It is time to say it, folks … Weber State has clearly been a Top Four program in the FCS from 2017-19.
It seems like a no-brainer statement, right? You might even be able to say 2016-2019 and extend the pat-on-the-back to a four-season span. The Wildcats made the playoffs in 2016 after being down in rebuilding mode the two seasons prior under Jay Hill. In his first two seasons of growth, he went from 2-10 to 6-5. But growth is the key word.
The bottom line is, the Wildcats have found a recipe for success in FCS football. They've scared Pac 12 and West Coast "Group of Five" opponents … repeatedly. They haven't snagged one of those FBS wins just yet, but give it time.
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I mean, 32-9 the past three seasons — with four of those nine losses being to FBS teams, and two being in the FCS playoffs? Impressive. This wasn't a program that did this until recently.
It is time to speak the obvious, I'd say. Defense and run game and diehard special teams is the recipe, and Jay Hill gets it. Why wouldn't he? He coached under Urban Meyer first at Utah, then Uber-successful Kyle Whittingham. That's why he has turned a program with two previous double-digit win seasons (1987 and 2008) into one that has now won 10-plus three straight seasons and has been to the playoffs four straight seasons.
Ogden has become accustomed to it. And this is why Hill is repeatedly mentioned as a candidate to move on to the FBS and make double the money, either as a head coach or an assistant.
FCS PODCAST: Talking to Weber State University President Brad Mortensen
Being mentioned for other coaching positions is not a bad thing, by the way, Wildcats fans. When your coach is mentioned in this manner, it means your brand has transcended the norm. You've been noticed. Your administration has made good decisions, and the guy they have hired has also made good decisions.
Weber State has been the pre-eminent program of one of the "Power Three" FCS conferences now for honestly, four seasons. Eastern Washington, UC Davis and the Montana schools are nipping on the Big Sky heels, but WSU has been there every year. The others haven't. What does that say?
FCS COACHES CORNER: Weber State coach Jay Hill
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2019 All-American Teams
FCS All-American (all classes)
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