Big Sky Power Rankings 10-31

[JALMOND]

Evidently there was some kind of quake that hit the Big Sky last weekend, sending most of the middle of the standings into havoc. The good thing is that there are now two clear cut teams at the top, but the bad news is that those two are probably the only ones who will be still playing after Thanksgiving. November is just starting and things are clear (for now). Here are this week's power rankings (last week). Of course, all are my opinions only and all are open for discussion. A major shakeup, in the middle at least, but does it matter?

1. Montana State (1)---Last weekend, the Bobcats welcomed their former coach with his team and sent that team, Idaho State, packing fairly early. Last weekend was pretty decisive to make up for the close win at Northern Colorado the week before. This week, a return on the road to Weber State and one of the tougher places to play. Will the Bobcat ship still roll?

2. Montana (2)---After doing enough to get by, the Grizzlies exploded on Weber State last weekend, making quick work of the Wildcats. Finally evidence to suggest that the Grizzlies offense has now arrived and performing at top level, like the defense has all year. This weekend, a step outside of the conference play and a chance to welcome DII's Western Oregon to the mighty Grizzly stadium.

3. Portland State (6)---The Vikings had some close misses against the two Montana schools, but finally got a big win on the road at the defending champs, Eastern Washington, virtually ending the Eagles quest to return to the playoffs. A big step for the Vikings to return where they were. Now a big chance to keep it rolling as they face the upstart Sacramento State team. Are the Vikings for real, or was it just one game?

4. Eastern Washington (3)---It was a tough uphill climb for the Eagles after the horrendous start to the season and with all the injuries. But things seemed to be moving along and the Eagles were getting wins, some pretty, some not, but still wins. Then they lost last weekend to Portland State, effectively ending their pursuit of the playoffs. With virtually nothing to play for, they have a bye week this week to refocus.

5. Sacramento State (4)---Obviously, the Hornets had not recovered after letting Eastern Washington steal a win a couple weeks ago and they let Northern Arizona pretty much end their season with a loss at home. Now with their dream season over and nothing left to play for other than pride, they have to head to Portland State and take on a revitalized Vikings team.

6. Northern Arizona (7)---Maybe people could have forseen the win by Portland State over Eastern Washington, but few gave the Lumberjacks any chance against Sacramento State on the road. Struggling all season trying to find their game, the Lumberjacks escaped with a win. Now they are on the verge of a fair season with a game at home this weekend against Northern Colorado.

7. Weber State (5)---How far the Wildcats have fallen. Maybe no one gave them much of a chance on the road against Montana, but for the game to be over as quickly as it was was quite a shock. Now they need to regroup in a hurry as they welcome Montana State to their field. Not much chance to right the ship, but the Wildcats need something good.

8. Idaho State (8)---Well, the Bengals were fired up for their game against Montana State...for about the first five minutes. Then the Bobcats steamrolled the Bengals. Now, the Bengals must start to get ready for next year as this season is pretty much done. This week, they are off.

9. Northern Colorado (9)---The Bears are still on the bottom of the conference but maybe not for long. They have shown improvement in recent weeks, so much that they almost got their first win against North Dakota last weekend. Still, close is not good enough and that elusive first win is still out there. This week, they get to try again with a road trip to Northern Arizona. Not easy, but possible?

RECAP---1 out in front, 2 alone behind, then 3-7 bunched up, then 8-9 pretty close.

[CatBlitz22]

I know the record doesn't indicate it, but UNC > ISU.

[Grizalltheway]

I know the record doesn't indicate it, but UNC > ISU.

Have to agree. Any team that gives up over 400 yards rushing on two separate occasions is just...

[cats2506]

I know the record doesn't indicate it, but UNC > ISU.

I agree UNC is playing much better than ISU right now

[GrizFanStuckInUtah]

Great run down as always J. I do want to see Montana perform on offense for another game or 2 before I profess that our offense isn't offensive. I really like the direction we went this week and I am now optomistic that we can put a whole game together.

[BigSkyBears]

I would switch UNC and ISU. Other than that it looks about right.

[EWURanger]

I know the record doesn't indicate it, but UNC > ISU.

+1. They are playing more competitively right now.......even though they aren't winning any games.

[SuperHornet]

I know the record doesn't indicate it, but UNC > ISU.

+1. They are playing more competitively right now.......even though they aren't winning any games.

Until this week. I have UNC as my Sky upset special this week....

[JALMOND]

+1. They are playing more competitively right now.......even though they aren't winning any games.

Until this week. I have UNC as my Sky upset special this week....

I had UNC as my upset special last week. That didn't happen .