JALMOND
November 9th, 2011, 12:37 AM
As the season draws to a close, these rankings seem to be getting easier to do. Maybe perhaps it has something to do with both Montana and Montana State having this week off, leaving the game chores to the non-Big Sky Country teams. Maybe that will make next week really easy. Or maybe the others will have a huge wreck behind the two frontrunners. Either way, here are this week's power rankings in the Big Sky (last week). All are my opinion only and all are open for discussion.
1. Montana State (1)---Playing in the snow can have its drawbacks and playing at Weber State can be tough, too. But the Bobcats put both to rest with a strong second half, setting up a big game in two weeks against Montana. In between, a well deserved week off to get ready.
2. Montana (2)---The Grizzlies let DII's Western Oregon stick around maybe a bit longer than necessary, but they did thwart an upset bid. Now they head down to Montana State in two weeks for the annual rivalry game. But first, a week off to adequately prepare for the big game.
3. Portland State (3)---About the only good thing the Vikings did last weekend against Sacramento State was winning the game, as it was not pretty by both sides. Still, the object is to have more points at the end and the Vikings strong season continues on. This week they hit the road for the final time with a stop at Northern Colorado. Maybe a sure win but after last weekend, who knows.
4. Eastern Washington (4)---Others played last weekend but the Eagles took advantage of a week off to try to get healthy, something they've been trying to do all year. Whether they succeeded will be evident in a hurry as they play outside the conference and head to Cal Poly. Destroying the Mustangs playoff hopes would be a great way to feel better.
5. Northern Arizona (6)---In the recent past, the Lumberjacks would start folding the tents after losing to Montana and after mid-October. However, after ending Sacramento State's mystical run, they put a dent in the upstart Northern Colorado team last weekend. Now they hit the road and head up to Weber State. Can they continue the late charge?
6. Sacramento State (5)---Last weekend, the Hornets had every opportunity to steal a win at Portland State, yet they failed to capitalize on the Vikings mistakes. Have they packed it in or is there still a glimmer of life? Uncertainty may abound but this week they welcome reeling and rebuilding Idaho State. Consolation prize perhaps for the Hornets?
7. Weber State (7)---In a season full of promise, the Wildcats absorbed a bad home loss to Montana State in the snow and cold last weekend. Have they packed it in or are they still playing? Who is still playing? This weekend they play at home once again against Northern Arizona. Is this a consolation prize for the Wildcats?
8. Idaho State (8)---Reeling and rebuilding, the Bengals have pretty much given up on this season early and appear to be playing out the string. Last week, they took the week off to regroup. Did it change their focus to play for a win? This week, they go on the road to the upstart Sacramento State team. A win would go a long way towards next year.
9. Northern Colorado (9)---A bit of late season momentum and a charge to get at least one win went by the wayside last weekend at Northern Arizona. Playing the conference big boys close, one would have thought last week would have been close, too. But they still have one more chance to get that elusive first win and they get to stay home. The opponent, however, is Portland State.
1. Montana State (1)---Playing in the snow can have its drawbacks and playing at Weber State can be tough, too. But the Bobcats put both to rest with a strong second half, setting up a big game in two weeks against Montana. In between, a well deserved week off to get ready.
2. Montana (2)---The Grizzlies let DII's Western Oregon stick around maybe a bit longer than necessary, but they did thwart an upset bid. Now they head down to Montana State in two weeks for the annual rivalry game. But first, a week off to adequately prepare for the big game.
3. Portland State (3)---About the only good thing the Vikings did last weekend against Sacramento State was winning the game, as it was not pretty by both sides. Still, the object is to have more points at the end and the Vikings strong season continues on. This week they hit the road for the final time with a stop at Northern Colorado. Maybe a sure win but after last weekend, who knows.
4. Eastern Washington (4)---Others played last weekend but the Eagles took advantage of a week off to try to get healthy, something they've been trying to do all year. Whether they succeeded will be evident in a hurry as they play outside the conference and head to Cal Poly. Destroying the Mustangs playoff hopes would be a great way to feel better.
5. Northern Arizona (6)---In the recent past, the Lumberjacks would start folding the tents after losing to Montana and after mid-October. However, after ending Sacramento State's mystical run, they put a dent in the upstart Northern Colorado team last weekend. Now they hit the road and head up to Weber State. Can they continue the late charge?
6. Sacramento State (5)---Last weekend, the Hornets had every opportunity to steal a win at Portland State, yet they failed to capitalize on the Vikings mistakes. Have they packed it in or is there still a glimmer of life? Uncertainty may abound but this week they welcome reeling and rebuilding Idaho State. Consolation prize perhaps for the Hornets?
7. Weber State (7)---In a season full of promise, the Wildcats absorbed a bad home loss to Montana State in the snow and cold last weekend. Have they packed it in or are they still playing? Who is still playing? This weekend they play at home once again against Northern Arizona. Is this a consolation prize for the Wildcats?
8. Idaho State (8)---Reeling and rebuilding, the Bengals have pretty much given up on this season early and appear to be playing out the string. Last week, they took the week off to regroup. Did it change their focus to play for a win? This week, they go on the road to the upstart Sacramento State team. A win would go a long way towards next year.
9. Northern Colorado (9)---A bit of late season momentum and a charge to get at least one win went by the wayside last weekend at Northern Arizona. Playing the conference big boys close, one would have thought last week would have been close, too. But they still have one more chance to get that elusive first win and they get to stay home. The opponent, however, is Portland State.