One week of conference play down, many weeks still to play, and still a lot left to decide. But after the first week we did get some clarity in an otherwise murky race, that is top to bottom may be closer than we thought, especially with the results of EWU/UCD and UND/MSU. Here are this week's Big Sky power rankings (last week in parenthesis). Once again all are my opinion only and all open for discussion. Sorry it's so late. Have at it.

1. Eastern Washington (1)---The Eagles toyed with UC-Davis for the first half before erupting in the second half. Conference play had a tendency to do that, but if they keep it up, the race may not be as one-sided as we thought. They get Idaho State at home this weekend.

2. Montana State (2)---The Bobcats got the win last week at home against North Dakota but it was never a comfortable lead. Still a win is a win and they get to move on. This weekend they head out on the road to Sacramento State.

3. Montana (3)---The Grizzlies did the opposite of what the other leaders did. They jumped out early on Northern Colorado then kept them at bay the rest of the game. This week finds them on the road themselves at North Dakota.

4. Northern Arizona (5)---The Lumberjacks welcomed Cal Poly to their cozy den last week and dispatched the Mustangs back home with a loss. The South Dakota loss becoming a distant memory, this week they head out to Northern Colorado.

5. Southern Utah (6)---In the fight for a first win, the Thunderbirds got by Weber State and obtained their first win. They are hoping they can build on the momentum this weekend as they hit the road, playing at Cal Poly.

6. Cal Poly (7)---The Mustangs hung around last weekend at Northern Arizona but could not get the win at the end of the game. They return home this weekend and play Southern Utah in what should be a tough test.

7. Idaho State (11)---In what was a mild shocker, the Bengals routed Sacramento State in the conference opener for both teams last weekend. Are they truly for real this year? We will find out this weekend as they head to Eastern Washington.

8. Sacramento State (4)---The Hornets were hoping for a great season this year, but they could not get anything going at Idaho State last weekend, heading home with a tough loss. Things don't get easier this weekend as they play Montana State.

9. UC-Davis (9)---The Aggies threw a scare last weekend at home against Eastern Washington, only to see the real Eagles wake up in the second half. Hoping to play a complete game, they hit the road to play Portland State this weekend.

10. Weber State (8)---The Wildcats stayed within shouting distance last weekend at Southern Utah but what is becoming the norm for this year, they still emerged with the loss. They get this weekend off to recover and refocus.

11. North Dakota (10)---The No-Names headed out to Montana State last week and, while they got a loss, they did not cower against the mighty Bobcats. Good practice for this weekend as they stay at home, but Montana is coming in.

12. Portland State (12)---Unlike all the other conference members, the Vikings did not start their season last week, opting instead to staying at home and getting ready for this weekend's home contest against UC-Davis.

13. Northern Colorado (13)---The Bears were game, but the actual game at Montana was pretty much decided by the end of the first quarter. They get to return and regroup this weekend as they play Northern Arizona at home.

RECAP: 1-3 together, 4-13 together.