Week 2 Big Sky Conference Game Breakdowns
This week in the Big Sky we have four teams that are facing their second FBS opponent. Eastern Washington will look to pull off their second FBS win of the season. Other FBS-FCS match-ups include: Southern Utah at California, Sacramento State at Colorado, and Northern Arizona at UNLV. The biggest game this week in the Big Sky will certainly be the Montana at Appalachian State. This match-up will likely decide whether Montana will be a middle-of-the-road team in the Big Sky or a team that will compete for the Big Sky title. It will also be a measure of competition between the Southern Conference and the Big Sky Conference. Appalachian State is ranked 8th and playing in Boone, North Carolina is no small task.
Southern Utah @ California, Saturday 3:00
Southern Utah’s Brad Sorensen struggled against Utah State’s defense last week. He threw for 153 yards and an interception. If Southern Utah is going to pull off the upset this weekend they will have to find some way to run the ball so Sorensen can have time to throw effectively. I predict that Southern Utah will hang tough with the Golden Bears in the first half but eventually Cal will pull away and finish the game with a big victory.
Projected Score: California 42, Southern Utah 14
Sacramento State @ Colorado, Saturday 3:00
Sacramento State will be one of the four Big Sky teams that will be playing their second FBS opponent of the year. Last week the Hornets lost to New Mexico State 49-19. Sacramento State pulled within ten points in the third quarter but couldn’t stay with NMSU as the Aggies pulled away in the fourth. Another bright spot was quarterback Garrett Safron. Safron threw for 308 yards and two TDs. This week their opponent will be a frustrated Colorado team. Colorado is coming off of a loss to rival Colorado State. It will be a very tall task for Sacramento State to upset the Buffaloes.
Projected Score: Colorado 48, Sacramento State 24
Weber State @ BYU, Saturday, 3:00
Weber State is coming off of a 37-10 loss to FBS Fresno State. The Wildcats had an extremely difficult time getting anything going in that game last week. Quarterback Mike Hoke played well last week, but he will need a run game to support him in his effort. This week could be the same result for the Wildcats. BYU will look to put Weber State away quick.
Projected Score: BYU 49, Weber State 10
#6 Eastern Washington @ Washington State, Thursday, 9:00
This might be the best chance for any team in the FCS to get two FBS victories. Eastern Washington is coming off of a 20-3 thrashing of Idaho. Washington State is not the best Pac-12 team and is in a rebuilding stage of their program. If quarterback Kyle Padron can connect on his passes and if the offensive line can open up holes for the tandem of Quincy Forte and Jordan Talley, Eastern Washington should be able to control the game from the start. Don’t be surprised to see an upset here.
Projected Score: Eastern Washington 21, Washington State 20
Northern Colorado vs. Colorado Mesa, Saturday 3:35
Northern Colorado’s troubles continue as they got shut out last week against Utah. This week Northern Colorado plays sub-D1 opponent Colorado Mesa. The Bears should get a victory here and some much needed confidence.
Projected Score: Northern Colorado 38, Colorado Mesa 10
Idaho State vs. Black Hills State, Saturday, 6:05
Idaho State lost to Air Force last week 49-21 in an offensive show for both teams. Idaho State’s quarterback Kevin Yost connected on 41 of his 52 passes for 355 yards and two TDs. However, despite that effort, it wasn’t enough to match the rushing attack of Air Force. This week should be a lot easier for Idaho State. They should win big and Yost should have another big day through the air.
Projected Score: Idaho State 42, Black Hills State 24
#17 Montana @ Appalachian State, Saturday, 6:30
Running backs Dan Moore and Peter Nguyen combined to rush for 250 yards and two touchdowns in a 35-24 win over Missouri Valley Football Conference member South Dakota. However, Montana did struggle early on with the Coyotes; they were trailing 24-16 in the third quarter. This week will be one of Montana’s biggest games this season as they travel to Boone, North Carolina to face Appalachian State. Montana will need to focus on playing a complete game and without turning the ball over in order to come back to Montana with their second win. This game could go either way; but I predict Montana comes out on top in overtime.
Projected Score: Montana 45, Appalachian State 38 (OT)
North Dakota vs. Portland State, Saturday, 7:00
North Dakota won huge last week against South Dakota Mines (66-0). However, this week North Dakota will test their talent against conference mate Portland State in a non-conference match-up. This is a very big game for North Dakota, as it will likely set the mental tone for much of the rest of the season. I do see North Dakota as the stronger opponent in this match up. Look for Jake Miller to get things going on the ground again; North Dakota wins in a close game.
Projected Score: North Dakota 24, Portland State 21
#4 Montana State @ Drake, Saturday, 7:00
Montana State will travel to Des Moines, Iowa in a game featuring top Pioneer League contender Drake. Montana State should have no trouble in this game against a non-scholarship team. This will be Montana State’s second weak opponent in two straight weeks. Montana State wins big, but look for Drake to score some points.
Projected Score: Montana State 56, Drake 24
UC Davis @ San Jose State, Saturday, 8:00
UC Davis is fresh off of a 41-3 win against sub-D1 opponent Azusa Pacific. This game will likely be a typical FCS-FBS match-up. UC Davis will most likely hang tough for the first couple of quarters but be worn out by halftime. UC Davis will come up short of the upset.
Projected Score: San Jose State 31, UC Davis 21
Northern Arizona @ UNLV, Thursday 10:30
Northern Arizona travels to Las Vegas this week in hopes to upset FBS member UNLV. Last week Northern Arizona fell to Arizona State 63-6. Northern Arizona quarterback Chase Cartwright looked very uncomfortable in the loss as he completed only 9 of 21 passes (although he did manage a touchdown pass). Northern Arizona will need to step it up on defense in order to challenge UNLV this week. UNLV will most likely pull away by the third quarter and the Lumberjacks will fall for the second straight week.
Projected Score: UNLV 38, Northern Arizona 10
See All FCS Games of the Week Breakdowns
