Big Sky Power Rankings 9-23

[JALMOND]

Finally the teams got through the preseason and the regular conference season is set to begin. These are the games that count and will decide who gets the autobid into the playoffs. No one cares who you beat in the non-conference. They are set to take your spot away. Coming into the first weekend, here are the power rankings in the conference. Not much change from last week, but that should change now that everyone is playing everyone. Last week's rankings are in parenthesis. All are my opinion only.

1. Montana (2)---Last week beat Indiana State (FCS Missouri Valley) at home 63-20, this week Idaho at home---The Grizzlies bounced back from a lackadaisical performance against one of the top Missouri Valley teams to take care of a lower Missouri Valley team. They start conference play welcoming Idaho to their friendly stadium.

2. Montana State (1)---Last week beat Mercyhurst (FCS Northeast) at home 17-0, this week Eastern Washington at home---The Bobcats garnered their second win of the season, but there were some anxious moments against a Northeast team that kept them scoreless in the second half. They bring in Eastern Washington for a conference home game.

3. Northern Arizona (3)---Last week beat Incarnate Word (FCS Southland) at home 31-23, this week at Portland State---The Lumberjacks completed an impressive non-conference slate with a good home win last week. They will start the conference leg of their schedule on the road against a wounded Portland State team.

4. Sacramento State (4)---Last week beat Central Arkansas (FCS United) at home 45-16, this week Cal Poly at home---The Hornets have also looked good in non-conference play with last week upending a United team at home. They will start conference play this weekend at home, playing the upstart Cal Poly team.

5. Idaho (5)---Last week lost at San Jose State (FBS Mountain West) 31-28, this week at Montana---The Vandals almost came through with a scalp last week, playing up a level in the Mountain West, before losing on a last second field goal. Things may bode well for them however as they head on the road to play Montana.

6. UC Davis (6)---Last week beat Southern Utah (FCS United) at home 50-34, this week Weber State at home---The Aggies took on the Big Sky nemesis in non-conference play and showed them who's boss in a good tuneup before they start the conference slate. They come home and start with Weber State in a good test.

7. Northern Colorado (7)---Last week won at Houston Christian (FCS Southland) 26-23, this week Idaho State at home---After getting a rare FCS road win to close out the non-conference slate, the Bears have to be feeling good about themselves. On the verge of becoming the conference darlings, they have a tough home game with Idaho State.

8. Idaho State (8)---Last week beat Lincoln, CA (DII) at home 90-0, this week at Northern Colorado---In their last non-conference game, the Bengals decided to give their scoreboard a strong workout. Hey, have to make sure everything is ready to go. They will start their season on the road, with tough game at Northern Colorado.

9. Weber State (9)---Last week beat Butler (FCS Pioneer) at home 38-24, this week at UC Davis---The Wildcats notched another win at home last weekend to close out their non-conference schedule. Hoping to be ready for the tough conference play, they head on down the road to face off against UC Davis in a tough matchup.

10. Eastern Washington (10)---Last week beat Western Illinois (FCS Ohio Valley) at home 52-31, this week at Montana State---The Eagles finally got their first win, taking care of a stubborn Ohio Valley team at home. Starting conference play, they head down the road to Montana State for a tough opening week tilt against the Bobcats.

11. Cal Poly (11)---Last week lost at Stephen F Austin (FCS Southland) 35-17, this week at Sacramento State---The Mustangs held tight on the road in the middle of the Southland last week only to succumb in the second half. They get a tough opening weekend draw this weekend, heading up to northern California and face Sacramento State.

12. Portland State (12)---Last week bye, this week Northern Arizona at home---The Vikings concluded their non-conference games the week before and elected to sit last week out to prepare for their conference schedule. But it will be challenging, starting with the first game against Northern Arizona. But it is typical so far for the Vikings.

RECAP: 1-6 in a bunch, 7-11 just behind, 12 bringing up the rear.

[SuperHornet]

Looks good, JAL. Thank you for continuing this.