SALT LAKE CITY – The Weber State Wildcats survived a late comeback attempt in the fourth quarter to take down the North Dakota Fighting Hawks in the first round of the FCS Playoffs.

The Wildcats hosted the Fighting Hawks at Elizabeth Dee Shaw Stewart Stadium on Saturday, November 26.

Weber State defeated North Dakota, 38-31.

Survive and advance!

WILDCATS WIN! #WeAreWeber pic.twitter.com/m5wYVAdoR6

— Weber State Football 🏈 (@weberstatefb) November 27, 2022

The Wildcats captured the first round victory after holding off a fourth quarter comeback attempt by the Fighting Hawks. Weber State entered the final 15 minutes of game time with a 21-point lead. However, the Fighting Hawks weren’t done battling. North Dakota held Weber State scoreless over the final 21 minutes of action while scoring a pair of touchdowns in the fourth quarter to make it a game late.

After North Dakota cut Weber State’s lead to a single score with three minutes left to play, the Wildcats were forced to punt on the next drive. However, the clock was Weber State’s friend as the seconds ticked down in the final minute and the Wildcats were able to hold on for the postseason win.

Weber State controlled the contest from the opening kickoff and went up 24-0 in the second quarter. The Wildcats took a 31-14 lead into the halftime break but were outscored 17-7 over the final 30 minutes.

In the end, Weber State’s early lead was enough to pull out the win. The Wildcats had 440 yards of total offense compared to North Dakota’s 388.

330 of Weber State’s total yards came on the ground. Josh Davis led Weber State with 21 carries for 129 yards and two touchdowns. Damon Bankston added 15 rushes for 122 yards and a touchdown. Dontae McMillan added 12 carries for 64 yards and a touchdown.

Josh Davis 🚂

The @weberstatefb RB is over 100 yards rushing and has 2 TDs on the day! #ExperienceElevated pic.twitter.com/jdEDQkoeas

— Big Sky Conference (@BigSkyConf) November 26, 2022

Wildcats quarterback Bronson Barron finished the afternoon 5/11 passing for 110 yards and a touchdown.

With the win, the Wildcats improved their record to 10-2 this season.

Weber State’s next game will be in the second round against the No. 4 seed Montana State Bobcats (10-1). The Bobcats earned a first round bye in the FCS Playoffs. Montana State will host Weber State at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, Montana on December 3 at 1 p.m. (MDT).

WILDCATS MOVE ON‼️@weberstatefb advances to the second round and will face Montana State in Bozeman next week#ExperienceElevated pic.twitter.com/LGpPp6W01U

— Big Sky Conference (@BigSkyConf) November 27, 2022

The Wildcats suffered a 43-38 loss at Montana State on October 22. It was Weber State’s first loss of the season.

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