Game preview: Wildcats to face Pac-12 opponent Golden Bears


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OGDEN — Weber State football made history on Saturday thrashing Montana Western 76-0. The Wildcats look to keep that momentum going in their next matchup against Pac-12 opponent, the University of California Golden Bears.

In the win, the Wildcats broke the school record for points in a game that has stood from 1965 at 74 points. Weber State also had its first shutout in 10 seasons and set the school record for largest margin of victory.

Weber States takeaways from Montana Western game

Weber State's run game was on show in the win against Montana Western. The Wildcats scored eight rushing touchdowns, with seven different players scoring. Weber State also scored seven red zone touchdowns in the win. Weber had a net 485 yards offense — 317 of which was on the ground.

The Wildcats' senior quarterback Stefan Cantwell threw for 163 yards and two touchdowns in the air and ran for a score. Cantwell connected with TyJuan Prince and Andrew Vollert four times, resulting in 136 of the 163 total passing yards. Both also scored touchdowns.

Weber State senior defensive back Jordan Preator had two interceptions, three tackles and one sack. Weber had two more interceptions from Breckin Gunter and Keilan Benjamin. The defense also held Montana Western to only seven first downs and 147 yards of offense.

Cal impressive in win against UNC

California is coming off a 35-30 victory on the road in Chapel Hill against UNC. California plays three nonconference games in a row to start the season in UNC, Weber and Ole Miss. The Golden Bears will be tested before conference play starts in the Pac-12.

The Golden Bears have a new head coach, Justin Wilcox, who was defensive coordinator at Wisconsin, USC, Washington, Tennessee and Boise State over the last 11 seasons. Wilcox followed seven of the last eight head coaches who won their first games as coach for the Golden Bears.

Ross Bowers also made his debut for the Golden Bears in the victory, throwing for 363 yards and four touchdown passes. Bowers also threw two interceptions and one fumble, which Cal recovered.

Junior receiver Vic Wharton III led the offense with five receptions and 156 yards receiving and scored a touchdown. Wharton’s big play came when he scored his 67-yard touchdown in which he broke multiple tackles and tip-toed the side line. “He is a very special player and a phenomenal receiver,” Bowers said of his receiver.

Cal’s defense is led by senior linebacker Devante Downs, who was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week. In the win, Downs recorded 13 tackles, one forced fumble and an interception.

Can the Wildcats upset the Golden Bears?

This will be the first-ever meeting between Weber State and California. Weber State has had trouble with Pac-12 opponents in years past, all ending in losses. Weber has played three prior games against Pac-12 teams — Utah (2013), Arizona State (2014) and Oregon State (2015).

The last time Weber State was able to celebrate a victory over a Power 5 conference team was in 1993 over Nevada 47-30.

Weber State comes into the matchup relying on the strength of its ground game to keep the momentum going from last week. The Golden Bears' defense let UNC rack up 219 yards on the ground, giving up 4.9 yards per rush, which bodes well for the run-heavy Wildcat offense.

“On defense they are an in-your-face team … they play really aggressive,” Wilcox said about the Wildcats.

Cal has a very evenly distributed offense, 38 pass plays and 35 run plays, which will test the Wildcat defense. Cal had more production from its receivers last game, so it should be looking to test the Wildcats' pass defense.

“It’s going to be a fun challenge this week in our passing game,” Bowers said about the ball-hawking Wildcat defense.

Weber State had four interceptions in the game against Montana Western, and Cal’s new quarterback threw two interceptions in his game.

“They are an opponent that creates challenges in different ways, offensively and defensively,” Wilcox said.

The ESPN football power index gave the Wildcats a 5.3 percent chance of winning the game. Coming off their stellar performance against Montana Western, don't be surprised if the Wildcats give the Golden Bears a challenge.

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