OGDEN –
Jehiel Budgett made two clutch pass breakups late in the fourth quarter as the Aggies held on to down No. 22 Weber State, 17-16, Saturday evening at Stewart Stadium.
The win moves the Aggies to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in Big Sky play and the Wildcats drop to 3-4 on the season and 1-3 in conference action.
The Wildcats were marching down the field to potentially get into field goal range to kick a game-winner down one with 1:36 left, but Budgett closed in and made a huge game-saving play. He also paced the team with eight tackles.
Chubba Maae chipped in on the defensive effort with a sack and a fumble recovery.
Trent Tompkins finished with a career-high 116 yards on the ground on 24 carries and added three receptions for 15 yards.
Samuel Gbatu, Jr. also had a career night as he hauled in eight passes for 83 yards and a score.
Miles Hastings was 22-of-34 for 184 yards and two scores.
After trailing by a field goal, the Aggies marched down the field as Hastings found
Chaz Davis for his second touchdown of the season to get a 7-3 advantage.
The Aggies then extended their lead to 14-3 early in the second quarter when Gbatu, Jr. hauled in a 10-yard pass in the back of the endzone. The touchdown was also the second of the season for the young receiver.
Despite a blocked punt late in the first quarter that led to a Weber State touchdown, the Aggies went into the locker room with a 14-10 advantage. The Ags held the Wildcats to just 94 yards of total offense in the half.
Weber State had pulled to within one at 14-13, but then
Hunter Ridley connected on his first field goal of the night from 41 yards to move the Aggie lead to 17-13.
The Aggies will enjoy a bye week and then return to action on the road at NAU on Oct. 28.
Game Notes
» UC Davis outgained Weber State 294-275, including a 184-159 advantage through the air.
» UC Davis won the turnover battle 1-0 after recovering one fumble.
» UC Davis had their highest scoring quarter in the second period, when they put up seven points.
» UC Davis converted 2 of 12 third downs while Weber State was successful on 3 of 15.
»
Jehiel Budgett led the Aggies with eight tackles.
» UC Davis won the time of possession battle 31:27 to 28:33.
