Big Sky Predictions 9-8

[JALMOND]

After the first week I stand at 12-1, having failed to see that EWU was better than Idaho, even on a bad day. This week, my attempt once again at perfection as the games get more difficult. This week is more of an example of how I distinguish between Big Sky schools and non-Big Sky schools as UNLV and BYU both will be written out. Here are my predictions, have at them...

EWU at Washington State---After their win last weekend at Idaho, the Eagles return to the Palouse, this time to face the big school there. Unlike, Idaho, Washington State has no plans to go independent or head to the Big Sky permanently, unless they lose regularly to the Big Sky...Washington State 28, EWU 24.

Black Hills State at ISU---Last week, the Bengals showed off a strong passing attack, which was impressive enough even without Rumble. However, their defense could not keep up, which should not be a problem here...ISU 42, Black Hills State 17.

UM at Appalachian State---One of the casualties of the Grizzlies odd offseason is that this game was set to show two top teams in the FCS. Appalachian State comes in fresh and ready to go, the Grizzlies are still trying to find themselves ...Appalachian State 38, UM 24.

MSU at Drake---Speaking of odd, here is the top team in the Big Sky going on the road to play at a team in the Pioneer Conference. The Bobcats should not have any problems here, but weird things can happen on the road. They shouldn't happen here, though...MSU 31, Drake 18.

NAU at Nevada-Las Vegas---The Jacks lost a bunch last week and not just a blowout game. They continue the FBS schedule by going to Las Vegas. It shouldn't be as tough but then again, it could be. Hauck versus Souers...Nevada Las Vegas 31, NAU 10.

Mesa College at UNC---Finally, the Bears get to play a lower division opponent after having to face Utah in the first week. Mesa College may be DII, but Lindenwood last year was NAIA. Still, the Bears should have enough to get their first win in two years...UNC 17, Mesa College 10.

PSU at UND---The first game involving two BIg Sky schools, however officially it is a non-conference game. The former Sioux dismantled South Dakota Mines completely while the Vikings got past a strong Carroll College team. I'd feel better about this game if it was in Portland...UND 28, PSU 20.

Sac State at Colorado---The Hornets head into Pac-12 country after falling short to the WAC's (and soon to be independent) New Mexico State. Impressive fact is that the Hornets won their last game against the Pac-12, however this is a different year...Colorado 31, Sac State 20.

SUU at California---The Thunderbirds came into the conference with an ugly loss to their in state brethren, Utah State. Now they have to head out to the Pac-12 and face a strong California team. Will their quarterback get on track in this game? Come on, it is the Pac-12...California 42, SUU 12.

UCD at San Jose State---Interesting game in that last week, the Aggies were using their underrated offense to smother Azusa Pacific. The defense was there but where did the offense come from. If that continues here, they may have a shot. But San Jose State gave Stanford all they could handle...San Jose State 35, UCD 17.

WSU at Brigham Young---The Wildcats stayed with Fresno State for one half, then the floodgates opened in the second half. They get to venture to the other side of SLC with a trip to Brigham Young. What a reward for the loss to Fresno State. Better result? Ummm, no...Brigham Young 31, WSU 21.

[AZGrizFan]

UM at Appalachian State---One of the casualties of the Grizzlies odd offseason is that this game was set to show two top teams in the FCS. Appalachian State comes in fresh and ready to go, the Grizzlies are still trying to find themselves ...Appalachian State 38, UM 24.

Were you aware that the "fresh" App State is missing their top corner, top safety, top running back and top wide receiver?

Were you aware App State has a new OC, a new DC and 3 new position coaches?

Were you aware Montana (a team still trying to "find themselves") found a school record 34 first downs and 588 yards of total offense last week?

If you're giving 14 points, I'll take that bet for any amount of $$ you want.

[JALMOND]

UM at Appalachian State---One of the casualties of the Grizzlies odd offseason is that this game was set to show two top teams in the FCS. Appalachian State comes in fresh and ready to go, the Grizzlies are still trying to find themselves ...Appalachian State 38, UM 24.

Were you aware that the "fresh" App State is missing their top corner, top safety, top running back and top wide receiver?

Were you aware App State has a new OC, a new DC and 3 new position coaches?

Were you aware Montana (a team still trying to "find themselves") found a school record 34 first downs and 588 yards of total offense last week?

If you're giving 14 points, I'll take that bet for any amount of $$ you want.

Last I checked the Griz also has a new OC and a new DC, as well as a new coach. They are also going across the country to a place that is equally as difficult for the opposition to win at, as Wash-Griz. They are not playing a team picked to finish in the lower tier of the Mo Valley, but a team that is a top 10 team in FCS.

If the Griz can stay within 14 points at Appalachian State, it will show that they are able to put all the crap from the offseason behind them and just play football.

[Mike Johnson]

I appreciate you posting the predictions.

Minor point, but Mesa College is a community college in San Diego. Mesa State College finally gained university status as Colorado Mesa University. They haven't been "Mesa College" since 1988. It was a busy off season in Colorado renaming a bunch of NCAA Division II colleges as universities: Colorado Mesa University, Adams State University, Western State Colorado University, and Metropolitan State University. Colorado Mesa University may be the best of the Colorado NCAA Division II programs and it would be a huge coup for them to beat Northern Colorado. I hope Northern Colorado can pull out a win, but I wouldn't count on it.

[SUUTbird]

SUU at California---The Thunderbirds came into the conference with an ugly loss to their in state brethren, Utah State. Now they have to head out to the Pac-12 and face a strong California team. Will their quarterback get on track in this game? Come on, it is the Pac-12...California 42, SUU 12.

Good analysis as always Jalmond but I think we should do better then 12pts. against the Bears. I dont think we will win but Sorensen and the T-Birds should have a better idea of themselves going into this week, going to be optimistic and have Sorensen throw for three TD's

[Gil Dobie]

I can see Sac St and EWU pulling FBS wins this weekend.

[uofmman1122]

Much like AZ, I don't think you're giving the Griz enough credit, but that's okay. We still really do have to earn back people's trust that we don't suck.

My head tells me to pick App at home, but my heart overrules it, especially if we can run wild like we did last week.

I think the Griz pull one out and establish themselves as a national contender 38-28.

[Wildcat Ryan]

I see BYU scoring more than 31, and Weber scoring less than 21

[WeberAlum02]

I would be thrilled if Weber only lost to BYU by 10. But I think it will be more like a 20-30 point loss.

[SDHornet]

I can see Sac St and EWU pulling FBS wins this weekend.

We are not knocking off CU in that altitude. CU didn’t look overly impressive last week against CSU, but they were tough up front on D and the offense has potential. I just hope we can avoid major injuries and it would be nice to hang with the Buffs for a couple of quarters.

And excellent preview J.

[Grizalltheway]

Were you aware that the "fresh" App State is missing their top corner, top safety, top running back and top wide receiver?

Were you aware App State has a new OC, a new DC and 3 new position coaches?

Were you aware Montana (a team still trying to "find themselves") found a school record 34 first downs and 588 yards of total offense last week?

If you're giving 14 points, I'll take that bet for any amount of $$ you want.

Last I checked the Griz also has a new OC and a new DC, as well as a new coach. They are also going across the country to a place that is equally as difficult for the opposition to win at, as Wash-Griz. They are not playing a team picked to finish in the lower tier of the Mo Valley, but a team that is a top 10 team in FCS.

If the Griz can stay within 14 points at Appalachian State, it will show that they are able to put all the crap from the offseason behind them and just play football.

You're entitled to your opinion, and it's usually a well-informed one, but you're WAY off in saying App is fresh and ready to go. Spend some time on their fan board if you think they're happy about their personnel situation going into this game.

[ASUG8]

Last I checked the Griz also has a new OC and a new DC, as well as a new coach. They are also going across the country to a place that is equally as difficult for the opposition to win at, as Wash-Griz. They are not playing a team picked to finish in the lower tier of the Mo Valley, but a team that is a top 10 team in FCS.

If the Griz can stay within 14 points at Appalachian State, it will show that they are able to put all the crap from the offseason behind them and just play football.

You're entitled to your opinion, and it's usually a well-informed one, but you're WAY off in saying App is fresh and ready to go. Spend some time on their fan board if you think they're happy about their personnel situation going into this game.

Sure, we've got some issues. Two significant injuries as well as a top WR with some off field issues. I respect that we're doing the right thing by taking care of the off field issues in spite of how big a game this is. It's a chess game, and I'm confident Moore and Satterfield will make the best adjustments possible to get the most out of an already somewhat battered team. When you play FBS teams right out of the gate like we tend to do every season you sometimes get banged up for the season. I respect a lot of our posters, but we also have a lot of chicken littles that believe the sky is falling when we have things happen.

[Grizalltheway]

You're entitled to your opinion, and it's usually a well-informed one, but you're WAY off in saying App is fresh and ready to go. Spend some time on their fan board if you think they're happy about their personnel situation going into this game.

Sure, we've got some issues. Two significant injuries as well as a top WR with some off field issues. I respect that we're doing the right thing by taking care of the off field issues in spite of how big a game this is. It's a chess game, and I'm confident Moore and Satterfield will make the best adjustments possible to get the most out of an already somewhat battered team. When you play FBS teams right out of the gate like we tend to do every season you sometimes get banged up for the season. I respect a lot of our posters, but we also have a lot of chicken littles that believe the sky is falling when we have things happen.

I thought you had more injuries/suspensions than that, but I could certainly be wrong. In any event, I think the team proved last Saturday that they've put the offseason nightmare behind them and are 100% focused on playing good football, sub-par oppenent or not. I fully expect a knock-down-drag-out fight to the finish on Saturday.

[Brock Landers]

Believe their best LB is suspended as well, no?

[SouthDakotaGrizzly]

I'll throw this out since Black Hills St. is the closest college team to me: I would be shocked if they put up 17 points on Idaho St. Not only are they a D2 school, but they're a D2 school in their last year of transition from NAIA and they were a mediocre NAIA team prior to that. They haven't improved much...it'll be a tough few years for them before they have any hope of competing in the RMAC. I see a shutout for the Bengals, unless their third stringers give something up late in 4th.

As for Montana-App St., I think it will be closer for the reasons others have already given. I wouldn't be shocked at all if the Griz lose, but I think the margin of victory will be single digits either way.

[GrizFanStuckInUtah]

EWU at Washington State - I think WSU is going to come out angry after a beat down last week.
Black Hills State at ISU - ISU should roll here, they showed they are improved over last year.
UM at Appalachian State - I want to say the Griz will win this one but I have to go with the home team on this one. A win by either team in this one will not be a shock for me. A really lopsided afair by either team would be for me.
MSU at Drake - Kitties should win here
NAU at Nevada-Las Vegas - UNLV should win this one pretty easy after what we saw out of NAU last week. I hope they improve......
Mesa College at UNC - UNC had better get it done here.
PSU at UND - going with the home field here.
Sac State at Colorado - Colorado lost last week to Col St so they should be pretty hungry for a W.
SUU at California - I'd love to see SUU knock off Cal but I don't think it will happen.
UCD at San Jose State - San Jose st will prevail but will be closer than many of the other FBS vs FCS games IMO.
WSU at Brigham Young - BYU is a much better team the Fresno and it could get ugly but betting Bronco pulls the starters as early as possible to rest up for Utah the following week.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

EWU 31 at Washington State 27
Black Hills State 7 at ISU 35
UM 24 at Appalachian State 34
MSU 28 at Drake 10
NAU 13 at Nevada-Las Vegas 28
Mesa College 6 at UNC 35
PSU 28 at UND 24
Sac State 17 at Colorado 31
SUU 14 at California 38
UCD 10 at San Jose State 28
WSU 7 at Brigham Young 45

[Mvemjsunpx]

EWU 17-31 Wazzu — The Eagles aren't in-synch enough to beat Mike Breske's defense

Portland St. 20-31 NoDak — Home field & good run defense should be enough for UND

UC Davis 10-21 SJSU — The Spartans looked surprisingly tough against Stanford

Sac State 13-38 Colorado — The Hornets picked the wrong year to play vulnerable FBS teams

Black Hills St. 13-52 Idaho St. — Mike Kramer easily gets win #3 in Pocatello

Suutah 17-56 Cal — The T-Birds won't be stopping Jeff Tedford's offense

Weber 10-44 BYU — Shockingly enough, this is only the third time these teams have met

NAU 28-31 UNLV — Injury returns won't quite be enough for Souers to avoid falling to 0-8 vs. Hauck

Montana 24-31 App State — The Griz give up one too many big plays

Montana St. 35-16 Drake — Rob Ash returns home with a much more talented team

Mesa 21-52 NoCo — I knew Lindenwood. Lindenwood was a friend of mine. You, Mesa, are no Lindenwood

[Wildcat Ryan]

Friday Sept 7th

Mesa State @ Northern Colorado

The Bears cant lose two straight to lower level schools at home............... can they?

Saturday Sept 8th

Weber State @ BYU

It's been almost 40 years since the Wildcats and the Cougars have met on the football field, the score difference in this game might just be the same amount.

Sacramento State @ Colorado

Colorado is gonna take thier anger out on the Hornets

Black Hills State @ Idaho State

Easy win for Idaho State? YES

UC Davis @ San Jose State

Both looked good in thier opener, can Davis hang with the Spartans? Maybe, maybe not

Portland State @ North Dakota

North Dakota wins thier first game against a Big Sky foe as a member of the same conference in an out of conference game.

Montana State @ Drake

I think this game is close.............for 3 quarters, The Bobcats talent turns out to be too much in the end.

Montana @ Appalachian State

Time to see what the Griz can really do.

Northern Arizona @ UNLV

With the loss of both starting QB and starting running back, what will happen to NAU? Well for starters, a loss to the Rebels

Southern Utah @ Cal

Losing at home to Nevada just showed what Cal was really made of, unfortunately for the Thunderbirds, the Golden Bears wont lose at home twice in a row, and they are MAD

Eastern Washington @ Washington State

One Washington was on the good side of the blowout, the other was not so lucky, the question is, is Washington State as bad as Idaho?

Cal Poly beats BYE

[mtjack]

Looks like Grossart (qb) and Bauman (rb) will be playing vs. UNLV this weekend. To what capacity and what effect that has, remains to be seen. Team mindset is my biggest concern after NAU got dismantled by the Sundevils.



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"The Lumberjacks got good news over the weekend on the health of quarterback Cary Grossart and running back Zach Bauman, who both left the ASU game with injuries. Both are expected to play this weekend and are scheduled to return to practice Tuesday.

"We are hopeful they will be fine by Saturday," said Souers.

Senior Covaughn DeBoskie-Johnson made his Lumberjack debut against Arizona State, rushing for 82 yards on 15 carries when Bauman left the game. He showed his ability to be an asset for the team this season after transferring from California. Sophomore Chase Cartwright went 9-for-21 for 127 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in the backup role against the Sun Devils."

[SDHornet]

Looks like Grossart (qb) and Bauman (rb) will be playing vs. UNLV this weekend. To what capacity and what effect that has, remains to be seen. Team mindset is my biggest concern after NAU got dismantled by the Sundevils.

Risky IMO. Unless they are 100%, I don’t see a point in playing them against UNLV. No point in risking a worsening of the injuries in a game that is a likely loss anyways.

[SDHornet]

34-13 Washington State over EWU — EWU could make it a close one if their offense gets in tune.

27-14 UND over PSU – No kicker and a long road trip are the difference. I wouldn’t be surprised with a PSU win if their offense can step up. From trolling the PSU board I got the impression that is still a few weeks away from happening.

35-13 SJSU over cal davis – It looks like SJSU finally found a QB. Not sure how to measure up cal davis after their romping of a non-D1 program.

31-17 Colorado over Sac State – I think the Hornets hang with the Buffs for a quarter or two until the altitude and CU depth wear us down. Sounds like CU will be missing 2 DB starters so I’m hoping Safron can have another 300+ yard passing game.

49-6 ISU over Black Hills St – ISU put up great numbers on Air Force, no reason to think it won’t happen against BHS.

34-10 Cal over SUU – SUU got rolled at USU, and probably get rolled in Berkeley.

42-17 BYU over WSU – BYU had a solid game against Washington State last week and should continue that this week.

23-10 UNLV over NAU – NAU took some serious injuries a week ago. UNLV is a pathetic program but NAU may have issues at QB if Grossart doesn’t play.

34-14 App State over UM – I think the travel and cold and loud stadium are too much for UM.

45-10 MSU over Drake – MSU finds its stride against non-schollie Drake.

42-13 UNC over Mesa – UNC gets it together and runs over its non-D1 opponent.

[rowdytiger]

Cal 48 Southern Utah 28 I'm thinking some late td's for SUU.

Montana 35 App St 31 Should be a damn good game. Never bet against the Griz.

Montana St. 38 Drake 17 The Bobcats are tough, as Drake will soon learn.

Wazzu 28 E Wash 24 The Eagles could upset here, but I doubt it.

Idaho St 66 Black Hills 3 The softest BSC opponent this week. Bengals will throw a ton, even in the 4th quarter.

BYU 45 Weber St 6 The Cougar defense overwhelmed Wazzu last week.

N Dakota 28 Portland St 27 A close one goes to the home team.

Colorado 31 Sac St 23 Sac is good, but not PAC12 good.

UNLV 38 N Arizona 17 Rebs pull away in the 2nd half.

N Colorado 34 Mesa 28 I see this one going either way, but I'll throw UNC a bone here.

San Jose St 35 UC Davis 10 The Spartans looked tough against Stanford.

[Brock Landers]

Southern Utah 10 @ Cal 35

Montana 21 @ App St 24

Montana St. 45 @ Drake 17

E Wash 10 @ Wazzu 21

Black Hills 0 @ Idaho St 56

Weber St 13 @ BYU 49

Portland St 28 @ N Dakota 38

Sac St 7 @ Colorado 24

N Arizona 17 @ UNLV 28

Mesa 14 @ N Colorado 28

UC Davis 17 @ San Jose St 42

Home teams roll... except for the Pioneer team, but they don't count

[Gil Dobie]

I have extra motive to root for EWU this weekend, my opponent in NCAA fantasy football is starting Washington State's QB and WR. Crush'em Eagles