USU Football preview: Weber State
LOGAN — The Weber State Wildcats (1-0) visit Maverik Stadium for Utah State’s (1-1) third game of the season. The matchup is one of two in-state games for the Aggies in 2022.
After a 6-5 season in 2021, Weber State returns sophomore quarterback, Bronson Barron. Barron had a spectacular 2021 season, throwing for 1,515 yards and eight touchdowns on 129 completions. He was also accurate with 60% of his passes completed with only five interceptions.
In addition to returning Barron, the Wildcats also bring back its two running backs, Dontae McMillan and Josh Davis. Davis, who will be a senior, has seen his numbers decrease every year due to injuries and overall production. After a 1,300-yard freshman season and an 11 touchdown, 1,130 rushing season the following year, he has yet to surpass 400 yards the last two seasons. In those last two seasons, McMillian has 850 rushing yards on only 149 attempts, which is good for 5.7 yards a carry. With nine career rushing touchdowns, McMillian will be one of the main focal points of the young Wildcat offense whose passing game took a step back due to the departure of leading wideout Rashid Shaheed. He signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent after last season.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Wildcats have some work to do. They lost two of their best players, Conner Mortensen to the NFL and George Tarlas who transferred to Boise State, leaving a gaping hole on the defensive line.
Cornerback Eddie Heckhard is expected to take a large leap this coming season as he leads a strong Wildcat secondary after the departure of senior safety Preston Smith. Heckard forced three fumbles, seven pass breakups, and had one interception last year for Weber State.
In week one, Weber State dominated Western Oregon 41-5. Barron was 16-28 for 152 yards and Josh Davis rushed for 53 yards on 11 carries and had a touchdown. The Wildcats forced three interceptions. Cornerback Maxwell Anderson was responsible for two of them with the other coming from linebacker Garrett Beck. Weber State only gave up three rushing yards in the win but was penalized 10 times for 115 yards.
This game will also be a return for former Aggie head coach Gary Andersen. He went 33-33 as the Aggies coach, winning the WAC in 2012 and finishing No. 16 in the AP Poll.
The Wildcats hired Andersen in 2021 to serve as an adviser to Jay Hill and the Wildcat defense.
This game will be broadcast live on Aggie Radio 92.3 and streamed online at https://utahstateaggies.com/watch/.
The Aggies and Wildcats kick off at 5 p.m.
Featured image from the UConn game by Bailey Rigby.