Big Sky Predictions 10-24

[JALMOND]

So I am sitting at 36-4 this late in the year. For the most part the games have been pretty easy to pick and we are getting some separation from those at the top. But, with teams jockeying for positions and trying to get to the top, the games are going to start to get harder. That said, teams may start looking past an easy opponent to concentrate on a tougher one later. This week has two "trap" games and one that may knock a contender out of it. This week's predictions in the Big Sky. All are my opinions and all open for discussion.

ISU @ NAU---The usual. The Bengals get to play a conference game, the Bengals get beat by another conference foe. Somewhere the Bengals are liable to win a conference game. The Jacks are playing great football right now, ever since they lost to Montana in overtime. Therefore, whereas the Bengals may win a game, this weekend is not the game they win...NAU 52, ISU 10.

UM @ Sac State---Another big game for the Grizzlies coming up and one that has people talking about right now. No, not this one, but the Weber State game next week. The Hornets are capable of sneaking up on the Grizzlies, especially with the game in Sacramento. The Hornets are looking for a statement game and have that chance this weekend. The Grizzlies may need to watch out, but I think they come to life...UM 31, Sac State 21.

MSU @ EWU---Two teams with high expectations coming in to the year. Both have had some setbacks, yet both are still near to contention. Both, though, do not need to lose this game. It has become pretty much a must win for both teams. The Eagles have had the Bobcats number in recent years, but the Bobcats would love to break through with a win. Will the offense show up, now that the Bobcat defense may be showing some cracks? Tight game, but stay with the Eagles...EWU 28, MSU 17.

UC-Davis @ PSU---In the only non conference game, the Vikings welcome their former DII rival, the Great West's UC-Davis. A good time to take a break from the conference grind and get a good opponent in Portland. Home cooking has always been good for the Vikings, except for this year. But then again, they have had some strong opponents come to Portland, and UC-Davis is no slouch either. Still, strong at home...PSU 28, UC-Davis 24.

WSU @ UNC---The other "trap" game in conference. The Wildcats have been looking forward to the Montana game ever since the playoffs last year and they want to prove that they can win in Missoula. Now that the game is almost here, they can hardly wait. All that stands between them and Missoula is the lowly Bears. Just a technicality and then the festivities can start. One thing, though. The Bears are no pushover, as last year's game in Ogden showed. Can the Wildcats snap back to the game at hand?...UNC 24, WSU 22.

Putting my neck on the line with those last two picks. We'll see what happens.

[Grizalltheway]

So I am sitting at 36-4 this late in the year. For the most part the games have been pretty easy to pick and we are getting some separation from those at the top. But, with teams jockeying for positions and trying to get to the top, the games are going to start to get harder. That said, teams may start looking past an easy opponent to concentrate on a tougher one later. This week has two "trap" games and one that may knock a contender out of it. This week's predictions in the Big Sky. All are my opinions and all open for discussion.

ISU @ NAU---The usual. The Bengals get to play a conference game, the Bengals get beat by another conference foe. Somewhere the Bengals are liable to win a conference game. The Jacks are playing great football right now, ever since they lost to Montana in overtime. Therefore, whereas the Bengals may win a game, this weekend is not the game they win...NAU 52, ISU 10.

UM @ Sac State---Another big game for the Grizzlies coming up and one that has people talking about right now. No, not this one, but the Weber State game next week. The Hornets are capable of sneaking up on the Grizzlies, especially with the game in Sacramento. The Hornets are looking for a statement game and have that chance this weekend. The Grizzlies may need to watch out, but I think they come to life...UM 31, Sac State 21.

MSU @ EWU---Two teams with high expectations coming in to the year. Both have had some setbacks, yet both are still near to contention. Both, though, do not need to lose this game. It has become pretty much a must win for both teams. The Eagles have had the Bobcats number in recent years, but the Bobcats would love to break through with a win. Will the offense show up, now that the Bobcat defense may be showing some cracks? Tight game, but stay with the Eagles...EWU 28, MSU 17.

UC-Davis @ PSU---In the only non conference game, the Vikings welcome their former DII rival, the Great West's UC-Davis. A good time to take a break from the conference grind and get a good opponent in Portland. Home cooking has always been good for the Vikings, except for this year. But then again, they have had some strong opponents come to Portland, and UC-Davis is no slouch either. Still, strong at home...PSU 28, UC-Davis 24.

WSU @ UNC---The other "trap" game in conference. The Wildcats have been looking forward to the Montana game ever since the playoffs last year and they want to prove that they can win in Missoula. Now that the game is almost here, they can hardly wait. All that stands between them and Missoula is the lowly Bears. Just a technicality and then the festivities can start. One thing, though. The Bears are no pushover, as last year's game in Ogden showed. Can the Wildcats snap back to the game at hand?...UNC 24, WSU 22.

Putting my neck on the line with those last two picks. We'll see what happens.

Especially with the No. Col. over Weber pick. That'd be a huge upset.

[JALMOND]

So I am sitting at 36-4 this late in the year. For the most part the games have been pretty easy to pick and we are getting some separation from those at the top. But, with teams jockeying for positions and trying to get to the top, the games are going to start to get harder. That said, teams may start looking past an easy opponent to concentrate on a tougher one later. This week has two "trap" games and one that may knock a contender out of it. This week's predictions in the Big Sky. All are my opinions and all open for discussion.

ISU @ NAU---The usual. The Bengals get to play a conference game, the Bengals get beat by another conference foe. Somewhere the Bengals are liable to win a conference game. The Jacks are playing great football right now, ever since they lost to Montana in overtime. Therefore, whereas the Bengals may win a game, this weekend is not the game they win...NAU 52, ISU 10.

UM @ Sac State---Another big game for the Grizzlies coming up and one that has people talking about right now. No, not this one, but the Weber State game next week. The Hornets are capable of sneaking up on the Grizzlies, especially with the game in Sacramento. The Hornets are looking for a statement game and have that chance this weekend. The Grizzlies may need to watch out, but I think they come to life...UM 31, Sac State 21.

MSU @ EWU---Two teams with high expectations coming in to the year. Both have had some setbacks, yet both are still near to contention. Both, though, do not need to lose this game. It has become pretty much a must win for both teams. The Eagles have had the Bobcats number in recent years, but the Bobcats would love to break through with a win. Will the offense show up, now that the Bobcat defense may be showing some cracks? Tight game, but stay with the Eagles...EWU 28, MSU 17.

UC-Davis @ PSU---In the only non conference game, the Vikings welcome their former DII rival, the Great West's UC-Davis. A good time to take a break from the conference grind and get a good opponent in Portland. Home cooking has always been good for the Vikings, except for this year. But then again, they have had some strong opponents come to Portland, and UC-Davis is no slouch either. Still, strong at home...PSU 28, UC-Davis 24.

WSU @ UNC---The other "trap" game in conference. The Wildcats have been looking forward to the Montana game ever since the playoffs last year and they want to prove that they can win in Missoula. Now that the game is almost here, they can hardly wait. All that stands between them and Missoula is the lowly Bears. Just a technicality and then the festivities can start. One thing, though. The Bears are no pushover, as last year's game in Ogden showed. Can the Wildcats snap back to the game at hand?...UNC 24, WSU 22.

Putting my neck on the line with those last two picks. We'll see what happens.

Especially with the No. Col. over Weber pick. That'd be a huge upset.

As I was saying on the other site, the Bears have played both EWU and NAU tough. They had some glimpses of offense against Portland State in the snow and then burst through for the win last week. Last year, they were in the game thoughout in Ogden. Weber has been waiting for another shot at Montana ever since last year's playoffs, can they stay focused on this week's game, or will they already think they are in Missoula?

I'm not going to shy away from my picks. When I am wrong, I'm still here. Every week I try to be perfect and there was so much in favor of the Bears and so much that could go wrong for the Wildcats that I had to go with Northern Colorado in this game (my opinion, of course). Win or lose, I'll still be here.

[Mvemjsunpx]

Montana St. 20-27 EWU — Eags have trouble with Boyce gone, but they get their lucky 7th. straight over MSU.

Montana 35-14 Sac State — Won't be a blowout in Sacto, but it won't be competitive either.

Idaho St. 13-49 NAU — Did I mention Idaho State is terrible?

Weber 31-14 Northern Colorado — The Bears match up better with Weber than other similarly mediocre teams, but they're still mediocre.

UC Davis 33-17 Portland St. — 6 games in, and I still don't have any idea if Davis is good or not.

[weberwildcat]

Weber State won't be that stupid to over look UNC not at this point in their season as they know the UNC game is just as important as any other game the rest of the year being a 3 loss team.

The defense is on a roll now since our nose tackle Ryan Eastman has been back (last 2 games). Unlike the UNC game last year that we almost lost, this year they won't be overlooking them for the last 3 games - UM, NAU, Cal Poly.

[weberwildcat]

Montana 35, Sac 10

NAU 38, ISU 14

Weber 38, Northern Colorado 7

EWU & MSU...no clue.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Thanks for spotting me two games Jalmond. I should only be 2 games back after this weekend, and the last three weeks is where the really tough games are (Weber v. UM, Weber v. Cal Poly, Weber v. NAU, Sac v. UNC, EWU v. SUU) and of course you're going to go with the Viks over EWU, so there's another one for me.

MSU 14 @ 31 EWU

UM 38 @ 17 SAC

ISU 10 @ 38 NAU

WSU 34 @ 10 UNC

UCD 24 @ 17 PSU

[JALMOND]

Thanks for spotting me two games Jalmond. I should only be 2 games back after this weekend, and the last three weeks is where the really tough games are (Weber v. UM, Weber v. Cal Poly, Weber v. NAU, Sac v. UNC, EWU v. SUU) and of course you're going to go with the Viks over EWU, so there's another one for me.

MSU 14 @ 31 EWU

UM 38 @ 17 SAC

ISU 10 @ 38 NAU

WSU 34 @ 10 UNC

UCD 24 @ 17 PSU

You're not jumping on the UNC bandwagon this weekend? Shame on you!

I'm not letting you back in. I smell blood and I'm going in for the kill this week and next.

Sometimes you need to mix things up and have some fun.

[native]

...

UC-Davis @ PSU---In the only non conference game, the Vikings welcome their former DII rival, the Great West's UC-Davis. A good time to take a break from the conference grind and get a good opponent in Portland. Home cooking has always been good for the Vikings, except for this year. But then again, they have had some strong opponents come to Portland, and UC-Davis is no slouch either. Still, strong at home...PSU 28, UC-Davis 24.

WSU @ UNC---The other "trap" game in conference. The Wildcats have been looking forward to the Montana game ever since the playoffs last year and they want to prove that they can win in Missoula. Now that the game is almost here, they can hardly wait. All that stands between them and Missoula is the lowly Bears. Just a technicality and then the festivities can start. One thing, though. The Bears are no pushover, as last year's game in Ogden showed. Can the Wildcats snap back to the game at hand?...UNC 24, WSU 22.

Putting my neck on the line with those last two picks. We'll see what happens.

It takes more than a Ouija board, JALMOND.

If UCD chokes at Portland, it won't be the first time the Aggies have underperformed on the road. But away games are not typically the place where WSU chokes.

UNC did not play WSU "tight" in Ogden last year. Rather, the Wildcats didn't take the Bears seriously, losing three fumbles and an interception but still outgaining the Bears by 571 to 142 total yards, winning by a TD despite losing the turnover battle 4-1 and committing twice as many penalties as UNC.

So far this year Weber is averaging 463.2 yards of total offense in Big Sky conference play (#1) and 36.2 points (#2). UNC averages 290.6 total yards of offense (#9) and 16.4 points (#8). The Bears' vaunted defense has allowed 331 yards and 21.2 points per game. Weber has allowed an average of only 19 points per game to offenses far more prolific than Northern Colorado's.

Nobody but Weber can beat Weber at the FCS level. The Wildcats may stumble again this season, but it will not be this week in Greeley.

[Wildcat Ryan]

...

UC-Davis @ PSU---In the only non conference game, the Vikings welcome their former DII rival, the Great West's UC-Davis. A good time to take a break from the conference grind and get a good opponent in Portland. Home cooking has always been good for the Vikings, except for this year. But then again, they have had some strong opponents come to Portland, and UC-Davis is no slouch either. Still, strong at home...PSU 28, UC-Davis 24.

WSU @ UNC---The other "trap" game in conference. The Wildcats have been looking forward to the Montana game ever since the playoffs last year and they want to prove that they can win in Missoula. Now that the game is almost here, they can hardly wait. All that stands between them and Missoula is the lowly Bears. Just a technicality and then the festivities can start. One thing, though. The Bears are no pushover, as last year's game in Ogden showed. Can the Wildcats snap back to the game at hand?...UNC 24, WSU 22.

Putting my neck on the line with those last two picks. We'll see what happens.

It takes more than a Ouija board, JALMOND.

If UCD chokes at Portland, it won't be the first time the Aggies have underperformed on the road. But away games are not typically the place where WSU chokes.

UNC did not play WSU "tight" in Ogden last year. Rather, the Wildcats didn't take the Bears seriously, losing three fumbles and an interception but still outgaining the Bears by 571 to 142 total yards, winning by a TD despite losing the turnover battle 4-1 and committing twice as many penalties as UNC.

So far this year Weber is averaging 463.2 yards of total offense in Big Sky conference play (#1) and 36.2 points (#2). UNC averages 290.6 total yards of offense (#9) and 16.4 points (#8). The Bears' vaunted defense has allowed 331 yards and 21.2 points per game. Weber has allowed an average of only 19 points per game to offenses far more prolific than Northern Colorado's.

Nobody but Weber can beat Weber at the FCS level. The Wildcats may stumble again this season, but it will not be this week in Greeley.

There is always the possibility that Weber could overlook UNC, though even if they do they will not lose this game, as Native said, Weber plays better on the road than they do at home.

If Weber overlooks UNC the score would be

Weber-28
UNC-17

If not the score will look more like this

Weber-40
UNC-10

And for the second week in a row, we will win and fall 1 more spot in the polls from 16-17

[native]

The truth is that Weber is only one game away from playoff elimination for the rest of the season, although if the Wildcats win out the remainder of their Big Sky games they could lose to Cal Poly and still receive the auo-bid with a 7-4 record.

IF Weber does indeed win out the rest of the regular season schedule to finish 8-3 and win the Big Sky and auo-bid outright, they will have defeated four top 25 teams including a consensus #2 Montana. In that case, the Wildcats should get the #3 or #4 seed and not see Montana again until at least the semifinals, if not the finals.

It takes more than a Ouija board, JALMOND.

If UCD chokes at Portland, it won't be the first time the Aggies have underperformed on the road. But away games are not typically the place where WSU chokes.

UNC did not play WSU "tight" in Ogden last year. Rather, the Wildcats didn't take the Bears seriously, losing three fumbles and an interception but still outgaining the Bears by 571 to 142 total yards, winning by a TD despite losing the turnover battle 4-1 and committing twice as many penalties as UNC.

So far this year Weber is averaging 463.2 yards of total offense in Big Sky conference play (#1) and 36.2 points (#2). UNC averages 290.6 total yards of offense (#9) and 16.4 points (#8). The Bears' vaunted defense has allowed 331 yards and 21.2 points per game. Weber has allowed an average of only 19 points per game to offenses far more prolific than Northern Colorado's.

Nobody but Weber can beat Weber at the FCS level. The Wildcats may stumble again this season, but it will not be this week in Greeley.

There is always the possibility that Weber could overlook UNC, though even if they do they will not lose this game, as Native said, Weber plays better on the road than they do at home.

If Weber overlooks UNC the score would be

Weber-28
UNC-17

If not the score will look more like this

Weber-40
UNC-10

And for the second week in a row, we will win and fall 1 more spot in the polls from 16-17

[Wildcat Ryan]

The truth is that Weber is only one game away from playoff elimination for the rest of the season, although if the Wildcats win out the remainder of their Big Sky games they could lose to Cal Poly and still receive the auo-bid with a 7-4 record.

IF Weber does indeed win out the rest of the regular season schedule to finish 8-3 and win the Big Sky and auo-bid outright, they will have defeated four top 25 teams including a consensus #2 Montana. In that case, the Wildcats should get the #3 or #4 seed and not see Montana again until at least the semifinals, if not the finals.

There is always the possibility that Weber could overlook UNC, though even if they do they will not lose this game, as Native said, Weber plays better on the road than they do at home.

If Weber overlooks UNC the score would be

Weber-28
UNC-17

If not the score will look more like this

Weber-40
UNC-10

And for the second week in a row, we will win and fall 1 more spot in the polls from 16-17

Should it happen if that scenario happens? Yes. Will it? Most likely NO. it wouldnt be any different than last season.

[Wedgebuster]

Fvck, hate to say it but seems pro ball is more interesting than college ball this year. Just me I spoze, but that's the way I feel.

'scuze me while I puke right now..

[AZGrizFan]

If not the score will look more like this

Weber-40
UNC-10

And for the second week in a row, we will win and fall 1 more spot in the polls from 16-17

It don't make a shittin' bit of difference where you are in the polls. You just need to win out. Period. Do that, and you're in.

Too bad 10/31 is still on the schedule, though.

Weber is FUCKED.

[native]

...Weber is danged excited about the opportunity to whip some Griz arse in Missoula on Halloween!

FIFY!

[JALMOND]

So I am sitting at 36-4 this late in the year. For the most part the games have been pretty easy to pick and we are getting some separation from those at the top. But, with teams jockeying for positions and trying to get to the top, the games are going to start to get harder. That said, teams may start looking past an easy opponent to concentrate on a tougher one later. This week has two "trap" games and one that may knock a contender out of it. This week's predictions in the Big Sky. All are my opinions and all open for discussion.

ISU @ NAU---The usual. The Bengals get to play a conference game, the Bengals get beat by another conference foe. Somewhere the Bengals are liable to win a conference game. The Jacks are playing great football right now, ever since they lost to Montana in overtime. Therefore, whereas the Bengals may win a game, this weekend is not the game they win...NAU 52, ISU 10.

UM @ Sac State---Another big game for the Grizzlies coming up and one that has people talking about right now. No, not this one, but the Weber State game next week. The Hornets are capable of sneaking up on the Grizzlies, especially with the game in Sacramento. The Hornets are looking for a statement game and have that chance this weekend. The Grizzlies may need to watch out, but I think they come to life...UM 31, Sac State 21.

MSU @ EWU---Two teams with high expectations coming in to the year. Both have had some setbacks, yet both are still near to contention. Both, though, do not need to lose this game. It has become pretty much a must win for both teams. The Eagles have had the Bobcats number in recent years, but the Bobcats would love to break through with a win. Will the offense show up, now that the Bobcat defense may be showing some cracks? Tight game, but stay with the Eagles...EWU 28, MSU 17.

UC-Davis @ PSU---In the only non conference game, the Vikings welcome their former DII rival, the Great West's UC-Davis. A good time to take a break from the conference grind and get a good opponent in Portland. Home cooking has always been good for the Vikings, except for this year. But then again, they have had some strong opponents come to Portland, and UC-Davis is no slouch either. Still, strong at home...PSU 28, UC-Davis 24.

WSU @ UNC---The other "trap" game in conference. The Wildcats have been looking forward to the Montana game ever since the playoffs last year and they want to prove that they can win in Missoula. Now that the game is almost here, they can hardly wait. All that stands between them and Missoula is the lowly Bears. Just a technicality and then the festivities can start. One thing, though. The Bears are no pushover, as last year's game in Ogden showed. Can the Wildcats snap back to the game at hand?...UNC 24, WSU 22.

Putting my neck on the line with those last two picks. We'll see what happens.

I knew the last two were going to be tough. I'm still at 39-6 after 3-2 this week.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Thanks for spotting me two games Jalmond. I should only be 2 games back after this weekend, and the last three weeks is where the really tough games are (Weber v. UM, Weber v. Cal Poly, Weber v. NAU, Sac v. UNC, EWU v. SUU) and of course you're going to go with the Viks over EWU, so there's another one for me.

MSU 14 @ 31 EWU

UM 38 @ 17 SAC

ISU 10 @ 38 NAU

WSU 34 @ 10 UNC

UCD 24 @ 17 PSU

Correct Pick
Incorrect Pick
Actual Score
(-123) = Difference between predicted and actual point spread
APSE = Average Point Spread Error
_________________________________________________

MSU 14 @ 31 EWU
MSU 24 @ 35 EWU (-6)

UM 38 @ 17 SAC
UM 45 @ 30 SAC (-6)

ISU 10 @ 38 NAU
ISU 12 @ 40 NAU (-0)

WSU 34 @ 10 UNC
WSU 28 @ 20 UNC (-16)

UCD 24 @ 17 PSU
UCD 34 @ 31 PSU (-4)
_________________________________________________

This week: 5-0
Last week: 4-1
Overall: 37-8
APSE this week: 5.3 pts
APSE last week: 10.2 pts
APSE overall: 11.2 pts

Well an easy week for me, since Jalmond was so nice to spot me those two games. My score predictions weren't half bad either, as I cut my APSE in half and pretty much nailed the NAU/ISU game. And so the season continues...