This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Ogden • When new coach Jay Hill pictures the direction of Weber State football, he sees North Dakota State.

Big. Strong. Physical. Confident.

It's a blueprint that has made the Bison practically unbeatable in recent years — one the Wildcats will examine first-hand Saturday night when North Dakota State visits Stewart Stadium.

The No. 1-ranked Bison come off a 34-14 victory at Iowa State in their opener. It was their 25th straight win overall and fifth in a row over a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent.

"Bottom line, they are good," Hill said. "We all know it. ... They are, hopefully, what we envision ourselves being in the future."

In its victory over Iowa State, North Dakota State piled up 506 yards of offense. They held the ball for 37 minutes.

"Physically, you have to match up with them," Hill said. "If you let them push you up and down the field, that's their game. ... If you can' stop the run, they'll run it 60 times."

Last season, North Dakota State went 15-0 and became the first undefeated national champion since Marshall in 1996.

The Bison lost long-time head coach Craig Bohl to Wyoming, however, and entered the Iowa State game with holes to fill on offense. Junior Carson Wentz replaced All-American Brock Jensen at quarterback and, up front, only one starter returned.

No problem.

In former defensive coordinator Chris Klieman's debut as head coach, Wentz completed 18 of 28 passes for 204 yards. As a team, the Bison rushed for 302 yards — their most in six years.

The result was a cruise-control victory over Iowa State, which joined Kansas, Minnesota, Colorado State and Kansas State as FBS teams which have lost to North Dakota State since 2010.

For Weber State, Hill's home opener as head coach provides another daunting task. The Wildcats opened last week at Arizona State, where they lost to the 19th-ranked Sun Devils, 45-14.

Asked about the difficult schedule, Hill said, "You do the best you can and don't worry about it. ... We're just excited about the opportunity to play North Dakota State at home. That's a big draw for our fans and it's a big game for our players." —

NDSU at Weber State

O At Stewart Stadium, Ogden

Kickoff • Saturday, 6 p.m.

TV • Altitude

Radio • 1430-AM.

Records • North Dakota State, 1-0; Weber State, 0-1

Series • North Dakota State, 4-0

Last meeting • North Dakota State, 41-0 (2005)