Weber State at Chattanooga, Saturday, 2:00
This is a tough matchup for Weber State, who is making their first playoff appearance since 2009. The Wildcats are playing very well right now coming off wins over Cal Poly and Idaho State. Quarterback Jadrian Clark can sling the ball all over the field and he has plenty of talented wide receivers to work with too, most notably Andrew Vollert and Darryl Denby. However, Weber State is often a one-dimensional team on offense and if the passing game is struggling, so is the entire offense.
However, by the numbers, Chattanooga has the best pass defense in the FCS. A big reason for that success is due to a superb pass rush led by Keionta Davis. He ended the regular season with 8.5 sacks and will get plenty of pass rushing help from Dale Warren, Vantrel McMillan and Isaiah Mack. Chattanooga as a team ranked 22nd in the country with 2.60 sacks per game and that number will likely rise against the Wildcats. If the Mocs can keep up their defensive pressure, they will be in good shape to advance to play Sam Houston State in the second round.
All of the pressure, literally and figuratively, will be on the Weber State quarterback. The Wildcats have had success when the ball is in the air, but it is not going to be easy for Clark to throw effectively and efficiently against the Mocs defense. Weber State will need to establish a ground game with Treshawn Garrett and Haini Moimoi in order to open up room for the passing attack. That is not something Weber State has had success with this year and that should lead to a victory for Chattanooga.
Projected Score: Chattanooga 28, Weber State 14
