Weber State football: On the road again fine for WSU

OGDEN — The Weber State Wildcats were far from devastated to learn that ESPNU had made a mistake during the FCS Selection Show on Sunday and that they weren't going to host a playoff game in the friendly confines of Elizabeth Dee Shaw Stewart Stadium.

The Wildcats, who play at Cal Poly on Saturday in their first FCS playoff game in 17 years, reacted with surprising indifference to ESPNU's gaffe. Some players were even relieved to be playing on the road instead of at home.

The network announced that Weber State would be at home against Cal Poly, but it was later learned that the contest will be played in San Luis Obispo instead.

"I don't think anyone really cared," receiver Tim Toone said. "We've played better away than we have at home this year anyway — especially the offense."

The Wildcats went 4-0 in conference road games. They won games against Montana State, Northern Arizona and Idaho State by an average of 27.7 points per game. The only close conference road contest Weber State had was a 32-27 win over Sacramento State on Sept. 20.

At home, Weber State picked up its biggest win of the season with a 45-28 victory over Big Sky co-champion Montana. But it also struggled or looked lethargic in wins over Northern Colorado and Portland State, and lost to Eastern Washington last Saturday.

Quarterback Cameron Higgins said it may be a blessing in disguise for the Wildcats to hit the road.

"I was kind of relieved actually," Higgins said. "I don't play good at home anyway. I like playing in different stadiums, and Cal Poly was fun last year when we went."

'CATS EARN HONORS: Higgins was named the Big Sky's offensive MVP, and 11 Wildcats were named to the all-conference first team, it was announced on Tuesday. Higgins ranks third in the nation in total passing, and fourth in both total offense and passing efficiency. He's completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 3,791 yards with 34 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Running back Trevyn Smith and Montana senior safety Colt Anderson were the only unanimous selections on the first team. Both players were first teamers for the third straight season.

The other Wildcats to earn first-team honors were fullback Marcus Mailei, Toone, tackle Paul Carpenter, guard Lawaia Naihe, center Kyle Mutcher, defensive tackle Bryce Scanlon, defensive end Kevin Linehan, linebacker J.D. Folsom, cornerback Josh Morris and safety Beau Hadley.