Big Sky Power Rankings 10-19

[JALMOND]

Are we getting some clarity in the Big Sky now? Be careful as there is still a lot of football to be played, but the number of contenders probably were cut in half after last week's games (6 down to 3). Many good matchups still remain to be played and many spoilers are still there. What may be set this week could be unsettled again next week. This week's Big Sky power rankings. All are my opinion and all are open for discussion. This week (last week).

1. Montana (1)---Some things change, some do not, like the Grizzlies still on top. Granted their wins have not been pretty and some questions still remain this late in the year, but after dispatching Eastern Washington, they are still undefeated, and still are the team to beat in the Big Sky. This week, they head to upstart Sacramento State. Another victim?

2. Weber State (2)---Last week's game with Sacramento State was supposed to show how good the Hornets were. Instead it showed how good the Wildcats are. After getting a rude wakeup call at home against Montana State, the Wildcats hapless victims included the Hornets as well as Eastern Washington. The next victim. Heading down through the mountains to Northern Colorado. Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, the Bears gave the Wildcats a scare last year in Ogden. Will they catch the Wildcats looking ahead to the Montana game?

3. Northern Arizona (3)---The Jacks could be playing the best football in the conference right now. Pretty much doing whatever they wanted last week at Portland State, they are quietly moving up. They gained notice when they took the Griz to overtime and have been building on that ever since. This week, a welcome return home after snow one week and rain the next. They will face Idaho State indoors.

4. Eastern Washington (5)---Great showings have become commonplace for the Eagles when they go play Montana in Missoula. Still, great showings there still result in a loss, and a loss was not what the Eagles needed as they try to build a case for the NCAA. This week, they return home in a must win as they welcome Montana State. Will they get the much needed win this week?

5. Montana State (4)---What is with the Bobcats? They do have a great win (Weber State) but last week saw them in another tight game with the Great West's South Dakota. Elite Big Sky teams (and elite FCs teams) should not be taken to overtime at home against a team that lost 66-7 to another elite FCS team. A head scratcher to say the least, combined with other head scratchers this year. This week, they have to go to Eastern Washington to play a mad Eagles team. A win, or another head scratcher?

6. Sacramento State (6)---There it was. A chance for this patsy Hornet team to show that this year, they truly belong with the big boys as they headed to Weber State. And they did show they belonged. For about a quarter. Then reality set in and the Hornets headed back home dejected. This week, another chance to show they are relevant as they welcome Montana. A win could go a long way to show they are back. A loss would show they are back to being mediocre.

7. Portland State (7)---For the Vikings, the game was simple. No Hubel, no chance, against the defense of Northern Arizona. The Jacks pass defense screamed throw the ball, yet new quarterback Kavanaugh, showed why he is a runner and not a passer. This week, a step out of conference as they welcome their former DII rival UC-Davis to Portland. A welcome relief?

8. Northern Colorado (8)---In a game that no one wanted to see, the Bears proved that they, too, can beat up on Idaho State. The offense was finally able to move the ball and the defense was able to hold the Bengals. A win can go a long way. This week, they welcome Weber State, a team they were able to stay with the whole game last year in Ogden. This year, the game is in Greeley, can they surprise?

9. Idaho State (9)---In a game that people thought was the best chance the Bengals had to get a win, they saw the same story as Northern Colorado kept marching up and down the field. If that was their closest competitor, the Bengals have to be feeling not too well. This week is another week and another try at a win as they head to Northern Arizona. Hey, its got to start somewhere.

[dbackjon]

Good rankings. Although without Hubel I would put UNC ahead of PSU

[JALMOND]

Good rankings. Although without Hubel I would put UNC ahead of PSU

Hubel's been upgraded to questionable for the UC-Davis game and is really hoping to play. Not much chatter as to who will go if Hubel cannot, but Engstrom looked capable. In my opinion, more capable than Kavanaugh.

[native]

1. Montana (1)---Some things change, some do not, like the Grizzlies still on top. Granted their wins have not been pretty and some questions still remain this late in the year, but after dispatching Eastern Washington, they are still undefeated, and still are the team to beat in the Big Sky.

In Big Sky conference-only games, UM is 1st in scoring offense with 43.7 points, 6th in scoring defense, allowing 28.3 points, 4th in total offense, averaging 425.7 yards, and 8th in total defense, allowing 456
yards per game.


2. Weber State (2)---Last week's game with Sacramento State was supposed to show how good the Hornets were. Instead it showed how good the Wildcats are. After getting a rude wakeup call at home against Montana State, the Wildcats hapless victims included the Hornets as well as Eastern Washington.

In Big Sky conference-only games, WSU is 2nd in scoring offense with 36.2 points, 2nd in scoring defense, allowing 19 points, 1st in total offense, averaging 463.2 yards, and 5th in total defense, allowing 382.6
yards per game.


3. Northern Arizona (3)---The Jacks could be playing the best football in the conference right now. Pretty much doing whatever they wanted last week at Portland State, they are quietly moving up. They gained notice when they took the Griz to overtime and have been building on that ever since.

In Big Sky conference-only games, NAU is 3rd in scoring offense with 34.0 points, 5th in scoring defense, allowing 25.2 points, 2nd in total offense, averaging 450.8 yards, and 3rd in total defense, allowing 339.5 yards per game.

[bpcats]

Your right on with your analysis again. Although SD did take Cal Davis to the brink so I would consider them slouches by no means.

The Cats are in their typical year again and can't seem to win the big games when it it necessary to make the playoffs. Another 7-4 or 6-5 record coming our way.