JALMOND
October 18th, 2011, 11:59 PM
Here we are in the middle of October and, true to form, the picture is getting clear in regards to the order in the Big Sky. Everything is getting set and teams are staying put in the standings, which usually means things are about to change. But for now, this is the calm before the storm. Here are this week's power rankings (last week rankings). Not much change, but placings may be different next week. As usual, all are my opinion and all are open for discussion.
1. Montana State (1)---Any questions of how good the Bobcats are may have been put to rest with a resounding effort and a big win last weekend at home against Northern Arizona. Is this a magical season for the Bobcats? Can they be stopped? This weekend it is Northern Colorado's turn as the Bobcats have to go on the road, as if that might stop them.
2. Montana (2)---After last week's game against Portland State, the Grizzlies were like a good martini, shaken but not stirred as they were able to pull out a victory in the end. After a shaky start, the upset minded Vikings were put in their place and the Grizzlies emerged with the win. This week, they head down south to Northern Arizona, hoping to keep the train going on a collision course with Montana State at the end of the year.
3. Eastern Washington (3)---Speaking of shaky starts, the Eagles seem to have put aside their shaky start to the season after last week's home win over lowly Northern Colorado. A game the Eagles could have easily overlooked, with both Sacramento State and Portland State on the horizon. This week, they go back on the road to Sacramento State and back to business.
4. Weber State (4)---The Wildcats are still trying to get over the hump, move up in the standings, and garner a little respect. Last week, they let their conference rival, Idaho State, stay around for the first quarter, then blew them out of the water. This week, they move out of conference to the Great West strong team, and future conference opponent, Southern Utah at home.
5. Sacramento State (6)---Last week was a bye week for the Hornets, who are trying to kick start what started out to be a magical season, yet it seems to have got away from them as the season went on. Good things were planned and, after the big win against the Pac-12, it seemed those things were right there. Now, they welcome defending national champ Eastern Washington to their home field. Winning would resurrect the season, losing may bring the curtain down.
6. Portland State (5)---Moral victories, that is what the Vikings got last week at Montana. Similar to the moral victory they got against Montana State the week before. Those moral victories show how quickly this program has turned around, playing the best team in the conference as tough as they did, and following it with a close loss at such a difficult place to play. The thing is, moral victories count as an "L" in the standings and you need real victories. This week, a good chance at a real victory as they play DIII Willamette.
7. Northern Arizona (7)---What is going on with the Lumberjacks? They had a chance for a statement last week at Montana State and just fell flat. They have been close but still seem to get a loss every time out. This week, they have another chance at a statement as they welcome Montana to their high-altitude dome. Always a good crowd, always noisy, but it seems always a loss. Will that change this weekend?
8. Idaho State (8)---Trouble within the Bengals, yet they stayed close to Weber State for a quarter anyway. Then they fell asleep and returned home on the losing end. Are they still participating or are they getting ready for next year already. This week, they step out of conference, and out of the FCS once again, to face Brigham Young. This may get ugly.
9. Northern Colorado (9)---What was mildly shocking was that the Bears kept the game close in the first half last week at Eastern Washington. Then the Eagles took the game away. But still, a good first half means the Bears are improving and are getting competitive, sort of. This week, they get to deal with mighty Montana State. Oh well, at least it is at home.
1. Montana State (1)---Any questions of how good the Bobcats are may have been put to rest with a resounding effort and a big win last weekend at home against Northern Arizona. Is this a magical season for the Bobcats? Can they be stopped? This weekend it is Northern Colorado's turn as the Bobcats have to go on the road, as if that might stop them.
2. Montana (2)---After last week's game against Portland State, the Grizzlies were like a good martini, shaken but not stirred as they were able to pull out a victory in the end. After a shaky start, the upset minded Vikings were put in their place and the Grizzlies emerged with the win. This week, they head down south to Northern Arizona, hoping to keep the train going on a collision course with Montana State at the end of the year.
3. Eastern Washington (3)---Speaking of shaky starts, the Eagles seem to have put aside their shaky start to the season after last week's home win over lowly Northern Colorado. A game the Eagles could have easily overlooked, with both Sacramento State and Portland State on the horizon. This week, they go back on the road to Sacramento State and back to business.
4. Weber State (4)---The Wildcats are still trying to get over the hump, move up in the standings, and garner a little respect. Last week, they let their conference rival, Idaho State, stay around for the first quarter, then blew them out of the water. This week, they move out of conference to the Great West strong team, and future conference opponent, Southern Utah at home.
5. Sacramento State (6)---Last week was a bye week for the Hornets, who are trying to kick start what started out to be a magical season, yet it seems to have got away from them as the season went on. Good things were planned and, after the big win against the Pac-12, it seemed those things were right there. Now, they welcome defending national champ Eastern Washington to their home field. Winning would resurrect the season, losing may bring the curtain down.
6. Portland State (5)---Moral victories, that is what the Vikings got last week at Montana. Similar to the moral victory they got against Montana State the week before. Those moral victories show how quickly this program has turned around, playing the best team in the conference as tough as they did, and following it with a close loss at such a difficult place to play. The thing is, moral victories count as an "L" in the standings and you need real victories. This week, a good chance at a real victory as they play DIII Willamette.
7. Northern Arizona (7)---What is going on with the Lumberjacks? They had a chance for a statement last week at Montana State and just fell flat. They have been close but still seem to get a loss every time out. This week, they have another chance at a statement as they welcome Montana to their high-altitude dome. Always a good crowd, always noisy, but it seems always a loss. Will that change this weekend?
8. Idaho State (8)---Trouble within the Bengals, yet they stayed close to Weber State for a quarter anyway. Then they fell asleep and returned home on the losing end. Are they still participating or are they getting ready for next year already. This week, they step out of conference, and out of the FCS once again, to face Brigham Young. This may get ugly.
9. Northern Colorado (9)---What was mildly shocking was that the Bears kept the game close in the first half last week at Eastern Washington. Then the Eagles took the game away. But still, a good first half means the Bears are improving and are getting competitive, sort of. This week, they get to deal with mighty Montana State. Oh well, at least it is at home.