Another season is almost underway and with it, another season of Big Sky power rankings. The preseason is always tough, trying to figure out which team is better when no one has played any games, so I am sure this will trigger some good discussion prior to the first set of games on Thursday. This season looks like there are six teams that could compete for the title, but every year is seems there is at least one team from the bottom half that makes a run during the season. Here are the opening week;s power rankings. As usual, all are my opinion only and all are open for discussion. Good luck to all the conference teams.
1. Montana State Bobcats---This week, Utah Tech (FCS United) at home on Saturday---The end of last year found the Bobcats in the semifinals and a frozen field away from the national championship game. This year, the losses were minimal and they should be ready for a deep playoff run. They start at home against one of the teams from the newly formed United conference.
2. Idaho Vandals---This week, at Lamar (FCS Southland) on Thursday---After a good season last year by the new regime, there are plans for a breakout year this season with even more success. Key returnees will breed familiarity in the lineup as the Vangals hope for a quick start. A trip awaits them to begin, down in Southland country.
3. Montana Grizzlies---This week, Butler (FCS Pioneer) at home on Saturday---Success breeds more success and the Grizzlies have certainly had their fair share. They should be ready to start lurking in the conference and stay close to the top as the season progresses. They stay in their friendly home confines to start, welcoming a Pioneer foe.
4. UC Davis Aggies---This week, at Texas A&M-Commerce (FCS Southland) on Thursday---With the success the conference had last season, someone had to stay home for the playoffs and the Aggies were not pleased that it was them. They are looking forward for some revenge this season and get to the playoffs. They will start this season on the road deep in Southland country.
5. Sacramento State Hornets---This week at Nicholls (FCS Southland) on Thursday--- What a season last year for the Hornets. A conference title and the automatic bid into the playoffs. Then it came crashing down in the playoffs. The offseason saw their coach leave for greener pastures, but the is hope the success will continue. They start in the Southland conference.
6. Weber State Wildcats---This week Central Washington (DII) at home on Thursday---Even with the loss of their coach, the Wildcats should still be in the mix for a conference title this season, although there are a few questions surrounding the team, but that is typical for a new coach and a new style. Easy pickings this week with a DII school coming to town.
7. Eastern Washington Eagles---This week, North Dakota State (FCS Missouri Valley) at Minneapolis, MN on Saturday---Good expectations are coming from the Eagles after missing the playoffs last season. Not many eyes are on the program this year but that could change with a good showing in the opening game against a very good opponent.
8. Portland State Vikings ---The week, at Oregon (FBS Pac-12) on Saturday---Every year finds the Vikings with a wealth of talent on both sides, yet every year it seems the talent has difficulties of coming together once the games begin. They should have a good team on paper, but paper does not win games. Neither does scheduling a good FBS team.
9. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks---This week, Arizona (FBS Pac-12) on Saturday---Losing your quarterback does not bode well in a quarterback driven conference, but the Lumberjacks look to pick up the slack. They could fly up the standings once they find one, or they could just as easily fall if they are undecided. Playing the Pac-12 off the bat does not help.
10. Northern Colorado Bears---This week, at Abilene Christian (FCS United) on Thursday---A wealth of new talent engulfed the Bears team over the offseason, so it is tricky to say where exactly they are. The success of the season will depend on how quickly the new players can adjust to the new team. A trip against a good United team awaits them.
11. Cal Poly Mustangs---The week, San Diego (FCS Pioneer) at home on Saturday---Last season was far from a successful season, but getting a good home win to end it creates good feelings going in to the offseason. Still, it was not enough for the coach to stay. New coach, new philosophy hopefully means better results. Starting at home is a good start.
12. Idaho State Bengals---This week, at San Diego State (FBS Mtn West)---The Bengals are starting over pretty much from scratch, even with a new coach with no college head coaching experience. But if they can get off to a good start, confidence may start to take over. The schedule is tough to start, especially this week as they head south against a good FBS team.
RECAP: 1-6 together, 7, then 8-11 bunched up, then 12 a bit behind.