Big Sky Power Rankings 9-22

[JALMOND]

The non-conference tuneups are complete for most of the Big Sky schools and conference play is set to start this weekend. The conference did play one conference game earlier and Weber State has enjoyed being alone on top for three weeks now, but others will soon join them. Weber State and Portland State will complete their non-conference slates this week, but for everyone else, the true season begins. Here are this week's power rankings (last week's in parenthesis). Everyone plays this weekend, including Cal Poly who sat out last week. All are my opinion only. Here we go.

1. Montana State (1)---Last week beat Mercyhurst (FCS Northeast) at home 52-13, this week at Idaho State---The Bobcats took care of business early last week and then put it on auto pilot in the second half. They start their conference play on the road with a short jaunt down south against a strong Bengals team that won last week.

2. Idaho (2)---Last week won at Abilene Christian FCS United) 27-24, this week at UC Davis---The Vandals got the jump early last week, but found themselves in the middle of a battle at the end. But they were able to secure the win late. Now, the game of the week as they had out to northern California for a strong test.

3. Montana (3)---Last week beat Western Carolina (FCS Southern) at home 46-35, this week at Eastern Washington---After a relatively slow start at home again, the Grizzlies woke up in the second quarter to finally take care of business last week. They start conference play on the road against an Eagles team just as eager.

4. UC Davis (4)---Last week beat Utah Tech (FCS United) at home 32-14, this week Idaho at home---The outcome may have never been in doubt but there were some anxious moments for the Aggies in their home win last week. Perhaps a little bit of jitters or maybe looking forward to a strong home conference test this week.

5. Sacramento State (5)---Last week won at Texas A&M-Commerce (FCS Southland) 34-0, this week at Northern Arizona---Sending notice to the conference in last week's game, the Hornets made the trip into deep Texas and dropped a shutout. They are ready to play and open conference play on the road against Northern Arizona.

6. Weber State (7)---Last week won at Northwestern State (FCS Southland) 39-0, this week McNeese (FCS Souhtland) at home---The Wildcats also had a strong statement game last week, going into Bayou country and emerging with a great shutout victory. They stay out of conference this weekend, welcoming another Southland opponent.

7. Northern Arizona (6)---Last week lost at Incarnate Word (FCS Southland) 38-14, this week Sacramento State at home---Even with the loss on the road to one of the Southland's top dogs, the Lumberjacks have shown they can make some noise, and they look forward to do that in conference play. They get one of the heavies this weekend.

8. Idaho State (11)---Last week beat Southern Utah (FCS United) at home 38-28, this week Montana State at home---Flying under the radar for the first few weeks, the Bengals got a good strong win in their final non-conference matchup. Riding the momentum of that performance, they welcome the conference top dog for a good game.

9. Eastern Washington (8)---Last week lost at Nevada (FBS Mountain West) 49-16, this week Montana at home---The Eagles non-conference play could best be described as not impressive, capped off by a tough game against the FBS in what they had hoped would be a win. Now, they start conference play, bringing in one of the heavies to town.

10. Northern Colorado (9)---Last week lost at Stephen F Austin (FCS Southland) 48-7, this week Cal Poly at home---Even with no wins to show for it, the Bears were looking competitive in their non-conference losses, but they just could not get anything going on the road last week. They start conference play against the conference basement.

11. Portland State (10)---Last week lost at Boise State (FBS Mountain West) 56-14, this week at Chattanooga (FCS Southern)---This season was going to be a rough one for the Vikings, but I don't think they thought it would be this rough. They played tough early last week, but got worn down. They play on the round in their final non-conference matchup.

12. Cal Poly (12)---Last week bye, this week at Northern Colorado---The Mustangs did get a win two weeks ago against a DII squad, and they are hoping to parlay that winning spirit into another one this week. They've had two weeks to prepare for the conference opener and it should be a winnable game for them. But it is on the road.

RECAP: 1-3 leading, 4-5 on their heels, 6-7 keeping up, 8-11 a ways behind, 12 bringing up the rear.

[Mvemjsunpx]

Sac should be above Montana & Davis, IMO.

[kalm]

Rankings of Eastern’s next 5 opponents.

Top 10
Top 10
Top 15
Top 5
Top 5

I’d say 2-12 is definitely in sight.

Go Cougs!

[SuperHornet]

Sac should be above Montana & Davis, IMO.

I'm not sure about placing us above the Griz quite yet, Venus, but DEFINITELY above the Manure Pile....