Big Sky Power Rankings- 10/12

[gbhmt]

I know this is more Jalmond's bag, but I didn't want to wait.

1. Weber State - They're going strong and showing no signs of slowing down. There were many doubters going into this week at MSU, they then proceeded to quiet those doubters down. These guys are serious business.

2. Northern Arizona - What we all expected to be a close, hard fought game turned into more or less of a romp for the Jacks. While PSU is definitely not a strong running team, another negative yardage game for an NAU opponent proves the NAU run defense worthy of attention yet again. What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? Tune in in two weeks when they take on Weber to find out.

3. Montana - This was more of a tie really. Montana lost momentum after being handled by Weber. Many expected to be embarrassed by the best offense in the nation. Well, the Griz proved that they can blitz and cover that kind of offense and succeed. A big win (which the Griz could have made even bigger) gives Montana the big boost of confidence they'll need to stay in playoff contention and BSC title possibilities.

4. Montana State - A tough loss at home sets the Cats back a bit, but they're still a strong team. They're a fairly evenly spread team talent wise, and can still win some games. However, running the table is their only chance at playoffs or a conference title, and that's going to be extremely difficult, as they have two of the best teams in the conference at the toughest places to play in the Big Sky ahead of them.

5. Portland State - More or less the dark horse of the conference. Not much talk surrounding them but their run and shoot offense has been strong. The loss against NAU can make you forget about their impressive performance against EWU last week. Keep your eyes out, PSU has potential to disrupt some playoff/conference title runs in the coming weeks.

6. Eastern Washington - Unfortunate back-to-back losses have ultimately shut the playoff door for this extremely talented team. They're still going to win games and shake things up, but only running the table can put them into at-large bid contention, and Weber and NAU still loom ahead.

7. Sacramento State - Their win against PSU showed us that we can't fall asleep on the Hornets, but since their big loss at NAU, their playoff or title hopes have been dashed. After their bye, they'll face a tough matchup against the pumped up Griz at Washington-Grizzly.

8. Northern Colorado - The story of the Bears this has been that of the team that almost got it done. Three straight close losses to decent-to-outstanding teams have made it tough to garner any momentum. A good win against ISU this week, but it's not enough for many to take them seriously.

9. Idaho State - They've kept it somewhat close against other conference foes so far, but they've yet to get it done. Keep fighting, boys.

Playoff Contenders: Weber State, Northern Arizona, Montana, Montana State (?)

Conference Title Contenders: 1. Weber State, 2. Northern Arizona, 3. Montana

[CatFan22]

This is the week where I really think the power ranking are correct. 2-3 conference games in are about when you really see who teams are. Nice rankings, btw.

[gbhmt]

Yeah, conference play is certainly the most telling. It doesn't matter how good the OOC teams are, none of them know their opponents as well as those in the conference. Always makes for more interesting games and more chance for upsets. The field's more even.

[JALMOND]

I know this is more Jalmond's bag, but I didn't want to wait.

1. Weber State - They're going strong and showing no signs of slowing down. There were many doubters going into this week at MSU, they then proceeded to quiet those doubters down. These guys are serious business.

2. Northern Arizona - What we all expected to be a close, hard fought game turned into more or less of a romp for the Jacks. While PSU is definitely not a strong running team, another negative yardage game for an NAU opponent proves the NAU run defense worthy of attention yet again. What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? Tune in in two weeks when they take on Weber to find out.

3. Montana - This was more of a tie really. Montana lost momentum after being handled by Weber. Many expected to be embarrassed by the best offense in the nation. Well, the Griz proved that they can blitz and cover that kind of offense and succeed. A big win (which the Griz could have made even bigger) gives Montana the big boost of confidence they'll need to stay in playoff contention and BSC title possibilities.

4. Montana State - A tough loss at home sets the Cats back a bit, but they're still a strong team. They're a fairly evenly spread team talent wise, and can still win some games. However, running the table is their only chance at playoffs or a conference title, and that's going to be extremely difficult, as they have two of the best teams in the conference at the toughest places to play in the Big Sky ahead of them.

5. Portland State - More or less the dark horse of the conference. Not much talk surrounding them but their run and shoot offense has been strong. The loss against NAU can make you forget about their impressive performance against EWU last week. Keep your eyes out, PSU has potential to disrupt some playoff/conference title runs in the coming weeks.

6. Eastern Washington - Unfortunate back-to-back losses have ultimately shut the playoff door for this extremely talented team. They're still going to win games and shake things up, but only running the table can put them into at-large bid contention, and Weber and NAU still loom ahead.

7. Sacramento State - Their win against PSU showed us that we can't fall asleep on the Hornets, but since their big loss at NAU, their playoff or title hopes have been dashed. After their bye, they'll face a tough matchup against the pumped up Griz at Washington-Grizzly.

8. Northern Colorado - The story of the Bears this has been that of the team that almost got it done. Three straight close losses to decent-to-outstanding teams have made it tough to garner any momentum. A good win against ISU this week, but it's not enough for many to take them seriously.

9. Idaho State - They've kept it somewhat close against other conference foes so far, but they've yet to get it done. Keep fighting, boys.

Playoff Contenders: Weber State, Northern Arizona, Montana, Montana State (?)

Conference Title Contenders: 1. Weber State, 2. Northern Arizona, 3. Montana

Didn't want to wait? Looks good and good analysis for each. It'll be tough for me to do better. FYI I'm still working on mine and will post them tomorrow night. Great job.

[gbhmt]

Didn't want to wait? Looks good and good analysis for each. It'll be tough for me to do better. FYI I'm still working on mine and will post them tomorrow night. Great job.

Yeah thanks. I think best the day after the game, and tend to forget stuff as the week goes on so I just wanted to get it done.

[Walkon79]

- Weber is definitely for real!! Higgins, Smith, Toone and Co. were outstanding in Bozeman. Probably the best OLine in conference right now, and the D is no slouch. I'm a believer, and I hate to say it, but it's kind of refreshing to see a new name at the top. Long time coming for long-suffering Wildcat fans.
- NAU has yet to play a contender, but the record speaks for itself.
- The Griz are back off the mat. The D was tough. Lacking consistency in the running game and red-zone offense. When's the last time the Griz had issues in the kicking game?
- MSU needs to find consistency at QB and receiver. I think Kempt and Thomos will get there, but maybe not until 2009. Also need to get healthy up front on defense, or the balance of the season could be lost.
- PSU High powered offense, but can they stop anybody?
- EWU Back-to-back devastating losses. They're done as far as playoffs, but could still ruin the seasons of NAU and MSU.
- NC/Sac/ISU ? More of the same for perrenial bottom-feeders.

[Grizalltheway]

- Weber is definitely for real!! Higgins, Smith, Toone and Co. were outstanding in Bozeman. Probably the best OLine in conference right now, and the D is no slouch. I'm a believer, and I hate to say it, but it's kind of refreshing to see a new name at the top. Long time coming for long-suffering Wildcat fans.
- NAU has yet to play a contender, but the record speaks for itself.
- The Griz are back off the mat. The D was tough. Lacking consistency in the running game and red-zone offense. When's the last time the Griz had issues in the kicking game?
- MSU needs to find consistency at QB and receiver. I think Kempt and Thomos will get there, but maybe not until 2009. Also need to get healthy up front on defense, or the balance of the season could be lost.
- PSU High powered offense, but can they stop anybody?
- EWU Back-to-back devastating losses. They're done as far as playoffs, but could still ruin the seasons of NAU and MSU.
- NC/Sac/ISU ? More of the same for perrenial bottom-feeders.

A long, long time ago.

[drpnut]

Big Sky will beat up on each other like the CAA and SoCon does to each other.

Big Sky gets 2 in this year. PEriod.

[Grizzaholic]

Big Sky will beat up on each other like the CAA and SoCon does to each other.

Big Sky gets 2 in this year. PEriod.

You are correct!

[SactoHornetFan]

Great job on the poll. However, at this point I would have us above EWU because we beat PSU and they didn't. I see us at about 6th right now..but I think with a healthy Smith at QB, we are just as good as MSU. Plus, had Smith and Hilliard been healthy, we would have beat Weber at home. We should be 5-1 at this point (the losses to CSU and WSU )