JALMOND
November 23rd, 2011, 02:02 AM
What a year in the Big Sky. What started as Eastern Washington the favorite and Sacramento State as a chic pick to do well, while Montana State carrying the banner for the Big Sky Country, ended with the return to glory of the mighty Montana team. The fan bases of Weber State, Portland State and Northern Arizona should be pleased and looking forward to next year, while both Idaho State and Northern Colorado showed glimpses and hints that they are not that far behind. Throw in the four new members from the Great West (who went a combined 5-3 against the Big Sky this year) and next year could be quite the barn burner in the conference. Here are the final conference power rankings for the conference. All are my opinion only and all are open for discussion. Quite the season indeed.
1. Montana Grizzlies---All year long, the Grizzlies waited for their offense to catch up to their defense and they showed improvement every weekend, culminating in perhaps their best performance all year in the win at Montana State. Clearly the Grizzlies are playing their best football now, which bodes well for the start of the playoffs.
2. Montana State Bobcats---The loss at home to Montana notwithstanding, the Bobcats were probably the most consistent team all year, with good play on both sides of the ball. All year, it was the Bobcats and not the Grizzlies competing nationally for the top spot in all of FCS. Even with the loss, this is still a very dangerous team entering the playoffs.
3. Eastern Washington Eagles---Things looked dire for the Eagles after a dreadful start to the year. But they were able to turn it around and, even though they could not make the playoffs, they were able to win 6 of their last 7 ball games, playing as good as anyone in the conference at the end of the year.
4. Weber State Wildcats---Speaking of terrible, things were going downhill in a hurry for the Wildcats as recently as the end of October. However, they were able to gain impressive wins over two teams playing great football at the end of the year in Northern Arizona and Portland State. With the latter win on the road, they were able to send their long time coach out a winner.
5. Portland State Vikings---An impressive season for what was considered an unknown heading into the season, the Vikings literally ran through the conference slate almost to the playoffs, utilizing the pistol to its fullest potential. While the loss to Weber State may have put a damper on an otherwise successful season, where this program is now as compared to two years ago is incredible.
6. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks---It is hard to think that what jumpstarted the year for the Lumberjacks was a loss to Montana that eliminated them from playoff contention. Whereas most years the Lumberjacks would fold up the tents, they blew up Sacramento State's playoff dreams and brought back the upstart Northern Colorado back to earth. The fans here should be excited for next year.
7. Sacramento State Hornets---This year started with high expectations that got higher for the Hornets after beating the Pac-12's Oregon State team, that was shortly followed with the program's first win ever over Montana. However, momentum quickly disappeared and the thought of a dream season died, complete with a final loss at home to their rival, UC-Davis.
8. Northern Colorado Bears---The obvious in store for the Bears is that they did not win a game all year for the first time since 1949. However, they were clearly playing better football late and came within a questionable penalty call in their last game against Portland State of getting their win. This team is in the process of rebuilding, but with the improvement shown, they should be ready to shock some teams next year.
9. Idaho State Bengals---The Bengals started the year strong, but then dropped their last eight games in a rebuilding mode. At the end, it was clear that they were getting ready for next year. Like Northern Colorado, the Bengals should be eager to surprise some people next year, with the improvement shown and a year getting accustomed to the new coach.
1. Montana Grizzlies---All year long, the Grizzlies waited for their offense to catch up to their defense and they showed improvement every weekend, culminating in perhaps their best performance all year in the win at Montana State. Clearly the Grizzlies are playing their best football now, which bodes well for the start of the playoffs.
2. Montana State Bobcats---The loss at home to Montana notwithstanding, the Bobcats were probably the most consistent team all year, with good play on both sides of the ball. All year, it was the Bobcats and not the Grizzlies competing nationally for the top spot in all of FCS. Even with the loss, this is still a very dangerous team entering the playoffs.
3. Eastern Washington Eagles---Things looked dire for the Eagles after a dreadful start to the year. But they were able to turn it around and, even though they could not make the playoffs, they were able to win 6 of their last 7 ball games, playing as good as anyone in the conference at the end of the year.
4. Weber State Wildcats---Speaking of terrible, things were going downhill in a hurry for the Wildcats as recently as the end of October. However, they were able to gain impressive wins over two teams playing great football at the end of the year in Northern Arizona and Portland State. With the latter win on the road, they were able to send their long time coach out a winner.
5. Portland State Vikings---An impressive season for what was considered an unknown heading into the season, the Vikings literally ran through the conference slate almost to the playoffs, utilizing the pistol to its fullest potential. While the loss to Weber State may have put a damper on an otherwise successful season, where this program is now as compared to two years ago is incredible.
6. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks---It is hard to think that what jumpstarted the year for the Lumberjacks was a loss to Montana that eliminated them from playoff contention. Whereas most years the Lumberjacks would fold up the tents, they blew up Sacramento State's playoff dreams and brought back the upstart Northern Colorado back to earth. The fans here should be excited for next year.
7. Sacramento State Hornets---This year started with high expectations that got higher for the Hornets after beating the Pac-12's Oregon State team, that was shortly followed with the program's first win ever over Montana. However, momentum quickly disappeared and the thought of a dream season died, complete with a final loss at home to their rival, UC-Davis.
8. Northern Colorado Bears---The obvious in store for the Bears is that they did not win a game all year for the first time since 1949. However, they were clearly playing better football late and came within a questionable penalty call in their last game against Portland State of getting their win. This team is in the process of rebuilding, but with the improvement shown, they should be ready to shock some teams next year.
9. Idaho State Bengals---The Bengals started the year strong, but then dropped their last eight games in a rebuilding mode. At the end, it was clear that they were getting ready for next year. Like Northern Colorado, the Bengals should be eager to surprise some people next year, with the improvement shown and a year getting accustomed to the new coach.