Big Sky Power Rankings 9-25

[JALMOND]

So we put an end to September and the days begin to get colder in the Big Sky. Fall is definitely in the air, yet there are still 5 teams in the conference that honestly think they can contend for the title. One thing, though, is teams that looked pathetic on the road came home and looked really strong, while those that looked great at home lost some luster away from home. No doubt the champion will be the one who can win consistently on the road. Here are this week's power rankings. Once again, all are my opinion and all are open for discussion. Some surprises, but that is slowly becoming the norm. This week (last week)

1. Montana State (1)--While everyone else was displaying the Jeckyl and Hyde mentality in regards to the home and away games, the Bobcats marched into the Inferno at Eastern Washington and emerged victorious. The conference championship is always won on the road and the Bobcats looked to be that team for now. This week, they welcome the conference upstart, Sacramento State to their home field.

2. Weber State (3)---In what was supposed to be a rebuilding year, the Wildcats have also shown a tendency for playing well on the road. Good showings against the FBS and then this week at lowly Northern Colorado and they are feeling pretty good there. This week, they go back on the road (4th road game in these first 5) and head to the Inferno at Eastern Washington. The Eagles want a win, can the Wildcats continue their road mastery.

3. Sacramento State (5)---The Hornets took their turn at righting the ship. After two losses on the road, they regrouped and earned their first win ever against Montana at home. Perhaps they are back to being on their way towards a great season. This week, they head on the road to try to make the Montana sweep as they go to the mighty Montana State team. Are they back on track.

4. Montana (2)---Things were looking good for the Grizzlies after two great home wins. Then, while playing Sacramento State, a team they had never lost to, they quickly found themselves behind and could never catch up. Doubt may have crept back into the picture, but this week, they stay at home and welcome the conference basement team, Northern Colorado.

5. Eastern Washington (4)---Is this how a defending national champion starts a new year? With a chance to jumpstart the season, the Eagles fell on their faces at home against Montana State. It is an understatement that their difficult stretch is now behind them, but how long before their first win? This week, they welcome Weber State to their firepit. They desperately need a win.

6. Portland State (6)---While the rest of the conference were playing meaningful conference games, the Vikings stepped up a level to play the defending Rose Bowl champions, TCU. After playing close for almost a half, they lost focus and let TCU score three quick touchdowns before going in for halftime. This week, they return to the conference and head on the road to Idaho State, a place they have not won at since 1999. Talk about road blues.

7. Northern Arizona (7)--- The Lumberjacks regrouped nicely at home against Idaho State with a resounding win. They jumped on the Bengals and held them without a touchdown. The offense is coming along but the defense continues to look strong. Everyone else plays this weekend, but the Lumberjacks are taking the week off.

8. Idaho State (8)---While looking strong at home, the Bengals are a different story on the road. Putting on an offensive show at home against Northern Colorado, that offensive spark never showed last week at Northern Arizona. This week, they welcome Portland State to their big barn. They have not lost to the Vikings at home since 1999 and would like to see that streak continue.

9. Northern Colorado (9)---Most teams show some spark at home and save the bad showings on the road. However, for the Bears, it seems they are consistent as in consistently bad everywhere. This past week, they welcomed Weber State to their house and let them walk all over the place. This week, they head on the road to perhaps the worst place to play as the visitors in Montana.

Recap: 1, then 2, 3-4 close behind, 5 alone, 6-7 too close to call, 8 then 9.

[SuperHornet]

I might sneak PSU in front of EWU right now, but other than that, it seems just about perfect.

[GrizFanStuckInUtah]

Pretty spot on as always Jalmond. Montana has a lot of work to do to be relevant again after this weekend.

[Cujo]

Pretty spot on as always Jalmond. Montana has a lot of work to do to be relevant again after this weekend.

If we want to be relevant again we have to beat Weber or MSU. (Or both would be preferred of course )