Big Sky Conference Power Rankings: Week 4
By Shaun Bummer
Sept. 8, 2012; Pullman, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Brandon Kaufman (1) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Martin Stadium. Washington State won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-US PRESSWIRE
This week’s Big Sky Conference power rankings see very little change heading into week 4. However, there were some key games from last week, including Cal Poly’s upset over FBS Wyoming.
Week 4 looks to be a big week with conference play opening up, including a big early season conference showdown between Montana and Northern Arizona in Missoula.
Now, let’s get to the rankings:
1. Eastern Washington Eagles (1-1)
Previous Ranking: 1
Last Week: Bye
This Week: @ Weber State
Eastern Washington has put in a solid start to the young season with a win over FBS Idaho and a close loss to FBS Washington State leading up to a bye last week. Heading into conference play, the Eagles are the class of the Big Sky. This week’s game, however, has all the makings of a trap game against Weber State. The Wildcats are looking to make a statement after starting the season 0-3, along with the fact Eastern Washington’s big home opener against Montana looms the week after.
2. Montana State Bobcats (3-0)
Previous Ranking: 2
Last Week: Won 43-25 vs. Stephen F. Austin
This Week: vs. Northern Colorado
Again, they haven’t done it in a flashy way, but the Bobcats still held on for the victory over a ranked Stephen F. Austin team at home. Although the Bobcat defense gave up 418 yards through the air against the Lumberjacks, RB Cody Kirk had a great game with 105 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
3. Montana Grizzlies (2-1)
Previous Ranking: 3
Last Week: Won 34-14 vs. Liberty
This Week: vs. Northern Arizona
Montana’s offense wasn’t particularity flashy against Liberty, but still did more than enough for the victory over the Flames. The Grizzly linebacking corps played an outstanding game along with plenty of young players who stepped up on the defensive line. Montana will face a tough test at home against RB Zach Bauman and the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks to open conference play this week.
4. Cal Poly Mustangs (2-0)
Previous Ranking: 4
Last Week: Won 24-22 @ Wyoming
This Week: vs. UC Davis
So far we’ve had plenty of FCS teams, including a handful from the Big Sky, knock off FBS opponents. Cal Poly’s win over Wyoming adds to the list. The Mustangs also pulled off the upset in true Cal Poly fashion – on the ground – with 325 total rushing yards. Deonte Williams led the way with 187 of those yards and a touchdown on the ground. With a workable schedule, the Mustangs may be a darkhorse to win the Big Sky in 2012.
5. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (2-1)
Previous Ranking: 5
Last Week: Won 69-0 vs. Fort Lewis
This Week: @ Montana
Fort Lewis didn’t put up much of a fight against Northern Arizona on Saturday. Star RB Zach Bauman rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns on only five carries as the Lumberjacks put up a whopping 557 yards of total offense. Along with beating UNLV in week two, the Lumberjacks are back on track and may be a darkhorse for an FCS playoff birth this season.
6. Sacramento State Hornets (2-1)
Previous Ranking: 6
Last Week: Won 28-17 vs. Northern Colorado
This Week: vs. North Dakota
The Hornets continued their momentum with a victory over an improved Northern Colorado team last week. RB Ezekiel Grahman rushed for 98 yards and a touchdown, while QB Garrett Safron passed for 177 yards and two touchdowns. They’ll face a tough test from North Dakota this week in their first Big Sky road trip.
7. Southern Utah Thunderbirds (1-2)
Previous Ranking: 8
Last Week: Won 45-23 vs. New Mexico Highlands
This Week: @ Portland State
After facing two straight FBS opponents, the Thunderbirds put one in the win column with a win over Division II New Mexico Highlands. QB Brad Sorensen put up 212 yards through the air and three touchdowns, while Brian Wilson rushed for 140 yards. Southern Utah will also be making their inaugural Big Sky road trip playing at Portland State this Saturday.
8. North Dakota (2-1)
Previous Ranking: 7
Last Week: Loss 49-41 @ San Diego State
This Week: @ Sacramento State
Putting up 41 points and 489 yards is great, unless your defense gives up 49 points and 533 yards of total offense. Either way, props to North Dakota for playing FBS San Diego State close. In the effort, Marcus Hendrickson passed for 434 yards and four touchdowns, three of them caught by Greg Hardin.
9. Portland State Vikings (1-2)
Previous Ranking: 9
Last Week: Lost 52-13 @ Washington
This Week: vs. Southern Utah
Washington put up 45 points in the first half as the Vikings were more than easily held in check by the Huskies. Portland State will try to get back on the right track as they’ll host Brad Sorensen and the rest of Southern Utah’s offensive talent on Saturday.
10. Weber State Wildcats (0-3)
Previous Ranking: 10
Last Week: Lost 35-21 vs. McNeese State
This Week: vs. Eastern Washington
Weber State struggled to put up yards against McNeese State, and fall to 0-3 in addition to two losses against FBS opponents. The difficult early schedule continues this week as Eastern Washington comes to Ogden.
11. Idaho State Bengals (1-1)
Previous Ranking: 11
Last Week: Bye
This Week: @ Nebraska
After a 1-1 start, the Bengals will take on a Big Ten opponent in Nebraska this Saturday. While the Bengals aren’t likely to keep things close, it’ll be interesting to see what QB Kevin Yost can do against the Cornhusker defense. Yost has passed for 779 yards in only two games.
12. Northern Colorado Bears (1-2)
Previous Ranking: 12
Last Week: Lost 28-17 @ Sacramento State
This Week: @ Montana State
Although the Bears lost to Sacramento State, WR Jace Davis had ten catches for 123 yards and QB Seth Lobato passed for 327 yards, albeit with three interceptions. Northern Colorado faces a tough test against Montana State in Bozeman this week.
13. UC Davis Aggies (1-2)
Previous Ranking: 13
Last Week: Lost 12-8 @ South Dakota State
This Week: @ Cal Poly
Even though CB Jonathan Perkins had a 69-yard interception return, the Aggies struggled to put up offense against South Dakota State. Additionally, UC Davis allowed SDSU RB Zach Zenner to run for 197 yards and two touchdowns. The Aggies will open up conference play with a road trip to Cal Poly this week.