OGDEN — It didn't come under the most ideal circumstances, but Weber State running back Bo Bolen took full advantage of his first starting opportunity against Northern Colorado last Saturday.

Bolen was in the starting lineup because Trevyn Smith, the school's all-time leading rusher, was suspended for the first half against the Bears for violating team rules. The Wildcats didn't miss a beat with Bolen, who rushed for 207 yards on 37 carries and scored a touchdown in their 28-20 win over the Bears. He also caught three passes for 43 yards, and returned three kicks for 45 yards to finish with 295 all-purpose yards.

Smith could have returned in the second half, but WSU coach Ron McBride decided to stay with the hot feet of Bolen.

"He had been a spot player up until this point, and the guy stepped in and did an awesome job," McBride said of Bolen. "Everything was going OK and the kid was playing well, so we just thought we would save his (Smith's) body for the last three games."

It was a homecoming of sorts for Bolen to play at Northern Colorado. He is from Aurora, Colo., and he impressed his friends, family and teammates with his dynamic performance.

"He ran hard, put everything he had in front of his home crowd out there," said receiver Tim Toone. "Great player, always working. It will be nice to have him and Trevyn this week, have both of them running their guts out."

Bolen is the first Big Sky running back to rush for more than 200 yards in a game this season. He was one of a few young players who got extended playing time against Northern Colorado and fared quite well. Left tackle Tytan Timoteo and linebacker Willie Harris also had to step up because of injuries to starters.

LEWIS SHINES: It's not easy being a cornerback at Weber State when All-America candidate Josh Morris is locking down one side of the field. Because of Morris' presence, senior Thyrell Lewis sees a lot of passes thrown his way.

That's not necessarily a bad thing for Lewis, who made a clutch interception near the goal line late in the Wildcats' win over Northern Colorado. Lewis was named the Big Sky's defensive player of the week as he recorded not only the pick, but five tackles and two pass breakups.

"He made a hell of a play at the end, I'll tell you that much," McBride said. "Big-time play. That turnover was the only turnover they had all day long. It was a great play he made on the ball, and he was in the correct position to make the play."