Big Sky Power Rankings 9-7

[bpcats]

I don't think everything is doom and gloom with MSU. We were missing our all conference safety and a starting corner which led us to starting two young corners for their first time. Offensive struggles are the norm at MSU and going against a Big Ten defense with our weak passing game and without a dynamic #1 runner didn't help.

We still have a lot of questions though, and we won't know anything more after this week no matter how we perform.

Portland State looked like they took a step forward from last year.

[native]

...
Did you actually look at game stats, or did you just check the scores? From your rankings it seems as though you only looked at scores and not stats, which is an absolute horrible way to determine a teams "power!"

Respectfully,

Herky

Do you have something a bit more to contribute?

[JALMOND]

After the first week things went pretty much according to plan. The conference won two games and they were the ones involving the DII opponents. The only game involving an FBS opponent that was close was the Weber/Wyoming game and that was expected. Rather boring to say the least. As a result, the new power rankings for the conference. All are my opinion and all are open for discussion. This week (last week).

1. Montana (1)---So, still the top dog. Fine, the Grizzlies did beat their DII opponent, Western State, but it was far from expected, with a top FCS team going against a DII team that on paper did not look too good. Bottom line from all these games, did the Grizzlies learn anything? It did not clear up the quarterback situation and this week the Griz head to UC-Davis, whom is no doubt ready and brimming with confidence.

2. Weber State (2)---The Wildcats were poised for the upset bid over a very beatable Wyoming team, but in the end, it was the Wildcats who went home with the loss. Playing up, regardless of the competition, means making few mistakes, and five interceptions were a few too many. Bottom line, did they learn anything? This week they stay in the Mountain West and head to Colorado State, a little tougher than Wyoming, but beatable.

3. Eastern Washington (3)---The Eagles conquered a pesky Western Oregon bunch who kept the game close through the fourth quarter. Not necessarily the dominating performance they were looking for, but they still got the win. Did they learn anything? Probably, but this week they move to Pac-10 competition and go to California. Here's hoping things go well.

4. Montana State (4)---The Bobcats took the money game and headed to Michigan State, who picked apart a traditional stout Bobcat defense to 44 points. Also, the new Bobcat offense looked really bad against a strong Big 10 defense of the Spartans. Maybe more questions than before, but this week a game against DII Dixie State, a game that, based on last week's affair, the Bobcats cannot take lightly.

5. Northern Arizona (5)---Everyone else started play last week, but the Jacks head into the season this week. More practice means more preparedness and they will need it as they head to their in-state Pac-10 opponent, Arizona. Can they pull off an upset and start the year on a good note?

6. Sacramento State (6)---Great things were forecasted for the Hornets, including the idea that they could possibly get the year going with an upset win against UNLV (or at least keep it close like they did last year against Colorado State). However, the end of the game found them on the wrong end of a major rout. Losing Hilliard was a blow, maybe bigger than was thought. This week, they head to Cal Poly, a game that a first was winnable, now there are many questions.

7. Northern Colorado (7)---The Bears knew they were heading into a beating when they went to Kansas last week. But a big time rout was not what the people in Greeley were hoping for. More questions than answers. This week, maybe a chance to turn things around, as they entertain FCS non-scholly San Diego. A good chance to get healthy in more ways than one, but the Torreros beat the Bears a couple years ago. Maybe a repeat?

8. Portland State (8)---The Vikings found themselves in a money game, playing their in-state rivals, Pac-10 Oregon State. Where they did not win the game, they did not embarrass themselves as the Beavers could not totally distance themselves from the Vikings. This week, maybe a return to good graces as they welcome NAIA Southern Oregon to Portland. A welcome respite between Oregon State and Montana.

9. Idaho State (9)---The Bengals were eager to show that they were just as improved as anyone in the conference, then they get blown away by Pac-10's Arizona State. Instead of showing the new Bengals, it seemed like the old Bengals playing. Do they have time to fix it? This week they head to Oklahoma. Well, at least the Sooners will be without their Heisman winner.

No changes, which is to be expected when the games go as they should. This week should provide some movement.

Did you actually look at game stats, or did you just check the scores? From your rankings it seems as though you only looked at scores and not stats, which is an absolute horrible way to determine a teams "power!"

Respectfully,

Herky

Did I miss something? The two who played against DII competition had some impressive stats. The ones who played against FBS had terrible stats (except Weber who moved the ball pretty well, yet had five interceptions). 5 got beat by 27 points or more. Respectfully, I don't see what your point is.

[OB55]

Dixie State and Western State are pretty much equal in abilities. Dixie should not even be alive in Bozeman by half time. We'll see.

Northern Colorado made Kansas work for everything they earned in the first half, and were generally worn down by KU's depth in the second. I think they come out strong against San Diego who was practically a mythical national champion just a few years back. Bears win this weekend.

I'll take USD and the points.

I'll take USD and the points.

ditto

Great predictions Nostradumbasses!

[free7694]

I'll take USD and the points.

ditto

Great predictions Nostradumbasses!

I wonder how all of that crow tastes. The game wasn't as close as the score indicated, UNC could've easily had 40 in that game.

[dbackjon]

I'll take USD and the points.

ditto

OB!! Good to see you smacking back!

Great predictions Nostradumbasses!