Weber State to face upstart Sacramento State

Ogden » Sacramento State is not the same team that started the season 0-3. Like Weber State, the Hornets have just one conference loss and are coming off back-to-back wins. The Hornets are the kind of team that is easy to overlook, but that is something the Wildcats can ill afford at this point in the season.

"We're really not better than anybody. We have to execute," Weber State coach Ron McBride said. "[Sacramento State] has given us fits in every game we have played them in my five years here. They always have strong, physical players on both sides."

The Hornets are coming off wins over Portland State and Idaho State, and running back Terrance Dailey, a transfer from the University of Washington, has played a big role in those victories. He's leading the team with 431 yards this season and averaging 5.6 yards per carry. His per-game average of 86.2 yards ranks him fourth in the Big Sky.

Heading into the season, Sacramento State expected to be deep at the running back position but injuries have depleted the corps. Instead of five running backs, the Hornets are down to two but Evander Wilkins, who missed the previous two games with a hamstring injury, is expected to be back against Weber State.

"They play with great intensity and hustle," McBride said. "I like the way Dailey runs. He's fast to the holes and makes people miss."

Sacramento State was balanced in its two wins. Defensively,

the Hornets have some standout players. Strong safety Zach Schrader is tied for second in the conference with 11 tackles per game. He had 13 tackles against Idaho State. Christian Clark is third in sacks and second in tackles for loss.

"Their secondary plays the ball as good as anyone we've played thus far," McBride said. "We will need to be alert when we put the ball in the air."

With the rebound win last week, Weber State has already started to correct some of the mistakes that have plagued the Wildcats this season. Against Eastern Washington last week, they converted all four times they were in the red zone. Weber State has gotten better at defending in the first quarter and the turnover rate has gone down.

"We just need to start fast," said receiver Mike Phillips. "We're back to our old selves but I feel we can definitely do more. If we can just get better at the little things, we'll be a dangerous team."

mthach@sltrib.com