Week 12 Big Sky Conference Breakdowns
The Big Sky Conference is coming down to the last weekend and it is not all about the Montana State and Montana game. The game of the day is Cal Poly and Northern Arizona, who are both sitting at 8-2 overall. With the bubble size shrinking and the amount of teams fighting for a spot growing, this could turn into a pseudo play-in game.
North Dakota at Northern Colorado, 2:05
North Dakota and Northern Colorado are playing for pride at this point in the season. The Fighting Sioux are sitting at 5-5 overall and 4-4 in conference play. A win here and they will end above .500 and have some good momentum heading into 2013. The Bears will finish with a losing record, but they can move a spot or two up the conference standings. With Seth Lobato under center, UNC could finish the season on a high note.
Projected Score: Northern Colorado 27, North Dakota 24
#3 Montana State at Montana, 3:30
With Montana down at 5-5 overall and 3-4 in conference play, this game lacks the usual flair. The Bobcats are in the playoffs, but this is a rivalry. The Grizzlies are not going to back down. It has been a long season in Missoula and a win over #3 ranked Montana State would be the perfect way to end the year and start moving forward. However, Montana State has more to play for and the Grizzlies defense will be tested by quarterback Denarius McGhee and running back Cody Kirk.
Projected Score: Montana State 35, Montana 31
#5 Eastern Washington at Portland State, 4:05
Eastern Washington is prepping for the playoffs with a trip to Portland State. The Eagles have not exactly been blowing away the competition lately so this could be a closer game than many expect. EWU beat UC Davis by three at home last week. Two weeks before that they lost at Southern Utah. Seven of Eastern Washington’s games have been decided by six points or less. The Vikings only have a couple wins over FCS opponents this year, so beating a top five ranked team is asking too much, but do not be surprised if they stick around and make things interesting on senior night.
Projected Score: Eastern Washington 31, Portland State 21
Sacramento State at UC Davis, Saturday, 6:00
Sacramento State has played a very tough schedule and done quite well this season. They will not be rewarded with a trip to the playoffs, but the Hornets do deserve credit for a very good 2012 campaign. The Aggies went on the road and nearly handed Eastern Washington a loss last week, losing 28-31. There is not much to play for in this contest, but these are two up and coming programs that are hoping to be contenders next year.
Projected Score: Sacramento State 28, UC Davis 24
Weber State at Idaho State, 6:00
This is Idaho State’s last, and best, shot at winning a conference game. The only victory they have recorded on the year was back in week two against Black Hills State. Weber State, meanwhile, got their lone win a few weeks back at Southern Utah. This game will not garner much attention, but somebody will get two wins on the year and it should be close.
Projected Score: Idaho State 24, Weber State 21
#16 Cal Poly at #14 Northern Arizona, 6:05
This is the matchup of the week. Northern Arizona and Cal Poly have been underappreciated for much of the season. NAU appears to be in the playoffs at the moment, but a loss here could quickly change that. Cal Poly is likely on the outside looking in, but a win over the Lumberjacks could be enough to get the Mustangs into the field of 20. After losing back-to-back games, Poly got back to their winning ways in a blowout over Idaho State last week. Back Deonte Williams and signal caller Andre Broadous both had great games against the Bengals and the NAU defense will need to find a way to stop the Cal Poly balanced attack. Northern Arizona lost their first game since the opening day of the season last week. The triple overtime loss to Southern Utah was a heartbreaker and this is not a team that will lose twice in a row at home without a superb effort from Cal Poly.
Projected Score: Northern Arizona 34, Cal Poly 27
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