Weber State isn’t a member of the Southland Conference, it just seems that way lately.

The Wildcats are at the end of three straight games against SLC teams this weekend when they host McNeese State. It will be the rubber match of the series.

Weber blew a chance to beat Lamar two weeks ago and destroyed Northwestern State last Saturday night. Both of those games were on the road.

“We have been able to see what they are like by them playing two of our league’s opponents,” said McNeese head coach Gary Goff. “They are a solid football team. They are big and well coached.”

Weber State is a traditionally strong FCS program out of the Big Sky. The Wildcats have nine straight winning seasons entering this year and are currently 2-2 and ranked No. 25 in this week’s STATS Perform poll.

They have been a fixture over the years in the FCS playoff picture but were only picked for sixth in the league’s preseason poll.

“They are like a playoff team,” said Goff. “This is the type of a team you expect to see in the playoffs.”

The Wildcats’ 39-0 pounding of Northwestern State was led by a dominant defense that allowed just 63 total yards until the closing minutes. Defensive end Kamair Munier-Bailey finished with eight total tackles, including seven solo. He had six tackles for loss with three sacks. The losses accounted for 25 yards and the three sacks accounted for 22 yards.

The six tackles for loss is the second most in a game of any player in the country so far this season. He leads all of FCS with 10 tackles for loss.

“He had a tremendous game coming off the edge, bending the edge, applying pressure on the quarterback and making it difficult for them to drop back and throw,” WSU head coach Mickey Mental said.

Munier-Bailey, a transfer from Fresno State, has five total sacks.

“He is a really good pass rusher,” said Goff. “He can disrupt your offense. We have to keep him in check.”

Wildcat sophomore quarterback Richie Munoz led the Wildcat offense last week. He finished 19 of 31 for 327 yards and three touchdowns against the Demons. 

His favorite target was Jacob Sharp, who had eight catches for 112 yards and a score.

“They like to throw the football around,” said Goff. “They will be a great test for our defense.”

It will also be a good test for the Cowboys as they get back to the Southland Conference after this week.