Big Sky Conference Power Rankings: Week 3
By Shaun Bummer
It was a crazy week two for the Big Sky Conference – in a good way of course.
We saw two Big Sky teams knock off FBS opponents thanks to Northern Arizona and Sacramento State along with an outstanding match up of FCS powerhouses in Montana and Appalachian State. Most importantly, we saw some great football being played all around.
And now, let’s start to make the shift towards week three of the Big Sky football season. Here’s our Big Sky power rankings for the week:
1. Eastern Washington Eagles (1-1)
Previous Ranking: 1
Last Week: Lost 24-20 @ Washington State
This Week: Bye
In our eyes, a close loss to a Mike Leach led Washington State team is more impressive than a ten-point win over Drake. That’s why Eastern Washington stays at number one in our power rankings. The Eagles kept it close thanks in part to Kyle Padron’s 379 passing yards and two touchdowns, including one 93 yard touchdown pass to Brandon Kaufman in the first quarter.
2. Montana State Bobcats (2-0)
Previous Ranking: 2
Last Week: Won 34-24 @ Drake
This Week: vs. Stephen F. Austin
The Bobcats didn’t do anything too flashy, but still pulled out the 34-24 victory over Drake staying undefeated. QB Denarius McGhee went 22-of-34 passing for 206 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions in the game. Montana State did play without leading defensive lineman Zach Minter the entire game and Brad Daly after the first defensive series.
3. Montana Grizzlies
Previous Ranking: 3
Last Week: Lost 35-27 @ Appalachian State
This Week: vs. Liberty
Montana traveled to Boone, North Carolina to take on Appalachian State, but fell just short 35-27 in this FCS heavyweight battle. Despite a few miscues that cost Montana the game, the Grizzlies had plenty go right, including RB Dan Moore’s 238 all-purpose yards along with QB Trent McKinney’s 307 passing yards including three touchdowns.
4. Cal Poly Mustangs (1-0)
Previous Ranking: 5
Last Week: Bye
This Week: @ Wyoming
So far there have been three Big Sky teams that have knocked off FBS foes in the first two weeks of the college football season. While Wyoming will be the favorites, Cal Poly QB Andre Broadous looked solid on the ground and through the air in week one against San Diego. Don’t be surprised to see the Mustangs keep it close or even defeat the Cowboys in this one.
5. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (1-1)
Previous Ranking: 9
Last Week: 17-14 win @ UNLV
This Week: vs. Fort Lewis
Northern Arizona struggled mightily against Arizona State in week one without QB Cary Grossart and RB Zach Bauman due to injury. Fortunately, the Lumberjacks bounced back in week two with a huge win over UNLV, making the jump to number five in this week’s power rankings. Grossart was still out with injury, but Zach Bauman made a solid return with 109 yards on the ground and a touchdown.
6. Sacramento State Hornets (1-1)
Previous Ranking: 12
Last Week: Won 30-28 @ Colorado
This Week: vs. Northern Colorado (non-conference)
An even bigger FCS over FBS upset was Sacramento State heading into Boulder and shocking Colorado 30-28 on a field goal by Edgar Castaneda as time expired. Hornet head coach Marshall Sperbeck even announced after the game that Castaneda, a walk-on, had earned a scholarship as a result. In addition, QB Garret Safron played a solid game going 25-of-27 passing for 312 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
7. North Dakota (2-0)
Previous Ranking: 8
Last Week: Won 45-37 vs. Portland State (non-conference)
This Week: @ San Diego State
Although it won’t count in the conference standings, North Dakota won its first game against a Big Sky opponent this season in true Big Sky Conference fashion – high scoring. Replacing injured QB Braden Hansen, Marcus Hendrickson went completed 16 of 25 passes for 294 yards along with an outstanding six touchdowns.
8. Southern Utah Thunderbirds (0-2)
Previous Ranking: 7
Last Week: Lost 50-31 @ California
This Week: vs. New Mexico Highlands
The Thunderbirds have been playing difficult competition in Utah State and California the past two weeks, but at least kept things close with the Golden Bears for a little bit. Additionally, FCS All-American QB Brad Sorensen looked much better in week two passing for 292 yards and four touchdowns. They’ll look to get their first victory of the season this week against Division II New Mexico Highlands.
9. Portland State Vikings (1-1)
Previous Ranking: 6
Last Week: Lost 45-37 @ North Dakota (non-conference)
This Week: @ Washington
Although in a loss, Portland State showed a ton of good stuff on offense, especially thanks to RB DJ Adams who rushed for 144 yards and a touchdown against North Dakota. The Vikings will try to continue the Big Sky’s success against FBS opponents this season taking on Washington this week.
10. Weber State Wildcats (0-2)
Previous Ranking: 4
Last Week: Lost 45-13 @ BYU
This Week: vs. McNeese State
Dropping six spots to number 10 really isn’t Weber State’s fault as the Wildcats have played two tough FBS opponents. They’ll continue their daunting September schedule with a visit from Southland Conference opponent McNeese State, and if Weber State can find a way to beat the Cowboys, the Wildcats will be back in the discussion as one of the top teams in the Big Sky.
11. Idaho State Bengals (1-1)
Previous Ranking: 11
Last Week: Won 38-5 vs. Black Hills State
This Week: bye
After giving up 484 yards on the ground to Air Force in week one, the Bengals bounced back with their first win of the season against Division II Black Hills State. Worth pointing out for the Bengals is one of the most underrated offensive players in the entire country in QB Kevin Yost. In two games, Yost has amassed 772 passing yards and four touchdowns.
12. Northern Colorado Bears (1-1)
Previous Ranking: 13
Last Week: Won 40-3 vs. Colorado Mesa
This Week: @ Sacramento State (non-conference)
With their first victory since November 2010, we’ll move the Bears out of the cellar this week up to number 12. RB Tromaine Dennis led the way with three rushing touchdowns, along with 260 passing yards from QB Seth Lobato against Division II Colorado Mesa.
13. UC Davis Aggies (1-1)
Previous Ranking: 11
Last Week: Lost 45-13 @ San Jose State
This Week: @ South Dakota State
It’s tough to put UC Davis in the bottom spot since the Aggies played a FBS opponent in week two, along with dominating Division II Azusa Pacific in their first game. However, someone has to be at number 13. The Aggies will hope to get out of this spot next week with a tough road game at Missouri Valley Conference opponent South Dakota State.