It was an interesting week 2 for the conference as there was some really impressive wins (Idaho and Weber State) and some not so bad losses (Montana State and UC Davis). And Eastern Washington had been listening to everyone say this was a six team race for the conference title and they said "Wait a minute" before they took Fresno State to 2OT before finally succumbing to defeat. Now, maybe seven teams have a shot. Here are this week's power rankings (last week in parenthesis). All are just my opinion only. I'm sure there will be some excellent discussion here.
1. Idaho (2)---Last week won at Nevada (FBS Mountain West) 33-6, this week at California (FBS Pac-12)---It isn't easy for an FCS school to go into FBS territory and get a win, especially a dominate win like the Vandals got last weekend. They do have a decent shot to get FBS win number 2 against a bottom dweller from the Pac-12, but the Pac-12 has looked like world beaters against the Big Sky.
2. Montana State (1)---Last week lost at South Dakota State (FCS Missouri Valley) 20-16, this week Stetson (FCS Pioneer) at home---For the first half last week it looked like the Bobcats may avenge their playoff semifinal loss last year and get a strong FCS road win, but they couldn't close the door. Perhaps an easier time this week as they bring in a Pioneer conference foe from Florida.
3. Sacramento State (4)---Last week beat Texas A&M-Commerce (FCS Southland) at home 34-6, this week at Stanford (FBS Pac-12)---After two straight weeks of playing the Southland conference (one home and one away), the Hornets emerged victorious in both games. What they have earned is the right to take the short drive to the Bay Area and play one of the Pac-12 schools in a game that they could win.
4. Montana (5)---Last week won at Utah Tech (FCS United) 43-13, this week Ferris State (DII) at home---After causing some concern with a lackluster home win, the Grizzlies headed south and got an impressive FCS road victory, striking early and often. They return home to face a lower division opponent, but one with some bite to their program. The Grizzlies need to be ready.
5. Weber State (6)---Last week won at Northern Iowa (FCS Missouri Valley) 34-17, this week at Utah (FBS Pac-12)---After playing even for the first half in a really tough FCS venue to play in, the Wildcats buckled down and played strong in the second half to garner an impressive FCS road win. Their reward is a short trek down the freeway where their big brothers from the Pac-12 await.
6. UC Davis (3)---Last week lost at Oregon State (FBS Pac-12) 55-7, this week Southern Utah (FCS United) at home---The Pac-12 has been blowing up the Big Sky in their matchups so far and the Aggies were no exception with a big time loss to the storied conference. They will welcome a return to the FCS level this week against a former conference foe in a tough matchup.
7. Eastern Washington (7)---Last week lost at Fresno State (FBS Mountain West) 34-31 in 2OT, this week SE Louisiana (FCS Southland) at home---Almost forgotten are the Eagles who followed up an impressive showing against one of the FCS finest with an equally impressive showing against an FBS opponent. They get their home opener this weekend against a good team from the Southland.
8. Northern Arizona (8)---Last week lost at North Dakota (FCS Missouri Valley) 37-22, this week Utah Tech (FCS United)---Stepping away from the Pac-12 and returning to the FCS level was good for the Lumberjacks as they put up a much more respectable showing, but still a loss. Things are improving adn they stay in the FCS this weekend, welcoming one of the local United Conference schools.
9. Portland State (11)---Last week lost at Wyoming (FBS Mountain West) 31-17, this week North American (NAIA) at home---Giving up an average of 56 points per game won't win a lot of games but the Vikings have to feel good only allowing 31 points this weekend after 81 the previous weekend. That number should continue to go down as they welcome an NAIA school from Texas to town.
10. Cal Poly (9)---Last week lost at San Jose State (FBS Mountain West) 59-3, this week Lincoln, CA (NAIA) at home---After a good home win in their first game, the Mustangs headed up to the Bay Area for a payout game against the FBS. The outcome was not good, but they return to their home turf against an NAIA school from the Bay Area as well. Maybe a different result this weekend than last.
11. Idaho State (10)---Last week lost at Utah State (FBS Mountain West) 78-28, this week Northern Iowa (FCS Missouri Valley) at home---The Bengals were feeling pretty good about themselves after the first quarter last week. Then the wheels fell off and the gave up 44 points in the 2nd and the game was all but over. They come back home and back to the FCS, but against a tough opponent.
12. Northern Colorado (12)---Last week lost to Incarnate Word (FCS Southland) 42-7 at home, this week at Washington State (FBS Pac-12)---To say the Bears have had a rough go at it so far to start the season would be an understatement. Nothing really has gone their way so far. Playing two good FCS programs both contributed to it. Now they play one of the big boys in the Pac-12. Yikes!
RECAP: 1-7 in a bunch at the top, 8-11 a bit behind, 12 trying to hold on.