One week to go and it may be fitting that the top two teams in the conference are the two from Big Sky Country. The conference still should get four teams in the playoffs and maybe five. Others, some teams are playing their rivals and some are just playing out the string and hoping that next year will be better. Here are this week's power rankings (last week rankings in parenthesis). All are my opinion only. One week to go.
1. Montana (1)---Last week won at Portland State 34-10, this week Montana State at home---Trap game last week? No way. The Grizzlies came on the road and put the game away early, erasing any thoughts of a letdown. They get their rivals this weekend in their place for all the marbles. It will be a good one for sure.
2. Montana State (2)---Last week beat Eastern Washington at home 57-14, this week at Montana---The key to build up for a big game is not let the game before get away from you and the Bobcats made sure of that, jumping out early and putting the game away. Their rival game is for the conference title and they are ready.
3. Idaho (3)---Last week lost at Weber State 31-29, this week Idaho State at home---The Vandals may have got a bit ahead of themselves as they went on the road last week and could not close the deal. Still, they shouldn't be in too bad of shape as the welcome their rivals from across the state. But, they need to win.
4. Sacramento State (4)---Last week beat Cal Poly at home 41-30, this week at UC Davis---The Hornets did get the win last week but the game was too close for comfort after playing one of the conference basement dwellers. They may be in the playoffs but last week could have created some doubt. A good road win would ensure it.
5. UC Davis (5)---Last week won at Idaho State 21-14, this week Sacramento State at home---The Aggies never got any separation in their game last week until the end, creating some nervous feelings for them as they need to win out to have a shot at the playoffs. That includes this week's game against their rival.
6. Weber State (8)---Last week beat Idaho at home 31-29, this week at Cal Poly---OH what might have been for the Wildcats. If not for some early season struggles as everyone was getting to know everyone else, last week's win could have vaulted them into playoff contention. Now, they just have to play out the string.
7. Portland State (6)---Last week lost to Montana at home 31-14, this week at Northern Colorado---Have the Vikings given up on the season already? When a team has nothing left to play for, there is a tendency to go through the motions until the season is done. It looked like it last week. This week, they should win, but will they?
8. Eastern Washington (7)---Last week lost at Montana State 57-14, this week Northern Arizona at home---The Eagles defense is what has let them down all season and last week was no exception. They run into a team that can hold their offense in check and the Eagles can't stop them. They get their last game at home.
9. Northern Arizona (9)---Last week beat Northern Colorado at home 28-7, this week at Eastern Washington---The Lumberjacks finally had something good happen last week in that they got a win at home. Their win in their first conference game this year seems so long ago. They hit the road and hope to win that one.
10. Idaho State (10)---Last week lost to UC Davis at home 21-14, this week at Idaho---The Bengals had a shot to play spoiler last week and for most of the game, they were planning on doing just that. However, they could not get the stops when they needed them. They are in a similar situation this week, playing spoiler.
11. Cal Poly (11)---Last week lost at Sacramento State 41-30, this week Weber State at home---A tough conference as the Mustangs have a non-conference win, a lower division win and a conference win, yet they find themselves near the bottom. A good showing last week can be followed up with another good showing this week.
12. Northern Colorado (12)---Last week lost at Northern Arizona 28-7, this week Portland State at home---The Bears are still looking for their first win of the season so they will be bringing everything to the table this weekend with the hopes they can get it. They had a shot last week but couldn't get any offense. Maybe this week.
RECAP: 1-2 out front, 3-4 just behind, 5 holding on, 6-10 behind, 11-12 further behind.