Big Sky Power Rankings 11-8

[JALMOND]

Sorry I missed getting these out on Monday. Family issues prevail at times.

What happens in the conference when EWU and UM do not play? One ends up with a pretty vanilla type of weekend as the conference had last weekend. Exciting for the teams involved, but, for a casual observer, time better spent with the family. Maybe the MSU/Weber game lived up to the excitement, but the conference as a whole missed out on the true competition every game every week that we all had gotten used to in the weeks past. Here are this week's power rankings in the conference. All are my opinion only and all are open for discussion. This week (last week). Not much movement, especially after last week.

1. Eastern Washington (1)---Eagles had a bye last week and still stay on top. Interesting to note is that, while they are on top, they do not control their own destiny for an outright conference title, as Montana State still holds the head to head. This week, they return to action, but still stay out of conference as they welcome the Great West's top team in Southern Utah. The Eagles face Idaho State the week after for their final Big Sky conference game this year.

2. Montana State (2)---For the last few weeks, the Bobcats have toyed with the opposition instead of showing the power of blowing out teams as they did at the beginning of the year. Consequently, people thought they may have some trouble when they faced a quality opponent, as they did last week with Weber State. However, the Bobcats were able to play up to their opponent and push aside the Wildcats at home. This week, they take the week off to prepare for the annual tilt against Montana, possibly for all the marbles in the conference.

3. Montana (3)---Whether it has been the new coach, the new system or the players involved, this year has not been a typical year for the Grizzlies, in conference or nationally. Starting slowly and, even with the run midseason, a loss at Weber State, and now the Grizzlies need some big help in order to gain a share of the conference title. This week, like Eastern Washington, the Grizzlies return to action but not conference action as they host North Dakota in preparation for their final game against Montana State.

4. Sacramento State (4)---Fresh from their big road win over Northern Arizona, great things were expected from the Hornets as they welcomed Portland State, and visions of Hilliard running through that porous Portland State run defense was envisioned. However, a subpar effort from Hilliard meant someone else had to step up and their quarterback, Fleming, emerged as a viable alternative for the Hornets. A passing attack bodes well to complement that strong Hornet running game. This week, their last conference game on the road at Idaho State. A win could be a fitting end to such a close season.

5. Weber State (5)---After the big win against Montana and the opportunity to play Montana State, things were finally emerging for the Wildcats as a longshot for the playoffs. Then they ended up on the short end of the game at Montana State last week and possible shot at the playoffs was dashed. Still, a great opportunity to salvage the year still exists as they head down the road to play Northern Arizona, a team that struggles at the end of the year, in what would be the final conference game for the Wildcats.

6. Northern Arizona (6)---Losing to Sacramento State at home made many people think of "here the Jacks go again" as the last games in the last couple seasons have not been too kind for the Jacks. Then they were able to get a win (the first win in the last four games in the last two years) on the road at Northern Colorado, and things started to feel better in Flagstaff. They end the year at home, this week with Weber State and next week with Portland State, with a good opportunity to end what could be construed as a disappointing season.

7. Idaho State (7)---Some played in the conference last week, some did not play at all, but the Bengals headed down to Georgia for a money game, fresh off of a close home loss to Montana State that they thought they should have won. Magic did not happen for the Bengals at Georgia, but they did come back relatively healthy and ready to close out the year on a positive note. It starts this week at home against Sacramento State and ends on the road at Eastern Washington.

8. Portland State (8)---After playing what arguably was their worst performance all year at home against Eastern Washington, the Vikings spotted Sacramento State to a 21-3 lead halfway through the second quarter. Then the defense stiffened and gave the offense a chance to take the win. Unfortunately, that did not happen and another loss greeted the Vikings. There still is a chance for the Vikings to end up on a good note as this week, they welcome Northern Colorado to their temporary home, before ending on the road at Northern Arizona.

9. Northern Colorado (9)---The Bears tried to give their fans a win in their home finale last week against Northern Arizona, but once again found themselves on the short end. A disappointing end to what should have been a great year for them. This week, they finish the conference slate and the year with a trip to Portland State. A road win could go a long way toward preparing for next year for this team.

[free7694]

FI-RE DOWN-ING! (clap-clap-clapclapclap) FI-RE DOWN-ING! (clap-clap-clapclapclap) FI-RE DOWN-ING! (clap-clap-clapclapclap)

[SuperHornet]

FI-RE DOWN-ING! (clap-clap-clapclapclap) FI-RE DOWN-ING! (clap-clap-clapclapclap) FI-RE DOWN-ING! (clap-clap-clapclapclap)

Now or after the season?

As you know by now, I don't like in-season firings. But I do agree that this should be taken care of as soon as possible after New Year's. (No, I don't like holiday firings, either.)

[Mvemjsunpx]

You have Idaho State ahead of PSU & NoCo? The Bengals lost to NoCo by 14 & lost to PSU by 35.

[SDHornet]

You have Idaho State ahead of PSU & NoCo? The Bengals lost to NoCo by 14 & lost to PSU by 35.

They "held" Georgia to only 55 points.

[JALMOND]

You have Idaho State ahead of PSU & NoCo? The Bengals lost to NoCo by 14 & lost to PSU by 35.

They lost to those two early in the season. The way the Bengals looked against WSU and MSU as compared to PSU's last two games (Sac State and the same WSU) and UNC (South Dakota and slumping NAU), I'd have to say that the Bengals are playing better than PSU or UNC right now.

[Mvemjsunpx]

You have Idaho State ahead of PSU & NoCo? The Bengals lost to NoCo by 14 & lost to PSU by 35.

They lost to those two early in the season. The way the Bengals looked against WSU and MSU as compared to PSU's last two games (Sac State and the same WSU) and UNC (South Dakota and slumping NAU), I'd have to say that the Bengals are playing better than PSU or UNC right now.

ISU's game against Weber was a while ago. And UNC also played MSU close recently (& that was on the road). And it's a bit premature to call NAU "slumping" just because of one bad game.

Sorry, I just think the Bengals are a dreadfully bad team.

[BigSkyBears]

You have Idaho State ahead of PSU & NoCo? The Bengals lost to NoCo by 14 & lost to PSU by 35.

They lost to those two early in the season. The way the Bengals looked against WSU and MSU as compared to PSU's last two games (Sac State and the same WSU) and UNC (South Dakota and slumping NAU), I'd have to say that the Bengals are playing better than PSU or UNC right now.

Yeah, I wouldn't put ISU above UNC. UNC played Eastern Washington, Montana State and NAU all within a TD. Those games were all of recent.

[Green Cookie Monster]

I would love to have Tavoy Moore though. That kid has four TD's in punt/KO returns this year.

Hilliard has a broken toe and did before the PSU game, so i don't think his low number was a direct reflection of the PSU defense.

[Griz Growler]

Sorry I missed getting these out on Monday. Family issues prevail at times.

What happens in the conference when EWU and UM do not play? One ends up with a pretty vanilla type of weekend as the conference had last weekend. Exciting for the teams involved, but, for a casual observer, time better spent with the family. Maybe the MSU/Weber game lived up to the excitement, but the conference as a whole missed out on the true competition every game every week that we all had gotten used to in the weeks past. Here are this week's power rankings in the conference. All are my opinion only and all are open for discussion. This week (last week). Not much movement, especially after last week.

1. Eastern Washington (1)--- 7-2 (6-1)Eagles had a bye last week and still stay on top. Interesting to note is that, while they are on top, they do not control their own destiny for an outright conference title, as Montana State still holds the head to head. This week, they return to action, but still stay out of conference as they welcome the Great West's top team in Southern Utah. The Eagles face Idaho State the week after for their final Big Sky conference game this year.

2. Montana State (2)--- 8-2 (6-1)For the last few weeks, the Bobcats have toyed with the opposition instead of showing the power of blowing out teams as they did at the beginning of the year. Consequently, people thought they may have some trouble when they faced a quality opponent, as they did last week with Weber State. However, the Bobcats were able to play up to their opponent and push aside the Wildcats at home. This week, they take the week off to prepare for the annual tilt against Montana, possibly for all the marbles in the conference.

3. Montana (3)--- 6-3 (5-2)Whether it has been the new coach, the new system or the players involved, this year has not been a typical year for the Grizzlies, in conference or nationally. Starting slowly and, even with the run midseason, a loss at Weber State, and now the Grizzlies need some big help in order to gain a share of the conference title. This week, like Eastern Washington, the Grizzlies return to action but not conference action as they host North Dakota in preparation for their final game against Montana State.

4. Sacramento State (4)--- 5-4 (4-3)Fresh from their big road win over Northern Arizona, great things were expected from the Hornets as they welcomed Portland State, and visions of Hilliard running through that porous Portland State run defense was envisioned. However, a subpar effort from Hilliard meant someone else had to step up and their quarterback, Fleming, emerged as a viable alternative for the Hornets. A passing attack bodes well to complement that strong Hornet running game. This week, their last conference game on the road at Idaho State. A win could be a fitting end to such a close season.

5. Weber State (5)--- 5-4 (4-3)After the big win against Montana and the opportunity to play Montana State, things were finally emerging for the Wildcats as a longshot for the playoffs. Then they ended up on the short end of the game at Montana State last week and possible shot at the playoffs was dashed. Still, a great opportunity to salvage the year still exists as they head down the road to play Northern Arizona, a team that struggles at the end of the year, in what would be the final conference game for the Wildcats.

6. Northern Arizona (6)--- 5-4 (3-3)Losing to Sacramento State at home made many people think of "here the Jacks go again" as the last games in the last couple seasons have not been too kind for the Jacks. Then they were able to get a win (the first win in the last four games in the last two years) on the road at Northern Colorado, and things started to feel better in Flagstaff. They end the year at home, this week with Weber State and next week with Portland State, with a good opportunity to end what could be construed as a disappointing season.

7. Idaho State (7)--- 1-8 (0-6)Some played in the conference last week, some did not play at all, but the Bengals headed down to Georgia for a money game, fresh off of a close home loss to Montana State that they thought they should have won. Magic did not happen for the Bengals at Georgia, but they did come back relatively healthy and ready to close out the year on a positive note. It starts this week at home against Sacramento State and ends on the road at Eastern Washington.

8. Portland State (8)--- 2-7 (1-5)After playing what arguably was their worst performance all year at home against Eastern Washington, the Vikings spotted Sacramento State to a 21-3 lead halfway through the second quarter. Then the defense stiffened and gave the offense a chance to take the win. Unfortunately, that did not happen and another loss greeted the Vikings. There still is a chance for the Vikings to end up on a good note as this week, they welcome Northern Colorado to their temporary home, before ending on the road at Northern Arizona.

9. Northern Colorado (9)--- 2-8 (1-6)The Bears tried to give their fans a win in their home finale last week against Northern Arizona, but once again found themselves on the short end. A disappointing end to what should have been a great year for them. This week, they finish the conference slate and the year with a trip to Portland State. A road win could go a long way toward preparing for next year for this team.

Just thought I'd throw in records

[EWURanger]

Yeah, gunna have to chime in here and say that UNC and PSU are both much better teams than ISU....

[JALMOND]

They lost to those two early in the season. The way the Bengals looked against WSU and MSU as compared to PSU's last two games (Sac State and the same WSU) and UNC (South Dakota and slumping NAU), I'd have to say that the Bengals are playing better than PSU or UNC right now.

ISU's game against Weber was a while ago. And UNC also played MSU close recently (& that was on the road). And it's a bit premature to call NAU "slumping" just because of one bad game.

Sorry, I just think the Bengals are a dreadfully bad team.

I'd like to think the Bengals are bad, too. They looked terrible when PSU played them early on. But they did have a shot late to get a win over Montana State. Also, the week before Weber State's offense hung 44 on PSU, ISU held the same offense to just 16 points (and had a chance to win that game, too). Sure, Georgia scored a bunch of points on them, but Oregon did the same thing to PSU (and Michigan State did, too, against UNC). As for the Bears, I just think that a good Big Sky team should at least stay close to South Dakota, and not fall by a lopsided score of 34-6.

Right now, I'd say ISU has progressed as the season has gone, while both PSU and UNC have regressed, which is why I have ISU ahead of the other two (subject to change, of course).

[SDHornet]

I have to agree with J. I watched the first 20 minutes of the ISU-GA game on ESPN 3 replay the other night and their defense is definitely respectable. I don’t think the close games against WSU and MSU were flukes. All I know is if Sperbeck doesn’t have this Hornet team focused on ISU this week, they will lose. I don’t know why I feel so uneasy about this upcoming weeks game, for some reason it just worries me.

[free7694]

FI-RE DOWN-ING! (clap-clap-clapclapclap) FI-RE DOWN-ING! (clap-clap-clapclapclap) FI-RE DOWN-ING! (clap-clap-clapclapclap)

Now or after the season?

As you know by now, I don't like in-season firings. But I do agree that this should be taken care of as soon as possible after New Year's. (No, I don't like holiday firings, either.)

Two years ago. That's when I want him gone.

Since that didn't happen, our AD should meet the bus from the airport Sunday with Downing's walking papers. Fire him first thing Monday morning at the latest.

[bpcats]

ISU is actually pretty tough on defense, Rutten at DE and their linebacking corp is very good. Where ISU struggled is along their offensive line. Hill is a quality qb but most of the time doesn't have time to throw the ball.

[mlbowl]

ISU is actually pretty tough on defense, Rutten at DE and their linebacking corp is very good.

yup...Montana only had 476 yards of offense against them

[cats2506]

ISU is actually pretty tough on defense, Rutten at DE and their linebacking corp is very good.

yup...Montana only had 476 yards of offense against them

ISU's D must be good,

MSU only put 527 yards on them

[mlbowl]

yup...Montana only had 476 yards of offense against them

ISU's D must be good,

MSU only put 527 yards on them

[uncbears8228]

Now or after the season?

As you know by now, I don't like in-season firings. But I do agree that this should be taken care of as soon as possible after New Year's. (No, I don't like holiday firings, either.)

Two years ago. That's when I want him gone.

Since that didn't happen, our AD should meet the bus from the airport Sunday with Downing's walking papers. Fire him first thing Monday morning at the latest.

The ad is on the trip from what I heard so Downing should be gone by tonight

[uncbears8228]

Now or after the season?

As you know by now, I don't like in-season firings. But I do agree that this should be taken care of as soon as possible after New Year's. (No, I don't like holiday firings, either.)

Two years ago. That's when I want him gone.

Since that didn't happen, our AD should meet the bus from the airport Sunday with Downing's walking papers. Fire him first thing Monday morning at the latest.

The ad is on the trip from what I heard so Downing should be gone by tonight

[SuperHornet]

ISU is actually pretty tough on defense, Rutten at DE and their linebacking corp is very good. Where ISU struggled is along their offensive line. Hill is a quality qb but most of the time doesn't have time to throw the ball.

If that's the case, then how does Sac have 3 TDs after ONE QUARTER?!?

[EWURanger]

ISU is getting drubbed 45-3 by Sac. I really feel for ISU, they have been so bad for so long. I actually hope they can turn things around, starting after next week.

[BigSkyBears]

UNC beats PSU and get it's first multi-conference win season in many, many, many years. I'm not sure it will be enough for Scott to keep his job though. We had higher hopes for this season.

[EWURanger]

UNC beats PSU and get it's first multi-conference win season in many, many, many years. I'm not sure it will be enough for Scott to keep his job though. We had higher hopes for this season.

Congrats to the Bears, after those tough close losses to MSU and EWU, you guys deserved to win a close one.

I actually thought there would be more parity in the Big Sky this year, but the only real surprise has been Montana not being as dominant as usual. ISU, PSU, and UNC being perrenial cellar-dwellars does nothing for the conference, so I hope that all of these programs can start to turn things around.

[EWURanger]

Weber just tied the game with NAU with 38 seconds left. And kicks the PAT through. Wow.