What Is 2012 Weber State Wildcats football

Overview

The 2012 Weber State Wildcats football team represented Weber State University during the 2012 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Big Sky Conference, the team was led by head coach Ron McBride in his fifth year at the helm.

Playing their home games at Stewart Stadium in Ogden, Utah, the Wildcats showed significant improvement from previous seasons. Despite a strong finish, they narrowly missed qualifying for the FCS playoffs, ending the year with a winning record.

• Record: The team finished the season with a 7–4 overall record, their best since 2008, showing marked progress under Ron McBride’s leadership.
• Conference performance: In Big Sky Conference play, Weber State went 5–3, placing them in the middle of the conference standings.
• Home games: All home games were held at Stewart Stadium, a 17,500-seat venue that underwent renovations in 2014 but was still functional in 2012.
• Key player: Quarterback Matt Cercone started 10 games, throwing for 1,856 yards and 12 touchdowns, leading the offensive charge.
• Season end: Despite a winning record, the Wildcats did not receive an at-large bid to the FCS playoffs, which featured 20 teams that year.

Season Performance

The 2012 season featured a mix of close wins and tough losses, highlighting the team’s resilience and growing competitiveness in the Big Sky. Several games were decided by one possession, underscoring the team’s ability to perform under pressure.

• September 1 game: Weber State opened the season with a 31–24 win over NCAA Division II opponent Western New Mexico, setting a positive tone.
• Non-conference play: The Wildcats went 2–1 against non-conference opponents, defeating Western New Mexico and Southern Utah.
• Defensive improvement: The defense allowed 27.3 points per game, a significant improvement from 34.1 the previous year.
• Running game: Running back Jalen Saunders contributed 581 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns, adding balance to the offense.
• Passing attack: The team averaged 219.2 passing yards per game, led by quarterback Matt Cercone’s consistent performance.
• Special teams: Kicker Trey Farquhar made 10 of 15 field goals, with a long of 46 yards, providing reliable scoring when needed.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2012 Weber State Wildcats with their 2011 and 2013 seasons to illustrate trends in performance and development.

The table shows a clear upward trajectory for Weber State football from 2009 to 2012, with the 2012 season marking a turning point in competitiveness. The team nearly doubled its win total from 2011 and maintained that level of performance into 2013, indicating sustainable progress.

Why It Matters

The 2012 season was a pivotal moment in Weber State’s football resurgence under Ron McBride, laying the foundation for future success. It demonstrated that the program could compete consistently in the Big Sky Conference and build a winning culture.

• Program momentum: The 7–4 record in 2012 was the team’s best since 2008, signaling a turnaround after years of sub-.500 records.
• Recruiting boost: Improved performance helped attract higher-caliber recruits, including future FCS All-Americans.
• Fan engagement: Attendance increased during the 2012 season, reflecting growing enthusiasm for the Wildcats’ on-field progress.
• Coaching stability: Ron McBride’s continued leadership provided consistency, crucial for long-term development.
• Conference competitiveness: Weber State’s 5–3 conference record proved they could challenge top Big Sky teams like Eastern Washington and Montana.
• Foundation for 2013: The success carried into 2013, when the team again went 7–4 and nearly qualified for the FCS playoffs.

The 2012 Weber State Wildcats season may not have ended in the playoffs, but it marked a crucial step forward for the program, setting the stage for greater achievements in the years to come.