In Jody Sears contract, it is stated that if Weber State does not get 4 wins in 2013, he can be relieved of his duties without a buyout. Perhaps he should have looked at the schedule before he agreed to this. Expectations are low for 2013 in Wildcat country, but the dismal 2012 had a lot of anomalies in the off season. There was the head coach leaving town before coaching in game 1 and the death of the wife of a popular assistant. For 2013, there was stability in the off-season. The team is still has some players that were recruited by successful coach Ron McBride. And one of the most explosive players from 3 seasons ago, running back Bo Bolen, has returned from an LDS mission to the Philippines. The 'Cats could surprise and show that the 2012 season was an abrogation and not the portent of things to come. Here is my prediction.
Schedule
August 31--Stephen F. Austin
Prediction: These Lumberjacks are also another team that has not been their usual self in recent seasons. SFA will probably be favored going into Ogden, and this will be a winnable game for the 'Cats. In fact, it is a must win game. The Wildcats should let it all hang out, leave everything and every cliche on the field and walk away with a narrow, hard-fought victory.
September 7--@ Utah
Prediction: The Utes are not what they used to be either. For much of the first half, WSU will keep the game close. But the Utes will pull away in the end. If will be a moral victory for Weber State if they can force Utah to keep their starters in the game until the 4th quarter.
September 14--@ Utah State
Prediction: Utah State is also not what they used to be, and that is not good news. A few years ago, a trip to Logan was a winnable game for WSU. That is not the case. This one will not even be close. Both teams will clear their benches in what is bound to a be a run away for the Aggies.
September 21--@McNeese State
The Cowboys are gunning for the post-season in 2013. They won easily in Ogden last year and will be surprised by how improved the Wildcats are. But the Cowboys should pull away late.
September 28--Sacramento State (Homecoming)
Even though the Hornets are considered one of the better teams in the Big Sky this season, this is the second winnable game on Weber's schedule. Remember when Tim Toone torched the 'Cats a few years ago? That won't happen, but this one will be close. As consistency was a problem for the Hornets last year, it could be again for Sacramento State in 2013. Weber could pull off a narrow victory here.
October 5--@ Eastern Washington
The Eagles are usually one of the better teams in the FCS and will be contending for the conference title in 2013. Last year, Weber State played them close, and again the year before that. It could be a close game if Weber has found their swagger, but should be an Eagle victory.
October 12--@ Cal Poly
Another road game against another quality opponent. But not another close game. Poly should win easily.
October 19--Montana State
There is always at least one surprise victor in every Big Sky season. If Weber pulls this one off, it will be a surprise that will measure on the Richter Scale. But the 'Cats from up north usually win in Ogden, for some reason. It will happen again.
November 2--@ Portland State
This will be the third winnable game on the 'Cats schedule. It could be high scoring and close as is normally the case when these two teams hook up. WSU won in Portland in Ron McBride's last game and spoiled PSU's chances at a post-season birth. Neither will contend for the post-season in 2013, but WSU could still pull out a narrow victory.
November 9--Southern Utah
The Thunderbirds will also be better than everyone believes they will in 2013. It will turn out to be a close, and bitter game and Utah's newest rivalry should take another turn for the weird and unusual. Because the road team in this series has won the last two games in close fashion, I will pick the Thunderbirds in this one.
November 16--@ Montana
Former Grizzly head coach Robin Pflugrad is now WSU's offensive coordinator. Both sides are well aware of that. Familiarity breeds contention. This one will be close and ugly and Montana will be unprepared for how well Weber is prepared. I expect a high-scoring Weber State upset.
November 23--Idaho State
Don't expect the Bengals to play like a doormat in the season finale. It may be close for the first half of the game. ISU will be beat up and demoralized after another long season and WSU will be flying high at a better-than-expected season. I expect WSU will win easily.
Final prediction: 5-7 No post-season and no contention for the conference title. Just proof that 2012 was the exception, not the rule.
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