Big Sky Power Rankings 9-8

[JALMOND]

All these non-conference games are creating more questions than answers. We still have one more week of non-conference games, so one more week of uncertainty. Most of the excitement in the conference came from the bottom half. Here are this week's Big Sky power rankings, (last week in parenthesis). All my years of doing this, and this year is probably the most difficult. A big mess for sure.

1. Eastern Washington (1)---The best way to try to beat up an opponent one level up from you is to turn the game into a shootout and the Eagles tried that approach with Washington. Entertaining to say the least. This week, a welcome break before next week's game at Montana State.

2. Montana (2)---The Grizzlies dispatched with DII Central Washington without much of a shrug (and their starting quarterback). This week finds them back in the FCS ranks with a home game against the Missouri Valley's South Dakota team.

3. Montana State (3)---The Bobcats did what they were supposed to do, putting away a lower division foe, Black Hills State, with relative ease. This weekend finds them at home once again, facing the Southland's Central Arkansas.

4. Sacramento State (4)---After their rude welcoming to Incarnate Word in the first week, the Hornets got a rude awakening last week at the hands of Pac-12 California. They start competition against the conference this weekend as they welcome Weber State. A non-conference game, that is.

5. Southern Utah (5)---The Thunderbirds stayed close with Southland power Southeastern Louisiana before finally succumbing in the fourth. This weekend, they welcome Missouri Valley power South Dakota State.

6. Northern Arizona (6)---The Lumberjacks had quite a tussle with newcomer Abilene Christian but was able to get the win. They may get a possible breather this weekend as they entertain DII New Mexico Highlands.

7. UC-Davis (7)---The Aggies put their whipping in the first week against Stanford aside and returned the favor against DII Fort Lewis. Now they make a return trip up a level to play at the Mountain West's Colorado State.

8. Weber State (11)---No one expected much from the Wildcats last week in their game against defending champion North Dakota State, but the Wildcats kept the game close. Whether that can translate into some wins in conference remains to be seen. They start this week at Sacramento State.

9. Cal Poly (8)---The Mustangs remained in free fall, losing to Missouri Valley's South Dakota State team. Whether they can right the ship in time remains to be seen, but a much needed break fits them just right before they bring in Portland State.

10. Portland State (9)---The mayhem continues for the Vikings as they had a difficult time getting out of their own way last week in a strange win against DII Western Oregon. They will need to clean things up in a hurry as they head up a level and play at Washington State.

11. Idaho State (10)---The Bengals found things a bit easier last week at Utah State than they were the first week at Utah. Both still ended up with losses. This weekend should be easier as they start their home slate with a game against DII Chadron State.

12. Northern Colorado (13)---For a team rebuilding like the Bears are, stepping up a level is probably the last thing they wanted to do. But almost getting a win against the Mountain West's UNLV team was rather shocking. They should be able to build on it with a game this week against Houston Baptist.

13. North Dakota (12)---North Dakota brought on Robert Morris for their home opener and had a difficult time getting anything to go. They did, however, get the win. For the reward, they get to venture into the Missouri Valley and play at Missouri State.

RECAP: 1-2 on top, 3 edging in front of the big pack (4-13).

[slulionsfan]

5. Southern Utah (5)---The Thunderbirds stayed close with Southland power Southeastern Louisiana before finally succumbing in the fourth. This weekend, they welcome Missouri Valley power South Dakota State.

I don't know if they can survive their early schedule but I was impressed with Southern Utah ... they remind me a lot of the New Hampshire team we played in the playoffs last year. Granted, we didn't play very well in the first half, but they gave us some fits. Our speed and depth eventually overwhelmed them, but they definitely earned our respect. It'll be interesting to see how they match up with South Dakota State this weekend ... should be a good one.

[LDopaPDX]

Southern Utah looked tougher against Nevada than Washington State did. The problem SUU is going to keep running into is the fact that they struggle to score points.

It looks like SELA might be as good as advertised.