It’s Wildcats versus Huskies as Weber State heads to Seattle to take on the University of Washington. This football game pits Weber State, a team from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), against Washington, a powerhouse from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
The Huskies are entering a new era with Jedd Fisch as their head coach, following the departure of their previous coach to Alabama. On top of the coaching change, many key players from last year’s team have gone on to the NFL.
This article will give you an overview of both teams, highlight key matchups to watch for, and explore potential outcomes when Weber State takes on Washington.
Team Overviews: Wildcats vs. Huskies
Let’s take a quick look at each of these teams before diving into the predictions.
Weber State Wildcats
The Wildcats had a decent season last year, finishing with a 6-5 record. On the offensive side, keep an eye on Richie Munoz, who boasts a solid completion percentage. Damon Bankston was on track for a potential 1,000-yard season before an injury sidelined him, so he’s someone to watch for a possible comeback.
Defensively, Brayden Wilson is a force to be reckoned with, racking up tackles for loss and sacks.
Washington Huskies
The Huskies program has seen some changes, most notably the coaching transition with Jedd Fisch taking the reins. Quarterback Will Rogers brings experience to the table, with impressive completion percentages in previous seasons, although there was a bit of a dip in 2023.
It’s worth noting that the Huskies had some defensive struggles last season. Their rankings in areas like Success Rate allowed, Havoc, and points per opportunity allowed weren’t exactly stellar, so that’s something to keep in mind as we assess their chances.
Coaching Impact and Offensive Strategies
New head coach Jedd Fisch is bringing an exciting offensive approach to the Washington Huskies. During his time at Arizona, Fisch turned the Wildcats into a top-10 passing team, boasting a high Success Rate in their passing offense. He’s also bringing running back Jonah Coleman with him, who averaged an impressive number of yards per carry.
Weber State, on the other hand, traditionally relies more on their run game. It will be interesting to see how that strategy plays out against the Huskies’ defense, which struggled at times last season to contain opposing teams’ rushing attacks.
Will Fisch’s passing offense take flight in Seattle? And can Weber State exploit Washington’s run defense? These are key questions as we look ahead to the game.
Key Matchups and Potential Game Flow
Washington’s offense has taken some hits with key players lost to the NFL and a few injuries to contend with. It will be interesting to see if they can still put up points at the same clip. If they struggle, the game could slow down considerably.
Weber State is an FCS school, so the big question is: can they hang with a Power Five team? They lost to Utah earlier this season, so we know they’re capable of scheduling these types of games.
A key stat to watch will be Success Rate, for both teams. A team that consistently gains positive yardage on early downs is a team that controls the clock and the game.
Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of explosiveness. A couple of long runs or passes can completely change the momentum of a game, especially for an underdog like Weber State.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Weber State’s rival?
Weber State’s biggest rival is undoubtedly Southern Utah University. The rivalry, known as the “Beehive Bowl,” is a highly anticipated event each year, fueling intense competition and passionate fan support on both sides.
How much did Washington pay Weber State?
For the 2023 football game, Washington paid Weber State a guarantee of $475,000. These guarantee games are common in college football, where larger programs pay smaller schools for a non-conference matchup, typically played at the larger school’s stadium.
Is Weber State ranked in football?
Weber State is a consistent presence in the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) rankings. While their ranking fluctuates throughout the season, they are regularly considered a top program in the Big Sky Conference and a contender for the FCS playoffs.
Is it Weber State or Weber State University?
Both “Weber State” and “Weber State University” are correct and commonly used. Officially, the institution is named Weber State University, but “Weber State” is often used informally, especially in sports contexts. So, feel free to use either one!
In Closing
Coaching changes and player departures on both sides will be key factors in the Weber State vs. Washington game. Each team’s strengths and weaknesses will also influence the outcome.
Given Washington’s offensive questions and Weber State’s run-heavy tendencies, this game has the potential to be a lower-scoring affair than some might expect.
This early-season matchup is important for both programs. For Weber State, it’s a chance to test themselves against a Pac-12 opponent. For Washington, it’s an opportunity to build momentum and work out the kinks before conference play begins.