By Brad Welborn, Northwestern State Assistant Sports Information Director; featured photo by Chris Reich, NSU Photographic Services
OGDEN, Utah – Northwestern State has seen flashes of what it can be. Now it is looking for consistency.
The Demons (0-3) close their non-conference schedule Saturday night with the program’s first trip to the state of Utah to take on Weber State (1-2). Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CDT at Stewart Stadium with the game available on ESPN+ and locally in Natchitoches on 100.7 FM KZBL.
The Demons enter the matchup looking to build on the flashes they’ve shown through the first three games while finding a way to sustain those moments for longer stretches.
NSU created several potential turning-point plays in last Saturday’s Southland Conference opener at East Texas A&M. The Demons scored on explosive touchdowns through the air and on defense, produced three interceptions in the second half, although two were erased by penalties, and put together a pair of 10-play drives.
Neither of those lengthy possessions ended in points, however, while East Texas A&M turned one of the overturned interceptions into a touchdown.
“There are things that we have to do better longer,” Northwestern State head coach Blaine McCorkle said. “We’ve seen flashes of things going really well but you have to be able to stack plays together in all three phases. We didn’t do a great job of that in Commerce and something we have to address. Find ways to create and build some momentum and stay in those games longer.”
Weber State presents a significant challenge for the Demons, particularly through the air. The Wildcats average 253.3 passing yards per game, ranking 30th nationally and eighth in the Big Sky Conference. Overall, Weber State averages 400.7 yards per game, 32nd among FCS teams, and scores 31.0 points per game.
A major reason for that production is freshman quarterback Nate Dahle, who has quickly established himself as one of the Wildcats’ biggest offensive weapons.
“Their quarterback is an elite passer,” McCorkle said. “He makes some big-time throws. He looks like the kind of guy you can build a program around, he’s that dynamic.”
Dahle has a dangerous target in Noah Kjar, the son of Weber State head coach Eric Kjar. He ranks fifth nationally in all-purpose yards per game at 157.0. His six touchdown receptions through the first three games are the most by any player in the FCS or FBS, while his 385 receiving yards rank second nationally, just one yard behind the national leader.
“Coach (Eric) Kjar’s son is a great wide receiver,” McCorkle said. “Typical coach’s kid he knows where to be, when to be, how to be. How to find voids in the zone. Those two guys are incredibly talented.”
Containing that combination will require the Demons to be precise with their preparation.
“Preparation is key,” safety Joe Natali said. “We have to really tune in during film and practice, be on 10 and key in on what we’re supposed to do, be where we’re supposed to be and work on our technique. Preparation is the best way to handle that.”
With a dynamic passing game, the Wildcats have been particularly effective in extending drives, converting 47.8 percent of its third-down opportunities to rank 18th nationally.
The Wildcats’ offense has been productive despite a defense that has surrendered more than 480 yards per game through the first three weeks. Weber State has allowed more than 250 passing yards and 150 rushing yards per game.
That gives Northwestern State an opportunity if the Demons can sustain drives and avoid the mistakes that have stalled promising possessions.
“For us to have success offensively it’s really about us,” offensive lineman Tyrone McDuffie III said. “Can we have less penalties, less mistakes than the other team. If we can do that, those little things, it’s going to be exciting to watch.”
For the Demons, the trip itself will be a change of pace. While it is the third straight road trip of the season, the three-hour flight will be a different experience for some as will the mountains surrounding Ogden.
But once the team arrives, McCorkle said the focus remains squarely on the task at hand.
“It’s a bit of a different trip this week,” McCorkle said. “Getting on a plane, which we don’t need to do very often, and it’ll be cool to see the mountains and see the guys experience all that together. But at the end of the day it’s a business trip and we’re playing a really good football team. They’re really talented, really disciplined, well coached, good-looking football team.”
Saturday’s game is the final non-conference test for Northwestern State before the Demons return to Southland Conference play.
While the results of the opening weeks have not been what the Demons wanted, McCorkle said the team’s approach has remained positive as it continues to develop.
“We talk all the time about constant, continual improvement. That’s real. We just have to keep getting better,” McCorkle said. “Our guys have a good attitude, a good mindset, they’re working hard. We made some mistakes against East Texas and weren’t very consistent, but the effort was incredible.
“If they’ll keep doing that, keep coming with that kind of effort, and we keep teaching good football I think we’ll get better. One day at a time just keep getting better and if we can do that things will start coming together.”