2012 Big Sky Predictions

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Towson had been playing a full D-I slate and been in the CAA for a while. Half of UND's wins last year were against sub D-I (3) and PFL Drake. And they barely beat both winless UNC and Sioux Falls (D-II). UND will not be in the mix for the BSC title next year. Three or four BSC wins tops for them.

I think they can beat Sac St and UNC on the road, Cal Poly, NAU and SUU at home with a win over Montana (Home), EWU or Montana St on the road they have 6 wins.

I'd give them 50/50 with Sac, UNC, NAU and SUU, 30/70 with CP, and no chance against UM, EWU or MSU. 5-6 or 6-5 is their best case scenario IMO.

[Gil Dobie]

I think they can beat Sac St and UNC on the road, Cal Poly, NAU and SUU at home with a win over Montana (Home), EWU or Montana St on the road they have 6 wins.

I'd give them 50/50 with Sac, UNC, NAU and SUU, 30/70 with CP, and no chance against UM, EWU or MSU. 5-6 or 6-5 is their best case scenario IMO.

They did beat UNC, SUU and Cal Poly last year. They just seem to always do better than expected.

[SloStang]

I'd give them 50/50 with Sac, UNC, NAU and SUU, 30/70 with CP, and no chance against UM, EWU or MSU. 5-6 or 6-5 is their best case scenario IMO.

They did beat UNC, SUU and Cal Poly last year. They just seem to always do better than expected.

If we are talking UND, they lost to Cal Poly in grand Forks.

[Gil Dobie]

They did beat UNC, SUU and Cal Poly last year. They just seem to always do better than expected.

If we are talking UND, they lost to Cal Poly in grand Forks.

You are correct!

[CPAlum]

UND will do just fine in the BSC. The Great West was largely better than the bottom half of the Big Sky so nobody should be surprised to see UND at 6 wins next year...or more.

I'd say the Big Sky is wide open .....Montana has some issues, I'm sure they will still be Montana, EWU,MSU, maybe even Portland State as a Dark Horse. Poly lost a few weapons from last years team but they have a Senior in Andre Broadous at QB and a favorable schedule (I cant believe I just said that!) I'm gonna say it again...Cal Poly has a favorable schedule!!!! Wow!

I think I'm just gonna leave it at that

[EWURanger]

UND will do just fine in the BSC. The Great West was largely better than the bottom half of the Big Sky so nobody should be surprised to see UND at 6 wins next year...or more.

I'd say the Big Sky is wide open .....Montana has some issues, I'm sure they will still be Montana, EWU,MSU, maybe even Portland State as a Dark Horse. Poly lost a few weapons from last years team but they have a Senior in Andre Broadous at QB and a favorable schedule (I cant believe I just said that!) I'm gonna say it again...Cal Poly has a favorable schedule!!!! Wow!

I think I'm just gonna leave it at that

Incredible that Cal Poly could win a share of the Big Sky this season without stepping a foot in the state of Montana. And even if you lose to EWU in Cheney, it's not a conference game. If Cal Poly takes advantage of the schedule and wins the games they should be favored in, they will be well positioned for a playoff bid at the end of the season.


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[Darell1976]

Curious. Darrell seems to take the PSU for granted, presumeably because it's a homer. Last year, a rebuilding year, we went 7-4. This is the year we're supposed to have a good team. It still won't be up to UND standards?? Ho hum.

Big crowd, first game against a DI team in our new conference, plus being playoff eligible. UND is prime to show the BSC what we got. We had QB issues the last few years and with recruiting and getting a FBS transfer this year they could show both UND fans and fans of the BSC an air attack that hasn't been seen in over 20 years. Everyone here is excited to see what UND can do in the Big Sky.

[CPAlum]

UND will do just fine in the BSC. The Great West was largely better than the bottom half of the Big Sky so nobody should be surprised to see UND at 6 wins next year...or more.

I'd say the Big Sky is wide open .....Montana has some issues, I'm sure they will still be Montana, EWU,MSU, maybe even Portland State as a Dark Horse. Poly lost a few weapons from last years team but they have a Senior in Andre Broadous at QB and a favorable schedule (I cant believe I just said that!) I'm gonna say it again...Cal Poly has a favorable schedule!!!! Wow!

I think I'm just gonna leave it at that

Incredible that Cal Poly could win a share of the Big Sky this season without stepping a foot in the state of Montana. And even if you lose to EWU in Cheney, it's not a conference game. If Cal Poly takes advantage of the schedule and wins the games they should be favored in, they will be well positioned for a playoff bid at the end of the season.


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Pretty amazing to see Cal Poly go from a team that had to schedule 1 DII, 1-2 FBS teams a year and go on crazy road trips across the country just to fill out a schedule to this.

So happy to be in the Big Sky! I'm actually disappointed that they don't play Montana...those have been some of the best games as a fan....win or lose.

[Wildcat Ryan]

UND will do just fine in the BSC. The Great West was largely better than the bottom half of the Big Sky so nobody should be surprised to see UND at 6 wins next year...or more.

I'd say the Big Sky is wide open .....Montana has some issues, I'm sure they will still be Montana, EWU,MSU, maybe even Portland State as a Dark Horse. Poly lost a few weapons from last years team but they have a Senior in Andre Broadous at QB and a favorable schedule (I cant believe I just said that!) I'm gonna say it again...Cal Poly has a favorable schedule!!!! Wow!

I think I'm just gonna leave it at that

Incredible that Cal Poly could win a share of the Big Sky this season without stepping a foot in the state of Montana. And even if you lose to EWU in Cheney, it's not a conference game. If Cal Poly takes advantage of the schedule and wins the games they should be favored in, they will be well positioned for a playoff bid at the end of the season.


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Unfortunately for Cal Poly they have to take a step into Ogden Utah

I love watching Cal Poly's offense.

[bison07]

Curious. Darrell seems to take the PSU for granted, presumeably because it's a homer. Last year, a rebuilding year, we went 7-4. This is the year we're supposed to have a good team. It still won't be up to UND standards?? Ho hum.

Big crowd, first game against a DI team in our new conference, plus being playoff eligible. UND is prime to show the BSC what we got. We had QB issues the last few years and with recruiting and getting a FBS transfer this year they could show both UND fans and fans of the BSC an air attack that hasn't been seen in over 20 years. Everyone here is excited to see what UND can do in the Big Sky.

Whats a big crowd now 5-7K??

Sorry once you hit an actuall conference where EVERY team is fully funded UND will faulter, they got up for the "big" games the past couple years but team depth will nag you in conference play, just like it got NDSU its first 2 seasons.

3 wins tops next year maybe 4

[SUUTbird]

3 wins tops next year maybe 4

Let the trolling begin!

[Darell1976]

Big crowd, first game against a DI team in our new conference, plus being playoff eligible. UND is prime to show the BSC what we got. We had QB issues the last few years and with recruiting and getting a FBS transfer this year they could show both UND fans and fans of the BSC an air attack that hasn't been seen in over 20 years. Everyone here is excited to see what UND can do in the Big Sky.

Whats a big crowd now 5-7K??

Sorry once you hit an actuall conference where EVERY team is fully funded UND will faulter, they got up for the "big" games the past couple years but team depth will nag you in conference play, just like it got NDSU its first 2 seasons.

3 wins tops next year maybe 4

I guess we will find out in 7 months how UND did their first year in the Big Sky....good luck to your team in the MVFC.

[kalm]

Curious. Darrell seems to take the PSU for granted, presumeably because it's a homer. Last year, a rebuilding year, we went 7-4. This is the year we're supposed to have a good team. It still won't be up to UND standards?? Ho hum.

Big crowd, first game against a DI team in our new conference, plus being playoff eligible. UND is prime to show the BSC what we got. We had QB issues the last few years and with recruiting and getting a FBS transfer this year they could show both UND fans and fans of the BSC an air attack that hasn't been seen in over 20 years. Everyone here is excited to see what UND can do in the Big Sky.

Most BSC fans are not familiar with the 20 year history of UND air attacks.

[Sapper]

Big crowd, first game against a DI team in our new conference, plus being playoff eligible. UND is prime to show the BSC what we got. We had QB issues the last few years and with recruiting and getting a FBS transfer this year they could show both UND fans and fans of the BSC an air attack that hasn't been seen in over 20 years. Everyone here is excited to see what UND can do in the Big Sky.

Most BSC fans are not familiar with the 20 year history of UND air attacks.

According to the NCAA stats in the top ten QBs in the nation three from the BSC all had over 2000 yds passing

3 Bo Levi Mitchell EWU
6 Kevin Yost ISU
8 Brad Sorensen SUU

Top WR in the nation the BSC has three in the top ten.

2 Rodrick Rumble ISU
4 Nicholas Edwards EWU
8 Patrick Walker UNC

The run and shoot offense was developed at PSU by Mouse Davis. ISU throws the ball 60+ times a game in an air raid offense I think that the BSC will have no problem adjusting to UNDs air attack.

[lakesbison]

bison07 3 wins tops next year maybe 4

like lambs to the slaughter

[AZGrizFan]

Pretty amazing to see Cal Poly go from a team that had to schedule 1 DII, 1-2 FBS teams a year and go on crazy road trips across the country just to fill out a schedule to this.

So happy to be in the Big Sky! I'm actually disappointed that they don't play Montana...those have been some of the best games as a fan....win or lose.

I was at the CP/Griz game in CP two years ago....good times! Except for the loss part...

[SloStang]

Pretty amazing to see Cal Poly go from a team that had to schedule 1 DII, 1-2 FBS teams a year and go on crazy road trips across the country just to fill out a schedule to this.

So happy to be in the Big Sky! I'm actually disappointed that they don't play Montana...those have been some of the best games as a fan....win or lose.

I was at the CP/Griz game in CP two years ago....good times! Except for the loss part...

Firestone's was a lot of fun after the game.

[Darell1976]

Most BSC fans are not familiar with the 20 year history of UND air attacks.

According to the NCAA stats in the top ten QBs in the nation three from the BSC all had over 2000 yds passing

3 Bo Levi Mitchell EWU
6 Kevin Yost ISU
8 Brad Sorensen SUU

Top WR in the nation the BSC has three in the top ten.

2 Rodrick Rumble ISU
4 Nicholas Edwards EWU
8 Patrick Walker UNC

The run and shoot offense was developed at PSU by Mouse Davis. ISU throws the ball 60+ times a game in an air raid offense I think that the BSC will have no problem adjusting to UNDs air attack.

How has those teams done running the ball? UND has been known as a running team with a few passes here and there. If we can get our passing game going...defenses will have a tough time figuring out what to stop, the pass or the run.

[Mvemjsunpx]

How has those teams done running the ball? UND has been known as a running team with a few passes here and there. If we can get our passing game going...defenses will have a tough time figuring out what to stop, the pass or the run.

ISU had the most anemic running game in recent memory last year. They averaged 27 ypg and more than 25% of their rush attempts were sacks. The Bengals' line play (particularly O-Line) was dreadful in 2011. If that doesn't improve drastically, they'll be awful again in 2012.

NoDak is on the other end of the spectrum. In 2011, they would have been last in the Big Sky in passing yardage (2nd.-to-last if you include CP) and second-to-last in efficiency. I don't expect much to change since the Sioux lost their better QB (Goska) and return the starting RB (Miller).

[Darell1976]

How has those teams done running the ball? UND has been known as a running team with a few passes here and there. If we can get our passing game going...defenses will have a tough time figuring out what to stop, the pass or the run.

ISU had the most anemic running game in recent memory last year. They averaged 27 ypg and more than 25% of their rush attempts were sacks. The Bengals' line play (particularly O-Line) was dreadful in 2011. If that doesn't improve drastically, they'll be awful again in 2012.

NoDak is on the other end of the spectrum. In 2011, they would have been last in the Big Sky in passing yardage (2nd.-to-last if you include CP) and second-to-last in efficiency. I don't expect much to change since the Sioux lost their better QB (Goska) and return the starting RB (Miller).

Goska was a good running QB not much for arm. UND has Bradley who can throw the ball but did have accuracy issues early last season, they also have Braden Hanson who was a good QB at North Carolina so he could really boost UND's passing game. Miller had 942 yds and 13 TD's rushing...it would have been more if we had a better passing game.

[lakesbison]

dufass darrel "defenses will have a tough time figuring out what to stop, the pass or the run."

pssst just put 11 guys out there on defense, there, done.

HAHAHAHA HI FREAKIN LARIOUS..

[Sapper]

ISU had the most anemic running game in recent memory last year. They averaged 27 ypg and more than 25% of their rush attempts were sacks. The Bengals' line play (particularly O-Line) was dreadful in 2011. If that doesn't improve drastically, they'll be awful again in 2012.

NoDak is on the other end of the spectrum. In 2011, they would have been last in the Big Sky in passing yardage (2nd.-to-last if you include CP) and second-to-last in efficiency. I don't expect much to change since the Sioux lost their better QB (Goska) and return the starting RB (Miller).

Goska was a good running QB not much for arm. UND has Bradley who can throw the ball but did have accuracy issues early last season, they also have Braden Hanson who was a good QB at North Carolina so he could really boost UND's passing game. Miller had 942 yds and 13 TD's rushing...it would have been more if we had a better passing game.

you are correct ISU has had a poor run game. But my point is that the bsc has many different offenses and UND is not going to do anything that has not been seen before. ISU did recruit 5 O-linemen all close to 300 lbs that will play.
With the 5 returning and 4 more that were hurt that did not play last year but are good to go. ISU will have 14 for the o-line. ISU also picked up 2 great RBs look for the Bengals to start running. Best case 4-6 bsc wins. Give Kramer one more year until ISU starts to rise from the bottom.

[Darell1976]

dufass darrel "defenses will have a tough time figuring out what to stop, the pass or the run."

pssst just put 11 guys out there on defense, there, done.

HAHAHAHA HI FREAKIN LARIOUS..

This thread is no concern to you, so troll your way over to the MVFC threads I am sure they miss you over there.

[Wildcat Ryan]

My re-re-edited predictions


1. Cal Poly- makes playoffs, hosts
2. Montana State- makes playoffs, hosts
3. Eastern Washington- makes playoffs, road
4. Portland State
5. Montana
6. Southern Utah
7. Sacramento State
8. North Dakota
9. Northern Arizona
10. Weber State
11. Idaho State
12. UC Davis
13. Northern Colorado

[goroute]

I'm sure he meant not having to deal with a GWFC schedule

Exactly...sorry not to be clear, but it was along the lines what SloStang was saying not scheduling 2 FBS teams and a bunch of non DI teams just to fill up your schedule. A walk in the park as in scheduling 3 OOC games instead of 7. Now winning the BSC...that will definately NOT be a walk in the park.

The only walk in the park for this coming season will be NOT starting out the season with a dual FBS beat-down, such as last year's against Arizona State and Hawaii! Other than that, UCD is taking its BSC debut seriously and as a definite challenge. Though the Great West Conference did have some good teams in it, by definition a 5-team conference is difficult to manage in a scheduling sense, and just not as interesting or inspiring as playing in the Big Sky will be. The team is working hard to rise to the challenge, and is also motivated to send out the retiring head coach of decades in a fitting manner. For these reasons, I think that UCD will do better than expected by many.