As we approach the end of October, some things are coming into place in the Big Sky. Entering the home stretch, obviously the two Montana schools are the elite in the conference, but where are the rest. Really, all that means, however, is there is still a good chance for everything to be topsy-turvy again. Here are this week's power rankings for the Big Sky (last week's rankings). All are my opinion only and all are open for discussion. Not much movement, is this close to where they will finish?

1. Montana State (1)---So it wasn't the prettiest of the Bobcats wins this season but they did accomplish what they wanted and crossed Northern Colorado off their conference game list this season. All the changes going on in the conference and the Bobcats still roll along. This weekend they welcome their former coach who is now at Idaho State and will relish a chance for an upset.

2. Montana (2)---Wins may not be all that pretty for the Grizzlies, case in point their last game at Northern Arizona, but they are still wins and they still count for that. To win there, you don't have to win pretty, you just have to win and at the end, they were on top. This week, they return home to face Weber State. Another game that may not be easy.

3. Eastern Washington (3)---With the way the season began for the Eagles, hardly anyone thought they could turn it around like they did. If there was a game that exemplified their run so far, it was last week when they needed to rally in the fourth quarter at Sacramento State, then win it in overtime. Now, they march back home and face Portland State in their quest to return to the playoffs.

4. Sacramento State (5)---Heartbroke. That is the perfect word to describe the Hornets last week as they let Eastern Washington escape with a win that was theirs by most accounts, except that at the end. Now, it is their backs that are against the wall and, with Northern Arizona coming to town, that is quite the tall order to fill. Still, a win would erase some of those memories.

5. Weber State (4)---Speaking of teams that let one get away, the Wildcats seemed to be in control of their game against Southern Utah at the half. Then they let up in the third quarter and could not get it going again. The good news is that it was non conference so it didn't hurt them in the conference. The bad news is now they need a win at Montana, a place that has not been too kind to them recently.

6. Portland State (6)---Other teams played some meaningful games last weekend. Then there was the Vikings that held a scrimmage against DIII Willamette, who are a good team in DIII, but who proved no match for the Vikings. Now, they need to shake off the good feelings and get back to the FCS as they have to go on the road to Eastern Washington.

7. Northern Arizona (7)---The Lumberjacks had Montana right there and did play Montana tough for the whole game. Yet they just could not pull it out at the end and it resulted in another close loss. Now they are relegated to playing spoiler the rest of the season. This weekend, they look to end the aspirations of Sacramento State and their magical season.

8. Idaho State (8)---If there was a team in the conference that is transforming before our eyes, it is the Bengals. Obviously they are taking a look at different people and getting ready for next year, which is why a game with Brigham Young was probably a good thing. This week, they head to Montana State and, if there was one game circled at the beginning of the Bengals' season, this may have been it.

9. Northern Colorado (9)---The bad news first, the Bears did what was expected and lost last week to Montana State. The good news, they showed they are becoming a much better team than they were as the Bobcats could never totally pull away from the Bears. Good, however, will only get you so far if you cannot win football games. This week they venture out of conference and welcome North Dakota to their home turf. Is that win just around the corner?