Once again the picture is getting clearer and probably ripe for a complete turnover this weekend. Still, the first four are probably the clear top, and a toss of the coin could decide the rest. But, if the conference only gets four teams in to the playoffs, those four would represent the conference pretty well. Here are this week's power rankings based on my opinion (last week in parenthesis). Everyone plays this weekend except for Portland State, who may have their hands full against bye.
1. Eastern Washington (1)---Last week bye, this week at Montana State---The Eagles have got off to a flying start (no pun intended) entering the bye. Sometimes, teams slow down after the extra week however, but it seems the Eagles are playing for something bigger.
2. Montana (2)---Last week beat Sacramento State at home 68-7, this week at Northern Arizona---The Grizzlies have outscored their last two opponents 135-14, both hapless and both at home. Now they enter their stretch run with the toughest games on the road.
3. North Dakota (3)---Last week beat Southern Utah at home 45-23, this week at Idaho State---The Hawks have emerged as a formidable foe, racing to the top of the conference. Things shouldn't slow down for them this week, even on the road.
4. Cal Poly (4)---Last week won at Portland State 55-35, this week UC-Davis at home---The Mustangs completed their daunting part of the schedule with a resounding win on the road. With the exception of the EWU game in a few weeks, things do get a bit easier.
5. Southern Utah (5)---Last week lost at North Dakota 45-23, this week Weber State at home---The Thunderbirds took one on the chin last week at North Dakota and now must recover against a rejuvenated Weber State team if they want to stay near the top.
6. Northern Arizona (7)---Last week beat Idaho State at home 52-7, this week Montana at home---The Lumberjacks got what they wanted, a confidence building win at home last week heading in to this week's game. What they do with it still without their star quarterback remains to be seen.
7. Weber State (8)---Last week beat Montana State at home 45-27, this week at Southern Utah---Don't look now but the Wildcats are slowly climbing back towards the top and a strong win this weekend could possibly get them some mention with the contenders.
8. Northern Colorado (6)---Last week lost at UC-Davis 34-21, this week Sacramento State at home---The Bears were looking pretty good and getting some attention from around the league, but then they stubbed their paws on the road. They need a home win to get back.
9. UC-Davis (11)---Last week beat Northern Colorado at home 34-21, this week at Cal Poly---For the Aggies, beating a up and coming team at home is one thing, but to knock off a top contender on the road would really be something worth mentioning.
10. Portland State (9)---Last week lost to Cal Poly at home 55-35, this week bye---After a tremendous season last season, a dose of reality for the Vikings this year. Maybe an off week will cause them to regain focus and end the season on a high note.
11. Montana State (10)---Last week lost at Weber State 45-27, this week Eastern Washington at home---Things are looking pretty bad for the Bobcats and with the top team, Eastern Washington coming to town, things may not get any better for awhile.
12. Idaho State (12)---Last week lost at Northern Arizona 52-7, this week North Dakota at home---When a struggling backup quarterback can look unbeatable against you, things are not good, and things are currently not going to get any better for the Bengals any time soon.
13. Sacramento State (13)---Last week lost at Montana 68-7, this week at Northern Colorado---So the Hornets lost last week in a hostile environment and looked pretty bad. Now they face an upstart foe who is trying to get back to feeling good. Can the Hornets feel good?
RECAP: 1-4 out front, 5 falling a bit, 6-8 in a pack, 9-11 reeling, 12-13 way off.
Big Sky Power Rankings 10-17
Re: Big Sky Power Rankings 10-17
JALMOND - Keep em coming!!! Your rankings are the only reason I read this forum.
Keep up the good work, it does not go unnoticed.
Keep up the good work, it does not go unnoticed.