There's a term for the type of contest Weber State will participate in at Northern Colorado today.

It's called a trap game.

The Wildcats, coming off dominating performances against Eastern Washington and Sacramento State, could have a tough time focusing on the Bears with their showdown at Montana looming next Saturday. Northern Colorado enters the game with a 1-4 conference record and 2-5 mark overall, but is a team that usually gives Weber State fits.

Weber State simply wants to avoid the trap in today's game that kicks off at 1:30 p.m. and will be televised by the Altitude network.

"All of us understand exactly what's at stake," said coach Ron McBride. "I addressed the situation with them (the players) after the game (against Sacramento State). All I told them was watch the film of Northern Colorado and you'll know what you're facing."

The Bears certainly seem to be more dangerous than their record indicates. Northern Colorado leads the Big Sky in total defense and allows fewer than 200 passing yards per game. The Bears snapped a 19-game road losing streak with a win over Idaho State last week.

Weber State still remembers last season's ugly 17-10 win over the Bears, and knows that Northern Colorado is a scrappy team. That will help keep the Wildcats focused on the Bears, as well as the fact they need to win out to win the conference championship and advance to the FCS playoffs for the second straight year.

"It's a big game for us because we're still on that edge of being able to be Big Sky champs and make it to the playoffs or not," said receiver Tim Toone. "Montana is next week so we got to try and focus on this week and forget about next week. Northern Colorado has a great defense with some strong corners. We're going to have to work hard — just as hard as we have been for these last two games — to come out and have a win against them."

The Wildcats have been a different team in their last two games since losing to Montana State. Weber State scored one touchdown in seven red-zone appearances against the Bobcats, but has gone 8-for-8 in scoring opportunities inside the 20 the last two weeks, with five touchdowns and three field goals. The Wildcats have also won six straight Big Sky regular season road games dating back to last season, so it's reasonable to think they will be able to avoid a trap-game loss against the Bears today.

"We feel like we're in the playoffs already," said safety Beau Hadley. "If we lose this game, then the Montana game doesn't matter. We're just looking at it like this is who we got this week, and if we don't take care of business now, then the next week doesn't matter. We're just going to focus on that and hopefully that will help us not overlook them because if we do they'll definitely have a chance to beat us."

Wildcats on the air

Weber State (4-3, 4-1 Big Sky) at Northern Colorado (2-5, 1-4)

Today, 1:30 p.m.

Nottingham Field, Greeley, Colo.

TV: Altitude Radio: 1430 AM

e-mail: aaragon@desnews.com