Wildcats not going to surprise opponents

PARK CITY— Ron McBride, wearing a purple polo shirt and a sly smile, was a comfortable man as he greeted reporters during his second visit to the Big Sky preseason media days.

His Weber State team had virtually no expectations of greatness last year, yet turned in a 6-5 record and flirted with the Big Sky title until the last two weeks of the season.

This year, McBride's second in Ogden, the Wildcats won't surprise anyone.

"My goals are very high," McBride said. "I expect a lot out of them. Just being in the system for a year put you ahead."

The Wildcats were predicted to finish third by the media covering the conference and sixth by the coaches. The discrepancy doesn't matter too much to McBride, however.

In typical coachspeak, McBride tells you he's much more interested in where the team sits at the end of the season than at the beginning.

"We were kind of knocking on the door last year," he said. "This year, we want to go through that door and establish ourselves as a contender."

To do that, the Wildcats will need to find that little extra effort that was lacking in key games a year ago. Two losses by combined eight points against Montana and Montana State still sting McBride as he reflects on his first year at Weber State.

Had the Wildcats not given up a late lead in either of those games, WSU might have been bound for the I-AA playoffs.

"I didn't feel we were outmatched in any games," McBride said. "Maybe in maturity we were. But there weren't any teams I didn't feel we couldn't beat."

The Wildcats return several key starters from last year's squad. Ian Pizarro is back at quarterback and Weber State has a loaded backfield with returning starters, stud recruits and impact transfers.

If McBride can successfully replace the twin offensive linemen, Pat and Paul McQuistan, who were drafted into the NFL, the offense will be among the best in the Big Sky.

Toughening up the defense, in addition to adding some key players, has also been a priority.

"A year ago, we were not physical enough on defense," McBride said. "It showed up in games against physical teams. We can't afford to have that happen anymore."

McBride said the Wildcats are expecting a couple Division I transfers to show up in time for the first practice on August 8. If all goes as planned, they will add depth on defense and quite possibly step right into starting roles.

Should the defense mature, McBride said his 'Cats could very well take down league favorite Montana when the teams meet on Oct. 21.

"The biggest difference for us is familiarity," the former Utah coach said. "The players know what's expected of them, and we know what to expect from them."

---

E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com