Week 8 Big Sky Conference Breakdowns
Weber State @ Southern Utah, Saturday, 3:00
Weber State comes into this game winless and eager to get into that win column. Southern Utah comes into this game fresh off of a nice win against Montana in Missoula. The Thunderbirds are a pretty good team; Brad Sorensen is an effective quarterback and has the ability to control the game and make key plays. This week Weber State will struggle to stop the Thunderbirds—Southern Utah by 17.
Projected Score: Southern Utah 30, Weber State 13
Montana @ North Dakota, Saturday, 3:30
North Dakota looked like a team that could compete for the Big Sky title early this season. However, after three straight losses they will be looking to stop the bleeding. Montana is in a similar situation. The Grizzlies have struggled to play consistent football throughout the season and need to get back on the winning track to salvage any kind of success this season. I think this game will be tight, but I think that North Dakota will prevail at home.
Projected Score: North Dakota 31, Montana 23
Idaho State @ Northern Colorado, Saturday, 3:35
Two struggling teams will battle it out this weekend in Greely. Northern Colorado hasn’t played well since joining D-I and has yet to find any relief in the Big Sky. Idaho State looked to have a feisty offense early in the season. However, without a defense and a non-existent running game, the Bengals are struggling to find any sort of rhythm. I think Northern Colorado has a better defense; therefore, I pick the Bears to win at home.
Projected Score: Northern Colorado 35, Idaho State 31
Sacramento State @ #1 Eastern Washington, Saturday, 7:05
I came into this season confident that Eastern Washington was the best team in the Big Sky, especially after the pounding they put on WAC member Idaho. Eastern Washington traveled to Bozeman last weekend and took care, albeit close, of a strong Montana State squad. However, Sacramento State has quietly found themselves at 5-2 and in prime position to make the playoffs. This game is easily the Big Sky Conference game of the week. I think that Eastern Washington has too strong of a defense for Sacramento State.
Projected Score: #1 Eastern Washington 30, Sacramento State 17
UC Davis @ #20 Northern Arizona, Saturday, 7:05
Northern Arizona is underrated and disrespected. They have been playing with a chip on their shoulder all season and it looks like they will not let up. This week they will host Big Sky newcomer UC Davis. UC Davis is coming off of a shootout win against Idaho State—that told me that the Aggie defense is suspect and needs to be tuned up in order to win a few more games. I think that Northern Arizona controls the time of possession and wins this game comfortably.
Projected Score: #20 Northern Arizona 27, UC Davis 13
Portland State @ #17 Cal Poly, Saturday, 9:05
Cal Poly, right now, the second best team in the Big Sky (in my opinion) has an incredible defense and a salty run offense that will grind opposing defense until they make a mistake. The Mustangs shouldn’t have any trouble with Portland State who is coming off of a bye week. The Vikings last game, two weeks ago, was a 77-10 drubbing of Idaho State. I think that Cal Poly will have the Vikings put away by the 3rd quarter.
Projected Score: #17 Cal Poly 42, Portland State 17
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