2016 Big Sky Conference Preview

[MrTitleist]

It's that time of year again! This year I'll be writing up the 2016 Big Sky Conference team previews for The FCS Wedge. You can also find my weekly blog there once the season comes rolling around. This first blog to hit the presses is my initial thoughts on the conference, then over the next 2-3 weeks I'll have individual team previews popping up on the site. You can find them on the Wedge, and also here on the AGS forums. If you're a social media type person you can see the articles posted through Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AnyGivenSaturday/ - like our page, damnit!) or the Twitter (http://twitter.com/agsfcs - Give us a follow!). Feel free to leave feedback in these forum posts. If you have hate mail direct that to Troy, he's my press secretary.

Enough with the intro, get to reading, you have important work hours to eat up here!
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-conference-preview/

Cal Poly:
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-cal-poly-mustangs/

Eastern Washington
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-eastern-washington/

Idaho State
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-idaho-state/

Montana
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-montana/

Montana State
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-montana-state/

North Dakota
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-north-dakota/

Northern Colorado
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-northern-colorado/

Northern Arizona
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-northern-arizona/

Portland State
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-portland-state/

Sacramento State
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-sacramento-state/

Southern Utah
http://thefcswedge.com/big-sky-conference/2016-big-sky-preview-southern-utah/

[JALMOND]

It's that time of year again! This year I'll be writing up the 2016 Big Sky Conference team previews for The FCS Wedge. You can also find my weekly blog there once the season comes rolling around. This first blog to hit the presses is my initial thoughts on the conference, then over the next 2-3 weeks I'll have individual team previews popping up on the site. You can find them on the Wedge, and also here on the AGS forums. If you're a social media type person you can see the articles posted through Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AnyGivenSaturday/ - like our page, damnit!) or the Twitter (http://twitter.com/agsfcs - Give us a follow!). Feel free to leave feedback in these forum posts. If you have hate mail direct that to Troy, he's my press secretary.

Enough with the intro, get to reading, you have important work hours to eat up here!
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-conference-preview/

Looks good, although PSU may still need to plug some holes on defense. Our schedule sets up pretty well for a shot at the playoffs (still have to win the games), but I'm buying in to the NAU hype just enough that I think we are on the road the first round of the playoffs against the Jacks. But a very long way to go.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Good work Titleist.

[dewey]

Good work Titleist.

Agreed. I am looking forward to the individual team breakdowns.

Dewey

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Agreed. I am looking forward to the individual team breakdowns.

Dewey

Yes. We are finding our way right now with this endeavor and I imagine after this season and figuring out what works best all the conferences will be done in a more consistent fashion.

I think clenzy is doing it the opposite way for instance. Don't know what is best but really think these guys are doing a great job of providing some really good content.

[CrazyCat]

Good write up. Just wondering why there is never any mention of the amount of roster changes for the Griz? I counted 45 new names with only 17 SR's last year.

[clenz]

Good write up. Just wondering why there is never any mention of the amount of roster changes for the Griz? I counted 45 new names with only 17 SR's last year.
I'd bet it's in the Montana specific article.

[MrTitleist]

Good write up. Just wondering why there is never any mention of the amount of roster changes for the Griz? I counted 45 new names with only 17 SR's last year.

I think it's noted in there that the Griz will be replacing most of their defense, which would be a significant roster change. That, and if I tried to compare rosters between seasons for 13 BSC teams I would probably never finish.

[F'N Hawks]

Nice job, Titleist! Looking forward to it.

[MrTitleist]

Instead of a thousand new threads I'm going to put all of the Big Sky previews in here. Today's preview: Cal Poly
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-cal-poly-mustangs/

[dewey]

Nice job guys on the Cal Poly and Missouri State write ups.

Dewey

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Instead of a thousand new threads I'm going to put all of the Big Sky previews in here. Today's preview: Cal Poly
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-cal-poly-mustangs/

We actually have an FCS wedge thread stickied in this very forum as well. However you feel like working it is all good.

Are these coming out every couple of days or what is the schedule?

[UNDColorado]

Good stuff. Thanks for putting in the time to do this and keep it coming!

[MrTitleist]

We actually have an FCS wedge thread stickied in this very forum as well. However you feel like working it is all good.

Are these coming out every couple of days or what is the schedule?

Yeah, probably. Haven't quite scheduled them out. Trying to get some Mountain West/Wyoming stuff done too.. so kind of as time is allowing.

[MrTitleist]

The Eastern Washington preview is up!
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-eastern-washington/

[MrTitleist]

The Idaho State preview is up!
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-idaho-state/

[tomq04]

EWU is in one hell of a spot. Baldwin in some interviews said he is as high on this defense as he was in 2010, which as you all know was the last time we were good at defense. The big thing in 2010, was that we were top 5 in turnover margin, not certain on total D, but we had huge playmakers that showed up when it counted...I'm still not certain we have tremendous play makers like we do on the offense.

Anxious to watch the WSU game in Pullman, there are a lot of folks in Spokane (huge base for EWU/WSU) who are feeling an upset brewing, including Cougar fans.

[BadlandsGrizFan]

EWU is in one hell of a spot. Baldwin in some interviews said he is as high on this defense as he was in 2010, which as you all know was the last time we were good at defense. The big thing in 2010, was that we were top 5 in turnover margin, not certain on total D, but we had huge playmakers that showed up when it counted...I'm still not certain we have tremendous play makers like we do on the offense.

Anxious to watch the WSU game in Pullman, there are a lot of folks in Spokane (huge base for EWU/WSU) who are feeling an upset brewing, including Cougar fans.

Are you sure you just dont have to poop?

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Thanks for the work MrT. Good stuff.

[JALMOND]

EWU is in one hell of a spot. Baldwin in some interviews said he is as high on this defense as he was in 2010, which as you all know was the last time we were good at defense. The big thing in 2010, was that we were top 5 in turnover margin, not certain on total D, but we had huge playmakers that showed up when it counted...I'm still not certain we have tremendous play makers like we do on the offense.

Anxious to watch the WSU game in Pullman, there are a lot of folks in Spokane (huge base for EWU/WSU) who are feeling an upset brewing, including Cougar fans.


A bunch of fans thought their loss to Portland State is what jumpstarted their season last year. It got them refocused as to what needed to be done.

[FCSwatcher]

Nice job


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MrTitleist]

Today's preview: Montana
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-montana/

[BadlandsGrizFan]

Our offense averaged 422 points per game last year.....not bad!

[F'N Hawks]

Our offense averaged 422 points per game last year.....not bad!

The UND game helped boost the average.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

The UND game helped boost the average.

xlolx

I think this name change for you is working out well! You seem so much more fun now!!

Kidding, you were always a good dude in my book. Good sense of humor on that one though.xdrunkyx

[FCSwatcher]

The UND game helped boost the average.

How do you not win the chipper averaging that many points?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Grizalltheway]

How do you not win the chipper averaging that many points?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

NDSU only gave up 6.

[F'N Hawks]

xlolx

I think this name change for you is working out well! You seem so much more fun now!!

Kidding, you were always a good dude in my book. Good sense of humor on that one though.xdrunkyx

I got my surly side, sometimes too much. :D

Just went back and watch those TD's passes from last year's game. UGH. Secondary play at it's all-time worst on four of them.

[MrTitleist]

Today is Montana State!
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-montana-state/

[downbythebeach]

I wanted to ask Montana fans a question without starting my own annoying thread. What is the best way to watch the Montana/Sfu game from Pennsylvania? Is there a good stream from the university or a tv station that I can stream? Also, is anyone aware of a way that I could chromecast the game to my tv? Any ideas from Montana fans?

[Thumper 76]

I wanted to ask Montana fans a question without starting my own annoying thread. What is the best way to watch the Montana/Sfu game from Pennsylvania? Is there a good stream from the university or a tv station that I can stream? Also, is anyone aware of a way that I could chromecast the game to my tv? Any ideas from Montana fans?

I think the Big Sky streams all their games online for free.

[bobcathpdevil56]

Thanks for these Mr. T!! These have been great write ups

[dakotadan]

Link to Watch Big Sky:

http://www.bigskyconf.com/sports/2015/11/19/WatchBigSky.aspx

[ursus arctos horribilis]

I think the Big Sky streams all their games online for free.

Not a Big Sky game though so probably not on that one.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

If you keep an eye on gogriz.com it will have that information shortly if not already there though.

[MrTitleist]

Bump for North Dakota!
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-north-dakota/

[Nodak78]

Bump for North Dakota!
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-north-dakota/

Stay tuned.

[geaux_sioux]

Bump for North Dakota!
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-north-dakota/
I didn't know a win a Stoney Brook would be considered an upset

[MrTitleist]

I didn't know a win a Stoney Brook would be considered an upset

On the road, halfway across the country, against a team that went 5-5 last year.. the Hawks might be underdogs.. have you seen a score spread?

[ursus arctos horribilis]

UND is actually favored by 5 if you trust the spread...and generally that isn't a bad idea.

[geaux_sioux]

On the road, halfway across the country, against a team that went 5-5 last year.. the Hawks might be underdogs.. have you seen a score spread?
I haven't seen a spread yet but I know they had one of their better teams two years ago and we weren't very good and we beat them. This should be our best team in about 9 years and they don't fit the profile(spread) of the kind of team that gives us trouble. I think it will be a good game but I consider us to be the favorite.

[MrTitleist]

Either way, they're going to need to beat Stony Brook.

[geaux_sioux]

Either way, they're going to need to beat Stony Brook.
We're going to need to win 9 games. I don't trust the committee and don't want them to have any option other than to put us in.

[F'N Hawks]

Either way, they're going to need to beat Stony Brook.

Yep. And that game is going to be a blood bath, like the last one was. Stony Brook has no offense but their defense is always pretty good overall.

I think it will be a 3-7 point game either way.

[BisonTru]

We're going to need to win 9 games. I don't trust the committee and don't want them to have any option other than to put us in.

One thing I haven't heard from one UND fan nor have I heard it from Bubbles. "Win the Big Sky." It's not even unrealistic especially considering your schedule. That's been NDSU's theme and many other teams for years. Win your conference and there's not a damn thing the committee can do.

[F'N Hawks]

One thing I haven't heard from one UND fan nor have I heard it from Bubbles. "Win the Big Sky." It's not even unrealistic especially considering your schedule. That's been NDSU's theme and many other teams for years. Win your conference and there's not a damn thing the committee can do.

Bubba just stated that exact thing the other day in an interview. Team goal is to win the Big Sky. Then you have a chance.

[geaux_sioux]

One thing I haven't heard from one UND fan nor have I heard it from Bubbles. "Win the Big Sky." It's not even unrealistic especially considering your schedule. That's been NDSU's theme and many other teams for years. Win your conference and there's not a damn thing the committee can do.

Bubba literally said goal number one is to win the Big Sky and get in the tournament to have a chance at a national title in his first interview after being hired. He says it basically every interview when he's asked about the program philosophy. He's like a broken record with that one.

[geaux_sioux]

One thing I haven't heard from one UND fan nor have I heard it from Bubbles. "Win the Big Sky." It's not even unrealistic especially considering your schedule. That's been NDSU's theme and many other teams for years. Win your conference and there's not a damn thing the committee can do.

http://billingsgazette.com/sports/college/big-sky-conference/bubba-schweigert-named-football-coach-at-und/article_9357477b-53bf-5885-8166-117d609b8703.html

[F'N Hawks]

On the road, halfway across the country, against a team that went 5-5 last year.. the Hawks might be underdogs.. have you seen a score spread?

5dimes has UND at -6 now. Going to be down to the wire.

[F'N Hawks]

Bubba literally said goal number one is to win the Big Sky and get in the tournament to have a chance at a national title in his first interview after being hired. He says it basically every interview when he's asked about the program philosophy. He's like a broken record with that one.

He just said it the other day, also. That is the goal for most teams even if rival fans don't hear the coach say it right to them. Crazy I know.

[MrTitleist]

Bump for Northern Colorado! Might be a tougher year for the Bears.

[MrTitleist]

Bumps for Northern Arizona

[MrTitleist]

Bump for Portland State.

[Nodak78]

It's that time of year again! This year I'll be writing up the 2016 Big Sky Conference team previews for The FCS Wedge. You can also find my weekly blog there once the season comes rolling around. This first blog to hit the presses is my initial thoughts on the conference, then over the next 2-3 weeks I'll have individual team previews popping up on the site. You can find them on the Wedge, and also here on the AGS forums. If you're a social media type person you can see the articles posted through Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AnyGivenSaturday/ - like our page, damnit!) or the Twitter (http://twitter.com/agsfcs - Give us a follow!). Feel free to leave feedback in these forum posts. If you have hate mail direct that to Troy, he's my press secretary.

Enough with the intro, get to reading, you have important work hours to eat up here!
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-conference-preview/

Cal Poly:
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-cal-poly-mustangs/

Eastern Washington
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-eastern-washington/

Idaho State
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-idaho-state/

Montana
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-montana/

Montana State
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-montana-state/

North Dakota
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-north-dakota/

Northern Colorado
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-northern-colorado/

Northern Arizona
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-northern-arizona/

Portland State
http://thefcswedge.com/conference-previews/2016-big-sky-preview-portland-state/


Just to shed a little light on your analysis of UND football. I want to take you back to your prediction of the UND vs Wyoming game.

Brad Reed (https://twitter.com/MrTitleist), Wyonation.com
Pokes Pick: Cameron Coffman (http://www.gowyo.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/cameron_coffman_908004.html), QB
His first start in Laramie and he’s going to make a statement that he’s going to be the man to lead this team to victories this year. He was named a captain of this football team and he’ll take that very seriously by taking a part the North Dakota defense in the home opener. Honorable mention: Shaun Wick, 125 yards and two scores is what I’m hoping for!
The Cowboys win if…
They control the football with Wick and Hill in the backfield. Limit the turnovers of the offense. Play disciplined defense. That’s basically the recipe to win every football game this year, but we’ll go ahead and use it this week and see how it goes. Also, they’ll probably win if they have more points on the scoreboard (I was channeling my inner @FauxPelini with that).
Game Prediction:
Three touchdown tosses from Cameron Coffman, two rushing touchdowns from Wick. Eddie Yarbrough grabs a couple of sacks. 24,000 in the stands. Wyoming 45 North Dakota 13

[F'N Hawks]

Just to shed a little light on your analysis of UND football. I want to take you back to your prediction of the UND vs Wyoming game.

Brad Reed (https://twitter.com/MrTitleist), Wyonation.com
Pokes Pick: Cameron Coffman (http://www.gowyo.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/cameron_coffman_908004.html), QB
His first start in Laramie and he’s going to make a statement that he’s going to be the man to lead this team to victories this year. He was named a captain of this football team and he’ll take that very seriously by taking a part the North Dakota defense in the home opener. Honorable mention: Shaun Wick, 125 yards and two scores is what I’m hoping for!
The Cowboys win if…
They control the football with Wick and Hill in the backfield. Limit the turnovers of the offense. Play disciplined defense. That’s basically the recipe to win every football game this year, but we’ll go ahead and use it this week and see how it goes. Also, they’ll probably win if they have more points on the scoreboard (I was channeling my inner @FauxPelini with that).
Game Prediction:
Three touchdown tosses from Cameron Coffman, two rushing touchdowns from Wick. Eddie Yarbrough grabs a couple of sacks. 24,000 in the stands. Wyoming 45 North Dakota 13

xlolx

I won't say much as I have predicted some lopsided scores myself, only to find out it ended up lopsided the other way. xdrunkyx

[Nodak78]

I agree prediction can go sideways. but his analysis leaves a lot to be desired. Key losses with Cerriteno was a laugh. He could have said the entire defense will be returning saving Ratelle would be much more accurate. Another point is a upset with Stony Brook and SUU. Those would not be upsets with a UND win.

[UNDColorado]

Just to shed a little light on your analysis of UND football. I want to take you back to your prediction of the UND vs Wyoming game.

Brad Reed (https://twitter.com/MrTitleist), Wyonation.com
Pokes Pick: Cameron Coffman (http://www.gowyo.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/cameron_coffman_908004.html), QB
His first start in Laramie and he’s going to make a statement that he’s going to be the man to lead this team to victories this year. He was named a captain of this football team and he’ll take that very seriously by taking a part the North Dakota defense in the home opener. Honorable mention: Shaun Wick, 125 yards and two scores is what I’m hoping for!
The Cowboys win if…
They control the football with Wick and Hill in the backfield. Limit the turnovers of the offense. Play disciplined defense. That’s basically the recipe to win every football game this year, but we’ll go ahead and use it this week and see how it goes. Also, they’ll probably win if they have more points on the scoreboard (I was channeling my inner @FauxPelini with that).
Game Prediction:
Three touchdown tosses from Cameron Coffman, two rushing touchdowns from Wick. Eddie Yarbrough grabs a couple of sacks. 24,000 in the stands. Wyoming 45 North Dakota 13

xlolx Well played Nodak!

[ursus arctos horribilis]

I agree prediction can go sideways. but his analysis leaves a lot to be desired. Key losses with Cerriteno was a laugh. He could have said the entire defense will be returning saving Ratelle would be much more accurate. Another point is a upset with Stony Brook and SUU. Those would not be upsets with a UND win.

He did a fair analysis I would think from looking at it from an outside perspective. I mean if you want to nitpick some little crap like his opinion that UND is an underdog on the road...I guess...but that seems pretty iffy.

Then the nitpick is about some phrasing? "It would be more accurate to say"...I mean really man, c'mon.

As far as pointing out his prediction in the Wyo (his home team) vs. UND and getting it wrong, well that happens a lot and as you say can go sideways. But since you posted his up as some sort of tear down or whatever I guess we could also look at a couple of yours since you are pointing the finger and all.

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/showthread.php?173854-North-Dakota-Super-Bowl&p=2251664&viewfull=1#post2251664

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/showthread.php?173979-Big-Sky-predictions-9-19&p=2252494&viewfull=1#post2252494

It wasn't some sort of hit piece man, it was an effort to provide some converge on your program. The sensitivities over someone trying to provide some content on your team is sort of a head scratcher.

I'll see if I can go chenge the word "upset" for you since it seems to offend greatly.

[MrTitleist]

I agree prediction can go sideways. but his analysis leaves a lot to be desired. Key losses with Cerriteno was a laugh. He could have said the entire defense will be returning saving Ratelle would be much more accurate. Another point is a upset with Stony Brook and SUU. Those would not be upsets with a UND win.

I'll be awaiting your UNDSU season preview in the coming days to correct my errors.

[Thumper 76]

Just to shed a little light on your analysis of UND football. I want to take you back to your prediction of the UND vs Wyoming game.

Brad Reed (https://twitter.com/MrTitleist), Wyonation.com
Pokes Pick: Cameron Coffman (http://www.gowyo.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/cameron_coffman_908004.html), QB
His first start in Laramie and he’s going to make a statement that he’s going to be the man to lead this team to victories this year. He was named a captain of this football team and he’ll take that very seriously by taking a part the North Dakota defense in the home opener. Honorable mention: Shaun Wick, 125 yards and two scores is what I’m hoping for!
The Cowboys win if…
They control the football with Wick and Hill in the backfield. Limit the turnovers of the offense. Play disciplined defense. That’s basically the recipe to win every football game this year, but we’ll go ahead and use it this week and see how it goes. Also, they’ll probably win if they have more points on the scoreboard (I was channeling my inner @FauxPelini with that).
Game Prediction:
Three touchdown tosses from Cameron Coffman, two rushing touchdowns from Wick. Eddie Yarbrough grabs a couple of sacks. 24,000 in the stands. Wyoming 45 North Dakota 13

Why, because you said so? Anything else you want your highness?

[ursus arctos horribilis]

BTW on twitter the Studsrud family seems to like your work MrT as well as a lot of other UND fans it appears. Just wanted to make sure UND fans got a fair shake on it.

[geaux_sioux]

If I were to nitpick the analysis of UND it's the Cerriteno as a key loss when he could have picked an All American guard and an All Conference guard as key losses. Cerriteno was a back up as a senior. I think it just came across as a little lazy.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

If I were to nitpick the analysis of UND it's the Cerriteno as a key loss when he could have picked an All American guard and an All Conference guard as key losses. Cerriteno was a back up as a senior. I think it just came across as a little lazy.
Who are your key losses, I will change it to make it less lazy. Seriously.

[F'N Hawks]

I don't know why people need to be so salty all the time. WTH.

I just like that he does a UND preview. Period.

[geaux_sioux]

Who are your key losses, I will change it to make it less lazy. Seriously.
Meehan (OG) Anderson (OG) Grady (OT) added to Adler and Ratelle

[Nodak78]

I'll be awaiting your UNDSU season preview in the coming days to correct my errors.

I appreciate you work to write the article. Just ready to tailgate and I'm sure you are as well. xdrunkyx

[Nodak78]

Why, because you said so? Anything else you want your highness?

Relax thumper. xnodx

[Thumper 76]

Relax thumper. xnodx

Rawr.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Meehan (OG) Anderson (OG) Grady (OT) added to Adler and Ratelle

Ok, I added them.xthumbsupx

[MrTitleist]

Bumps for the Sacramento State Hornets.

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

Fist bumps? Or is it more of a rash?

[MrTitleist]

Fist bumps? Or is it more of a rash?

Yes?

[MrTitleist]

And the Southern Utah preview is up! Two more left!

[caribbeanhen]

so Idaho State opens the season vs a Sitcom? Simon Fraizer...

[Grizalltheway]

so Idaho State opens the season vs a Sitcom? Simon Fraizer...

A Canadian sitcom, no less.

[caribbeanhen]

A Canadian sitcom, no less.


Interesting

[kalm]

SFU used to be in the old Evergreen Conference with EWU. Watched them play in Cheney as a kid and played against them in college.

With their nickname, they might be popular in the South.