2013 Big Sky Predictions

[Mvemjsunpx]

My predictions:

• 1. Montana State _______8-0____11-1_____ One last chance for the Bobcats to not waste McGhee's ability in the playoffs
  2. Cal Poly ______________7-1____10-2_____ CP won't be flashy, but they should win the vast majority of their games
  3. Montana _____________6-2____10-2_____ Not making the postseason would be a disappointment for the 2013 Griz
  4. Northern Arizona ____5-3_____7-4_____ It may not be a late-season swoon this time, but the lack of a 12th. game
  5. Sacramento State ___ 5-3_____7-5 _____ Will Sac actually beat Davis if a playoff berth is on the line?
  6. North Dakota ________5-3_____6-5_____ Can the No-Nick defense actually stop someone this year?
  7. Eastern Washington__4-4_____5-7_____ EWU's better than 5-7, but their schedule is like sticking your face in a jet engine
  8. Portland State_______ 3-5_____6-6_____ The Viks should be better, but the defense is still weak
  9. Northern Colorado___3-5_____5-7_____ Can Lobato actually play well for an entire season?
  10.Weber State__________2-6_____2-10____ If there's any team that desperately needed a non-DI game…
  11.Southern Utah _______2-6_____3-9_____ SUU goes from good QB & questionable WRs to solid WRs but no QB
  12.UC Davis ____________ 2-6_____2-10____ The Aggies are just too mediocre all-around
  13. Idaho State _________0-8_____2-10____ Two non-DIs still can't mask the Bengal awfulness

Top 3 will make the playoffs. Others may have a shot if they win some coin flips.

[Mvemjsunpx]

Here they are…

• Best Rushing Offense - Cal Poly
  Worst Rushing Offense - Idaho St.
  
  Best Passing Offense - Montana St.
  Worst Passing Offense - Cal Poly
  
  Best Overall Offense - Portland St.
  Worst Overall Offense - Idaho St.
  
  Best Run Defense - Montana
  Worst Run Defense - Idaho St.
  
  Best Pass Defense - Northern Arizona
  Worst Pass Defense - Idaho St.
  
  Best Overall Defense - Northern Arizona
  Worst Overall Defense - Idaho St.
  
  Best Special Teams - Southern Utah
  Worst Special Teams - Portland St.
  
  
  
  Best Quarterback - Denarius McGhee (MSU)
  Best Running Back - Zach Bauman (NAU)
  Best Wide Receiver - Greg Hardin (UND)
  Best Tight End - Dejzon Walker (NAU)
  Best WR/TE Corps - North Dakota
  Best Offensive Lineman - Danny Kistler, Jr. (UMT)
  Best Offensive Line - Montana
  
  Best Defensive Lineman - Zack Wagenmann (UMT)
  Best Defensive Line - Montana
  Best Linebacker - Jordan Tripp (UMT)
  Best LB Corps - Montana
  Best Defensive Back - T.J. Lee III (EWU)
  Best Secondary - Northern Arizona
  
  Best Kicker - Zeb Miller (UND)
  Best Punter - Tony Epperson (WEB)
  Best Ret. Specialist - Shaquille Hill (EWU)
  Best Return Teams - UC Davis

[CPAlum]

I largely agree with what you have here although I'd say EWU will do a bit better than you have guessed.

You are also one of a few non CP fans who seem fairly sold on the Mustangs...thanks for that.

My question is what measure are you using for worst passing O? Cal Poly may not rack up yards like some of the top tier passing trams but I'm pretty sure they finished last season as one of the most efficient passing teams in FCS

[Mvemjsunpx]

I largely agree with what you have here although I'd say EWU will do a bit better than you have guessed.

I actually expected a better record out of them before I picked the schedule, too. I was thinking they'd be 7-5 or 8-4, but after I picked everything, I was like, "5-7, really?"

However, if you look at their schedule, they have 6 games in which they're playing (IMO) better teams… and 5 of those are on the road: @ Oregon St., @ Toledo, @ Sam Houston, @ Montana, vs. Montana St., @ Cal Poly. I also have them losing a coin flip @ NoDak. With that (suicidal) schedule, 8-4 should get them in the playoffs, but they'll probably have to play lights out just to get that far.

You are also one of a few non CP fans who seem fairly sold on the Mustangs...thanks for that.

My question is what measure are you using for worst passing O? Cal Poly may not rack up yards like some of the top tier passing trams but I'm pretty sure they finished last season as one of the most efficient passing teams in FCS

CP doesn't throw much, but they were efficient last year. The problem is that they lost Broadus, who threw basically every pass last season. The 'Stangs might be better off playing like the SoCon option teams and barely passing at all.

[EWURanger]

My predictions:

• 1. Montana State _______8-0____11-1_____ One last chance for the Bobcats to not waste McGhee's ability in the playoffs
  2. Cal Poly ______________7-1____10-2_____ CP won't be flashy, but they should win the vast majority of their games
  3. Montana _____________6-2____10-2_____ Not making the postseason would be a disappointment for the 2013 Griz
  4. Northern Arizona ____5-3_____7-4_____ It may not be a late-season swoon this time, but the lack of a 12th. game
  5. Sacramento State ___ 5-3_____7-5 _____ Will Sac actually beat Davis if a playoff berth is on the line?
  6. North Dakota ________5-3_____6-5_____ Can the No-Nick defense actually stop someone this year?
  7. Eastern Washington__4-4_____5-7_____ EWU's better than 5-7, but their schedule is like sticking your face in a jet engine
  8. Portland State_______ 3-5_____6-6_____ The Viks should be better, but the defense is still weak
  9. Northern Colorado___3-5_____5-7_____ Can Lobato actually play well for an entire season?
  10.Weber State__________2-6_____2-10____ If there's any team that desperately needed a non-DI game…
  11.Southern Utah _______2-6_____3-9_____ SUU goes from good QB & questionable WRs to solid WRs but no QB
  12.UC Davis ____________ 2-6_____2-10____ The Aggies are just too mediocre all-around
  13. Idaho State _________0-8_____2-10____ Two non-DIs still can't mask the Bengal awfulness

Top 3 will make the playoffs. Others may have a shot if they win some coin flips.

We have a tough schedule, but 5-7? I don't think so. My guess is 7-4 with losses to the two FBS schools, one of the Montana schools, and either Poly or NAU. We will not lose to UND. Watching last year's game, the talent levels were not close. Montana lost to UND because their secondary was terrible last season. EWU's will be the best in the Big Sky this year.

And Montana at 10-2? No chance.

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[GoAgs72]

Montana too high, EWU, SUU and UC Davis too low.

[grizzaholic]

My predictions:

• 1. Montana State _______8-0____11-1_____ One last chance for the Bobcats to not waste McGhee's ability in the playoffs
  2. Cal Poly ______________7-1____10-2_____ CP won't be flashy, but they should win the vast majority of their games
  3. Montana _____________6-2____10-2_____ Not making the postseason would be a disappointment for the 2013 Griz
  4. Northern Arizona ____5-3_____7-4_____ It may not be a late-season swoon this time, but the lack of a 12th. game
  5. Sacramento State ___ 5-3_____7-5 _____ Will Sac actually beat Davis if a playoff berth is on the line?
  6. North Dakota ________5-3_____6-5_____ Can the No-Nick defense actually stop someone this year?
  7. Eastern Washington__4-4_____5-7_____ EWU's better than 5-7, but their schedule is like sticking your face in a jet engine
  8. Portland State_______ 3-5_____6-6_____ The Viks should be better, but the defense is still weak
  9. Northern Colorado___3-5_____5-7_____ Can Lobato actually play well for an entire season?
  10.Weber State__________2-6_____2-10____ If there's any team that desperately needed a non-DI game…
  11.Southern Utah _______2-6_____3-9_____ SUU goes from good QB & questionable WRs to solid WRs but no QB
  12.UC Davis ____________ 2-6_____2-10____ The Aggies are just too mediocre all-around
  13. Idaho State _________0-8_____2-10____ Two non-DIs still can't mask the Bengal awfulness

Top 3 will make the playoffs. Others may have a shot if they win some coin flips.

We have a tough schedule, but 5-7? I don't think so. My guess is 7-4 with losses to the two FBS schools, one of the Montana schools, and either Poly or NAU. We will not lose to UND. Watching last year's game, the talent levels were not close. Montana lost to UND because their secondary was terrible last season. EWU's will be the best in the Big Sky this year.

And Montana at 10-2? No chance.

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I agree that 10-2 will be tough to achieve...but, being the SUU fan that I am.....Avatar bet that the Griz make 10-2 or better?

[EWURanger]

We have a tough schedule, but 5-7? I don't think so. My guess is 7-4 with losses to the two FBS schools, one of the Montana schools, and either Poly or NAU. We will not lose to UND. Watching last year's game, the talent levels were not close. Montana lost to UND because their secondary was terrible last season. EWU's will be the best in the Big Sky this year.

And Montana at 10-2? No chance.

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I agree that 10-2 will be tough to achieve...but, being the SUU fan that I am.....Avatar bet that the Griz make 10-2 or better?

I'll believe it when I see it. The return of Johnson won't be enough to make up for a lack of quality coaching and all the off the field distractions. And I take that bet.


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[grizzaholic]

I agree that 10-2 will be tough to achieve...but, being the SUU fan that I am.....Avatar bet that the Griz make 10-2 or better?

I'll believe it when I see it. The return of Johnson won't be enough to make up for a lack of quality coaching and all the off the field distractions. And I take that bet.


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So...what is the bet? Avatar bet for???? Winner picks the other's avatar for how long?

You coming to town for the EWU v. Griz game this year?

[kalm]

I largely agree with what you have here although I'd say EWU will do a bit better than you have guessed.

I actually expected a better record out of them before I picked the schedule, too. I was thinking they'd be 7-5 or 8-4, but after I picked everything, I was like, "5-7, really?"

However, if you look at their schedule, they have 6 games in which they're playing (IMO) better teams… and 5 of those are on the road: @ Oregon St., @ Toledo, @ Sam Houston, @ Montana, vs. Montana St., @ Cal Poly. I also have them losing a coin flip @ NoDak. With that (suicidal) schedule, 8-4 should get them in the playoffs, but they'll probably have to play lights out just to get that far.

I disagree with your opinion. I can see favoring SHSU, UM, and Poly because they are road games for us, but those three plus the MSU game are toss ups and you could make a case we are better than all 4. We lose the big three at receiver but haven't had much difficulty replacing offensive production in the past - and we return quite a bit at o-line this year. I also think the defense might be on par with 2010, if not better.

[Mvemjsunpx]

I actually expected a better record out of them before I picked the schedule, too. I was thinking they'd be 7-5 or 8-4, but after I picked everything, I was like, "5-7, really?"

However, if you look at their schedule, they have 6 games in which they're playing (IMO) better teams… and 5 of those are on the road: @ Oregon St., @ Toledo, @ Sam Houston, @ Montana, vs. Montana St., @ Cal Poly. I also have them losing a coin flip @ NoDak. With that (suicidal) schedule, 8-4 should get them in the playoffs, but they'll probably have to play lights out just to get that far.

I disagree with your opinion. I can see favoring SHSU, UM, and Poly because they are road games for us, but those three plus the MSU game are toss ups and you could make a case we are better than all 4. We lose the big three at receiver but haven't had much difficulty replacing offensive production in the past - and we return quite a bit at o-line this year. I also think the defense might be on par with 2010, if not better.

I wouldn't make a case that EWU is better than any of those 4, unless those teams end up disappointing.

EWU rode the fact that virtually no-one could stop their receiving corps last year and that unbeatable advantage is gone (the newbies may be talented—I don't really know—but I don't see much chance they'll be like what we saw the last few years overnight). Eastern's running game has been quite weak since Jones left, and though it should probably be improved this year, I doubt it'll be good. I do like Adams, but most everything around him is questionable.

Eastern's pass D should be pretty good, but their front 7 has to fill some holes. I doubt the Eagle run D will be as weak as 2011 (which was kinda inexplicable given the personnel), but I expect it to be mediocre.


The plus side for EWU is that 5-7 is pretty much a worst-case scenario—they should definitely win those five games (WOU, Weber, SUU, ISU, PSU). I would make them at least a slight dog in 6 of the other 7, though, with NoDak a road coin flip.

[EWURanger]

I disagree with your opinion. I can see favoring SHSU, UM, and Poly because they are road games for us, but those three plus the MSU game are toss ups and you could make a case we are better than all 4. We lose the big three at receiver but haven't had much difficulty replacing offensive production in the past - and we return quite a bit at o-line this year. I also think the defense might be on par with 2010, if not better.

I wouldn't make a case that EWU is better than any of those 4, unless those teams end up disappointing.

EWU rode the fact that virtually no-one could stop their receiving corps last year and that unbeatable advantage is gone (the newbies may be talented—I don't really know—but I don't see much chance they'll be like what we saw the last few years overnight). Eastern's running game has been quite weak since Jones left, and though it should probably be improved this year, I doubt it'll be good. I do like Adams, but most everything around him is questionable.

Eastern's pass D should be pretty good, but their front 7 has to fill some holes. I doubt the Eagle run D will be as weak as 2011 (which was kinda inexplicable given the personnel), but I expect it to be mediocre.


The plus side for EWU is that 5-7 is pretty much a worst-case scenario—they should definitely win those five games (WOU, Weber, SUU, ISU, PSU). I would make them at least a slight dog in 6 of the other 7, though, with NoDak a road coin flip.

Yeah, disagree. I think you are really underestimating the talent that has been recruited the past several years. But hey, that's what these pre-season threads are for.


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[Grizalltheway]

I wouldn't make a case that EWU is better than any of those 4, unless those teams end up disappointing.

EWU rode the fact that virtually no-one could stop their receiving corps last year and that unbeatable advantage is gone (the newbies may be talented—I don't really know—but I don't see much chance they'll be like what we saw the last few years overnight). Eastern's running game has been quite weak since Jones left, and though it should probably be improved this year, I doubt it'll be good. I do like Adams, but most everything around him is questionable.

Eastern's pass D should be pretty good, but their front 7 has to fill some holes. I doubt the Eagle run D will be as weak as 2011 (which was kinda inexplicable given the personnel), but I expect it to be mediocre.


The plus side for EWU is that 5-7 is pretty much a worst-case scenario—they should definitely win those five games (WOU, Weber, SUU, ISU, PSU). I would make them at least a slight dog in 6 of the other 7, though, with NoDak a road coin flip.

Yeah, disagree. I think you are really underestimating the talent that has been recruited the past several years. But hey, that's what these pre-season threads are for.


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Well, unless you have another Kaufmann waiting in the wings, there's inevitably going to be some sort of drop off from last season. Doesn't mean you'll be bad, but I don't see the same kind of comebacks like the UM and SHSU games happening.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Yeah, disagree. I think you are really underestimating the talent that has been recruited the past several years. But hey, that's what these pre-season threads are for.


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Well, unless you have another Kaufmann waiting in the wings, there's inevitably going to be some sort of drop off from last season. Doesn't mean you'll be bad, but I don't see the same kind of comebacks like the UM and SHSU games happening.

We won't be needing to come back, we'll be holding leads.




The offense won't look the same as last year not just because of not having Kauf, Edwards and Herd, but because there have been some scheme tweaks. An even more improved running game, a dual threat QB, and smaller, faster WRs... I'll leave you to fill in the blanks.

In his first year at EWU last year, running backs coach Kiel McDonald almost doubled our rushing yardage from 2011 (from 869 yards to 1,729) while improving our yards-per-rush from 3.0 to 3.7, and 100 first downs converted via the run, vs. 53 in 2011. We return all of our RBs, plus Mario Brown who redshirted last year, and return 4/5 on the OL.

[Grizalltheway]

Well, unless you have another Kaufmann waiting in the wings, there's inevitably going to be some sort of drop off from last season. Doesn't mean you'll be bad, but I don't see the same kind of comebacks like the UM and SHSU games happening.

We won't be needing to come back, we'll be holding leads.




The offense won't look the same as last year not just because of not having Kauf, Edwards and Herd, but because there have been some scheme tweaks. An even more improved running game, a dual threat QB, and smaller, faster WRs... I'll leave you to fill in the blanks.

In his first year at EWU last year, running backs coach Kiel McDonald almost doubled our rushing yardage from 2011 (from 869 yards to 1,729) while improving our yards-per-rush from 3.0 to 3.7, and 100 first downs converted via the run, vs. 53 in 2011. We return all of our RBs, plus Mario Brown who redshirted last year, and return 4/5 on the OL.

Not if you give up 300 yards rushing in a half, you won't.

[AZGrizFan]

I'll believe it when I see it. The return of Johnson won't be enough to make up for a lack of quality coaching and all the off the field distractions. And I take that bet.

What off-field distractions? That was LAST year, Myron...they're all behind us now. Better strap in, bitch, it's gonna be a bumpy ride for Eagles fans this year.

[ajwildcat]

My predictions:

• 1. Montana State _______8-0____11-1_____ One last chance for the Bobcats to not waste McGhee's ability in the playoffs
  2. Cal Poly ______________7-1____10-2_____ CP won't be flashy, but they should win the vast majority of their games
  3. Montana _____________6-2____10-2_____ Not making the postseason would be a disappointment for the 2013 Griz
  4. Northern Arizona ____5-3_____7-4_____ It may not be a late-season swoon this time, but the lack of a 12th. game
  5. Sacramento State ___ 5-3_____7-5 _____ Will Sac actually beat Davis if a playoff berth is on the line?
  6. North Dakota ________5-3_____6-5_____ Can the No-Nick defense actually stop someone this year?
  7. Eastern Washington__4-4_____5-7_____ EWU's better than 5-7, but their schedule is like sticking your face in a jet engine
  8. Portland State_______ 3-5_____6-6_____ The Viks should be better, but the defense is still weak
  9. Northern Colorado___3-5_____5-7_____ Can Lobato actually play well for an entire season?
  10.Weber State__________2-6_____2-10____ If there's any team that desperately needed a non-DI game…
  11.Southern Utah _______2-6_____3-9_____ SUU goes from good QB & questionable WRs to solid WRs but no QB
  12.UC Davis ____________ 2-6_____2-10____ The Aggies are just too mediocre all-around
  13. Idaho State _________0-8_____2-10____ Two non-DIs still can't mask the Bengal awfulness

Top 3 will make the playoffs. Others may have a shot if they win some coin flips.

As a WSU fan im going to have to argue with this. I just don't see how WSU can be ranked ahead of anyone except ISU. But then again spots 9-13 are definitely up for grabs. The only interesting thing for me to watch this year will be the "battle" to stay out of last. OH NO!, WE SUCK AGAIN!!!

[Screamin_Eagle174]

We won't be needing to come back, we'll be holding leads.




The offense won't look the same as last year not just because of not having Kauf, Edwards and Herd, but because there have been some scheme tweaks. An even more improved running game, a dual threat QB, and smaller, faster WRs... I'll leave you to fill in the blanks.

In his first year at EWU last year, running backs coach Kiel McDonald almost doubled our rushing yardage from 2011 (from 869 yards to 1,729) while improving our yards-per-rush from 3.0 to 3.7, and 100 first downs converted via the run, vs. 53 in 2011. We return all of our RBs, plus Mario Brown who redshirted last year, and return 4/5 on the OL.

Not if you give up 300 yards rushing in a half, you won't.

Same can be said of UM and their 400 yards passing in a half.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

My predictions:

• 1. Montana State _______8-0____11-1_____ One last chance for the Bobcats to not waste McGhee's ability in the playoffs
  2. Cal Poly ______________7-1____10-2_____ CP won't be flashy, but they should win the vast majority of their games
  3. Montana _____________6-2____10-2_____ Not making the postseason would be a disappointment for the 2013 Griz
  4. Northern Arizona ____5-3_____7-4_____ It may not be a late-season swoon this time, but the lack of a 12th. game
  5. Sacramento State ___ 5-3_____7-5 _____ Will Sac actually beat Davis if a playoff berth is on the line?
  6. North Dakota ________5-3_____6-5_____ Can the No-Nick defense actually stop someone this year?
  7. Eastern Washington__4-4_____5-7_____ EWU's better than 5-7, but their schedule is like sticking your face in a jet engine
  8. Portland State_______ 3-5_____6-6_____ The Viks should be better, but the defense is still weak
  9. Northern Colorado___3-5_____5-7_____ Can Lobato actually play well for an entire season?
  10.Weber State__________2-6_____2-10____ If there's any team that desperately needed a non-DI game…
  11.Southern Utah _______2-6_____3-9_____ SUU goes from good QB & questionable WRs to solid WRs but no QB
  12.UC Davis ____________ 2-6_____2-10____ The Aggies are just too mediocre all-around
  13. Idaho State _________0-8_____2-10____ Two non-DIs still can't mask the Bengal awfulness

Top 3 will make the playoffs. Others may have a shot if they win some coin flips.

As a WSU fan im going to have to argue with this. I just don't see how WSU can be ranked ahead of anyone except ISU. But then again spots 9-13 are definitely up for grabs. The only interesting thing for me to watch this year will be the "battle" to stay out of last. OH NO!, WE SUCK AGAIN!!!

At least expectations aren't high at all, so it will be fairly easy for Weber to exceed them.

[Grizalltheway]

Not if you give up 300 yards rushing in a half, you won't.

Same can be said of UM and their 400 yards passing in a half.

300, and that won't be happening again.

[grizzaholic]

Same can be said of UM and their 400 yards passing in a half.

300, and that won't be happening again.

Early rumor: SUU will be putting up 600+ yds of offense this year. GATW you better check yourself before SUU wrecks yourself.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKKONgfNONU[/youtube]

[ajwildcat]

300, and that won't be happening again.

Early rumor: SUU will be putting up 600+ yds of offense this year. GATW you better check yourself before SUU wrecks yourself.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKKONgfNONU[/youtube]

On the down side, they will also be giving up 600+ yrds and 40+pts a game

[EWURanger]

Yeah, disagree. I think you are really underestimating the talent that has been recruited the past several years. But hey, that's what these pre-season threads are for.


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Well, unless you have another Kaufmann waiting in the wings, there's inevitably going to be some sort of drop off from last season. Doesn't mean you'll be bad, but I don't see the same kind of comebacks like the UM and SHSU games happening.

We get it, it's another one of those "You lost Taiwan Jones, so you guys are going to suck this year" type assessments. The problem with these arguments is that we always replace that talent with someone else.

Yes, losing 3 NFL caliber receivers is going to absolutely hurt the passing game. When you have the best receiving corps in the FCS, you play to your strengths. We will adjust - do not assume that we don't have talent in other areas. The offensive line is talented and very deep, we have capable backs, and some very quick receivers. We may not be beating people as badly over the top, but the overall offensive production won't drop off that much - especially with Adams at the helm.

Defensively we'll be young at LB, but the defensive line and secondary will be better than a year ago.


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[EWURanger]

I'll believe it when I see it. The return of Johnson won't be enough to make up for a lack of quality coaching and all the off the field distractions. And I take that bet.

What off-field distractions? That was LAST year, Myron...they're all behind us now. Better strap in, bitch, it's gonna be a bumpy ride for Eagles fans this year.

I dunno, something about NCAA sanctions or something...so I have heard.


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[AZGrizFan]

What off-field distractions? That was LAST year, Myron...they're all behind us now. Better strap in, bitch, it's gonna be a bumpy ride for Eagles fans this year.

I dunno, something about NCAA sanctions or something...so I have heard.


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So what? We have to vacate some meaningless wins a few years ago...BFD. Sa'll good now. EWU should prepare to get their asses kicked.