Big Sky Power Rankings 9-10

[JALMOND]

Interesting week all around the conference. We had our first game involving two conference schools, yet it will count as a non conference game. We ended the day with a better record against the Pac-12 than the Big 10 did. We had two teams win over the FBS. The Griz threw a scare at FCS power Appalachian State and the Bobcats trailed non-scholly Drake at the end of the third quarter. Throw in the wins by Idaho State and Northern Colorado and one can see it was very interesting. As a result, here are this week's power rankings (last week). All are my opinion only. Here they are.

1. Montana State (1)---What looked to be an easy win on paper was anything but for the Bobcats down at Drake. Still, they got the rally going in the fourth to escape. Now this weekend they stay home against the Southland power, Stephen F Austin.

2. Eastern Washington (2)---How about a second FBS win for the Eagles? Well they almost did, giving Washington State all they could handle before succumbing right at the end. Now a week to rest up before conference play begins.

3. Montana (4)---In a place that is probably equally as difficult as their own home stadium for the visitors to win, the Grizzlies went south to face Appalachian State and emerged with a great showing, and almost got the win. This weekend, they return home to face Liberty.

4. Cal Poly (3)---The Mustangs were the only Big Sky team not to play anyone last week. This week, they head up to the FBS (as well as altitude) and play at Wyoming. A good test before the conference season begins the following week.

5. Northern Arizona (6)---While most of the country was winding down from their games, the Lumberjacks rebounded from their loss at Arizona State (and being down at halftime) to catch up and pass FBS UNLV late on Saturday. Slowly becoming a Jeckle and Hyde, the Jacks face DII Fort Lewis this weekend.

6. Sacramento State (11)---No matter what they do the rest of the season, the Hornets have proven the last two years that they can beat the Pac-12. Last year was Oregon State and this year was Colorado. Has to be a springboard for the season, but can it be sustained? This week, a game at home against Northern Colorado.

7. North Dakota (5)---A win by the former Sioux, yet a drop in these rankings. While the defense gave up 500+ yards to Portland State, the Sioux did not break and got a win in the Potato Bowl. This week, they move up to FBS, playing sunny San Diego State.

8. Southern Utah (8)---Maybe the Thunderbirds should have got the win over California last week but a shaky second quarter followed by a nighmarish fourth doomed an impressive first and third quarters. This week, a great chance to try to play a full game as they welcome DII New Mexico Highlands.

9. Portland State (7)---A new season for the Vikings, yet their game last week at North Dakota showed the same thing, a lack of a good pass defense does the Vikings in as they let a new quarterback for North Dakota pass all over the place. This weekend things do not get better as they go to the Pac-12 and face Washington.

10. Weber State (9)---The conference as a whole is looking really improved, but the Wildcats are still looking for something positive. This week, they got bullied by FBS Brigham Young to go with the loss the previous week to Fresno State. Needing something positive, they get McNeese State this week. Well, it is not FBS.

11. Idaho State (12)--The Bengals welcomed DII Black Hills State and totally manhandled the hapless DII team. Maybe a sign of things to come for this team? Rumble is back and they will throw a lot. This week, the passing Bengals pass on a game to get ready for the next week.

12. UC-Davis (10)---Maybe a bit unfair for the Aggies as their opponent from last week, San Jose State, is showing that this season may be different from years past. But with the improvement top to bottom, a big loss can hurt. This week, however, they go on the road to South Dakota State.

13. Northern Colorado (13)---Well, it wasn't Lindenwood, but the Bears did get that elusive win against Colorado Mesa College last week for their first win in two years. With a chance to build on that, they start conference play against the big killers, Sacramento State.

RECAP---1 and 2 pretty close, 3 rising up, 4-8 showing some separation while 9-13 falling a bit behind.

[uofmman1122]

This will ruffle some feathers, but no way I'd have MSU at #1 right now.

Both EWU and UM look way better. I wouldn't be surprised if the Cats lose to SFA this weekend. Especially with Minter out, their offensive and defensive lines look terrible.

[TheHerd]

This will ruffle some feathers, but no way I'd have MSU at #1 right now.

Both EWU and UM look way better. I wouldn't be surprised if the Cats lose to SFA this weekend. Especially with Minter out, their offensive and defensive lines look terrible.

EWU definitely should be number 1. The Cats barely beat Drake for f***sakes! Drake is non-scholarship.

[canyoncat]

This will ruffle some feathers, but no way I'd have MSU at #1 right now.

Both EWU and UM look way better. I wouldn't be surprised if the Cats lose to SFA this weekend. Especially with Minter out, their offensive and defensive lines look terrible.

EWU definitely should be number 1. The Cats barely beat Drake for f***sakes! Drake is non-scholarship.

I would also put EWU at #1 with the Cats 2 and the griz 3. This game against SFA may tell a lot about this team. Might turn into a track meet, but I like our chances at home.

[formerEag]

I honestly don't know if I'd put EWU at the top. Frankly, I'm unimpressed with our performance as a whole unit this far. However, I could easily see the conference title winner have two big sky losses this year. The 'Sky is crazy competitive this year...

[Brock Landers]

1. EWU
2. UM
3. UND
4. CP
5. MSU
6. NAU
7. CSUS
8. PSU
9. SUU
10. ISU
11. WSU
12. UCD
13. UNC

[grizcountry420]

I honestly don't know if I'd put EWU at the top. Frankly, I'm unimpressed with our performance as a whole unit this far. However, I could easily see the conference title winner have two big sky losses this year. The 'Sky is crazy competitive this year...

yeah.. I watched the Eags play last Saturday and to be honest, they dont look that impressive.. Their D-line puts a lot of pressure on the QB but that about it and their offense looked pretty vanilla. Padron looks like an average QB and their running game..... Dont even get me started there.............

1. UM
2. EWU
3. UND
4. MSU
5. CPOL
6. NAU
7. CSUS
8. PSU
9. SUU
10. ISU
11. WSU
12. UCD
13. UNC

[BlackFalkin]

1. EWU - Beat Idaho, almost beat Wazzu, both on the road. Based on MSU & UM's performances I think EWU is a little better. I think WE ALL EXPECTED ALL 3 TEAMS TO BE BETTER, but reality has set in and the race for the BSC title will be an interesting one.

2. UM - Had to come back to beat that first team at home, and lost to App St. hmmmm Not bad, I think their home game vs Liberty will telling of what kinda team this is.

3. MSU - Preseason respect hasnt been lived upto so far. I think MSU will be good but, not great. That shitty performance against Drake says alot, or does it?? MSU WAS ON THE ROAD, but I think a team ranked above EWU & UM should HANDLE non-skolly Drake no matter what. EWU almost beat FBS Wazzu on the road, UM almost beat App St. on the road... so how are you trailing Drake in the 3rd? Suspect.

Like I said, I think this years BSC title race will be exciting! I predict a two-way (maybe 3-way) tie/shared title.

I think EWU beats UM on the red turf, I also think EWU beats MSU on Martel Field. I think UM beats MSU and either EWU wins it outright or EWU & UM share the title.

[EWURanger]

I honestly don't know if I'd put EWU at the top. Frankly, I'm unimpressed with our performance as a whole unit this far. However, I could easily see the conference title winner have two big sky losses this year. The 'Sky is crazy competitive this year...

yeah.. I watched the Eags play last Saturday and to be honest, they dont look that impressive.. Their D-line puts a lot of pressure on the QB but that about it and their offense looked pretty vanilla. Padron looks like an average QB and their running game..... Dont even get me started there.............

1. UM
2. EWU
3. UND
4. MSU
5. CPOL
6. NAU
7. CSUS
8. PSU
9. SUU
10. ISU
11. WSU
12. UCD
13. UNC

I don't know who should be #1 at this point, still too early to tell. But I think you're selling EWU a little short. The defense is very impressive and will present some definite problems. And as much as the offense has looked like it's "struggled" at times in the first two games, there is a huge upside there. They put up 469 yards of total offense against WSU, outgaining the Cougars by almost 100 yards and completely dominated Idaho is every statistical category. The running game will be fine, they rushed for 150 against Idaho when we had the lead in the second half. The offensive line is solid and deep and the running game will be even more dangerous with the return of Bronson as a solid inside runner. Against WSU we didn't run quite as much, but that's mostly due to the fact that we were playing from behind the whole game. Padron hasn't looked like a world-beater so far, but his efficiency will probably get a little better the longer he's had in the system and as we get into conference play. Remember he is brand new to this system.

It's tough to say after only 2 games, but I think EWU will be right there competing for a Big Sky title at the end if the season.


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[SDHornet]

J, the Sac State - UNC game this week is an OOC game. Hard to argue with the rankings at this point, good job as always.

[JALMOND]

J, the Sac State - UNC game this week is an OOC game. Hard to argue with the rankings at this point, good job as always.

It is so difficult keeping track of what is conference and what isn't. How about we all play non conference against San Diego?

[Screamin_Eagle174]

J, the Sac State - UNC game this week is an OOC game. Hard to argue with the rankings at this point, good job as always.

It is so difficult keeping track of what is conference and what isn't. How about we all play non conference against San Diego?

Shouldn't be too difficult after this week, as there will only be one "non-conference" game left between BSC teams, EWU vs. Cal Poly on Nov. 3.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Right now, I'd rank them:

1. EWU
2. UM
3. MSU
4. UND
5. NAU
6. SAC
7. CPSLO
8. PSU
9. SUU
10. ISU
11. WSU
12. UCD
13. UNC

[SDHornet]

J, the Sac State - UNC game this week is an OOC game. Hard to argue with the rankings at this point, good job as always.

It is so difficult keeping track of what is conference and what isn't. How about we all play non conference against San Diego?

I'd love to see that, unfortunately for us it looks like we are going the 2 FBS money game route for the foreseeable future. We have Arizona State and San Jose State next season, both of whom seem to be on the rise. We have UDub lined up for 2014. I guess it's ok so long as we get the occasional win, but dayam.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

It is so difficult keeping track of what is conference and what isn't. How about we all play non conference against San Diego?

I'd love to see that, unfortunately for us it looks like we are going the 2 FBS money game route for the foreseeable future. We have Arizona State and San Jose State next season, both of whom seem to be on the rise. We have UDub lined up for 2014. I guess it's ok so long as we get the occasional win, but dayam.

Sac has UW for 2014 too? I'm surprised they would schedule two, since only one will count... EWU has them then as well. Frankly I'm surprised they wanted anything to do with us with how much of a game we gave 'em last time.

[SDHornet]

I'd love to see that, unfortunately for us it looks like we are going the 2 FBS money game route for the foreseeable future. We have Arizona State and San Jose State next season, both of whom seem to be on the rise. We have UDub lined up for 2014. I guess it's ok so long as we get the occasional win, but dayam.

Sac has UW for 2014 too? I'm surprised they would schedule two, since only one will count... EWU has them then as well. Frankly I'm surprised they wanted anything to do with us with how much of a game we gave 'em last time.

In that case maybe we have them in '15. Wasn't sure but I read it somewhere recently...and of course I'm too lazy to look for it so meh.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Sac has UW for 2014 too? I'm surprised they would schedule two, since only one will count... EWU has them then as well. Frankly I'm surprised they wanted anything to do with us with how much of a game we gave 'em last time.

In that case maybe we have them in '15. Wasn't sure but I read it somewhere recently...and of course I'm too lazy to look for it so meh.

Way to repel the stereotypes.

[JackParty]

1. MSU 3 way tie for first - all three make the playoffs
2. UM
3. NAU
4. EW
5. CP
6. ND
7 Sac
8. SU
9. Portland State
10.Weber
11.UCD
12. Idaho State
13.UNC

Hey it could happen. I was the only one to pick NAU beating UNLV...yee of little faith my friends. Watch and Learn. Watch and Learn

[Screamin_Eagle174]

1. MSU 3 way tie for first - all three make the playoffs
2. UM
3. NAU
4. EW
5. CP
6. ND
7 Sac
8. SU
9. Portland State
10.Weber
11.UCD
12. Idaho State
13.UNC

Hey it could happen. I was the only one to pick NAU beating UNLV...yee of little faith my friends. Watch and Learn.
Watch and Learn

[grizcountry420]

yeah.. I watched the Eags play last Saturday and to be honest, they dont look that impressive.. Their D-line puts a lot of pressure on the QB but that about it and their offense looked pretty vanilla. Padron looks like an average QB and their running game..... Dont even get me started there.............

1. UM
2. EWU
3. UND
4. MSU
5. CPOL
6. NAU
7. CSUS
8. PSU
9. SUU
10. ISU
11. WSU
12. UCD
13. UNC

I don't know who should be #1 at this point, still too early to tell. But I think you're selling EWU a little short. The defense is very impressive and will present some definite problems. And as much as the offense has looked like it's "struggled" at times in the first two games, there is a huge upside there. They put up 469 yards of total offense against WSU, outgaining the Cougars by almost 100 yards and completely dominated Idaho is every statistical category. The running game will be fine, they rushed for 150 against Idaho when we had the lead in the second half. The offensive line is solid and deep and the running game will be even more dangerous with the return of Bronson as a solid inside runner. Against WSU we didn't run quite as much, but that's mostly due to the fact that we were playing from behind the whole game. Padron hasn't looked like a world-beater so far, but his efficiency will probably get a little better the longer he's had in the system and as we get into conference play. Remember he is brand new to this system.

It's tough to say after only 2 games, but I think EWU will be right there competing for a Big Sky title at the end if the season.


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I can respect that...

[CatBlitz22]

What a bunch of whiny bitches. Moving teams up to the top spot after they lose...

[Brock Landers]

Struggling against a Pioneer team is 10x the lawl

The top 7 or so teams all have 1 (real) win at this point

[Grizalltheway]

What a bunch of whiny bitches. Moving teams up to the top spot after they lose...

That's why they're power rankings, not conference or overall standings, blizter. Although I totally understand why you're feeling insecure about your team.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

What a bunch of whiny bitches. Moving teams up to the top spot after they lose...

Yeah, I'm sure you weren't petitioning for or thinking that MSU should move up after their narrow defeat to WSU in 2010...

It's common sense; a team going toe to toe with a Pac-12 school is going to be regarded as better than a team that went toe to toe with a non-scholly Pioneer school. Do you understand?

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Triple teamed... ouch.