Weber State defense was MIA

OGDEN — As much fun as it is to look at the 73 points Weber State scored last week at Portland State, Wildcats coach Ron McBride still can't get over the 68 the Vikings scored on his own team.

"Yeah," he said. "I'm the defensive mastermind right here."

McBride had a long talk with his defensive players after Monday's practice. He said he emphasized personal pride and accountability with a unit that had been the top-rated defense in the conference prior to giving up 500 yards and nine touchdowns to the Vikings.

"We built the defensive side of the ball before we built the offensive side," McBride said of his efforts in turning the Wildcats in a respectable Big Sky program. "That's kind of what we hang our hat on. So that was very disappointing."

While the offense appears to be in fine shape heading into Saturday's game against Idaho State, McBride said he expects to see a better effort out of his defense.

"I'm just worried about winning," he said

GROUND WAR: WSU running back Trevyn Smith is firmly back on top of the Big Sky rushing charts after a 225-yard effort on Saturday.

Injured hamstrings and a torn muscle in his shoulder had left him at less than full speed for the first few weeks, but as the offense matured around him his body healed and now he's churned out four consecutive 100-plus yard rushing performances and has 925 yards so far this season.

On Saturday, Smith will face off with his top challenger for the conference rushing title, ISU senior Josh Barnett.

Barnett led the Big Sky most of last season, but Smith caught him on the final game of the season with a 200 plus-yard effort in Pocatello.

He said he expects Barnett (who has 804 yards this year) to try and return the favor this weekend.

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Wildcats on the air

Idaho State (3-5, 2-3) at Weber State (3-5, 3-3)

Stewart Stadium, 1:30 p.m.

TV: Altitude

Radio: 1430 AM

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E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com