Wildcats aim to prove they're title contenders

There's more on the line today for Weber State in its much-anticipated showdown with Big Sky powerhouse Montana than simply trying to win a conference game.

Today's game against the Grizzlies at Elizabeth Dee Shaw Stewart Stadium is a golden opportunity for the Wildcats to escape the mediocrity that's plagued the program the past two decades.

A win would mean the Wildcats are legitimate Big Sky championship contenders, just as they've said they are since spring ball. It would put Weber State in position to return to the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs for the first time since 1991.

It would elevate the program to new heights.

"It would mean a turnaround," said running back Trevyn Smith. "It would mean we've turned this program around, and that's what we've been trying to do for three years now. It's about time. We're due."

Today's game, which kicks off at 1 p.m., isn't a typical conference game for the Wildcats, and they aren't facing a normal opponent.

The Grizzlies are the class and measuring stick in the Big Sky. They have won a conference record 25 consecutive regular-season games, and earned at least a share of the Big Sky championship in 10 straight seasons. They have had 22 straight winning seasons and qualified for the FCS playoffs 15 consecutive years.

Montana is currently ranked No. 2 in The FCS Coaches Association poll and No. 3 in The Sports Network writers/SIDs poll.

Weber State coach Ron McBride compares Montana's Big Sky dominance to what BYU was during his days in the WAC, and what USC was when he coached in the Pac-10.

"They walk into your stadium with a different aura," McBride said. "They feel good about themselves. They're cocky, and confident. They'll come in with a swagger like they own the place, and that's the way BYU used to be — 'OK, we'll kick your (butt) and see you later."'

McBride helped change the dynamics with BYU in the WAC and later in the Mountain West Conference, so he knows what it takes to take down a powerhouse like Montana.

"When you start kicking them around, the whole thing changes," he said. "The only way to set the record straight is you got to succeed. It's not just Weber, but everyone in the conference has problems with those guys."

The Grizzlies are 4-0 this season, but have been far from overwhelming. Montana is a young team, returning just 10 starters from last year. Three of the Grizzlies' wins have come by a total of 10 points, so this isn't a dominant Montana team that's playing in Ogden today.