Weber State vs. Brigham Young: Complete Game Preview

A week after a lopsided win over Washington State, BYU will stay in Provo to host Weber State Saturday.

Luckily, this game should be much easier than the Wazzu one.

The Wildcats, an FCS school from Ogden, are coming off of a loss at the hands of Fresno State. Although they will be hungry for their first win since November, I can't see it against BYU.

The Cougars boast a 2-0 all-time record against WSU, and Weber holds a 3-47 record against FBS schools. Although it will probably be a boring game, here's everything you need to know.

Game-Day Information

Who: Weber State at BYU

When: Saturday, 1 PM (MDT)

Where: Provo, UT

Stadium: LaVell Edwards Stadium (63,470)

TV: BYUtv

Radio: KSL Radio 1160 AM, 102.7 FM and ksl.com

Depth Chart for BYU

Offense

QB—Riley Nelson

Backup: James Lark

RB—Michael Alisa

Backup: David Foote

Third-string: Iona Pritchard

Slot Receiver: JD Falsev

Backup: David Foote

Wide Receiver: Cody Hoffman

Backup: Skyler Ridley

Wide Receiver: Ross Apo

Backup WR: Dallin Cutler

TE: Kaneakua Friel

Backup tight end: Austin Holt

Left Tackle: Ryker Mathews

Backup: Michael Yeck

Left Guard: Houston Reynolds

Backup: Famika Anae

Center: Blair Tushaus

Backup: Houston Reynolds

Right Guard: Braden Hansen

Backup: Brock Stringham

Right Tackle: Braden Brown, Sr.

Backup: Manaaki Vaitai

Special Teams

Kicker/ Punter: Riley Stephenson

Long Snapper: Reed Hornung

Holder: JD Falslev

Defense

Left End: Eathyn Manumaleuna

Backup: Mike Muehlmann

Nose Tackle: Romney Fuga

Backup: Simote Vea

Right End: Russell Tialavea

Backup: Ezekiel Ansah

Strong-Side LB: Spencer Hadley

Backup: Alani Fua

Mike Linebacker: Uona Kaveinga

Backup:  Zac Stout

Buck Linebacker: Brandon Ogletree

Backup: Manoa Pikula

Weak-Side Linebacker: Kyle Van Noy

Backup: Jherremya Leuta-Douyere

Field Corner: Jordan Johnson,

Backups: Micah Hannemann and Robbie Buckner

Boundary Corner: Preston Hadley

Backup: Skye PoVey

KAT Safety: Daniel Sorensen

Backup: Craig Bills

Free Safety: Joe Sampson

Backup: Mike Hague

Special Teams

Punt Returner: JD Falslev

Kick Returners: Cody Hoffman and JD Falslev

Recap of the Wildcats' Last Game

Weber State is coming off a disappointing loss at the hands of Fresno State, the final score being 37-10. Wildcat quarterback Chris Hoke completed 25 of his 32 passes for over 200 yards, but the offense's rushing attack was weak, only gaining 67 yards. They only compiled 276 total offensive yards, while the Bulldogs racked up 515.

The Wildcats punted the ball eight times, but only had one turnover. Their only scores came off a 40-yard field goal and a 36-yard touchdown pass.

Saturday's matchup was the first college game for interim head coach Jody Sears.

Recap of the Cougars' Last Game

BYU struggled early in the first quarter of its blowout win against Washington State on Thursday, but after Uona Kaveinga intercepted a tipped Jeff Tuel pass, everything seemed to click.

Cougars quarterback Riley Nelson completed 25-of-36 passes for 285 yards with zero interceptions. His mobility and leadership gained remarks of looking "Tebow-esque", and turned heads all over the country. Running back David Foote, tight end Kaneakua Friel and receiver Skyler Ridley were a few other players that emerged to help carry the offense.

The defense looked stellar, while linebackers Kyle Van Noy, Uona Kaveinga and cornerback Jordan Johnson made significant plays.

What This Game Means to Both Teams

For Weber State, this is a great opportunity to get in the national spotlight and beat a good team. Although the Wildcats' chances are slim, if they can pull off the upset, all eyes will be on them.

As far as BYU goes, the Cougars could care less. Sure, Bronco Mendenhall has said that they won't overlook the Wildcats, this should be an easy W. This could be a good chance to give quarterback Taysom Hill and the young guys experience, though.

Key Player for BYU: Kaneakua Friel

You probably expected Riley Nelson to fill this slide, but Kaneakua Friel was easily the biggest surprise last Thursday. He led all players—on both teams—in receptions, yards and touchdowns. He had six receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns, respectively.

Kaneakua Friel has the size and athletic ability to be a great Cougars tight end, something that BYU hasn't seen in a while. His first touchdown pass is a perfect example of this, when a WSU defensive player was the only thing in between him and the end zone. Instead of trying to juke the player out, he laid a massive hit and ran himself past the goal line.

The Weber State game this weekend could be a great time for Friel to shine.

Key Player for Weber State: Mike Hoke

Mike Hoke finished his junior season with 25 personal touchdowns, 19 passing and six on his feet. He returns this year as the starting quarterback for the Wildcats, and is definitely the heart of Weber State's offense.

Although Hoke only threw one touchdown last week against Fresno State, his passes added up to be for 202 yards. Despite the losing effort, Chris Hoke will come out Saturday willing to do anything to help his team win.

The Bobcats Will Pull off the Upset If...

They get a miracle.

The Cougs Will Win If...

They play decently well.

Prediction

This should be an easy win for the Cougs. I will be surprised if it is close.

My Prediction: BYU wins, 66-10