Big Sky Power Rankings 8-26

[JALMOND]

For all these years of setting up these power rankings for the conference, this year was the first year that I had to wait until after week 0 to get them out, simply being undecided on a lot of positions. Almost everyone is bringing back a quarterback with limited play in the conference, and for a conference that prides itself on the play of the quarterback. that can be challenging. It could possibly come down to which team can get quality play from the quarterback first. Here are the opening week's power rankings. All are my opinions only. Let's play some football.

1. Montana Grizzlies (this week, bye)---The Grizzlies elected to wait an extra week before they start play, which could be a good thing. They brought in a ton of transfers, some from other conference mates, so how soon they gel could go a long ways. Off this week and back to the grind next week.

2. Montana State Bobcats (this week, at FBS Big 10 Oregon)---The Bobcats have several candidates at quarterback and as soon as they can find a winner, they will be back contending for the crown. Losses are minimal, so it shouldn't take long. A big game coming up this weekend with a top FBS program.

3. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (this week at FBS Big 12 Arizona State)---The Lumberjacks return the most experienced and successful quarterback in the conference so they should be near the top all season. They venture down to the desert to face their bigger brothers in a good matchup.

4. Idaho Vandals (this week, at FBS Independent Washington State)---The Vandals didn't lose much from their successful season a year ago and they are poised to remain near the top of the conference. They go over to their next door neighbors for a cup of tea and a big matchup, one they could win.

5. Sacramento State Hornets (this week at FCS Missouri Valley South Dakota State)---All offseason was spent with the Hornets wondering if they were moving up and if they could get a waiver to do so. Possibly left a bad taste for everyone else, they go on the road to face a strong FCS opponent.

6. UC Davis Aggies (this week at FCS United Utah Tech)---The Aggies were one of three teams that were supposed to play last week, but lightning at the end of the game meant a no contest was recorded. Back on the road this week, but not having to travel as far, they have a game with a soon to be conference mate.

7. Idaho State Bengals (this week at FCS United Southern Utah)---The Bengals threw a mild scare at an FBS opponent last week, almost getting a shocking win. They could continue with the surprises this year. They stay in the area this week with a game against an FCS foe on the road.

8. Eastern Washington Eagles (this week at FCS Southland Incarnate Word)---The Eagles are looking to return to their upper reaches of the conference and hope this year is the year to do it. Good returnees and a slate of transfers could get them there. They hit the road, playing a team smarting from a defeat.

9. Weber State Wildcats (this week at FBS Sun Belt James Madison)---The Wildcats are hoping to put their terrible performance down the stretch last season to rest with a strong showing this season. They've got some good returnees, but may be short in some areas. A step up to the FBS this week will be tough.

10. Cal Poly Mustangs (this week at FCS Pioneer San Diego)---Are the Mustangs going to turn a corner this year and be competitive in the conference? They have some strong players returning and some success from last season, and a favorable start to the year, facing a team from the Pioneer League.

11. Portland State Vikings (this week at FBS Big 12 Brigham Young)---This year has rebuild plastered all over the Vikings team. Young people playing all types of positions. They will get the experience, but it may be awhile before they get competitive. A trip to play a great FBS program may not help.

12. Northern Colorado Bears (this week DII Chadron State at home)---The Bears are also hoping for a reversal of fortune this season and a chance to move up to at least the middle of the conference. They have some strong returnees that should help. An opening tilt at home against a DII team should help, too.

RECAP: 1-6 in a big pack, 7-9 just behind them. 10-12 bringing up the rear.

[SuperHornet]

Sounds good.

Thank you for doing this for yet another year, JAL. We appreciate you.