Big Sky Predictions 9-12

[JALMOND]

I'd like to think the first week was a success as far as these predictions went. After all, I ended the week with a perfect 8-0. But really the games were all a no-brainer with the only tough one being Weber/Wyoming. This week the games get a little tough with three non-conference games involving other FCS teams. Still the usual allotment of FBS and DII games but all should be interesting. Here are my predictions. All are my opinion and all are open for discussion.

EWU @ California---After playing DII last week, the Eagles go to the other extreme and play the Pac-10 Bears. The Eagles struggled a little before putting away Western Oregon last week. One thing is clear, Cal is not Western Oregon...California 42, EWU 7.

ISU @ Oklahoma---Are the Bengals really improved? After last week, it does remain to be seen. It is tough having to play two straight FBS opponents (and members of BCS conferences to boot), especially when you are trying to install confidence. Good thing this week, Bradford will not play for the Sooners. Bad thing, as if it mattered...Oklahoma 45, ISU 3.

UM @ UC-Davis---It is easy to say the Grizzlies will win this no problem. Just chalk it up for them and move on. The Griz basically walked through their game last week while Davis was getting manhandled by Fresno State. But last year, with basically the same personnel, the Aggies gave the Griz all they could handle in Missoula. Last year, too, the Aggies lost every game on the road, yet only lost once at home. Looking at it that way makes it clear that this will not be easy...UM 30, UC-Davis 28.

Dixie State @ MSU---Wow, what to say about the Bobcats after their initial showing last week. No defense and no offense. No defense can be attributed to the Michigan State offense. No offense can possibly be attributed to the Spartan defense, but no Bobcat quarterback seemed able to get anything going. This week should be an opportunity to work on things...MSU 31, Dixie State 7.

NAU @ Arizona---The Jacks took the week off to prepare for the Pac-10 Wildcats of Arizona. First game jitters and the trip down south to play up does not bode well. Also does not help having to see some new faces on the team. Still, could be worse. Oh wait, they're playing Arizona...Arizona 38, NAU 10.

San Diego @ UNC---The Bears headed to Kansas last week, who were not too kind to the visitors. Anything positive for the Bears were lost in the steamroll. Still looking for positives this season, they welcome San Diego, a team that suprised them in Greeley a couple years ago. That San Diego team was great, this one is just good...UNC 20, San Diego 17.

Southern Oregon @ PSU---The Vikings seemed to be fine against Oregon State last week. They showed a good effort in moving the ball. The same problems from last year were evident, though, in that you can score from beyond 20 yards, but how do you score from within 20 yards? This week, NAIA Southern Oregon comes calling. The NAIA has beaten the FCS once this year, but don't expect it this week...PSU 35, Southern Oregon 10.

Sac State @ Cal Poly---So what happened? The Hornets were hanging around with Nev-Las Vegas last week, then the wheels came off? Like, big time! Losing Hilliard looks like a bigger loss than previously believed (and it was pretty big). Now they head south to play Cal Poly, a team that was in the playoffs last year. Will this be any different...Cal Poly 28, Sac State 14.

WSU @ Colorado State---Last week, the Wildcats came close to Wyoming and possibly could have secured an upset if not for the five interceptions. This week, they stay in the Mountain West and head to Colorado State, a team that looked very good against their in-state big brother last week. The best chance for an upset was last week...Colorado State 31, WSU 20.

[dbackjon]

BSC Winners:
Montana
Montana State
Portland State
Northern Colorado

[SDHornet]

Sac State @ Cal Poly---So what happened? The Hornets were hanging around with Nev-Las Vegas last week, then the wheels came off? Like, big time! Losing Hilliard looks like a bigger loss than previously believed (and it was pretty big). Now they head south to play Cal Poly, a team that was in the playoffs last year. Will this be any different...Cal Poly 28, Sac State 14.

Dailey went 19 carries for 102 yards against an FBS defense. I don’t see how this doesn’t fill the void left by Hilliard. Also picking cal poly just because they made the playoffs last year is pretty weak. cal poly lost all of their key offensive skill players and they have a new coach coming in. They do however have a UCLA transfer that will get the start at WR who could be a serious threat. cal poly does have a lot of returners on defense, BUT they are switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3 so I would imagine it will take some time to adjust. Keep in mind that this is cal poly’s first game of the year; however it is a home game for them. If the Sac State defense plays like it did in the first half of last week, they will give cal poly some problems. I am going with 27-9 Sac State. I think Sac State establishes the run early and exploits the transitioning cal poly defense with the play action pass. But I wouldn’t be surprised if this game turns into a low scoring affair.

[Wapiti]

EWU @ California--- CA 48 EWU 7 An easy pick

ISU @ Oklahoma---OK 55 ISU 6 An even easier pick

UM @ UC-Davis---. UC-D 28 UM 25 Someone needs to pick against Montana, just as well be me. Home Field advantage for UC-D wins it.

Dixie State @ MSU--- MSU 32 DS 13 Game is closer than MSU would like it, but that was due to 2nd and 3rd stringers playing a major portion of the 2nd half.

NAU @ Arizona--- AZ 42 NAU 21 NAU plays a surprising good game.

San Diego @ UNC---UNC 24 SD 17 UNC wins this, but I'm not sure by how much. Depends on penalty calls.

Southern Oregon @ PSU--- PSU 38 SO 9 PSU takes care of NAIA team.

Sac State @ Cal Poly--- CP 32 SS 13 Sac State is in a rebuilding year and CP is getting better at reloading.

WSU @ Colorado State--- CSU 32 WSU 28 Weber State keeps it close again against an FBS, but still short of the W.

[Wedgebuster]

BSC Winners:
Montana
Montana State
Portland State
Northern Colorado

Ditto

[Grizo406]

BSC Winners:
Montana
Montana State
Portland State
Northern Colorado

Same here.

The Griz/Aggies game scares the shit outta' me! The two main reasons it does, is that UC Davis gave us all we could handle last year, and the last time the Griz played a night game, we lost it!

As usual, nice job, JALMOND!

[Ursus A. Horribilis]

BSC Winners:
Montana
Montana State
Portland State
Northern Colorado

Same here.

The Griz/Aggies game scares the shit outta' me! The two main reasons it does, is that UC Davis gave us all we could handle last year, and the last time the Griz played a night game, we lost it!

As usual, nice job, JALMOND!

I think we'll take better care of the ball this time and hopefully that will be what we need to get by this team.

[JALMOND]

I actually went back and forth on the Griz game, anywhere from Griz winning by 5 to Davis winning by 5. I think it is the toughest game to pick on the docket this week, more so than even Colorado State/Weber State. What clinched it for me was the Aggies terrible game last week against Fresno (and I don't even think Fresno is that good). That trumped the fact that Davis is playing at home. I'll close by adding that I really doubt this game is a blowout.

[SeattleGriz]

Great job as usual Jalmond.

Not to take this thread in a different direction, but did anyone who saw the UC Davis game last year see what I saw? I saw the Griz D absolutely punish the UC Davis team in the second half with some nasty hits. Maybe it was me, but I thought for sure I saw UC Davis fold at that point.

Perfect example. I was recording a UC Davis drive on my camera just to see how the video would turn out and twice on that particular drive, Montana delivered huge hits that got nothing but OOOOOHHHHH! out of the crowd.

UM D pounds on UC Davis again this year.

Griz 27
Davis 17

[AZGrizFan]

I actually went back and forth on the Griz game, anywhere from Griz winning by 5 to Davis winning by 5. I think it is the toughest game to pick on the docket this week, more so than even Colorado State/Weber State. What clinched it for me was the Aggies terrible game last week against Fresno (and I don't even think Fresno is that good). That trumped the fact that Davis is playing at home. I'll close by adding that I really doubt this game is a blowout.

I'll give you the 5.

[Mvemjsunpx]

I don't think the UM/UCD game will be a down to the wire affair. The Griz defense is way better than it was last September and the UM running game should take advantage of an Aggie defense that was totally ripped to shreds by the Fresno ground attack.

I also think San Diego will get by UNC, but that looks to be the biggest toss-up of the week.

[AZGrizFan]

EWU @ California--- CA 48 EWU 7 An easy pick
ISU @ Oklahoma---OK 55 ISU 6 An even easier pick
UM @ UC-Davis---. UC-D 28 UM 25 Someone needs to pick against Montana, just as well be me. Home Field advantage for UC-D wins it.
Dixie State @ MSU--- MSU 32 DS 13 Game is closer than MSU would like it, but that was due to 2nd and 3rd stringers playing a major portion of the 2nd half.
NAU @ Arizona--- AZ 42 NAU 21 NAU plays a surprising good game.
San Diego @ UNC---UNC 24 SD 17 UNC wins this, but I'm not sure by how much. Depends on penalty calls.
Southern Oregon @ PSU--- PSU 38 SO 9 PSU takes care of NAIA team.
Sac State @ Cal Poly--- CP 32 SS 13 Sac State is in a rebuilding year and CP is getting better at reloading.
WSU @ Colorado State--- CSU 32 WSU 28 Weber State keeps it close again against an FBS, but still short of the W.

Cal by 35
UM by 17
MSU by 31
U of A by 38 (and NAU will be lucky to score 10)
USD over UNC by 4
PSU by 28
CSU by 21 over Weber. Game won't be that close.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

I don't think the UM/UCD game will be a down to the wire affair. The Griz defense is way better than it was last September and the UM running game should take advantage of an Aggie defense that was totally ripped to shreds by the Fresno ground attack.

I also think San Diego will get by UNC, but that looks to be the biggest toss-up of the week.

I'm going to have to agree with Mvemjsunpx. The two closest games are going to be Northern Colorado against San Diego, and Montana against UC-Davis, respectively.

My picks:

EWU 24 vs. California 52

ISU 0 vs. Oklahoma 48

UM 31 vs. UC-Davis 24

Dixie State 10 vs. MSU 34

NAU 17 vs. Arizona 45

San Diego 24 vs. UNC 20

Southern Oregon 7 vs. PSU 42

Sac State 24 vs. Cal Poly 34

WSU 17 vs. Colorado State 31

[JALMOND]

If I can say something in defense of the Bengals that I think is getting overlooked. Last week Oklahoma lost their Heisman winning quaterback. Whereas you do practice a backup, chances are you never anticipate that you will lose not only your quarterback, but your headliner. The Sooners no doubt will be using this as a chance to see who will lead the team, now that Bradford is out. I'm not saying that the Bengals will win, but I think it is crazy to think they will give up more than 48 points, given the situation facing the Sooners. As a barometer, I think any more than 45 show that the Bengals are not as improved as I think they are, at least on defense.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

If I can say something in defense of the Bengals that I think is getting overlooked. Last week Oklahoma lost their Heisman winning quaterback. Whereas you do practice a backup, chances are you never anticipate that you will lose not only your quarterback, but your headliner. The Sooners no doubt will be using this as a chance to see who will lead the team, now that Bradford is out. I'm not saying that the Bengals will win, but I think it is crazy to think they will give up more than 48 points, given the situation facing the Sooners. As a barometer, I think any more than 45 show that the Bengals are not as improved as I think they are, at least on defense.

I disagree. Championship-caliber BCS teams have what a lot of FCS teams lack; depth. Bradford might be hurt, but their starting WRs, TEs, and RBs aren't. I also don't think ISU is as improved as you think they are. If Bradford were playing I'd give 55-60 to the Sooners instead of just 48.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

If I can say something in defense of the Bengals that I think is getting overlooked. Last week Oklahoma lost their Heisman winning quaterback. Whereas you do practice a backup, chances are you never anticipate that you will lose not only your quarterback, but your headliner. The Sooners no doubt will be using this as a chance to see who will lead the team, now that Bradford is out. I'm not saying that the Bengals will win, but I think it is crazy to think they will give up more than 48 points, given the situation facing the Sooners. As a barometer, I think any more than 45 show that the Bengals are not as improved as I think they are, at least on defense.

41-0 at half for Oklahoma.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

48-0 now for OK. Now I need the sooners to call off the dogs for the rest of the game.

[GOKATS]

48-0 now for OK. Now I need the sooners to call off the dogs for the rest of the game.

59-7

[Screamin_Eagle174]

48-0 now for OK. Now I need the sooners to call off the dogs for the rest of the game.

59-7

417 yards and 3 TDs...














by Dixie State!

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Correct Pick
Incorrect Pick
Actual Score
(-123): Difference between predicted and actual point spread
____________________________________________________
EWU 24 vs. California 52
EWU 7 vs. California 59 (-24)
ISU 0 vs. Oklahoma 48
ISU 0 vs. Oklahoma 64 (-16)
UM 31 vs. UC-Davis 24
UM 17 vs. UC-Davis 10 (-0)
Dixie State 10 vs. MSU 34
Dixie State 20 vs. MSU 23 ( ) (-21)
NAU 17 vs. Arizona 45
NAU 17 vs. Arizona 34 (-11)
San Diego 24 vs. UNC 20
San Diego 12 vs. UNC 31 (-15)
Southern Oregon 7 vs. PSU 42
Southern Oregon 10 vs. PSU 34 (-11)
Sac State 24 vs. Cal Poly 34
Sac State 19 vs. Cal Poly 38 (-9)
WSU 17 vs. Colorado State 31
WSU 23 vs. Colorado State 24 (-13)
____________________________________________________

This week: 8-1
Overall: 16-1
Avg. Point Spread Error: 13.3 pts (12.1 last week)

For shits and giggles, thought I'd keep a detailed record of how I do; I've never done this before.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Correct Pick
Incorrect Pick
Actual Score
(-123): Difference between predicted and actual point spread
____________________________________________________
EWU 24 vs. California 52
EWU 7 vs. California 59 (-24)
ISU 0 vs. Oklahoma 48
ISU 0 vs. Oklahoma 64 (-16)
UM 31 vs. UC-Davis 24
UM 17 vs. UC-Davis 10 (-0)
Dixie State 10 vs. MSU 34
Dixie State 20 vs. MSU 23 ( ) (-21)
NAU 17 vs. Arizona 45
NAU 17 vs. Arizona 34 (-11)
San Diego 24 vs. UNC 20
San Diego 12 vs. UNC 31 (-15)
Southern Oregon 7 vs. PSU 42
Southern Oregon 10 vs. PSU 34 (-11)
Sac State 24 vs. Cal Poly 34
Sac State 19 vs. Cal Poly 38 (-9)
WSU 17 vs. Colorado State 31
WSU 23 vs. Colorado State 24 (-13)
____________________________________________________

This week: 8-1
Overall: 16-1
Avg. Point Spread Error: 13.3 pts

For shits and giggles, thought I'd keep a detailed record of how I do; I've never done this before.

Last week's pick with point spread error added:

EWU 51, Western Oregon 13
EWU 35, Western Oregon 14 (-17)
Arizona State 52, ISU 0
Arizona State 50, ISU 3 (-5)
UM 55, Western State 3
UM 38, Western State 0 (-14)
Michigan State 42, MSU 17
Michigan State 44, MSU 3 (-16)
Kansas 48, UNC 3
Kansas 49, UNC 3 (-1)
Oregon State 52, PSU 14
Oregon State 34, PSU 7 (-11)
UNLV 27, Sac State 21
UNLV 38, Sac State 3 (-29)
Wyoming 31, WSU 28
Wyoming 29, WSU 22 (-4)
_________________________________

Avg. Point Spread Error: 12.1 pts

[JALMOND]

Correct Pick
Incorrect Pick
Actual Score
(-123): Difference between predicted and actual point spread
____________________________________________________
EWU 24 vs. California 52
EWU 7 vs. California 59 (-24)
ISU 0 vs. Oklahoma 48
ISU 0 vs. Oklahoma 64 (-16)
UM 31 vs. UC-Davis 24
UM 17 vs. UC-Davis 10 (-0)
Dixie State 10 vs. MSU 34
Dixie State 20 vs. MSU 23 ( ) (-21)
NAU 17 vs. Arizona 45
NAU 17 vs. Arizona 34 (-11)
San Diego 24 vs. UNC 20
San Diego 12 vs. UNC 31 (-15)
Southern Oregon 7 vs. PSU 42
Southern Oregon 10 vs. PSU 34 (-11)
Sac State 24 vs. Cal Poly 34
Sac State 19 vs. Cal Poly 38 (-9)
WSU 17 vs. Colorado State 31
WSU 23 vs. Colorado State 24 (-13)
____________________________________________________

This week: 8-1
Overall: 16-1
Avg. Point Spread Error: 13.3 pts (12.1 last week)

For shits and giggles, thought I'd keep a detailed record of how I do; I've never done this before.

Actually, the UNC game you took San Diego by 4, outcome was UNC by 19. I'd say you missed that by 23, not 15. Being technical about it, yes.

[JALMOND]

I'd like to think the first week was a success as far as these predictions went. After all, I ended the week with a perfect 8-0. But really the games were all a no-brainer with the only tough one being Weber/Wyoming. This week the games get a little tough with three non-conference games involving other FCS teams. Still the usual allotment of FBS and DII games but all should be interesting. Here are my predictions. All are my opinion and all are open for discussion.

EWU @ California---After playing DII last week, the Eagles go to the other extreme and play the Pac-10 Bears. The Eagles struggled a little before putting away Western Oregon last week. One thing is clear, Cal is not Western Oregon...California 42, EWU 7.

ISU @ Oklahoma---Are the Bengals really improved? After last week, it does remain to be seen. It is tough having to play two straight FBS opponents (and members of BCS conferences to boot), especially when you are trying to install confidence. Good thing this week, Bradford will not play for the Sooners. Bad thing, as if it mattered...Oklahoma 45, ISU 3.

UM @ UC-Davis---It is easy to say the Grizzlies will win this no problem. Just chalk it up for them and move on. The Griz basically walked through their game last week while Davis was getting manhandled by Fresno State. But last year, with basically the same personnel, the Aggies gave the Griz all they could handle in Missoula. Last year, too, the Aggies lost every game on the road, yet only lost once at home. Looking at it that way makes it clear that this will not be easy...UM 30, UC-Davis 28.

Dixie State @ MSU---Wow, what to say about the Bobcats after their initial showing last week. No defense and no offense. No defense can be attributed to the Michigan State offense. No offense can possibly be attributed to the Spartan defense, but no Bobcat quarterback seemed able to get anything going. This week should be an opportunity to work on things...MSU 31, Dixie State 7.

NAU @ Arizona---The Jacks took the week off to prepare for the Pac-10 Wildcats of Arizona. First game jitters and the trip down south to play up does not bode well. Also does not help having to see some new faces on the team. Still, could be worse. Oh wait, they're playing Arizona...Arizona 38, NAU 10.

San Diego @ UNC---The Bears headed to Kansas last week, who were not too kind to the visitors. Anything positive for the Bears were lost in the steamroll. Still looking for positives this season, they welcome San Diego, a team that suprised them in Greeley a couple years ago. That San Diego team was great, this one is just good...UNC 20, San Diego 17.

Southern Oregon @ PSU---The Vikings seemed to be fine against Oregon State last week. They showed a good effort in moving the ball. The same problems from last year were evident, though, in that you can score from beyond 20 yards, but how do you score from within 20 yards? This week, NAIA Southern Oregon comes calling. The NAIA has beaten the FCS once this year, but don't expect it this week...PSU 35, Southern Oregon 10.

Sac State @ Cal Poly---So what happened? The Hornets were hanging around with Nev-Las Vegas last week, then the wheels came off? Like, big time! Losing Hilliard looks like a bigger loss than previously believed (and it was pretty big). Now they head south to play Cal Poly, a team that was in the playoffs last year. Will this be any different...Cal Poly 28, Sac State 14.

WSU @ Colorado State---Last week, the Wildcats came close to Wyoming and possibly could have secured an upset if not for the five interceptions. This week, they stay in the Mountain West and head to Colorado State, a team that looked very good against their in-state big brother last week. The best chance for an upset was last week...Colorado State 31, WSU 20.

A bit nervous during the games, but at the end I am still a perfect 17-0. Almost hit the PSU/SOU game and was close on NAU/UA game.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Correct Pick
Incorrect Pick
Actual Score
(-123): Difference between predicted and actual point spread
____________________________________________________
EWU 24 vs. California 52
EWU 7 vs. California 59 (-24)
ISU 0 vs. Oklahoma 48
ISU 0 vs. Oklahoma 64 (-16)
UM 31 vs. UC-Davis 24
UM 17 vs. UC-Davis 10 (-0)
Dixie State 10 vs. MSU 34
Dixie State 20 vs. MSU 23 ( ) (-21)
NAU 17 vs. Arizona 45
NAU 17 vs. Arizona 34 (-11)
San Diego 24 vs. UNC 20
San Diego 12 vs. UNC 31 (-15)
Southern Oregon 7 vs. PSU 42
Southern Oregon 10 vs. PSU 34 (-11)
Sac State 24 vs. Cal Poly 34
Sac State 19 vs. Cal Poly 38 (-9)
WSU 17 vs. Colorado State 31
WSU 23 vs. Colorado State 24 (-13)
____________________________________________________

This week: 8-1
Overall: 16-1
Avg. Point Spread Error: 13.3 pts (12.1 last week)

For shits and giggles, thought I'd keep a detailed record of how I do; I've never done this before.

Actually, the UNC game you took San Diego by 4, outcome was UNC by 19. I'd say you missed that by 23, not 15. Being technical about it, yes.

I thought about that, but I'm just considering the overall difference in point spread, disregarding who won, since I account for who who won with my initial picks.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

48-0 now for OK. Now I need the sooners to call off the dogs for the rest of the game.

59-7

This is GOKATS right now following his team: