Week 11 Big Sky Conference Breakdowns
Northern Colorado @ Weber State, Saturday, 3:30
This game will likely be a game fought purely for pride. Both of these teams are at the bottom of the Big Sky, however, Northern Colorado has proved the past few weeks that they have talent to compete and could make a push to be a middle-of-the-road Big Sky team. This week will likely come down to defense, and I’m afraid that Weber State has the weaker of the two. Northern Colorado should win by a close margin.
Projected Score: Northern Colorado 34, Weber State 31
Portland State @ #3 Montana State, Saturday, 3:35
Last week Eastern Washington beating Cal Poly helped Montana State out a bunch. If Montana State can win their next two games they’ll put themselves in position for the Big Sky title (if Northern Arizona loses) and also they should be pushing for a possible seed in the playoffs as well. This week they’ll match up with three-win Portland State who will be playing role of spoiler. Montana State should control this game on both sides of the ball. The Vikings have the potential to cause some chaos on offense; however, defensively Portland State has been playing poorly all season and will have a lot of issues trying to contain this Montana State offensive attack. Expect the Bobcats to come out on top here.
Projected Score: #3 Montana State 42, Portland State 17
Southern Utah @ #9 Northern Arizona, Saturday, 4:05
Northern Arizona will host Southern Utah this weekend in another crucial Big Sky matchup. Northern Arizona controls their own destiny. If they win their games, they’ll win the Big Sky title. Also, a seed in the playoffs isn’t out of the question either. They’ll have to play well against Southern Utah. The Thunderbirds have a couple of quality wins this season and have the reputation as effective spoilers. Defensively the Lumberjacks will have to come prepared if they want to put away this Thunderbird squad. What is interesting about Northern Arizona’s situation is what if they, along with Montana State, end up 10-1? I should assume both of those squads deserve seeds, however, the FCS as a whole is packed with talent. I think that Northern Arizona will keep their seed hopes alive.
Projected Score: #9 Northern Arizona 31, Southern Utah 17
UC Davis @ #5 Eastern Washington, Saturday, 4:35
Eastern Washington had a big win last weekend against Cal Poly, again, proving that their defense is one of the best in the Big Sky. This weekend the Eagles will match up with UC Davis who is coming off a tough loss against Portland State. I think that the Eagles will come out to play with a lot of intensity and put this game away early. Eastern Washington, just like Montana State, will likely be waiting for Northern Arizona to lose in hopes for a Big Sky title; however, their playoff hopes are certainly alive and well.
Projected Score: #5 Eastern Washington 38, UC Davis 14
Idaho State @ #16 Cal Poly, Saturday, 9:05
Cal Poly had their Big Sky title dreams demolished the past two weeks. After losses to Sacramento State and Eastern Washington, Cal Poly is now playing for a postseason at-large. The Mustangs have had a great season, but they will need to finish strong if they want a post-season bid. This week they’ll be tested by Idaho State’s air assault. However, I think that the Cal Poly defense will force Idaho State into key turnovers and will likely control the game clock with their running attack. Cal Poly should win this game comfortably.
Projected Score: #16 Cal Poly 42, Idaho State 10
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