Now that the non-conference games are done, the conference can get to the actual season. Conference play actually resumes this week, the first week since Week 0. Some surprises across the board last week that affected the power rankings somewhat. The top dog, Montana State, survived a surprise themselves, looking somewhat beatable for the first time all year. Here are this week's power rankings in the conference (last week in parenthesis). All are my opinion only. Conference play resumes this weekend.
1. Montana State (1)---Last week beat Central Connecticut State (FCS Northeast) 35-30, this week Northern Arizona at home---The Bobcats were sailing along pretty much untouchable, even at the FBS level. Then they survive a scare from the patsy that they brought in from the East. They play at home this week. Are they beatable?
2. Idaho State (3)---Last week bye, this week at Southern Utah---The Bengals were able to take last week off in preparing for their conference tussle on the road. They have looked really good so far in three straight non-conference games. This is actually their conference opener. This is where the season begins.
3. Montana (2)---Last week lost at Oregon State (FBS Pac-12) 52-17, this week at UC Davis---There were some that thought the Grizzlies could hang with a Pac-12 opponent, possibly even getting an FBS scalp. But they soon found out that was not the case. They have looked good at the FCS level. They play on the road this week.
4. UC Davis (4)---Last week beat Stetson (FCS Pioneer) at home 45-7, this week Montana at home---The Aggies threw their hat into the ring last week against a Florida team from the Pioneer and jumped on them early and often. They looked like they are ready for conference play. They have a great matchup at home.
5. Northern Arizona (5)---Last week won at Utah Tech 35-23, this week at Montana State---The Lumberjacks were seemingly in control of this conference non conference game, but some anxious moments in the third quarter made this a little more interesting. Still a road win. But they will need to play better this weekend.
6. Southern Utah (6)---Last week lost at St. Thomas (FCS Pioneer) 28-26, this week Idaho State at home---The Thunderbirds were looking good at the start and last week was just supposed to be a tune up for the conference season. Only it wasn't, and they could not get the win. A tough game at home awaits them.
7. Weber State (10)---Last week beat Northwestern State (FCS Southland) at home 49-20, this week Portland State at home---The Wildcats have been hot and cold so far, but they did get an impressive home win over the Southland's patsy last week. Eager to resume conference play with one win already, they could get another.
8. Eastern Washington (8)---Last week lost at Washington (FBS Big 10) 48-16, this week Cal Poly at home---The Eagles move up a level and went to the western part of the state where they did not put up much of a fight and fell to their big brothers. How much did it prepare them for the conference? They have a good test at home.
9. Cal Poly (7)---Last week lost to San Diego (FCS Pioneer) at home 38-35, this week at Eastern Washington---The Mustangs were feeling good about themselves and had brought in a member of the Pioneer to help them get ready for conference play. Only they needed to win. Now the road game this week looks tough.
10. Idaho (9)---Last week lost to Abilene Christian (FCS United) at home 41-39, this week bye---The Vandals are still looking for their first win of the season. It wasn't supposed to be like this. They brought in a good United team also surprisingly down and couldn't beat them. Maybe having a bye week will work.
11. Northern Colorado (11)---Last week beat Northeastern State (DII) at home 23-17 (OT), this week Utah Tech at home---The Bears got a hard fought win at home last week to prepare themselves for conference play. But they did their best to give the game to the DII opponent that came in. They will need to play better.
12. Portland State (12)---Last week lost at Oregon (FBS Big 10) 84-0, this week at Weber State---Playing an FBS team with national title aspirations that took a hard loss the week before, on a short week, the Vikings took the money and didn't bother to show up. They continue conference play this weekend on the road.
13. Utah Tech (13)---Last week lost to Northern Arizona at home 35-23, this week at Northern Colorado---The Trailblazers have hope now, after being down at the half last week and made the game interesting. Little steps here and there are setting themselves up for a good first season in conference. They could even win this week.
RECAP: 1, then 2-4 trying to keep up, 5 gaining on the pack, 6-10 falling off, 11-12 dropping, 13 bringing up the rear for now.