense has allowed 152 points this year in that same quarter.
- Weber’s kicking game isn’t pretty, only 6 fieldgoal attempts this whole season, they’re 3-6 kicking, have had 2 others blocked, and have also had 3 missed extra points.
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Players to watch
#8 Bo Bolen, Running Back – I think Bo was enrolled at Weber when I graduated high school in 98, ha ha, and he’s just a junior. The main running back for the team at 5-9 and 200 pounds he’s got 443 yards on the ground, 153 receiving, 5 total TDs (4 rushing / 1 KR). He’s their main PR/KR guy and has a kickoff return for a TD.
#16 Austin Chippoletti, QB – Taking over a few games into the season Chippoletti has had his struggles, he averages 143 passing yards per game and has 7 TDs to 6 INTs. He’s 153 rushing yards on the ground and 2 rushing TDs as well. His last 3 games though he’s gone 309 passing, 331 passing, and 263 passing.
#83 Erik Walker, WR – A smaller 5-10, 173 WR he’s got a team high in receiving yards with 593 yards. He’s got 2 receiving TDs as well, also 45 rushing yards and 1 rushing TD too.
#25 Zach Smith, RB – A 6 foot 195 pound running back who is tied for 2nd in rushing yards with 283 and 1 TD on 69 attempts. Also look for #24 Josh Booker who also has 283 rushing yards and 2 TDs this season.
#81 Cam Livingston, WR – 2nd in receptions on the team, he’s taller at 6-2 and has 340 receiving yards and 4 receiving TDs (leads the team in TD receptions.
#44 Anthony Moralas, MLB – Leads the team with 73 tackles. He’s got 1 sack, 2nd highest 6 TFLs, and 1 blocked kick.
#50 Roman Valenzuela, OLB – 2nd on the team with 72 tackles, he’s got a team-high 3 QB hits.
#28 Adam Padilla, CB - A 5-9 cornerback who is 3rd on the team in tackles with 65 total tackles, he’s also got a team high 2 forced fumbles.
#29 Deon’Tae Florence, CB – I’m assuming he will cover Ellis, he’s got 4 interceptions this year and 12 pass breakups. Statistically their best guy in the secondary.
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Keys to a Grizzly victory
- 1-11. We know Pflu’s offense, this defense will too. The D will be tested with zone-read, quick passes, end-around runs. Watch for 5 to 6 different ball carriers and the WRs to catch a lot of short passes. This defense has a chance to get some swagger back but this offense will test an over-aggressive attack.
- Strong pass defense. Weber is passing well right now, they’ll test our pass D. Our corners, safeties, and outside linebackers will be tested.
- Get the ground game going. Weber’s defense does not look good, the ground game should find some lanes. Their defense will be vastly under-sized compared to the UM O-line. Get that push, open lanes up for Canada, Nguyen, (and Van? Although I’d bet not).
- Mix up the passing game. Weber has some aggressive corners, don’t just go with the deep shots, mix it up. They don’t have a strong pass rush, statistically, so keep Jordy clean and let him move the ball well.
- Grab those fumbles. Weber puts the ball on the ground about 2 times per game, keep that rolling.
- Contain “Mr Everything” Bo Bolen. That guy is the heart of the offense, he’s a good receiver, their best runner, and a serviceable returner.
- Don’t let WSU hang around. In this game, I’m backing off the “get the points” stance, if it’s 4th and 5 within the Weber 45… go for it, get those TDs.
- Don’t let the emotions of the game distract. Former head coach across the field, last guaranteed home game as a senior for quite the eclectic group of seniors, and the excitement of a win getting the team back to the playoffs. I almost expect a slow start due to this, but hopefully they overcome that fast.
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Like many others I think the Griz win this, however Weber’s recent success on offense and the last 4 games for the Griz plant some seeds of worry for me. Can Weber hang with this team? Yeah, they’ll need to execute very well but of late they’re improving.
I’m thinking it’s closer than expected at the half but the Griz pull away as the game goes on. I’ll say it’s a Griz win and all smiles after the game, 43-16.
Go Griz!
