Southeast Missouri State at #2 Weber State
Someone would look at the yardage in the SEMO and Stony Brook game and wonder how the Seawolves didn’t run the Redhawks off the field. Upon closer inspection, Stony Brook threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles. Southeast Missouri State held onto the ball and went third quarter bonkers, scoring all four touchdowns. And SEMO won the game, 28-14, after trailing 14-0 at halftime. Quarterback Daniel Santacaterina found his inner zen, throwing for three touchdowns and running in another in that magical third quarter. The defense held their own after the intermission to advance.
The Wildcats are a well balanced offensive team, running for almost as many yards as they do passing. Quarterback Jake Constantine spreads the ball to many receivers, but none that stand out on the stat sheet. That’s a little different at running back, with Josh Davis, who’s accounted for 1,288 yards on the ground. Knowing these facts, you could surmise the play-action game is a large part of Weber State’s success. Defensively, this is the one Big Sky program that has prided itself on the opposing side of the ball. They are a top 20 unit that doesn’t allow 21 points per game. Despite the injury to the opposing quarterback, their performance against Eastern Washington, holding the Eagles down to just six points, might have been one of the most impressive efforts in the FCS all season.
This game will be played at a slight elevation. Ogden isn’t the most drastic place you could play out west, but it might play a minimal role for a midwestern team. SEMO will need Santacaterina to play as inspired as he was against Stony Brook. If he does, the Redhawks will have a chance. If the Wildcats are able to impose their will defensively and allow Constantine to work the offense, Weber State should cruise. Expect a close one.
Prediction: Weber State 26, Southeast Missouri State 23
