As long as Taiwan Jones is healthy, EWU is the favorite here. Sac State has surprised a few teams this year and is improved from a year ago. However, the Eagles have found ways to win, are pretty good at home at the Inferno and know losing another Big Sky Conference game would really hurt their title hopes. Expect a close game for at least three quarters and then the Eagles score twice late to win by a couple of touchdowns.
EASTERN WASHINGTON 35 SACRAMENTO STATE 20
Northern Colorado at Montana State
The Bobcats are reeling after their debacle in Flagstaff. They had little offense and were really exposed at the quarterback position - the young redshirt freshman has alot to learn. UNC has been competitive, for the most part, and receiver Jace Davis is up and coming. If UNC's Dominic Gunn can return a few punts or kicks for yards and the defense can take a lesson from NAU's playbook and limit Montana State's big plays, they have a shot. The Bobcats are awfully tough at home and I give them the edge in Bozeman; there's too much at stake.
MONTANA STATE 32 NORTHERN COLORADO 24
Portland State at Weber State
The Vikings are ready for a big upset soon. They have been on the verge for weeks and this opportunity in Ogden apears to be time for them to have a big win. WSU's Cameron Higgins has a propensity to throw picks in big games and this is not one of Weber's better teams. If PSU's pistol offense can score on Weber and Higgins turns it over, the Vikings can escape with the win. This should be a toss-up, but give the advantage to WSU at home.
WEBER STATE 30 PORTLAND STATE 28
GAME OF THE WEEK
Northern Arizona at Montana
Historically, the Griz own the Lumberjacks, at home or in Flagstaff. Last year's overtime game, won by Montana, was one of the Big Sky's all-time best games. NAU returns QB Michael Herrick, who spearheaded 2009's effort with a 400-yard passing game. He was brilliant in last week's win over Montana State, but it is the Jacks' defense that "stirs the NAU drink." They might have the best defense in the country. Barring any injuries, this game should be dynamite. It's very difficult to go into Missoula and defeat the Grizzlies. As history is on their side, I'll stick with their win streak over the Jacks and give them the edge. However,if NAU can limit the ground game (Reynolds, et al), they could pull off the upset. Flip the coin and enjoy the game
MONTANA 32 NORTHERN ARIZONA 30
