Big Sky Power Rankings 10-12

[JALMOND]

You want balance in the Big Sky? Here is Columbus Day weekend and the Grizzlies are the only team undefeated in conference play. That is not as strange as there are currently five teams with one conference loss. Not four, but five teams. The Big 5, let me introduce you to Sacramento State. Yes, Columbus Day weekend, halfway through the season and the Big Sky teams have to still contend with the Hornets. With that in mind, here are this week's power rankings. Remember, all are my opinion and all are open for discussion. This week (last week)...

1. Montana (1)---Coming off a bye week, the Grizzlies gave their fans a scare for three quarters, letting Cal Poly hang around before closing the game in the fourth. The Grizzlies are still the top dog in the conference, but there has not been a real dominating performance other than the Portland State game (and of course, DII Western State). This week a return back to conference action as they welcome Eastern Washington. That could be a good thing, but the Eagles have played the Griz tough at Wash-Griz in recent years.

2. Weber State (4)---It took the Wildcats only one week to return to the second spot. After sputtering at home against Montana State, the Wildcats took care of business last week on the road at Eastern Washington. Star-studded performance on both sides of the ball led to a great road win. This week, another home game against upstart Sacramento State. On paper it looks easy, but the Wildcats have looked anything but stellar at home this year.

3. Northern Arizona (5)---Is this the year for the Jacks? The only blemish so far in conference is an overtime loss at home to Montana, but after a ho-hum type game against Northern Colorado, they came up big in the snow and cold in the victory at Montana State last week. Snow games are a challenge for "dome" teams and to get a win in the snow is satisfying. This weekend, they head to the Northwest to play Portland State. A good chance for rain, but no snow.

4. Montana State (3)---After getting a big win on the road, the Bobcats had everything going. Entertaining a dome weather team for homecoming with the elements in your favor, they had to feel good last week against Northern Arizona. Then the game began and the Bobcats could not get anything going. This week, a break in the conference slate as they welcome South Dakota to Bozeman. A game the Bobcats need to keep their playoff hopes alive. Can they get a better effort?

5. Eastern Washington (2)---Finally a game for the Eagles to see where they are, against a formidable opponent in Weber State, a team the Eagles have pretty much owned the last few years. After gnashing their teeth against teams they should beat (Idaho State and Northern Colorado), they had the confidence, but not many answers as they went down in defeat at home. This week a golden chance to right the ship as they head to Montana in a place that they've had the most success of anyone in the conference.

6. Sacramento State (6)---So there are the five teams that were expected to be there, yet the other team with currently one loss are the Hornets, who disposed of Idaho State last week, just like any good team should do. Are the Hornets playing above their heads? Could be, but one loss looks pretty good right now. A better indication is this week as they head to play Weber State on the road. Does the bubble burst or does Cinderella get a reprieve?

7. Portland State (8)---Things looked bleak for the Vikings as they headed to Northern Colorado last week. They had not won on the road in two years, it was cold and snowy, and the Bears were coming off an impressive showing at Northern Arizona. But in the end, the Vikings were the ones on top. This week, Northern Arizona comes to town. A good chance for the Vikings to continue good feelings?

8. Northern Colorado (7)---Sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down. Such is the case with the Bears. After looking pretty good in a close game at Northern Arizona, Portland State came to town, bringing snow and cold with them. Unfortunately, it was the Bears that were sliding their way to a loss. This week, no threat of snow and cold as they head to Idaho State. Can the Bears find an offense and get a win?

9. Idaho State (9)---Broken record. The Bengals played at Sacramento State and the Bengals got the loss. Sometime the Bengals will get a win and happy times will return to Pocatello. When will that be? Well, a good chance this week as they welcome Northern Colorado to the arena. Maybe the best chance all year for the Bengals, but the last game the Bears played indoors, they looked pretty good.

[putter]

Can't argue with the rankings. There could be some close games this weekend and some upsets. As you said, EWU seems to play the Griz better in Missoula than the do at Eastern's Washington-Grizzly Stadium

[cats2506]

2 - 6 could still go any way. I would give weber the edge though also.

doubt the griz make it through this year without a loss. EWU may be the ones this week, hope so since it really makes the power ranking a mess.

[GrizFanStuckInUtah]

2 - 6 could still go any way. I would give weber the edge though also.

doubt the griz make it through this year without a loss. EWU may be the ones this week, hope so since it really makes the power ranking a mess.

I think by Halloween things will be mostly sorted out. A lot more conference games will have been played by then.

[AZGrizFan]

2 - 6 could still go any way. I would give weber the edge though also.

doubt the griz make it through this year without a loss. EWU may be the ones this week, hope so since it really makes the power ranking a mess.

I guessing the Griz go into the litterbox undefeated.

And I'm guessing by that point the sCats will have nothing to play for but pride.

And I'm guessing the Griz leave the litterbox undefeated.

[weberwildcat]

I keep hearing EWU is very good in Missoula. Does this just mean games are close? I know one would assume EWU must be winning there half the time but considering UM isn't a normal team should I assume one win and one close one means EWU is tough at Montana?

I see going back as far as 1992 EWU has 3 wins at UM. So compared to my team that is amazing. Our last win at UM was before Wa-Griz was even built.

[weberwildcat]

Minus any "upsets" EWU/UM game looks like the only interesting one this week. I'm not saying as a WSU fan I think Sac has no chance...I've seen how my team has played at home lately.

[kalm]

I keep hearing EWU is very good in Missoula. Does this just mean games are close? I know one would assume EWU must be winning there half the time but considering UM isn't a normal team should I assume one win and one close one means EWU is tough at Montana?

I see going back as far as 1992 EWU has 3 wins at UM. So compared to my team that is amazing. Our last win at UM was before Wa-Griz was even built.

I wouldn't say very good, I would say better than anyone else.

Griz fans can correct me on this but I beleive we have the most wins of any opposing team with 4 going back to 1990. Idaho is next with two, and only 8 teams have ever won a game in that stadium.
And yes, according to recent history, we lost on a prayer of a 4th and 10 play that led to a Dan Carpenter game winning field goal with 30 seconds remaining in 2007, and we won there the game before that in 2005.

The WA-Griz home field advantage is amazing and you have to see it in person to truly appreciate it. I'm a Seahawks fan but would much rather watch EWU at Montana than go to a Hawks game at quest. It isn't even close.

[JALMOND]

Minus any "upsets" EWU/UM game looks like the only interesting one this week. I'm not saying as a WSU fan I think Sac has no chance...I've seen how my team has played at home lately.

If Sac State is for real, the game will be a good one this week.

Portland State usually plays better at home than on the road. Both they and NAU love to socre so that one could be a track meet.

Northern Colorado has shown more life than Idaho State (not much more, but more still), yet weird things happen in ISU's little barn.

Montana State should not have a tough time against South Dakota, but yet again, they should have blown out Dixie State.

My rankings for best matchups in the Big Sky:

1. EWU @ UM
2. Sac State @ WSU
3. NAU @ PSU
4. UNC @ ISU
5. S Dakota @ MSU

[putter]

I keep hearing EWU is very good in Missoula. Does this just mean games are close? I know one would assume EWU must be winning there half the time but considering UM isn't a normal team should I assume one win and one close one means EWU is tough at Montana?

I see going back as far as 1992 EWU has 3 wins at UM. So compared to my team that is amazing. Our last win at UM was before Wa-Griz was even built.

These are the results from the last 4 Eagle/Griz games in Missoula:

2007 UM 24
EWU 23
2005 UM 20
EWU 34
2003 UM 41
EWU 10
2001 UM 29
EWU 26 2 OT

[Screamin_Eagle174]

I keep hearing EWU is very good in Missoula. Does this just mean games are close? I know one would assume EWU must be winning there half the time but considering UM isn't a normal team should I assume one win and one close one means EWU is tough at Montana?

I see going back as far as 1992 EWU has 3 wins at UM. So compared to my team that is amazing. Our last win at UM was before Wa-Griz was even built.

These are the results from the last 4 Eagle/Griz games in Missoula:

2007 UM 24
EWU 23
2005 UM 20
EWU 34
2003 UM 41
EWU 10
2001 UM 29
EWU 26 2 OT

Damn I would have loved to have been at the game in 2001... sounds like one hell of a defensive game for the score to be that low after double OT. What a heart breaker for Eastern in that one. (not unlike 2007... and I was there for that one*)






























* DAMN YOU MICHAEL BAGLEY!!!!!!!

[CrunchGriz]

These are the results from the last 4 Eagle/Griz games in Missoula:

2007 UM 24
EWU 23
2005 UM 20
EWU 34
2003 UM 41
EWU 10
2001 UM 29
EWU 26 2 OT

Damn I would have loved to have been at the game in 2001... sounds like one hell of a defensive game for the score to be that low after double OT. What a heart breaker for Eastern in that one. (not unlike 2007... and I was there for that one*)


* DAMN YOU MICHAEL BAGLEY!!!!!!!

I realize that it's a bad memory for you, but I don't know why it's so cloudy for you...his name, once again, is Ryan Bagley...and that was one of the most amazing catches I'd ever seen...until Mariani's last year in the championship game.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Damn I would have loved to have been at the game in 2001... sounds like one hell of a defensive game for the score to be that low after double OT. What a heart breaker for Eastern in that one. (not unlike 2007... and I was there for that one*)


* DAMN YOU MICHAEL BAGLEY!!!!!!!

I realize that it's a bad memory for you, but I don't know why it's so cloudy for you...his name, once again, is Ryan Bagley...and that was one of the most amazing catches I'd ever seen...until Mariani's last year in the championship game.

Eh, he's still a (douche)Bag.

[EWURanger]

These are the results from the last 4 Eagle/Griz games in Missoula:

2007 UM 24
EWU 23
2005 UM 20
EWU 34
2003 UM 41
EWU 10
2001 UM 29
EWU 26 2 OT

Damn I would have loved to have been at the game in 2001... sounds like one hell of a defensive game for the score to be that low after double OT. What a heart breaker for Eastern in that one. (not unlike 2007... and I was there for that one*)






























* DAMN YOU MICHAEL BAGLEY!!!!!!!

The 2001 game was a real heart-breaker, as was the miracle-win Montana pulled out of their butts in 2007.

But, if there was any consolation from the 2001 game, we knocked off Montana the following year at Joe Albi in Spokane. They were ranked #1 and had the longest (correct me if I'm wrong UM fans) winning streak in FCS at the time.

[EWURanger]

Oh yeah, about the power rankings - although you have to put Montana at the top spot since they are undefeated thus far, I realistically think the 2-5 spots are anyone's guess. I think you have to look at who each team has played, and who's left on their remaining schedule. Only time will tell; there is a lot of parody thus far in the BSC.

Guess we'll find out think weekend.

[CrunchGriz]

Damn I would have loved to have been at the game in 2001... sounds like one hell of a defensive game for the score to be that low after double OT. What a heart breaker for Eastern in that one. (not unlike 2007... and I was there for that one*)

* DAMN YOU MICHAEL BAGLEY!!!!!!!

The 2001 game was a real heart-breaker, as was the miracle-win Montana pulled out of their butts in 2007.

But, if there was any consolation from the 2001 game, we knocked off Montana the following year at Joe Albi in Spokane. They were ranked #1 and had the longest (correct me if I'm wrong UM fans) winning streak in FCS at the time.

Yep, 24-game winning streak, tied for the longest in I-AA/FCS history.

[EWURanger]

The 2001 game was a real heart-breaker, as was the miracle-win Montana pulled out of their butts in 2007.

But, if there was any consolation from the 2001 game, we knocked off Montana the following year at Joe Albi in Spokane. They were ranked #1 and had the longest (correct me if I'm wrong UM fans) winning streak in FCS at the time.

Yep, 24-game winning streak, tied for the longest in I-AA/FCS history.

Good, I remembered correctly then. All in all, there have been some Big Sky Classics played in this series over the years. I am sure I am leaving quite a few out, but the 1997 game in Missoula really stands out. The year we won the BSC outright made it to the semi-finals. I can still remember that last drive where we contined to run the ball something like 12-15 straight plays and thinking "wow, we are going to win this thing in Missoula."

Both the 2001 and 2002 games, the 2004 game which came down to a blocked FG by Montana with only a few seconds left. Classic game....The 2005 game with Erik Meyer and Eric Kimble....I can still remember the Eastern players waving their hands in the air for the crowd to get louder (anyone remember that one)? Another classic..

And of course the 2007 game, where Nichols passed for 450+ yards........Eastern kicks the go-ahead FG with a couple minutes left, and of course the Ryan Bagley catch on 4th and 10 to keep Montana alive. That game became an instant classic the second it was over.

So generally speaking, with the exception of the 2003? game and last year, in recent years we have either played Montana very close and lost, or we have beat them. Which is why I am wondering why a lot of Montana fans are predicting a blow-out on Saturday. Not saying we will win, but generally speaking, this is a game that the Eagles usually show up for.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Yep, 24-game winning streak, tied for the longest in I-AA/FCS history.

Good, I remembered correctly then. All in all, there have been some Big Sky Classics played in this series over the years. I am sure I am leaving quite a few out, but the 1997 game in Missoula really stands out. The year we won the BSC outright made it to the quarter-finals. I can still remember that last drive where we contined to run the ball something like 12-15 straight plays and thinking "wow, we are going to win this thing in Missoula."

Both the 2001 and 2002 games, the 2004 game which came down to a blocked FG by Montana with only a few seconds left. Classic game....The 2005 game with Erik Meyer and Eric Kimble....I can still remember the Eastern players waving their hands in the air for the crowd to get louder (anyone remember that one)? Another classic..

And of course the 2007 game, where Nichols passed for 450+ yards........Eastern kicks the go-ahead FG with a couple minutes left, and of course the Ryan Bagley catch on 4th and 10 to keep Montana alive. That game became an instant classic the second it was over.

So generally speaking, with the exception of the 2003? game and last year, in recent years we have either played Montana very close and lost, or we have beat them. Which is why I am wondering why a lot of Montana fans are predicting a blow-out on Saturday. Not saying we will win, but generally speaking, this is a game that the Eagles usually show up for.

Great post! I remember the 2005 and 2007 games in Missoula very well, and that was definitely a cool moment when the EWU players were trying to amp up the hostile crowd. Our players love loud stadiums... that excitement pumps them up and they feed off the noise throughout the game, even if they're the opposing team. I'm hoping this contest is another one of those classics.

[kalm]

We went to the semi's in 1997 and should have gone in 2004.

[Mike Johnson]

Question for Eastern Washington fans. Do most of the Eastern Washington fans actually live in Cheney or do most live in Spokane?

This question is based on conversations with friends from Central Washington who see their school as very similar to Eastern Washington. When I commented that much of the Eastern Washington fan base was in the Spokane area, they "informed" me that proximity to Spokane isn't important as Cheney is small and not Spokane.

[SuperHornet]

The Sacred City is going to win out. The Griz go down 24 Oct and get the boobie prize: an at-large.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Question for Eastern Washington fans. Do most of the Eastern Washington fans actually live in Cheney or do most live in Spokane?

This question is based on conversations with friends from Central Washington who see their school as very similar to Eastern Washington. When I commented that much of the Eastern Washington fan base was in the Spokane area, they "informed" me that proximity to Spokane isn't important as Cheney is small and not Spokane.

Cheney is only 17 miles from Spokane, so proximity isn't much of an issue. A good portion of students live in Spokane and commute. I'd say it's about 65/35 with the majority living in Cheney.

[kalm]

Question for Eastern Washington fans. Do most of the Eastern Washington fans actually live in Cheney or do most live in Spokane?

This question is based on conversations with friends from Central Washington who see their school as very similar to Eastern Washington. When I commented that much of the Eastern Washington fan base was in the Spokane area, they "informed" me that proximity to Spokane isn't important as Cheney is small and not Spokane.

I'm guessing most "fans" live in Cheney, although I've heard numerous times through the years that EWU Alumni living in Spokane far outnumber the other local universities (Idaho, WSU, Gonzaga) with numbers in the neighborhood of 40,000. And many of them do a terrific job of supporting Gonzaga Basketball, WSU Football, Spokane Chiefs Hockey, and Spokane Shock Football.

[AZGrizFan]

I'm guessing most "fans" live in Cheney, although I've heard numerous times through the years that EWU Alumni living in Spokane far outnumber the other local universities (Idaho, WSU, Gonzaga) with numbers in the neighborhood of 40,000. And many of them do a terrific job of supporting Gonzaga Basketball, WSU Football, Spokane Chiefs Hockey, and Spokane Shock Football.

It actually depends who EWU is playing. When they're playing Montana in Cheney, most fans live in Missoula.

[Grizalltheway]

The Sacred City is going to win out. The Griz go down 24 Oct and get the boobie prize: an at-large.

You've been setting yourself up to eat some SERIOUS crow the last few weeks, bub.