Big Sky Power Rankings 11-15

[JALMOND]

Hey, I got these out on Monday. Winding down the year and some things are becoming clear, but some things still need more work. The big game in the conference is Montana State at Montana and obvious playoff implications on the line. The Bobcats control their own destiny, being able to claim the conference automatic qualifier bid for the playoffs with a win. The Grizzlies need a win for consideration for an at large bid. And then Eastern Washington has a bid nearly sewn up but they do not want to stub their toe at home against Idaho State and give the committee a reason to leave them home. Here are the Big Sky power rankings going into the final weekend. All are my opinion only and all are open for discussion. This week (last week).

1. Eastern Washington (1)---The Eagles prepared for their ending tussle at home against Idaho State by edging the Great West's Southern Utah, who was also trying to stay alive for a possible playoff berth. Nip and tuck there for most of the game, but in the end, just too much Eagles. Just a formality this week against the Bengals, but a loss could cause some doubt to creep in for the Eagle faithful.

2. Montana State (2)---The Bobcats had a bye week, which means they will have had two weeks to prepare for Montana. A good thing in that an extra week of preparing for your rival should mean good results. It can also mean an extra week of thinking about it, which could be bad. Either way, the Bobcats win and they get the AQ. They lose and they should still get in.

3. Montana (3)---The good news for the Grizzlies was that they got past the potential trap game last week against North Dakota. The bad news is that game did not help them in their quest for yet another conference championship. This week, the usual tilt with Montana State, and the Grizzlies are in unfamiliar territory. A win should put the Grizzlies in a lock for the playoffs. A loss could mean they stay home for the first time in quite awhile.

4. Sacramento State (4)---With virtually no hope for the playoffs and just playing out the string, the Hornets dismantled a recently strong Idaho State team last week. Fleming continued his hot streak and the Hornets are hoping for a great finish to what has been a great year. This week they hit the road (only 15 miles) to their rival, UC-Davis. If they can't make it to the playoffs, they can relish the opportunity to beat the Aggies.

5. Weber State (5)---In what was probably the best game in the conference last week, the Wildcats came back and beat Northern Arizona on the road, adding to the recent Jacks woes. What a way to end the Wildcats conference season. They still have one more game to play, a venture to the BCS and Texas Tech. A win for the Wildcats could possibly put pressure on the committee for inclusion in the playoffs, but the feeling is too little too late.

6. Northern Arizona (6)---Last week's game against Weber State was a good indication of how the season has gone for the Jacks. A good start was done in by a terrible finish, and now the Jacks are just finishing the year. One more game against an equally struggling Portland State team and the Jacks can put this season to rest.

7. Northern Colorado (9)---Expectations for a great season going in were tempered down as the year progressed for the Bears and things looked bleak in their game against Portland State. Then they came alive and headed home with a win in their final game of the year, offering good feelings for their coach and a possible reprieve. Uncertainty still hangs over the coaching staff, as a good win in the final game of the year still may not be enough to save his job.

8. Idaho State (7)---Last week's blowout loss to Sacramento State in light of close games to Weber State and Montana State were not enough to keep the Bengals' coach's job (it sounds like). In a year where everyone seemed improved, the Bengals were as well, yet were not able to show that improvement. There is still one game left, a road game at Eastern Washington, and no doubt the Bengals will come out with some strong emotions. But will it be enough?

9. Portland State (8)---It is hard to say just how the Vikings have improved, after blowing a big lead at halftime to Northern Colorado and now needing a win at Northern Arizona to match last season's debacle. There are signs that this could be a good team next year, but Burton no doubt would have liked to have seen some of that improvement this year. A win on the road at Northern Arizona would go a long way towards establishing some of that improvement.

[SuperHornet]

Outstanding as always, JALMOND.

Thank you.

[SDHornet]

Outstanding as always, JALMOND.

Thank you.

[Ursus A. Horribilis]

Yup, good work again.