Big Sky Power Rankings 8-23

[JALMOND]

Are you ready for some football? Week 0 action has all the Big Sky teams playing conference games. Montana State enters the year not only #1 in the conference, but with North Dakota State moving up, the Bobcats are also considered to be #1 in the nation. While everyone else in the conference may be playing for runnerup, the conference season is a grind, and there are three other teams that could pick up the slack if the Bobcats falter. Here are the opening power rankings in the conference. As usual, all are my opinion only. Let's start some football!

1. Montana State Bobcats---This week, at Utah Tech---The Bobcats appear to be loaded and have come back from the offseason stronger than ever. They head out on the road this week to start, playing one of the newcomers in the conference on the road.

2. Montana Grizzlies---This week, Southern Utah at home---The Grizzlies start the season with a new coaching staff. but have tons of talent returning. How quickly they can adjust will tell how good they can be. They welcome a newcomer to their home.

3. UC Davis---This week, at Portland State---The Aggies suffered a blow in the offseason, losing their hot freshman quarterback to Washington State. How quickly they can find another will determine their fate. They start on the road, playing one of the cellar dwellers.

4. Idaho State Bengals---This week, Virginia Military (FCS Southern) at home---My pick for a surprise team in the conference. The Bengals are hoping for some good this this season, possibly even a playoff berth. They are the odd team, playing out of conference this week.

5. Idaho Vandals---This week, at Cal Poly---Can the Vandals bounce back after a tough season last year? Last season was a tough one and the Vandals want to get back to the top. They start things early with a Friday night game on the road.

6. Southern Utah Thunderbirds---This week, at Montana---The Thunderbirds return to the conference, leaving after the 2022 season and hope to be competitive this year. They get a strong test on the road this week, but they are a familiar foe.

7. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks---This week, Eastern Washington at home---The Lumberjacks hope to return to the top of the conference, but have a long road ahead of them. They start out playing at home in their conference opener.

8. Eastern Washington Eagles---This week, at Northern Arizona---The Eagles also are hoping to soar back into the upper reaches of the conference this year. It won't be easy. They start in a tough place to play for a conference opener.

9. Northern Colorado Bears---This week, Weber State at home---The Bears showed a glimmer of hope for their fans last season, being not only competitive, but picking up a couple of wins in conference. They start this season Friday at home in a winnable game.

10. Cal Poly Mustangs---This week, Idaho at home---The Mustangs also were competitive last season in the conference and hope to draw on that experience this year. They start Friday as well, welcoming a conference heavyweight to their home turf.

11. Weber State Wildcats---This week, at Northern Colorado---Some new pieces for the Wildcats including a new coaching staff. How soon they can adjust could be the difference. How long before they are competitive? The start on the road against one of the upstarts.

12. Portland State Vikings---This week, UC Davis at home---The Vikings also have a whole new coaching staff and some new pieces to integrate. Will these pieces be ready to play at the start? They bring in one of the conference's top dogs to their home field.

13. Utah Tech Trailblazers---This week, Montana State at home---The Trailblazers make their debut in conference, coming over from the WAC. They get a strong welcome at the start, bringing in the top dog in the country. Welcome to the conference, Trailblazers.

RECAP: 1, then 2-4, then 5-7, then 8-10, then 11-12, then 13.

[kalm]

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