Week 5 Big Sky Conference Breakdowns
The Big Sky Conference began conference play last weekend and there were already some big upsets that will impact the way we perceive the power squads in the Big Sky. Northern Arizona, if not already, should be talked about as a contender in the Big Sky title race. After beating FBS UNLV and now upsetting perennial power Montana, the Lumberjacks look like they are on track for a special season. Montana State will get a good test this week when they travel to Southern Utah to face the Thunderbirds. Northern Colorado will be the only Big Sky team to be on a bye week.
#2 Montana State @ Southern Utah, Saturday, 3:30
Montana State is 4-0 and two weeks ago I doubted the integrity of this Bobcat football team. I predicted a scare against Stephen F. Austin and that came true. Last week, Montana State looked like a team on a mission and completely handled Northern Colorado. This week will prove to be a much tougher task for the Bobcats as they face Southern Utah. Southern Utah has bounced back nicely after losing a couple games to FBS competition. Expect a close game here, but I think Montana State has more talent than Southern Utah.
Projected Score: Montana State 31, Southern Utah 30
Sacramento State @ Idaho State, Saturday, 3:35
Nebraska demolished Idaho State last weekend 73-7. Now, I know that Nebraska is a ranked Big Ten opponent, but you cannot let a team score that many points on you—that game really was telling about how bad Idaho State’s defense is. This weekend they’ll square off against Sacramento State who is coming off of a loss against North Dakota. I think that the Hornets will get back in the win column and prove again that Idaho State’s defense will be one of the worst in the Big Sky this year.
Projected Score: Sacramento State 27, Idaho State 17
Portland State @ Northern Arizona, Saturday, 5:05
Northern Arizona is for real. The Lumberjacks are getting it done on the ground and have been efficient through the air. Last week they upset Montana at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula—an extremely tough place to play. This weekend they will host Portland State. This game could be over by the third quarter; watch for Zach Bauman to eclipse 100 yards as Northern Arizona runs their way to their 4th win.
Projected Score: Northern Arizona 38, Portland State 7
#25 Cal Poly @ North Dakota, Saturday, 7:00
This game is arguably the most interesting matchup in the Big Sky this week (along with Montana-Eastern Washington). Either one of these former Great West teams will make a statement and putting them into position to battle for a Big Sky Championship. These two teams are almost completely opposite in terms of philosophy and how they win games. North Dakota has been an air-it-out type team with Marcus Hendrickson putting up crazy statistics in these first few weeks. On the other hand, Cal Poly controls the game on the ground and runs the clock. The winner of this game will be the team that plays the best on defense; I think Cal Poly wins in a close game up in Grand Forks.
Projected Score: Cal Poly 24, North Dakota 23
#19 Montana @ #6 Eastern Washington, Saturday, 7:05
Montana is put in an awkward position this week against Eastern Washington—and it’s a position they haven’t been in a long time. Montana will need to win this game in order to secure their position as a top contending team in the Big Sky. If Montana loses this game they might be looking at a 6-5 or 7-4 season. Eastern Washington needs to win this game to affirm their place at the top with Montana State, Northern Arizona, and the winner between the Cal Poly-North Dakota game. I’m taking Eastern Washington at home.
Projected Score: Eastern Washington 34, Montana 21
Weber State @ UC Davis, Saturday, 9:00
UC Davis needs a win here. Of course, so does Weber State. Weber State is 0-4 and is hungry for a win. UC Davis is coming off of a close loss against rival Cal Poly and needs to get back into the win column to save their chances at any sort of playoff eligibility. UC Davis quarterback Randy Wright should have no trouble with the Weber State defense and I think that UC Davis will roll over the Wildcats.
Projected Score: UC Davis 28, Weber State 14
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