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Things might have seemed interesting in the games last week, however, when the dust settled, the home team held serve in all the games. Maybe not too surprising being that it becoming clear this is a three team conference and all three teams were at home. Maybe the main surprise is that, while Montana is one of the three, they are not the clear cut favorite as we approach the middle of October. This week's power rankings. All are my opinion only and all are open for discussion. This week (last week)

1. Montana State (1)---Maybe it was the homecoming hangover but it took the Bobcats a couple quarters to wake up against Portland State. No worries, though, as the Bobcats were able to recover nicely and please the homecoming crowd with a win. As good as the Bobcats have been, they have been able to get away with playing three quarters of a full game. Once they play a full game, they may be deadly. This week, they may need to play a full game as they head on the road to Northern Arizona, always a tough place to play.

2. Montana (2)---An intriguing matchup last week had to be the Grizzlies entertaining Idaho State, a mismatch on paper, but last year showed this is no gimme. However any thoughts Idaho State may have had in upsetting the Grizzlies were quickly extinguished. The Grizzlies jumped on them quickly and often and are slowly reacquiring their swagger. This weekend, another intriguing game as they face an improving Portland State team on the road. The Grizzlies have turned a corner since their first two road games, will it continue.

3. Eastern Washington (3)---Once again, the big back for the Eagles, Jones, left the game early, however the Eagles still found a way to win, getting past Northern Arizona in a hard fought game at home. Clearly the Eagles are a different team without Jones, but when the defense can keep you in games, you may not need a whole lot of offense. This game was a turning point for the Eagles as they should be favored in the rest of their games, starting this weekend at Northern Colorado. Whether Jones plays or not, the Eagles should have no problem.

4. Sacramento State (5)---While the rest of the conference was bunched up on the I-90 corridor, the Hornets welcomed Northern Colorado and then dispatched them back to Greeley with a big win. What can still be considered a magical season, the Hornets kept their distant playoff hopes alive in doing what many good Big Sky teams do in routing Northern Colorado. Where can this season take them? This weekend takes them nowhere as they have the time off. Extra time to prepare for Eastern Washington in two weeks.

5. Northern Arizona (4)---The first big test for this Jacks team, a road game to Eastern Washington last week. Unfortunately, in a game that was there for them to steal, they could not make the big plays and ended up on the short end. Things may not get that easy for awhile. This weekend, they get the best team in the conference, Montana State. A good thing is that they get Montana State at home, if that matters.

6. Weber State (7)---While the rest of the conference mates were busy slugging it out against each other, the Wildcats were enjoying some much needed time off. A chance to heal and shrug off their disappointment at Eastern Washington two weeks ago. This week, they head just up the road to face Idaho State. Should be a great opportunity for the Wildcats to get back in the swing of things.

7. Portland State (6)---Oh what could have been. The Vikings were able to jump on Montana State quickly and had great feelings in stealing a win. Then Montana State woke up and ran right past the Vikings, sending them home with a loss. Still what showed is this is not the old Viking team of a year ago, yet the Vikings would rather have got the win. Another shot to throw a shockwave in the conference as they entertain Montana this weekend in the cozy confines of Hillsboro Stadium. Can they get it?

8. Northern Colorado (8)---So much for thoughts of a great season. Those came crashing down in a hurry for the Bears on the turf last week at Sacramento State. Yet again, thoughts of "this is it" have gave way to "maybe next year". They can still play spoiler and this weekend they get Eastern Washington at home. Will the Bears play out the string or will they pack it in?

9. Idaho State (9)---Remember last year? Remember what the Bengals almost did to Montana? Remember the shock they almost did in the conference and nationally last year? Playing at Montana this time, the Bengals were hoping for a repeat performance, yet Montana did not give the Bengals any hope, jumping on them from the start. Maybe the Bengals can play spoiler in their house, where this weekend they play Weber State. Maybe a chance.

Where they are---MSU, UM a bit behind, EWU a bit behind, Sac State and NAU pretty much together, WSU and PSU pretty much together but a bit behind, UNC on an island and ISU further back.

Good analysis as always Jalmond

.

Curious as to why you have EWU behind UM?

AZGrizFan wrote:Curious as to why you have EWU behind UM?

Fair question, knowing that EWU beat UM. I try to look at these as, if the intangibles were equal (mainly neutral field among others) who would win and who would win now. Right now, based on Jones being banged up and Mitchell still struggling somewhat, put them on a neutral field I'd give the edge to the Griz. Sure the Eagles won head to head on their field but the game was pretty close until the end and that was with Jones. I flipped the two after EWU lost to Montana State and UM beat Sacramento State and actually have been pleased with my decision each week since.

The Eagles are a good team without Jones. I would not say they are a great team without him. I'd say Roper has proven just as capable as Selle, if not better, for the Grizzlies.

The Eagles were better than the Griz then. I don't think they are better than the Griz now, all other things equal.

JALMOND wrote:

AZGrizFan wrote:Curious as to why you have EWU behind UM?

Fair question, knowing that EWU beat UM. I try to look at these as, if the intangibles were equal (mainly neutral field among others) who would win and who would win now. Right now, based on Jones being banged up and Mitchell still struggling somewhat, put them on a neutral field I'd give the edge to the Griz. Sure the Eagles won head to head on their field but the game was pretty close until the end and that was with Jones. I flipped the two after EWU lost to Montana State and UM beat Sacramento State and actually have been pleased with my decision each week since.

The Eagles are a good team without Jones. I would not say they are a great team without him. I'd say Roper has proven just as capable as Selle, if not better, for the Grizzlies.

The Eagles were better than the Griz then. I don't think they are better than the Griz now, all other things equal.

You made the statement earlier that you expect EWU to win out. It won't be easy, but I agree. Do you also think Montana wins out? We still have NAU & MSU & the non-gimmie at PSU this weekend, along with the always tough Weber.

JALMOND wrote:

AZGrizFan wrote:Curious as to why you have EWU behind UM?

Fair question, knowing that EWU beat UM. I try to look at these as, if the intangibles were equal (mainly neutral field among others) who would win and who would win now. Right now, based on Jones being banged up and Mitchell still struggling somewhat, put them on a neutral field I'd give the edge to the Griz. Sure the Eagles won head to head on their field but the game was pretty close until the end and that was with Jones. I flipped the two after EWU lost to Montana State and UM beat Sacramento State and actually have been pleased with my decision each week since.

The Eagles are a good team without Jones. I would not say they are a great team without him. I'd say Roper has proven just as capable as Selle, if not better, for the Grizzlies.

The Eagles were better than the Griz then. I don't think they are better than the Griz now, all other things equal.

I see your reasoning, but I'd rank UM even with EWU minus TJ, and slightly ahead of UM with TJ. Our defense has impoved, and despite BLM making some bad decisions, he's been making less of them. 7-3/TDs-INTs the last two games, compared to 2-3 the two weeks prior.

AZGrizFan wrote:

JALMOND wrote:
Fair question, knowing that EWU beat UM. I try to look at these as, if the intangibles were equal (mainly neutral field among others) who would win and who would win now. Right now, based on Jones being banged up and Mitchell still struggling somewhat, put them on a neutral field I'd give the edge to the Griz. Sure the Eagles won head to head on their field but the game was pretty close until the end and that was with Jones. I flipped the two after EWU lost to Montana State and UM beat Sacramento State and actually have been pleased with my decision each week since.

The Eagles are a good team without Jones. I would not say they are a great team without him. I'd say Roper has proven just as capable as Selle, if not better, for the Grizzlies.

The Eagles were better than the Griz then. I don't think they are better than the Griz now, all other things equal.

You made the statement earlier that you expect EWU to win out. It won't be easy, but I agree. Do you also think Montana wins out? We still have NAU & MSU & the non-gimmie at PSU this weekend, along with the always tough Weber.

The Cats are good. Even at Wash-Griz, the Griz might have their hands full. I hope to know more after watching the game here this weekend. But about the Cats, we actually were only about two or three plays from playing the best game that we could and we still basically got blown out. If the Cats can put together four full quarters of play, watch out.

The Griz do have this game at Portland. As good as we may be, right now I can't see us winning the game. We are still rebuilding and even though we are way ahead of schedule, for us to beat the Griz this weekend would be an unexpected surprise.

Weber on the road may give you trouble. NAU at home may, too. Playing North Dakota the week before Griz-Cat (and after a bye week, WTF???) may be a trap game.

I'd give the edge to Montana in the games leading up to Montana State. Right now, Cat-Griz is too much of a tossup.

Screamin_Eagle174 wrote:

JALMOND wrote:
Fair question, knowing that EWU beat UM. I try to look at these as, if the intangibles were equal (mainly neutral field among others) who would win and who would win now. Right now, based on Jones being banged up and Mitchell still struggling somewhat, put them on a neutral field I'd give the edge to the Griz. Sure the Eagles won head to head on their field but the game was pretty close until the end and that was with Jones. I flipped the two after EWU lost to Montana State and UM beat Sacramento State and actually have been pleased with my decision each week since.

The Eagles are a good team without Jones. I would not say they are a great team without him. I'd say Roper has proven just as capable as Selle, if not better, for the Grizzlies.

The Eagles were better than the Griz then. I don't think they are better than the Griz now, all other things equal.

I see your reasoning, but I'd rank UM even with EWU minus TJ, and slightly ahead of UM with TJ. Our defense has impoved, and despite BLM making some bad decisions, he's been making less of them. 7-3/TDs-INTs the last two games, compared to 2-3 the two weeks prior.

I guess I would have liked to have seen more offensive output from Mitchell. Southern Utah hung 23 on NAU. I think EWU is much better than Southern Utah. I didn't think 30 was asking too much, especially on the red field. Still, a win is a good win.

It's kind of a moot point. As long as the top three are playoff eligible, all three should go to the playoffs. There should be no question about that.

JALMOND wrote:

Screamin_Eagle174 wrote:
I see your reasoning, but I'd rank UM even with EWU minus TJ, and slightly ahead of UM with TJ. Our defense has impoved, and despite BLM making some bad decisions, he's been making less of them. 7-3/TDs-INTs the last two games, compared to 2-3 the two weeks prior.

I guess I would have liked to have seen more offensive output from Mitchell. Southern Utah hung 23 on NAU. I think EWU is much better than Southern Utah. I didn't think 30 was asking too much, especially on the red field. Still, a win is a good win.

It's kind of a moot point. As long as the top three are playoff eligible, all three should go to the playoffs. There should be no question about that.

I think Southern Utah is much better than you give them credit for. They came real close to beating two FBS teams (albeit weak ones), and are ranked 19th in total offense. EWU is 20th. EWU did leave a lot of points on the field because of turnovers and the horrible play of K Mike Jarrett (2 missed FGs).

1. Montana
2. Montana State
3. Sac State
4. Weber State
5. Eastern Washington
6. Portland State
7. Northern Arizona
8. Northern Colorado
9. Idaho State

And this is where I'd put the newbies:
2.5 Cal Poly
5.5 UC Davis

Other than the usual myopianism, I don't think this is TOO far off.

SuperHornet wrote:1. Montana
2. Montana State
3. Sac State
4. Weber State
5. Eastern Washington
6. Portland State
7. Northern Arizona
8. Northern Colorado
9. Idaho State

And this is where I'd put the newbies:
2.5 Cal Poly
5.5 UC Davis

Other than the usual myopianism, I don't think this is TOO far off.

Other than EWU having beat both Montana and Weber.

Screamin_Eagle174 wrote:

JALMOND wrote:
I guess I would have liked to have seen more offensive output from Mitchell. Southern Utah hung 23 on NAU. I think EWU is much better than Southern Utah. I didn't think 30 was asking too much, especially on the red field. Still, a win is a good win.

It's kind of a moot point. As long as the top three are playoff eligible, all three should go to the playoffs. There should be no question about that.

I think Southern Utah is much better than you give them credit for. They came real close to beating two FBS teams (albeit weak ones), and are ranked 19th in total offense. EWU is 20th. EWU did leave a lot of points on the field because of turnovers and the horrible play of K Mike Jarrett (2 missed FGs).

SUU came real close to beating NAU.

I was actually real disappointed with the performances of both teams. A game that I touted as the conference game of the week...well, the defenses looked good. With Herrick and Mitchell, I didn't think points would be a premium.

SuperHornet wrote:1. Montana
2. Montana State
3. Sac State
4. Weber State
5. Eastern Washington
6. Portland State
7. Northern Arizona
8. Northern Colorado
9. Idaho State

And this is where I'd put the newbies:
2.5 Cal Poly
5.5 UC Davis

Other than the usual myopianism, I don't think this is TOO far off.

You have us ranked below two teams we've already beaten?

Ranger: Did you have to complain about the same thing SE already complained about?

Redundant!!!

SuperHornet wrote:Ranger: Did you have to complain about the same thing SE already complained about?

Redundant!!!

Better redundant than retarded.

ewu might not be as good as they could be with jones at 100% but they continue to win - WSU and NAU. They stay at #2 for me until proven otherwise:

1. Montana State
2. Eastern Washington
3. Montana
4. Sac State
5. Northern Arizona
6. Weber State
7. Portland State
8. Northern Colorado
9. Idaho State

1. Montana State (Still rolling, can they finish?)
2. Eastern Washington (on the edge without TJ)
3. Montana (still a lot of WTF moments)
4. Northern Arizona (the whole conference is pulling for your this week, except MSU)
5. Sac State (improved, but how much really)
6. Portland State (a team on the rise, can they get the upset this week)
7. Weber State (still to early to count them out)
8. Northern Colorado (another disappointing season)
9. Idaho State (is this the end for coach Z)

cats2506 wrote:1. Montana State (Still rolling, can they finish?)
2. Eastern Washington (on the edge without TJ)
3. Montana (still a lot of WTF moments)
4. Northern Arizona (the whole conference is pulling for your this week, except MSU)
5. Sac State (improved, but how much really)
6. Portland State (a team on the rise, can they get the upset this week)
7. Weber State (still to early to count them out)
8. Northern Colorado (another disappointing season)
9. Idaho State (is this the end for coach Z)

+1.

This is exactly how I see the conference stacking up.

edit: TODAY.

I still think EWU trips up again (they always do)...and I still think Montana will get better each week.....and is it possible MSU has peaked too early?

cats2506 wrote:1. Montana State (Still rolling, can they finish?)
2. Eastern Washington (on the edge without TJ)
3. Montana (still a lot of WTF moments)
4. Northern Arizona (the whole conference is pulling for your this week, except MSU)
5. Sac State (improved, but how much really)
6. Portland State (a team on the rise, can they get the upset this week)
7. Weber State (still to early to count them out)
8. Northern Colorado (another disappointing season)
9. Idaho State (is this the end for coach Z)

Very nice run down, couldn't agree more.

Current status:
1. Montana State
2. Eastern Washington
3. Montana
4. Sac State
5. Portland State
6. Weber State
7. Northern Arizona
8. Northern Colorado
9. Idaho State

Surprises:
1. Montana State's defense is not as strong as expected - dead last in total D in the BSC.
2. Sac State has not folded despite setbacks and is still going strong.
3. Portland State's offense and defense have exceeded expectations.
4. Eastern Washington's scoring offense has been a disappointment and may indicate a vulnerability.

Predictions:
1. Montana State will finish undefeated in the Big Sky and win the conference title outright.
2. Eastern Washington will win out the rest of the way to finish second.
3. Third place and a possible third playoff bid is a crapshoot, with Montana in the leading position.

All the top three teams are in control of their own destinies. MSU has already beaten EWU, their toughest conference opponent this year besides Montana. The season finale between Montana and Montana State should be a thriller! EWU has already played #1 and #3, but must face dangerous teams in PSU (in Portland) and Sac State (at home). If Jones is not at full strength, the Eags are vulnerable. Montana has stabilized as expected - although not quite at the level expected, in the middle of the pack in BSC stats. No one will be suprised if the Griz win out the rest of the way, but neither will many folks be surprised if they drop a couple more this year.

Current stats:

SCORING OFFENSE G TD FG XPT 2XP DXP Saf Points Avg/G
1. Montana State 3 18 5 15 0 0 0 138 46.0
2. Sacramento State 4 19 6 16 2 0 0 152 38.0
3. Portland State 2 9 2 7 1 0 0 69 34.5
4. Montana 4 16 7 15 0 0 0 132 33.0
5. Weber State 3 11 5 8 1 0 0 91 30.3
6. Eastern Washington 4 13 3 12 0 0 0 99 24.8
7. Northern Colorado 4 13 2 12 0 0 0 96 24.0
8. Northern Arizona 2 5 3 5 0 0 1 46 23.0
9. Idaho State 4 8 1 8 0 0 0 59 14.8

SCORING DEFENSE G TD FG XPT 2XP DXP Saf Points Avg/G
1. Northern Arizona 2 4 0 4 0 0 0 28 14.0
2. Portland State 2 6 2 5 0 0 0 47 23.5
3. Eastern Washington 4 12 4 11 0 0 0 95 23.8
4. Montana 4 11 7 9 0 0 0 96 24.0
5. Sacramento State 4 15 4 14 0 0 0 116 29.0
6. Montana State 3 13 2 9 3 0 0 99 33.0
7. Weber State 3 14 3 13 0 0 0 106 35.3
8. Northern Colorado 4 19 4 15 1 0 0 143 35.8
9. Idaho State 4 18 8 18 0 0 1 152 38.0

TOTAL OFFENSE G Rush Pass Plays Yards Avg/P TD Avg/G
1. Montana State 3 743 874 227 1617 7.1 17 539.0
2. Portland State 2 563 424 136 987 7.3 8 493.5
3. Weber State 3 462 908 246 1370 5.6 11 456.7
4. Sacramento State 4 902 843 283 1745 6.2 17 436.2
5. Eastern Washington 4 573 1131 293 1704 5.8 11 426.0
6. Montana 4 571 980 301 1551 5.2 15 387.8
7. Northern Arizona 2 199 487 164 686 4.2 4 343.0
8. Northern Colorado 4 458 828 290 1286 4.4 12 321.5
9. Idaho State 4 166 541 212 707 3.3 4 176.8

TOTAL DEFENSE G Rush Pass Plays Yards Avg/P TD Avg/G
1. Northern Arizona 2 103 402 105 505 4.8 4 252.5
2. Montana 4 512 724 280 1236 4.4 7 309.0
3. Portland State 2 329 398 129 727 5.6 6 363.5
4. Sacramento State 4 459 1087 267 1546 5.8 15 386.5
5. Northern Colorado 4 771 789 289 1560 5.4 15 390.0
6. Eastern Washington 4 525 1080 311 1605 5.2 9 401.2
7. Idaho State 4 740 958 314 1698 5.4 17 424.5
8. Weber State 3 580 734 239 1314 5.5 13 438.0
9. Montana State 3 618 844 218 1462 6.7 13 487.3

native wrote: Current stats:

SCORING OFFENSE G TD FG XPT 2XP DXP Saf Points Avg/G
1. Montana State 3 18 5 15 0 0 0 138 46.0
2. Sacramento State 4 19 6 16 2 0 0 152 38.0
3. Portland State 2 9 2 7 1 0 0 69 34.5
4. Montana 4 16 7 15 0 0 0 132 33.0
5. Weber State 3 11 5 8 1 0 0 91 30.3
6. Eastern Washington 4 13 3 12 0 0 0 99 24.8
7. Northern Colorado 4 13 2 12 0 0 0 96 24.0
8. Northern Arizona 2 5 3 5 0 0 1 46 23.0
9. Idaho State 4 8 1 8 0 0 0 59 14.8

SCORING DEFENSE G TD FG XPT 2XP DXP Saf Points Avg/G
1. Northern Arizona 2 4 0 4 0 0 0 28 14.0
2. Portland State 2 6 2 5 0 0 0 47 23.5
3. Eastern Washington 4 12 4 11 0 0 0 95 23.8
4. Montana 4 11 7 9 0 0 0 96 24.0
5. Sacramento State 4 15 4 14 0 0 0 116 29.0
6. Montana State 3 13 2 9 3 0 0 99 33.0
7. Weber State 3 14 3 13 0 0 0 106 35.3
8. Northern Colorado 4 19 4 15 1 0 0 143 35.8
9. Idaho State 4 18 8 18 0 0 1 152 38.0

TOTAL OFFENSE G Rush Pass Plays Yards Avg/P TD Avg/G
1. Montana State 3 743 874 227 1617 7.1 17 539.0
2. Portland State 2 563 424 136 987 7.3 8 493.5
3. Weber State 3 462 908 246 1370 5.6 11 456.7
4. Sacramento State 4 902 843 283 1745 6.2 17 436.2
5. Eastern Washington 4 573 1131 293 1704 5.8 11 426.0
6. Montana 4 571 980 301 1551 5.2 15 387.8
7. Northern Arizona 2 199 487 164 686 4.2 4 343.0
8. Northern Colorado 4 458 828 290 1286 4.4 12 321.5
9. Idaho State 4 166 541 212 707 3.3 4 176.8

TOTAL DEFENSE G Rush Pass Plays Yards Avg/P TD Avg/G
1. Northern Arizona 2 103 402 105 505 4.8 4 252.5
2. Montana 4 512 724 280 1236 4.4 7 309.0
3. Portland State 2 329 398 129 727 5.6 6 363.5
4. Sacramento State 4 459 1087 267 1546 5.8 15 386.5
5. Northern Colorado 4 771 789 289 1560 5.4 15 390.0
6. Eastern Washington 4 525 1080 311 1605 5.2 9 401.2
7. Idaho State 4 740 958 314 1698 5.4 17 424.5
8. Weber State 3 580 734 239 1314 5.5 13 438.0
9. Montana State 3 618 844 218 1462 6.7 13 487.3

Where are these stats from? I don't think those are accurate. *Edit-My bad those are Conference only stats.

http://www.bigskyconf.com/custompages/f ... nfldrs.htm

SCORING OFFENSE G TD FG XPT 2XP DXP Saf Points Avg/G
1. Montana State 6 33 14 27 0 0 0 267 44.5
2. Montana 6 30 10 28 0 0 0 238 39.7
3. Sacramento State 6 25 8 22 2 0 0 200 33.3
4. Northern Arizona 5 16 9 15 0 0 1 140 28.0
5. Eastern Washington 6 21 4 20 0 0 0 158 26.3
6. Weber State 5 15 9 12 1 0 0 131 26.2
7. Northern Colorado 6 21 4 19 0 0 0 157 26.2
8. Portland State 5 13 9 10 2 0 0 119 23.8
9. Idaho State 6 14 3 13 0 0 1 108 18.0

SCORING DEFENSE G TD FG XPT 2XP DXP Saf Points Avg/G
1. Northern Arizona 5 12 3 11 0 0 0 92 18.4
2. Montana 6 16 7 14 0 0 1 133 22.2
3. Montana State 6 20 4 15 3 0 0 153 25.5
4. Eastern Washington 6 23 5 21 0 0 1 176 29.3
5. Weber State 5 19 7 18 0 0 0 153 30.6
6. Sacramento State 6 24 6 23 0 0 0 185 30.8
7. Northern Colorado 6 25 5 21 1 0 0 188 31.3
8. Idaho State 6 23 10 23 0 0 1 193 32.2
9. Portland State 5 26 7 24 0 0 1 203 40.6

TOTAL OFFENSE G Rush Pass Plays Yards Avg/P TD Avg/G
1. Montana State 6 1400 1697 451 3097 6.9 31 516.2
2. Weber State 5 724 1433 401 2157 5.4 15 431.4
3. Eastern Washington 6 841 1606 423 2447 5.8 18 407.8
4. Montana 6 723 1658 427 2381 5.6 25 396.8
5. Sacramento State 6 1138 1165 403 2303 5.7 22 383.8
6. Portland State 5 941 877 334 1818 5.4 11 363.6
7. Northern Arizona 5 575 1185 368 1760 4.8 14 352.0
8. Northern Colorado 6 840 1164 417 2004 4.8 19 334.0
9. Idaho State 6 436 966 344 1402 4.1 10 233.7

TOTAL DEFENSE G Rush Pass Plays Yards Avg/P TD Avg/G
1. Montana 6 713 957 409 1670 4.1 11 278.3
2. Northern Arizona 5 402 1035 310 1437 4.6 11 287.4
3. Northern Colorado 6 1016 1180 401 2196 5.5 21 366.0
4. Montana State 6 813 1489 413 2302 5.6 20 383.7
5. Idaho State 6 1012 1366 443 2378 5.4 22 396.3
6. Sacramento State 6 746 1669 396 2415 6.1 24 402.5
7. Weber State 5 874 1149 368 2023 5.5 17 404.6
8. Eastern Washington 6 845 1670 469 2515 5.4 19 419.2
9. Portland State 5 1169 1110 341 2279 6.7 26 455.8

SuperHornet wrote:3. Sac State
4. Weber State
5. Eastern Washington

Other than the usual myopianism, I don't think this is TOO far off.

Even an east coaster can see you wasted everyone's time by ranking them at all.

For Montana State on defense, it has been a combination of factors. Talent level wise, I think they are a solid group at all the levels. Most of the issues have been a result of health and youth.

At the linebacker group we are starting a redshirt freshman at OLB who has played great. Two days before Sac State game he gets shifted to MLB and missed some reads and there was some alignment errors. During the PSU game Aleski played a ton better and let his instincts take over again and made some big plays for us. Our regular starter is day to day on coming back and that will make a big difference.

At the defensive end position - we lost one starter before the season started and the other starter is out for a few more weeks. It has forced us to shift an all conference DT outside sometimes and play a few young guys and we have shortened the rotation at the DT position. Until we get our starter back we have a redshirt freshman and sophomore holding down the position.

Overall our front four is not generating the pressure like it has in past years. Once we get our starters back the defense should at least be solid.

On offense we have been down our starting center, and both guards (two of which we should be back in the next week or two) but they have been able to claw out some really good performances. We will only be losing one player to graduation on the o-line.