Weber State football: 'Garbage' loss hurts playoff hopes

OGDEN — Along with his team's loss to Colorado State, Weber State coach Ron McBride is throwing Saturday's defeat against Montana State in a fitting place.

"This is the second game we're basically throwing in the garbage can," McBride said of his team's loss to the Bobcats. "We've basically thrown two games away."

The offense's failure to execute in the final seconds pretty much cost the Wildcats wins against the Rams and Bobcats. The loss to Colorado State hardly matters, but the offense's inability to score the game-winning touchdown on a fourth-and-1 play — after being in a first-and-goal at the 6 three plays earlier — may cost Weber State a shot at winning the Big Sky title and returning to the FCS playoffs.

Montana, Montana State and Eastern Washington all look strong and have yet to lose in conference play. The Wildcats have to run the table in conference play and get the right help in order to get back in the playoffs.

"We can't worry about it," running back Trevyn Smith said of his team's loss to Montana State. "We have to move on. We can lose a game and still take care of business."

The last time the Wildcats lost a conference game was at the end of last season to Eastern Washington — their opponent on Saturday. Weber State bounced back nicely after that loss, dominating Cal Poly 49-35 in the first round of the FCS playoffs last November.

"I think it's motivation," Smith said of the team's loss to Montana State. "We will get better and move forward."

HELP FOR DEFENSE: The Wildcats couldn't stop Montana State's running game. The Bobcats rushed for 210 yards and running back Aaron Mason averaged 6.3 yards per carry. It was a shocking performance, as Montana State hadn't scored a rushing touchdown all season before scoring four touchdowns on the ground against the Wildcats.

Fortunately for Weber State, help is on the way.

Sophomore Ryan Eastman, a solid run-stuffer who's been out of action since the Colorado State game, will be back in action against Eastern Washington. The timing couldn't be better, as the Eagles boast a solid running back in Taiwan Jones, who rushed for 168 yards on 14 carries against Idaho State last week. He had a 96-yard touchdown run in that game, which was the fourth longest in Big Sky history.

"Eastman will be a big boost for us," McBride said. "He's an all-league guy. He's a hustler. He's been a real good player for us."

The Wildcats will also have special teams standout Willie Harris back for the Eastern Washington game.