Big Sky Power Rankings 10-17

[JALMOND]

Well here we are halfway through October and maybe finally we are getting some separation in the Big Sky conference. Maybe things are finally becoming predictable, and some clear cut choices are emerging. Clearly the top are the two Big Sky Country teams and some sprinkling as you make your way to the bottom. However, as history has shown before in years past, just when you are getting comfortable with how things are, something happens to upset the cart again. Here are this week's power rankings (last week). All are my opinion only and all are open for discussion.

1. Montana State (1)---The Bobcats have remained at or near the top all year and, with their impressive home win over Northern Arizona, have emerged as the team to beat in the conference so far, as well as one of the top teams in the nation. Bobcat fans have visions of getting past the first round of the playoffs and reach the conference game this year. What is in the way of that quest this week. How about a road trip to Northern Colorado. Bobcats, don't look past this one.

2. Montana (2)---While Montana State may be the toast of the conference, the Grizzlies have made a good case as the second best team currently. Avoiding an upset at home last week against Portland State, the Grizzlies showed a never give up attitude and an ability to overcome early mistakes to be on top at the end. This weekend, they head on the road to the dangerous, high altitude dome at Northern Arizona. Maybe a bit of trouble?

3. Eastern Washington (3)---The Eagles have recovered from their atrocious start to the season to make it at least bearable for now. Last week was a tuneup at home against Northern Colorado to keep them poised for a late season run to possibly the playoffs. This weekend, they head down the road where things could get tough at Sacramento State. Another must win situation for the Eagles as the march to the playoffs continue.

4. Weber State (4)---The Wildcats early season run towards respectability seems to have hit a stagnant spot in the schedule as they can't seem to move much further. Even a strong win over Idaho State last week could not overcome what those teams in front of them have done. There still is a chance for the Wildcats to move up with games left against both Montana and Montana State. This week, a step out of conference with a game against Southern Utah.

5. Sacramento State (6)---Are the Hornets really contenders this year or is this year just going to be "good"? They took last week off to prepare for the stretch run, starting with another team in a similar situation, Eastern Washington. A loss by the Hornets could derail any plans for the post season while a win, even at home, would be a good start to the playoffs.

6. Portland State (5)---For the second straight week, the Vikings took a Montana school to the wire, this time it was Montana on the road, only to fall in the closing seconds. Maybe a sign of a good team, but good teams would find ways to win those games and a loss is still a loss. This loss hurt as it put any playoff thoughts in jeopardy. This week, a step way out of conference as they welcome DIII Willamette to their big stadium. Could the Vikings look past them for a big date with Eastern Washington in two weeks?

7. Northern Arizona (7)---Any thoughts of upending the conference's top dog, on the road at Montana State, were quickly vanquished and the Lumberjacks took it on the chin. Now, with the playoffs virtually gone, nothing left but try to spoil the season for other conference teams. This week, the first victim is Montana and the Lumberjacks get them at home. Even so, the Lumberjacks know they will have a fight on their hands.

8. Idaho State (8)---Turmoil brewing with the Bengals? Maybe so but they did throw a bit of a scare against Weber State, at least through the first quarter. But they could not keep it up and fell big at the end. Rebuilding is the key here and they will do that. This weekend, it definitely does not get any easier as they continue down I-15, this time not stopping until they reach Brigham Young. Can they keep it close?

9. Northern Colorado (9)---The derailment of the Bears continued last week as they fell at Eastern Washington. They will win sometime but as the year goes on, the window keeps getting smaller and smaller. Even the hopes of the Bears faithful is getting dim, combined with Montana State coming to town this weekend. Well, at the start, the score will be 0-0. What will the ending be?

RECAP: 1, then 2, then 3-4 together with 5-6 right there too, then 7, then 8, then 9.

[SuperHornet]

This seems about right.

Watch out for next year, though. PSU has the makings of becoming a buzzsaw fairly quickly.

[CatMan]

How about a road trip to Northern Colorado. Bobcats, don't look past this one.

I'm pretty sure the Bobcats could litteraly sleep through this one, and the Bears would beat themselves for us.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

How about a road trip to Northern Colorado. Bobcats, don't look past this one.

I'm pretty sure the Bobcats could litteraly sleep through this one, and the Bears would beat themselves for us.

I wouldn't count on that. They came out fired up and held us to 3 on our first drive, then marched down the field and put up 7 of their own. But just to be sure, I hope the Bobcats do sleep through this one. (literally).

[weberwildcat]

for once i have nothing to say about. i dont disagree with anything. sac/ewu play this week so no need to say sac is too low.

[JALMOND]

How about a road trip to Northern Colorado. Bobcats, don't look past this one.

I'm pretty sure the Bobcats could litteraly sleep through this one, and the Bears would beat themselves for us.

The Bobcats could sleep through that one, the Vikings could sleep through Willamette and BYU could sleep through Idaho State. But this season started out so unpredictable that anything could happen. Best for both MSU and PSU to put their games away early, and best for the Bengals to hope BYU will be asleep.