Some things are getting cleared up. OK, most things are becoming clear. The one thing is that Montana is going to the playoffs, having clinched the automatic berth from the conference. The rest of the teams have spent the year beating up on each other, so much that, currently, EWU is the only team left that can get to the necessary seven DI wins to even get considered for an at large (and they have to play at NAU this weekend). After all that, here are the power rankings for the conference this week. Keep in mind all are my own opinion and all are open for discussion. This week (last week)...

1. Montana (1)---Griz keep it going after making sure Portland State's offense did not have one more opportunity for the win no matter how much time was left. Griz clinch the title and the AQ bid from the conference. Now to gain momentum for the playoffs. This week, a trip to Idaho State. Do they keep it going?

2. Eastern Washington (2)---A little bit tougher than one might expect, but the Eagles got the home win over upstart Northern Colorado. Still, its a win and keeps them in line for the necessary seven DI wins and an at large. This week, a strong test as they head down to Northern Arizona. At the beginning of the year, who would have thought that game would mean this much?

3. Northern Arizona (3)---Keeping it going for pride, the Jacks got a hard earned win at Montana State of all places last week. The Jacks have an outside chance to tie Montana for the lead, but having lost to the Griz the week before, there is no shot for the playoffs. This week, they welcome Eastern Washington to Skydome. Can they ruin the Eagles season?

4. Weber State (5)---Oh what might have been for the Wildcats. Higgins is emerging into a strong offensive threat, something they needed early on when the defense shut down both Montana and Montana State. Last week, a good game at home against Idaho State. This week, they draw the odd straw and play Fort Lewis (remember them, Griz fans). Dare we say cakewalk time for the Wildcat offense?

5. Montana State (4)---Sure the Cat offense was sputtering all year, but that defense was keeping them in the games. Now, a shocking loss on the road at Northern Colorado followed by an equally shocking loss at home to Northern Arizona. Have the Cats already thrown in the towel? This week a trip to Portland State and that high powered offense. The Vikings play very little defense, but will the Cats offense show up?

6. Portland State (7)---The Vikings put up quite a tussle at Montana last weekend. Still, business as usual as they found themselves on the short end as the defense could not get the ball back to that offense and a chance for an upset went by the wayside. This week, they welcome a struggling Montana State team to Portland. The offense has shown an ability to move, even against Weber's and Montana's defenses, can it continue against the Cats?

7. Idaho State (6)---The Bengals had not enough against a determined Weber State team, falling to them on the road. This week, a date with destiny as they entertain Montana within the Dome. Can they find the means for an upset?

8. Sacramento State (8)---Last week's nonconference rival game against UC-Davis proved once again that the Hornets were unable to seal the deal and get the win. Possibilities all year in the conference slate, yet they find ways not to get a win. This week, a trip to a pesky Northern Colorado squad. Can they keep out of the cellar?

9. Northern Colorado (9)---After last week's impressive loss at Eastern Washington, the Bears are wondering if we all can start over this year. This clearly is not the same team that started play this year, as they are now playing with confidence and gave the Eagles all they could handle. This week they get Sacramento State at home and a chance to climb out of the Big Sky basement. Is the second Big Sky conference win just around the corner?

A note of clarity as to where they really are. Montana firmly at 1, with EWU and NAU almost dead even at 2. WSU pretty much by themselves at 4, as well as MSU at 5. PSU and ISU in a virtual tie at 6, and Sac State up just slightly on UNC for 8. We'll see how this week shapes up. Could be interesting as everyone's pretty much playing for pride (and each other's seniors).