WSU Football team focused for 0-9 ISU

One team is coming down the home stretch for victory, while the other is still trying to get off the blocks. That's the story of this Saturday's matchup when the Weber State University Football Team travels to Pocatello, Idaho, to battle Idaho State University at 1:30 p.m. The 8-2 Wildcats are undefeated in Big Sky Conference play, while the 0-9 Bengals are still on the prowl for their first win, touting the nation's second-longest current losing streak at 13 consecutive games. "There's a lot at stake," said WSU quarterback Cameron Higgins. "They're hungry for their first win, and I think this is the week we need to focus the most." Focus may be the key for WSU heading into Saturday's game. Idaho State, as WSU's No. 1 rival, would love to play the spoiler to WSU's history-making season. With a win, the Wildcats will clinch at least a share of the conference title and a spot in the FCS playoffs. However, a late season loss to an unranked opponent would be a huge letdown for WSU considering it just jumped into the No. 9 spot in the FCS rankings. "It's hard to avoid the letdown," said WSU fullback Marcus Mailei. "I mean, 0-9 teams have nothing to lose, and those are the teams that are most dangerous."Idaho State is coming off of a 49-10 loss last week at No. 3 California Polytechnic State University. After facing the No. 9 Wildcats Saturday, they'll finish their schedule against No.5 University of Montana. Offensively, the Wildcats will look to improve against the Bengals from their performance last week in which they posted several consecutive three-and-outs in the second half against Portland State University, compared to most games in which WSU finishes strong. Running back Trevyn Smith will try to become WSU's all-time leading rusher this week, needing 121 yards on the ground to pass former Wildcat Nick Chournos' mark of 3,593 career yards. Smith may have an unexpected challenge, though. Bengal linebacker Ryan Phipps is averaging 8.9 tackles per game, good enough for third-best in the conference, along with 3.5 total sacks. "We've got to get at them early and take the wind out of their sails," Higgins said. "If we do that, I think we'll be just fine against these guys." Defensively, WSU faces the conference's lowest scoring offense in the Bengals, who average only 20.3 points per game. However, ISU ranks fourth in passing offense led by quarterback Russell Hill. Bengal receiver Eddie Thompson is averaging 68.8 receiving yards per game and will look to test the Wildcat secondary for the second consecutive week. "I like their wide receiver (Eddie) Thompson," said WSU Head Coach Ron McBride. "He's fast, has great hands and seems to always make a play when they need it." McBride is rolling into Saturday's game with not only a five-game winning streak, but with a new four-year contract extension signed early Tuesday morning. "It's good for the young guys," said WSU defensive end Kevin Linehan. "He's obviously got a good system going on here, and everyone who's here is in his recruiting class." Malei said he is also happy for McBride and that he definitely deserves it. "I think this year is a reflection of his class that he brought in," Mailei said. "It was a rough start a few years ago, but overall the program is rolling, just like he said it would." Saturday's game continues the ongoing rivalry between ISU and the Wildcats. Overall, WSU leads the all-time series 33-14, winning 21 of the last 23 meetings between the schools. A win would give the Wildcats their sixth-straight victory over the Bengals. "Ever since I've been here we've been kicking their butts," Mailei said. "So I definitely plan on giving the good old-fashioned Idaho State butt-kicking to them."