Big Sky Power Rankings 8-26

[JALMOND]

Are you ready for some football? None of the Big Sky schools participated in Week 0, making this week a true Week 1 for everyone. This is shaping up to be a good year in the conference with Idaho coming back to take North Dakota's place (as the Hawks make the transition to the Mo Valley, I will be omitting them from the Power Rankings and the Predictions this year). The safe pick is Eastern Washington, but there are at least eight other teams looking to make a challenge for the conference title. Also, the last few years have had a darkhorse that seemed to emerge from nowhere, so those nine teams cannot chalk up a "W" against the other four. As usual, many questions to be answered and those teams that can find the answers early will most likely be on top at the end of the year. Here are the preseason power rankings in the Big Sky. Of course, all are open for discussion. Good luck to everyone.

1. Eastern Washington Eagles---This week, Central Washington (DII) at home. Good quarterback play is usually what drives the bus in the Big Sky and the Eagles have a great one coming back. The Eagles also enter the season feeling like they were unjustly snubbed by the selection committee and come in with a chip on their shoulders.

2. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks---This week at Texas-El Paso (FBS C-USA). The Lumberjacks also have a fine quarterback returning and they come in with a sour taste after not putting their best effort in the playoffs last year. They have had all summer to think about this year.

3. Weber State Wildcats---This week at Utah (FBS Pac-12). The Wildcats have always been known for their defense and the last couple years, had an excellent quarterback leading the offense. Now the defense may have to carry them again (like old times) until they can find another one.

4. Sacramento State Hornets---This week, St Francis, Illinois (NAIA) at home. The Hornets were the surprise team in the conference last season and hope to build on those good fortunes this season. They may not surprise anyone this year, but they do have the pieces to win.

5. Idaho Vandals---This week at Fresno State (FBS Mountain West). The Vandals have been playing FBS ball for the last 20+ years but now return to the Big Sky. Stepping down is unusual and how they handle it is one of the bigger unknowns in the conference this year.

6. Montana Grizzlies---This week, Northern Iowa (Mo Valley) at home. The Grizzlies may have made the biggest splash in the offseason, not in recruiting, but bringing back their successful coach from a few years ago. It may take awhile to get back to the top but the rest of the conference is on notice.

7. Southern Utah Thunderbirds---This week, North Alabama (FCS Independent) at home. The Thunderbirds also were a feel-good story last year, capturing a co-championship with Weber State. The question this year is if they can sustain the success they had last year.

8. Montana State Bobcats---This week, Western Illinois (Mo Valley) at home. The Bobcats received some startling news before fall camp that their successful quarterback was going to sit out this year. As soon as they can find a suitable replacement, they will be back in the thick of things.

9. UC-Davis Aggies---This week at San Jose State (FBS Mountain West). The Aggies have two things for them, a star receiver and an excellent quarterback throwing him the ball. However, there are questions surrounding pretty much everything else on the team. How soon can they be answered?

10. Cal Poly Mustangs---This week at North Dakota State (Mo Valley). The Mustangs were snake bit pretty much the whole season last year. They do have some key pieces returning but starting off against the #1 team in the country is going to be a tough way to start.

11. Idaho State Bengals---This week Western State, CO (DII) at home. The Bengals also have some strong personnel coming back this year, but time will tell if they can get it going to be a force in the conference. The first game should be easy, the rest, too soon to know.

12. Northern Colorado Bears---This week McNeese State (Southland) at home. Not much went right last year for the Bears and not much returning this year to make them feel better. Still, if they can get some breaks and settle on some positions, they may surprise. But...

13. Portland State Vikings---This week at Nevada (FBS Mountain West). The Vikings enter this season coming off an 0-fer year, with no clear cut decisions on starters at several key positions. They do have talent (seem to have every year), but can the coaches get that talent to gel?

[kalm]

Like the swallows of San Juan Capistrano, Jalmond is back.

Some thoughts...

Agree on the depth and I think even Davis has an outside shot at having a breakthrough year.

With all the turmoil in the athletic department Idaho could be on shaky ground...or perhaps they rally around it. After Fresno they will be favored in their next four and could build some momentum. They finish @ MSU, SUU, @ EWU, UND, Montana, and @ Florida. Can they win 3 or 4 out of those 6?

SUU brings back everyone except Tyler on offense and they have Ahanonu back at LB but they lose several all conference players on D.

NAU may have the best secondary in the conference.