Big Sky Power Rankings-Preseason
Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 2:47 pm
So many questions surrounding all the teams in the Big Sky at the start of the season made it very difficult to set up the power rankings. Montana State seemed to be the frontrunner, but has suffered some key losses on its vaunted defensive front. That has opened up the door for many other teams to think they have a legitimate shot at the title. Should make for an interesting season this year. Here are the preseason power rankings for the Big Sky. As usual, all are my opinion only. Good luck to all teams.
1. Montana State Bobcats---The Bobcats will still rely on their top returning quarterback to lead its strong offense, but with the losses mounting on defense, the offense may need to keep scoring. They should still be considered the favorite for now. This season begins at home against former Northeast member, Monmouth, on Thursday.
2. Eastern Washington Eagles---The Eagles used a platoon system at quarterback last year and this year only one of those quarterbacks return. The problem is that their strong trio of receivers all left. The defense still should provide enough of a push to keep the offense in games. They begin the season on the road Saturday at Pac-12 Oregon State.
3. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks---The Lumberjacks are building this season around their top running back from last year and enough returning to keep them relevant this season. Last season's late swoon (becoming typical unfortunately) kept them from going to the playoffs, but they should have enough to be in contention. This season's opener finds them on the road at Pac-12's Arizona team on Friday.
4. Montana Grizzlies---The Grizzlies are poised to show last season was a fluke and they are set to return to their winning ways they are accustomed to. Even with their 5-6 record last year, they return almost everyone and welcome back their strong quarterback from two years ago. They will start at home on Saturday against a strong Appalachian State team.
5. North Dakota---The former Sioux are gunning with their versatile receiver and returner, as well as most skill positions set. However, they do lack an experienced quarterback. If they can find that early, they will make some noise this year. They will also start at home on Thursday against Pioneer conference foe Valparaiso.
6. Sacramento State Hornets---Recent years have found the Hornets doing well against the Pac-12, but that has not transferred to any type of postseason appearances in the Big Sky or the FCS. That could change this year as they have a bunch of talent returning and their Pac-12 opponent is Arizona State. But first they get San Jose State on the road on Thursday.
7. Cal Poly Mustangs----The Mustangs seem to have lost the most of the other conference leaders but there still is enough on defense to hang in there. They have the potential and whether it can translate into victories will remain to be seen. They start with the Pioneer Conference's San Diego squad at home on Saturday.
8. Northern Colorado Bears---The former cellar dwellers closed strongly last season and that has provided some optimism for the Bears heading into this year. They've always had a good quarterback, but a weak support cast, but this year there are signs that the rest of the team may be catching up. They will start their season on Saturday at home against the NAIA's Langston team.
9. Southern Utah Thunderbirds---Big shoes are to be filled at quarterback as last year's signal caller is now in the NFL. If they can find someone, there are players to throw to as the receivers all return. There is talent here and if they can get it going right away, they could make some noise. They will start the season on Thursday at FBS transition South Alabama.
10. Portland State Vikings---One doesn't have to look far to see the potential the Vikings have here. They are extremely young on offense and need to shore up a very porous defensive team. Key pieces return on the offense, but the defense, especially in the defensive backfield, still need some work. This season will begin at home against the NAIA's Eastern Oregon on Thursday.
11. Weber State Wildcats---The Wildcats are another team that wants to show last season was just a fluke. However, they are quite young and rebuilding. There is some talent and leadership but the Wildcats will need a quick influx to contend this year. They will begin this rebuilding on Saturday against the Southland's own Stephen F Austin.
12. UC-Davis Aggies---The Aggies do have their starting quarterback returning but not much else. Even their longtime head coach has stepped down. Help is needed all over the team, but they should grow as the season moves forward. Clearly a rebuilding project this season. It will begin on the road on Saturday at the Missouri Valley's South Dakota team.
13. Idaho State Bengals---You play with fire, likely you will get burned. The Bengals have the most intense coach the conference has seen, yet the talent level seems to be lacking. A major turnaround is expected here but one cannot expect it to happen overnight. It will take time. So much that they are not starting the year until next weekend against Dixie State.
RECAP: 1-4 really close, 5-7 just a step behind. 8-9 a little bit further, followed by 10-11 a ways off, and 12-13 off the pace.
1. Montana State Bobcats---The Bobcats will still rely on their top returning quarterback to lead its strong offense, but with the losses mounting on defense, the offense may need to keep scoring. They should still be considered the favorite for now. This season begins at home against former Northeast member, Monmouth, on Thursday.
2. Eastern Washington Eagles---The Eagles used a platoon system at quarterback last year and this year only one of those quarterbacks return. The problem is that their strong trio of receivers all left. The defense still should provide enough of a push to keep the offense in games. They begin the season on the road Saturday at Pac-12 Oregon State.
3. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks---The Lumberjacks are building this season around their top running back from last year and enough returning to keep them relevant this season. Last season's late swoon (becoming typical unfortunately) kept them from going to the playoffs, but they should have enough to be in contention. This season's opener finds them on the road at Pac-12's Arizona team on Friday.
4. Montana Grizzlies---The Grizzlies are poised to show last season was a fluke and they are set to return to their winning ways they are accustomed to. Even with their 5-6 record last year, they return almost everyone and welcome back their strong quarterback from two years ago. They will start at home on Saturday against a strong Appalachian State team.
5. North Dakota---The former Sioux are gunning with their versatile receiver and returner, as well as most skill positions set. However, they do lack an experienced quarterback. If they can find that early, they will make some noise this year. They will also start at home on Thursday against Pioneer conference foe Valparaiso.
6. Sacramento State Hornets---Recent years have found the Hornets doing well against the Pac-12, but that has not transferred to any type of postseason appearances in the Big Sky or the FCS. That could change this year as they have a bunch of talent returning and their Pac-12 opponent is Arizona State. But first they get San Jose State on the road on Thursday.
7. Cal Poly Mustangs----The Mustangs seem to have lost the most of the other conference leaders but there still is enough on defense to hang in there. They have the potential and whether it can translate into victories will remain to be seen. They start with the Pioneer Conference's San Diego squad at home on Saturday.
8. Northern Colorado Bears---The former cellar dwellers closed strongly last season and that has provided some optimism for the Bears heading into this year. They've always had a good quarterback, but a weak support cast, but this year there are signs that the rest of the team may be catching up. They will start their season on Saturday at home against the NAIA's Langston team.
9. Southern Utah Thunderbirds---Big shoes are to be filled at quarterback as last year's signal caller is now in the NFL. If they can find someone, there are players to throw to as the receivers all return. There is talent here and if they can get it going right away, they could make some noise. They will start the season on Thursday at FBS transition South Alabama.
10. Portland State Vikings---One doesn't have to look far to see the potential the Vikings have here. They are extremely young on offense and need to shore up a very porous defensive team. Key pieces return on the offense, but the defense, especially in the defensive backfield, still need some work. This season will begin at home against the NAIA's Eastern Oregon on Thursday.
11. Weber State Wildcats---The Wildcats are another team that wants to show last season was just a fluke. However, they are quite young and rebuilding. There is some talent and leadership but the Wildcats will need a quick influx to contend this year. They will begin this rebuilding on Saturday against the Southland's own Stephen F Austin.
12. UC-Davis Aggies---The Aggies do have their starting quarterback returning but not much else. Even their longtime head coach has stepped down. Help is needed all over the team, but they should grow as the season moves forward. Clearly a rebuilding project this season. It will begin on the road on Saturday at the Missouri Valley's South Dakota team.
13. Idaho State Bengals---You play with fire, likely you will get burned. The Bengals have the most intense coach the conference has seen, yet the talent level seems to be lacking. A major turnaround is expected here but one cannot expect it to happen overnight. It will take time. So much that they are not starting the year until next weekend against Dixie State.
RECAP: 1-4 really close, 5-7 just a step behind. 8-9 a little bit further, followed by 10-11 a ways off, and 12-13 off the pace.
