OGDEN, Utah – The Northwestern State football team has seen flashes of what it can be, but is still 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 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.
Containing that attack 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, 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’ defense 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 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.”
Saturday’s game is the final non-conference test for Northwestern before the Demons return to Southland Conference play at home next Saturday night against Southeastern.
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.”