OGDEN -- It had been 17 long seasons without a trip to the Division I FCS playoffs for the Weber State Wildcats when they ended the drought last season.
Now, just a year later, the Wildcats are back in the postseason.
With back-to-back playoff trips, WSU fans may feel a little spoiled and could start expecting a similar playoff run every year
"That's what you want," WSU coach Ron McBride said on Monday as he met with Wildcat Club fans. "You want the fans to have high expectations of your team. You want to build a program where people expect you to win."
McBride said the second trip to the postseason in as many years -- and just fourth in the history of the team -- shows a lot about not only the players but the coaches, since he had to replace critical members of last season's coaching staff.
There were some growing pains throughout the season, but the Wildcats earned one of the at-large spots for the playoffs. WSU's inclusion in the tournament raised some eyebrows throughout the FCS world, especially since the Wildcats are considered to be the third team from the Big Sky Conference.
"I'm happy to see that Weber State's made a name for itself and that's what helped us get into it, because of last year and how hard we worked this year," said WSU wide receiver Tim Toone. "They respect us."
The Wildcats (7-4), who moved up to No. 15 in The Sports Network's final regular-season top-25 poll on Sunday, have drawn a tough opponent in No. 6-ranked William & Mary. The Tribe (9-2) has lost only to No. 2 Villanova and No. 4 Richmond this season, and boasts the top rushing defense in the country.
McBride and his staff spent Sunday night and Monday morning studying game film of the Tribe this season so they can be ready when the team returns to the practice field today following Monday's academic day.
Even though they're considered the underdogs, the Wildcats believe they can go to Williamsburg, Va., and leave with a victory.
"I'm not overlooking them, but I'm confident in our ability and how we're going to play them," said WSU cornerback Josh Morris.
WSU announced on Monday that anyone interested in traveling with the football team to Virginia or needing ticket information for Saturday's game should call Wildcat Club director Becky Thompson at (801) 626-6576.
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