JALMOND
August 30th, 2011, 02:36 AM
Opening weekend finally here. As usual, a bunch of games involving the Big Sky against non-FCS teams. Should be easy, perhaps. For those who are not familiar to this, I will post my predictions for the Big Sky games on Wednesday, except if one or more of those teams play earlier in the week, whereas I will post them on Monday (like this week, thank you MSU). Also, the set up is I will use the abbreviation for the Big Sky schools, except for Sacramento State which will be abbreviated as Sac State. Any non-conference opponent will be spelled out. Here are this week's predictions. Last year I missed 16 games so I am hoping to improve. The best I've done is 2006 when I only missed 9 games.
EWU at Washington---The defending national champions (nice ring to it) open up their defense of that title by stepping up to the Pac-12 and playing their instate brother, Washington. Should be a good test for both as Washington is hoping for good things this year and can't afford a loss to the Eagles. For the Eagles, a good showing would be great...Washington 38, EWU 14.
ISU at Washington State---A big coup for the Bengals in the offseason was the hiring of Mike Kramer as their coach. Now they are hoping for improvement over the last few seasons and what better way than to start against Pac-12 doormat, Washington State. For Washington State, they are glad that the Bengals are not Montana State...Washington State 41, ISU 7.
UM at Tennessee---The Grizzlies, eager to show that last year was a fluke, shunned tradition and open up against an FBS opponent for the first time since 2006. The step up to the SEC may be a bit too much for the Grizzlies, who are banking on their defense to rise to the occasion while the offense gels. At good ol' Rocky Top, that may not be an option...Tennessee 38, UM 14.
MSU at Utah---Last year the Bobcats threw a major scare into the Pac-10's Washington State. Now this year, that conference has expanded by two with one of those teams being the Bobcats' new opponent this year in Utah. The Bobcats remember the game last year and hope to have the same chance at winning this year. But there is a big difference between Washington State and Utah...Utah 38, MSU 16.
NAU at Arizona---The Lumberjacks open their season with their biannual trek to Tucson to face the Pac-12's Arizona team. The Lumberjacks have some pieces returning but Arizona is hoping for a great season in the Pac-12 this year and can't afford a loss to the Lumberjacks. Can they win, or do they just keep it close? Probably neither...Arizona 41, NAU 17.
Lindenwood, Mo. at UNC---The Bears are hoping for some good things to happen right off the bat with their game against future DII Lindenwood. A new coach with a new system has instilled optimism with the Bears team and to win the opener would give them some confidence. The only problem is that Lindenwood has a good team also...UNC 21, Lindenwood 10.
Southern Oregon at PSU---One year under the pistol installed by coach Burton and a renovated stadium has created a good buzz for the Vikings. Also, they do not play multiple FBS games this year which means wins may be a bit easier. Still, they do need to play the games and they start with the NAIA's Southern Oregon in the first game at Jeld-Wen field. Good time to jumpstart the pistol...PSU 34, Southern Oregon 20.
Sac State at Oregon State---On the verge of what may be a great season for the Hornets has been news coming from Oregon State all August about injuries and suspensions. Oregon State loses one more player and the Hornets are looking forward to this game even more. The thing is, with all the depth that Oregon State has, they need to lose a lot of players for the Hornets to have a good chance...Oregon State 34, Sac State 7.
WSU at Wyoming---The Wildcats entered the season with a strong offensive line and not much else on offense. Then, to open the year, they head over to the Mountain West's Wyoming, a team that has a history of futility, but that good things are expected this year. What is sad is that, in years past with Higgins and Smith leading the way, the Wildcats could have stole this game. Now...Wyoming 31, WSU 7.
EWU at Washington---The defending national champions (nice ring to it) open up their defense of that title by stepping up to the Pac-12 and playing their instate brother, Washington. Should be a good test for both as Washington is hoping for good things this year and can't afford a loss to the Eagles. For the Eagles, a good showing would be great...Washington 38, EWU 14.
ISU at Washington State---A big coup for the Bengals in the offseason was the hiring of Mike Kramer as their coach. Now they are hoping for improvement over the last few seasons and what better way than to start against Pac-12 doormat, Washington State. For Washington State, they are glad that the Bengals are not Montana State...Washington State 41, ISU 7.
UM at Tennessee---The Grizzlies, eager to show that last year was a fluke, shunned tradition and open up against an FBS opponent for the first time since 2006. The step up to the SEC may be a bit too much for the Grizzlies, who are banking on their defense to rise to the occasion while the offense gels. At good ol' Rocky Top, that may not be an option...Tennessee 38, UM 14.
MSU at Utah---Last year the Bobcats threw a major scare into the Pac-10's Washington State. Now this year, that conference has expanded by two with one of those teams being the Bobcats' new opponent this year in Utah. The Bobcats remember the game last year and hope to have the same chance at winning this year. But there is a big difference between Washington State and Utah...Utah 38, MSU 16.
NAU at Arizona---The Lumberjacks open their season with their biannual trek to Tucson to face the Pac-12's Arizona team. The Lumberjacks have some pieces returning but Arizona is hoping for a great season in the Pac-12 this year and can't afford a loss to the Lumberjacks. Can they win, or do they just keep it close? Probably neither...Arizona 41, NAU 17.
Lindenwood, Mo. at UNC---The Bears are hoping for some good things to happen right off the bat with their game against future DII Lindenwood. A new coach with a new system has instilled optimism with the Bears team and to win the opener would give them some confidence. The only problem is that Lindenwood has a good team also...UNC 21, Lindenwood 10.
Southern Oregon at PSU---One year under the pistol installed by coach Burton and a renovated stadium has created a good buzz for the Vikings. Also, they do not play multiple FBS games this year which means wins may be a bit easier. Still, they do need to play the games and they start with the NAIA's Southern Oregon in the first game at Jeld-Wen field. Good time to jumpstart the pistol...PSU 34, Southern Oregon 20.
Sac State at Oregon State---On the verge of what may be a great season for the Hornets has been news coming from Oregon State all August about injuries and suspensions. Oregon State loses one more player and the Hornets are looking forward to this game even more. The thing is, with all the depth that Oregon State has, they need to lose a lot of players for the Hornets to have a good chance...Oregon State 34, Sac State 7.
WSU at Wyoming---The Wildcats entered the season with a strong offensive line and not much else on offense. Then, to open the year, they head over to the Mountain West's Wyoming, a team that has a history of futility, but that good things are expected this year. What is sad is that, in years past with Higgins and Smith leading the way, the Wildcats could have stole this game. Now...Wyoming 31, WSU 7.