Big Sky Power Rankings 9-21

[JALMOND]

Hard to believe, but at the end of the first quarter of each of their respective games last week, both Montana and Weber State found themselves down 14-7. Hope for the rest of the conference? Maybe. But in the end, both the Grizzlies and Wildcats showed why they are at the top. Slowly, this is becoming a two horse race, and for others to be included, the road will have to go through either Missoula or Ogden (or both). Here are this weeks power rankings. This week (last week). All are my opinion and all are open for discussion.

1. Montana (1)---The personal foul penalty may have helped, but it was Mariani's spectacular catch and speedy romp to the end zone that got the Griz started and never looked back as they put an end to Portland State's upset bid. After the tough 10 minutes, the Griz made it look easy the rest of the way. This week, they make the long trip to Flagstaff to take on Northern Arizona. Can the magic continue on the road?

2. Weber State (2)---The Wildcats gave some hope to what was on paper an outmanned Idaho State squad, spotting them the 14-7 lead. But after that, the Wildcats woke up and put the Bengals in their place rather convincingly. This week, a trip to Portland to face a fired up Portland State team. The last time the Wildcats went there, the game was a huge shootout. More reasonable this time?

3. Eastern Washington (3)---Last week, the Eagles defense showed up, shutting out Northern Colorado, while their offense suffered through a very sluggish game. An ugly game, but a win is always good. This week they head down to Sacramento to face Sacramento State, a team that made the game ugly last year and upset the Eagles. Can the Eagles get this one back?

4. Northern Arizona (4)---Talk about a shootout. While the Jacks thought they had Southern Utah down, the Thunderbirds would storm right back. The Birds were poised for the upset, but the Jacks prevailed in the end of the offensive fireworks show. The Jacks needed it as this week Montana comes to town, still undefeated and still ferocious. Do the Jacks have what it takes to knock off the powerful Grizzlies?

5. Montana State (6)---A well deserved bye week and a chance to regroup after two bad showings. Still, though, the Bobcats thought they would be 1-1 at this point and that is where they are. Two weeks are enough to get up for the game this week at Northern Colorado, a strong team this year and who has given the Bobcats fits in years past. Have the Bobcats righted the ship?

6. Northern Colorado (5)---After a good showing against San Diego, the Bears headed to Eastern Washington brimming with confidence about a great conference year. Problem was, their offense got left behind in Greeley. The Bears defense held the potent Eagle offense as best as they could, but got no support from the offense. This week, they welcome Montana State to Greeley. Will the offense come to the game? Will it matter?

7. Portland State (7)---Things were going great for the Vikings against Montana. Then Mariani ran wild, the Vikings punter could not fall on the ball, the offense collapsed and soon the defense did, too. In the end, the Griz became the Griz we all know. Big questions all around, and not much time to dwell on them as Weber State comes to Portland this weekend. At least it is at home, if that makes a difference.

8. Sacramento State (8)---High expectations in the summer have given way to tempted optimism for the Hornets after two rather disappointing games. Searching for some offense, as well as a featured back, has taken more time that people thought. A bye week was a good breather. This week, the Hornets host Eastern Washington, a team they beat on the road last year. This year at home, can they get the win?

9. Idaho State (9)---Sometimes, playing with nothing to lose can bring unexpected dividends and, in a game that no one gave them much of a chance against Weber State, the Bengals found themselves up 14-7. Then, the hope faded, the Wildcats recovered, and the Bengals became the typical Bengals. Good thing is the rough three game stretch is over and the Bengals have DII Central Washington coming to town. Or is that a good thing?

[AZGrizFan]

Hard to believe, but at the end of the first quarter of each of their respective games last week, both Montana and Weber State found themselves down 14-7. Hope for the rest of the conference? Maybe.

Guess it's a good thing we play four quarters!

[JALMOND]

Hard to believe, but at the end of the first quarter of each of their respective games last week, both Montana and Weber State found themselves down 14-7. Hope for the rest of the conference? Maybe.

Guess it's a good thing we play four quarters!

I found that interesting as I was doing my research. Once PSU and ISU figure out the four quarter thing, watch out.

[UNC2857BEARS]

FYI: UNC is down 3 starting O-Lineman left with only one (Tim McGraw) with significant playing time. They are also hurting bad when it comes to wide out injuries. Luckily against San Diego the 'less experienced' O-Lineman were going up against whopping 240 lb D-Lineman so it still opened up the running game. Don't know how they managed to rush for 150+ against EWU.... But with 3 O-Lineman out of the mix and 2-3 vital wide outs missing, Waggener is in a bad situation, no one to throw to and no time to do so. Hopefully the ground game can continue to put up numbers against Montana State and turnovers are not a factor. I wanna say 14-13 going to either team..

PS UNC is technically out 2 starting linebackers as well, with an injured John Eddy and Zabel in a massive cast....

[Mvemjsunpx]

8. Sacramento State (8)---High expectations in the summer have given way to tempted optimism for the Hornets after two rather disappointing games. Searching for some offense, as well as a featured back, has taken more time that people thought. A bye week was a good breather. This week, the Hornets host Eastern Washington, a team they beat on the road last year. This year at home, can they get the win?

No. Sac has never beaten Eastern at home…

… and EWU is a noticeably better team.

[SuperHornet]

Never isn't permanent. Sac 24-21 followed by that incredible upset coming 24 Oct.

[Grizalltheway]

Never isn't permanent. Sac 24-21 followed by that incredible upset coming 24 Oct.

[AZGrizFan]

Never isn't permanent. Sac 24-21 followed by that incredible upset coming 24 Oct.

A person can dream, can't they?

[Mvemjsunpx]

Only good teams upset the Griz…

…Sac State doesn't look too good.

[Mvemjsunpx]

Never isn't permanent.

No, but there must be some reason Sac has 4 wins in Cheney but not one at home.

[Grizalltheway]

A person can dream, can't they?

Dreams are all suc state fans have.

[weberwildcat]

ISU has had a punt blocked in all 3 games so far this year.

[Herky]

A person can dream, can't they?

Dreams are all suc state fans have.

How original, because we've never heard that before, idiot!

[AZGrizFan]

Dreams are all suc state fans have.

How original, because we've never heard that before, idiot!

I'll make you a deal. You stop sucking, we'll stop calling you Suck State.

[SuperHornet]

How original, because we've never heard that before, idiot!

I'll make you a deal. You stop sucking, we'll stop calling you Suck State.

You MIGHT stop at that point. The problem with that is that the Manure Pile WON'T.