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Kind of strange last week within the conference as the home team lost every single game. With the favorites playing on the road in each game, things were ripe for an upset somewhere. Bud it did not happen, although there were some shaky moments late that kept the games far from boring. With the outcomes, this week's Big Sky power rankings. All are my opinion and all are open for discussion. This week, (last week).

1. Montana (1)---The Grizzlies found themselves so close to falling to Northern Arizona, needing a late field goal to send the game into overtime, and then keeping the Jacks out of the end zone after the Griz scored a touchdown on their first possession. So close, but still a victory. How long can the Griz savor this win? They have a bye this week.

2. Weber State (2)---Being somewhat in control most of the game, the Wildcats did not expect to be in a fight for their lives at the end of their game against Portland State. But after giving up a kickoff return for a touchdown, an interception for a touchdown, and a long drive for a touchdown, the Wildcats were in danger of losing the game. Then Higgins threaded the needle to Toone and the Wildcats escaped. Where to go from here? How about back home to host Montana State.

3. Eastern Washington (3)---The Eagles as well opened up a big lead in their game against Sacramento State. But they were able to sustain it as the game went on, even though their defense allowed the Hornets to match what the Eagle offense was doing. Good thing the offense kept scoring. Now that they have found their offense, can they keep it going. This week they head down to Idaho State. Keep it moving.

4. Northern Arizona (4)---This close. The defense gave up a long field goal to send the game into overtime, then the offense could not answer Montana's touchdown on the first possession. Tough ending to a great game. So can they get over it? They'll have to very soon as this week they welcome Northern Colorado. Should be an easy chance, unless there lingers a big Griz hangover.

5. Montana State (5)---On paper a great win on the road for the Bobcats against Northern Colorado, a team that has given them fits. Still, though, there appears to be concerns on offense, although it appears the defense is coming around. Will the offense ever have a breakout game? This week, they head down to Weber State in a big game. Will this be the game?

6. Portland State (7)---So close, but so far. The Vikings had rallied against Weber State and looked poised to steal the win over the mighty Wildcats. But they had given that potent Wildcat offense too much time and the win did not happen. Can they rebound? This week they welcome Sacramento State. Is this an opportunity to get the season started?

7. Sacramento State (8)---What a relief that the Hornet revamped offense finally showed up in the second half against Eastern Washington. Little solace in that the game pretty much was over at that time. The Hornets could only keep pace with the Eagles as the Hornet defense could not slow the Eagles at all. Can they get a complete game from everybody? This week they head to Portland State. Can the defense slow the high flying Vikings?

8. Northern Colorado (6)---This was the year the Bears were to make progress in the conference. Yet the offense has been hit hard with injuries so much that they could not find a rhythm against Montana State. Only a late touchdown kept them from getting shut out for the second consecutive game. This week finds them on the road at Northern Arizona. No offense could mean a long game as the Jacks can score.

9. Idaho State (9)---After a murderous start to the year, the Bengals were hoping to jump start the season with a home win against DII Central Washington. But it quickly became obvious that Central Washington is a pretty good DII program and the Bengals once again found themselves on the short end. Are things really this bad? Will they ever get better? This week they host Eastern Washington. Is this better?

It was brought to my attention that it was NAU that forced overtime with the field goal. I guess I need to do better research. Trying to blame it on the wife, but she is not letting me.

Good ranking for the most part. I would put NAU ahead of EWU

dbackjon wrote:Good ranking for the most part. I would put NAU ahead of EWU

I can deal with Scream if I did it, but I did not want to try to justify it with BF.

Seriously, NAU looked great against Montana, but EWU looked just as impressive on the road against Sac State. My opinion, EWU just looks like the better team so far after Montana and Weber State. I can't push them down.

JALMOND wrote:

dbackjon wrote:Good ranking for the most part. I would put NAU ahead of EWU

I can deal with Scream if I did it, but I did not want to try to justify it with BF.

Seriously, NAU looked great against Montana, but EWU looked just as impressive on the road against Sac State. My opinion, EWU just looks like the better team so far after Montana and Weber State. I can't push them down.

EWU looked good against a medicore SSU. NAU looked pretty good against Montana

dbackjon wrote:

JALMOND wrote:
I can deal with Scream if I did it, but I did not want to try to justify it with BF.

Seriously, NAU looked great against Montana, but EWU looked just as impressive on the road against Sac State. My opinion, EWU just looks like the better team so far after Montana and Weber State. I can't push them down.

EWU looked good against a medicore SSU. NAU looked pretty good against Montana

That's assuming Montana is that good. Don't get me wrong, they find ways to win, but we'll see how good they really are when they play Cal Poly and Weber State. It'll all work itself out in the coming weeks.

JALMOND wrote:

dbackjon wrote:Good ranking for the most part. I would put NAU ahead of EWU

I can deal with Scream if I did it, but I did not want to try to justify it with BF.

No you can't.

Screamin_Eagle174 wrote:

dbackjon wrote: EWU looked good against a medicore SSU. NAU looked pretty good against Montana

That's assuming Montana is that good. Don't get me wrong, they find ways to win, but we'll see how good they really are when they play Cal Poly and Weber State. It'll all work itself out in the coming weeks.

Montana has struggled on the road. But they still win. They rarely struggle at home.

We shall see...

dbackjon wrote:Good ranking for the most part. I would put NAU ahead of EWU

Not to mention these are weekly power rankings, not overall rankings. NAU played tough, but they lost. EWU played tough, and won.

Screamin_Eagle174 wrote:

dbackjon wrote: EWU looked good against a medicore SSU. NAU looked pretty good against Montana

That's assuming Montana is that good. Don't get me wrong, they find ways to win, but we'll see how good they really are when they play Cal Poly and Weber State. It'll all work itself out in the coming weeks.

Yup! That goes for Weber, too.

Every game seems like a test, and we have a couple of doozys coming up in the next few weeks. Anything can happen between now and the time Cal Poly rolls into Ogden in mid-November.

Screamin_Eagle174 wrote:

dbackjon wrote:Good ranking for the most part. I would put NAU ahead of EWU

Not to mention these are weekly power rankings, not overall rankings. NAU played tough, but they lost. EWU played tough, and won.

Lighten up a little, Scream. I still take into account how the teams have done and try to gauge how they will do the rest of the year. Really, my opinion is that it may be closer than you think between EWU and NAU. A little insight into how I do this (keep in mind I can change it whenever I want to, all my opinions you know)

EWU---started third, currently third. Win against WOU-should, Loss against Cal-should, Win against UNC-should, Win against Sac State-should. Currently 3-1. Should be 3-1. Big swing games coming up, Montana, Weber State, Northern Arizona, Montana State. Estimated record 7-4/6-5. Intangibles-basically none.

NAU---started fifth, currently fourth. Loss against Arizona-should, Win against Southern Utah-should, Loss against Montana-should. Currently 1-2, should be 1-2. Big swing games coming up, Weber State, Eastern Washington, Montana State, Portland State. Estimated record 6-5/7-4. Intangibles---(+) 17 point loss at Pac-10 team, OT loss to Montana. (-) None.

There is basically the stats involved. I also rely on my own various opinions, which saves me from thinking like a computer and more like a person. If I can objectively justify going against what the stats are telling me and move a team up or down, I will.

So how did I come up with EWU at third and not NAU? All my opinions, but EWU has done what I thought they would do at this point. Really nothing they have done so far has influenced me to move them up or down from where they started. NAU, on the other hand, stayed with Arizona in a game that looks pretty good this week after Arizona beat Oregon State in Corvallis. Also, they just took Montana to OT before losing. It is a loss, but it is also still Montana, the defending national runner-up. And Montana still can be considered the team to beat in the conference this year. If you want an idea how close it was, I can tell you that if the game was in Missoula this year and the Jacks took them to OT and lost, I would have probably moved them past EWU. As it is, I can't move them past the Eagles, particularly since the Eagles have not done anything to drop.

My questions about NAU have been answered for this season. They are for real.

Trust me Jalmond, I've been trying to lighten up, but unfortunately I'm still pushing 200.

There's no way EWU goes 6-5 this year. 7-4 if we choke in a game where we should have won. In all likelihood, EWU goes 8-3 or 9-2.

Looks good, as far as the rankings go.
No arguments here.
3, 4 and 5 look fairly evenly matched.

Should have some entertaining games the next few weeks.

Screamin_Eagle174 wrote:Trust me Jalmond, I've been trying to lighten up, but unfortunately I'm still pushing 200.

There's no way EWU goes 6-5 this year. 7-4 if we choke in a game where we should have won. In all likelihood, EWU goes 8-3 or 9-2.

You got one loss to Cal. Doubt you'd be favored against Montana or Weber. Hard to say you'd be favored at Northern Arizona, too. Big question is the Portland State game (Vikings own a three game winning streak against the Eagles and the game is on a neutral field). I'd say 6-5 or 7-4 are both a fair assessment (50/50).

JALMOND wrote:

Screamin_Eagle174 wrote:Trust me Jalmond, I've been trying to lighten up, but unfortunately I'm still pushing 200.

There's no way EWU goes 6-5 this year. 7-4 if we choke in a game where we should have won. In all likelihood, EWU goes 8-3 or 9-2.

You got one loss to Cal. Doubt you'd be favored against Montana or Weber. Hard to say you'd be favored at Northern Arizona, too. Big question is the Portland State game (Vikings own a three game winning streak against the Eagles and the game is on a neutral field). I'd say 6-5 or 7-4 are both a fair assessment (50/50).

Let's see, we beat Weber last year, and they had Smith and Nakamura running on all cylinders. They've lost Nakamura, and Smith was phased physically and mentally last game. Not to mention the game's in Cheney. I'd say EWU's favored in that one. PSU's little streak means nothing... you of all people should know that. Who won the three years prior???

Screamin_Eagle174 wrote:

JALMOND wrote:
You got one loss to Cal. Doubt you'd be favored against Montana or Weber. Hard to say you'd be favored at Northern Arizona, too. Big question is the Portland State game (Vikings own a three game winning streak against the Eagles and the game is on a neutral field). I'd say 6-5 or 7-4 are both a fair assessment (50/50).

Let's see, we beat Weber last year, and they had Smith and Nakamura running on all cylinders. They've lost Nakamura, and Smith was phased physically and mentally last game. Not to mention the game's in Cheney. I'd say EWU's favored in that one. PSU's little streak means nothing... you of all people should know that. Who won the three years prior???

Whatever. I can't see any way that EWU would be favored over WSU this year, crazy as it may seem. Your bias is getting in the way of your rational thinking (yes, you do think rationally from time to time). As far as your losing streak against PSU, who really cares what happened three years prior? Both teams were totally different then. Truth is this EWU team of Nichols, Bryce and company have looked pathetic each game against an inferior, Glanville coached PSU team. And this is going to be the year because of faster than lightning, Taipai Jones? He's the only difference between this year's Eagle team and last year (other than your beloved Peach-Fuzz on defense last year). Again, I say, whatever.

JALMOND wrote:

Screamin_Eagle174 wrote:
Let's see, we beat Weber last year, and they had Smith and Nakamura running on all cylinders. They've lost Nakamura, and Smith was phased physically and mentally last game. Not to mention the game's in Cheney. I'd say EWU's favored in that one. PSU's little streak means nothing... you of all people should know that. Who won the three years prior???

Whatever. I can't see any way that EWU would be favored over WSU this year, crazy as it may seem. Your bias is getting in the way of your rational thinking (yes, you do think rationally from time to time). As far as your losing streak against PSU, who really cares what happened three years prior? Both teams were totally different then. Truth is this EWU team of Nichols, Bryce and company have looked pathetic each game against an inferior, Glanville coached PSU team. And this is going to be the year because of faster than lightning, Taipai Jones? He's the only difference between this year's Eagle team and last year (other than your beloved Peach-Fuzz on defense last year). Again, I say, whatever.

<---


When you take off those rose-colored (or perhaps green?) shades, let me know.

Screamin_Eagle174 wrote:

JALMOND wrote:
You got one loss to Cal. Doubt you'd be favored against Montana or Weber. Hard to say you'd be favored at Northern Arizona, too. Big question is the Portland State game (Vikings own a three game winning streak against the Eagles and the game is on a neutral field). I'd say 6-5 or 7-4 are both a fair assessment (50/50).

Let's see, we beat Weber last year, and they had Smith and Nakamura running on all cylinders. They've lost Nakamura, and Smith was phased physically and mentally last game. Not to mention the game's in Cheney. I'd say EWU's favored in that one. PSU's little streak means nothing... you of all people should know that. Who won the three years prior???

Besides, I never said PSU would be favored against EWU. I also said that I can't see you being favored at Northern Arizona (really too early to tell, but for the power rankings, right now I give the edge to NAU). I'd give you the edge in the Montana State game (also too early to tell, could change after seeing EWU against WSU and UM). Also, yes, you'd probably be favored against PSU (too early to tell, too). The problem is EWU has not faced anyone to really get an accurate reading on, and probably won't until the Weber game. Right now, based on favorites, my opinion is 7-4. You stub your toe (or talon) against either MSU (maybe not) or PSU (maybe so) and you are at 6-5.

JALMOND wrote:

Screamin_Eagle174 wrote:
Let's see, we beat Weber last year, and they had Smith and Nakamura running on all cylinders. They've lost Nakamura, and Smith was phased physically and mentally last game. Not to mention the game's in Cheney. I'd say EWU's favored in that one. PSU's little streak means nothing... you of all people should know that. Who won the three years prior???

Besides, I never said PSU would be favored against EWU. I also said that I can't see you being favored at Northern Arizona (really too early to tell, but for the power rankings, right now I give the edge to NAU). I'd give you the edge in the Montana State game (also too early to tell, could change after seeing EWU against WSU and UM). Also, yes, you'd probably be favored against PSU (too early to tell, too). The problem is EWU has not faced anyone to really get an accurate reading on, and probably won't until the Weber game. Right now, based on favorites, my opinion is 7-4. You stub your toe (or talon) against either MSU (maybe not) or PSU (maybe so) and you are at 6-5.

Well after reading news that our starting middle LB Zach Johnson won't be seeing the field this year, I'm more inclined to think we could finish 7-4, and possibly, *maybe* 6-5. Zach is a play-stopper, and a big blow to the team for him to miss the entire season.

But for now, until shown otherwise, I believe EWU is an 8-3 team this year, 9-2 if we pull some shit.

Jalmond does a great job in his prognositications and it's impossible for him to know all the intangibles and details of each program on the level that a true fanatic like Screamin' would.

A couple of reasons why I would make EWU the favorite over Weber at this point: EWU was in the first year under a new coaching staff last season and was injury plagued at linebacker during much of the season, hence the reason the middle of the field was so open during the PSU game. Head coach Beau Baldwin took over offensive playing calling late in the season and we gave up only 15 points/game the last 5 games of the year closing with 3 straight wins including NAU and Weber in Ogden. I know it's last season, but throw out a late int versus Colorado or easier scheduling and you are talking about an 8-3 playoff team with most of the starters back.

I also think the break away threat of Taiwan Jones in the backfield will only help Matt Nichols and the passing game.

And we are playing a beat up Weber team at home.

kalm wrote:Jalmond does a great job in his prognositications and it's impossible for him to know all the intangibles and details of each program on the level that a true fanatic like Screamin' would.

A couple of reasons why I would make EWU the favorite over Weber at this point: EWU was in the first year under a new coaching staff last season and was injury plagued at linebacker during much of the season, hence the reason the middle of the field was so open during the PSU game. Head coach Beau Baldwin took over offensive playing calling late in the season and we gave up only 15 points/game the last 5 games of the year closing with 3 straight wins including NAU and Weber in Ogden. I know it's last season, but throw out a late int versus Colorado or easier scheduling and you are talking about an 8-3 playoff team with most of the starters back.

I also think the break away threat of Taiwan Jones in the backfield will only help Matt Nichols and the passing game.

And we are playing a beat up Weber team at home.

Good to see you here Kalm, stick around!

Welcome kalm. Good to see you here.

kalm wrote:Jalmond does a great job in his prognositications and it's impossible for him to know all the intangibles and details of each program on the level that a true fanatic like Screamin' would.

A couple of reasons why I would make EWU the favorite over Weber at this point: EWU was in the first year under a new coaching staff last season and was injury plagued at linebacker during much of the season, hence the reason the middle of the field was so open during the PSU game. Head coach Beau Baldwin took over offensive playing calling late in the season and we gave up only 15 points/game the last 5 games of the year closing with 3 straight wins including NAU and Weber in Ogden. I know it's last season, but throw out a late int versus Colorado or easier scheduling and you are talking about an 8-3 playoff team with most of the starters back.

I also think the break away threat of Taiwan Jones in the backfield will only help Matt Nichols and the passing game.

And we are playing a beat up Weber team at home.

My God, we are getting all the better Big Sky posters over here. Welcome, Kalm. Now all we need is IBP and some of the Bobcats.

As I said, EWU really has not played anyone to give a good indication of where they are at this year. Unfortunately, this week's game at ISU probably will not clear anything up. The game next week against Weber, no matter who is banged up, will be a good test.

JALMOND wrote:

kalm wrote:Jalmond does a great job in his prognositications and it's impossible for him to know all the intangibles and details of each program on the level that a true fanatic like Screamin' would.

A couple of reasons why I would make EWU the favorite over Weber at this point: EWU was in the first year under a new coaching staff last season and was injury plagued at linebacker during much of the season, hence the reason the middle of the field was so open during the PSU game. Head coach Beau Baldwin took over offensive playing calling late in the season and we gave up only 15 points/game the last 5 games of the year closing with 3 straight wins including NAU and Weber in Ogden. I know it's last season, but throw out a late int versus Colorado or easier scheduling and you are talking about an 8-3 playoff team with most of the starters back.

I also think the break away threat of Taiwan Jones in the backfield will only help Matt Nichols and the passing game.



And we are playing a beat up Weber team at home.

My God, we are getting all the better Big Sky posters over here. Welcome, Kalm. Now all we need is IBP and some of the Bobcats.

As I said, EWU really has not played anyone to give a good indication of where they are at this year. Unfortunately, this week's game at ISU probably will not clear anything up. The game next week against Weber, no matter who is banged up, will be a good test.

Agreed.