Weber State would have rather had its bye week right before going to Missoula and taking on Montana at the end of October.

It would have been nice to have some time to nurse some nagging injuries and recuperate before playing the Big Sky's top team.

Instead, the Wildcats used their bye week to prepare for a sturdy Northern Arizona team, which Weber State will face today at Stewart Stadium.

And with an outside chance to make the postseason, the Wildcats needed it.

Weber State, along with Eastern Washington, Montana State and Northern Arizona, are all fighting to keep their shot at a postseason berth alive.

"Obviously, they have a lot of the same reasons to win as we do," Weber State coach Ron McBride said. "So I would expect them to come in and play their best game of the season and we will need to match it."

It won't be an easy game for either team. The teams match up well, as Weber State and NAU are the two top passing teams in the Big Sky. The Lumberjacks are the passing offensive leaders, averaging 306 yards. Quarterback Michael Herrick, a transfer from Ole Miss, has completed 217 of 317 passes for 2,716 yards and 18 touchdowns this season.

But NAU has balance. Running back Alex Henderson is a threat, as he's had 192 carries for 872 yards and 11 touchdowns.

"We're able to run the football and throw it," said NAU coach Jerome Souers. "When you look at Weber State's offense, we're trying to accomplish the same goal -- take what the team is giving you and be consistent."

Not only would a win today keep Weber State's hopes for a playoff berth alive, but it will also guarantee back-to-back winning seasons for the program.

Because the teams are so similar offensively, there will be an emphasis on turnover margin. NAU is ranked second in the conference in that area, as it has recovered eight fumbles and intercepted nine passes while losing just five fumbles and having six interceptions (17-11). Weber State has forced 16 turnovers, but has given up 20.

"There's a lot of implication in this game. There are playoff implications and where we finish in the league," McBride said. "Neither team has a game to waste. [It] should be an interesting afternoon."

mthach@sltrib.com