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Around FCS: Can Weber State stop Montana's streak?
By David Coulson, FCS Executive Director
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - It is never unwise to select Montana as the title favorite when you are predicting the order of finish in the Big Sky Conference.
The Grizzlies came within a play or two of seeing their 10-year run of winning or sharing the Big Sky championship come to an end last fall, but eventually came up with a share of title number eleven.
Montana was handled by Weber State, 45-28, in Ogden, UT last October, and didn't secure a share of an 11th straight league crown until WSU running back Trevyn Smith fumbled late in a 33-26 loss to Eastern Washington, as the Wildcats were driving for a potential game-winning score.
Montana earned some revenge with a 24-13 win over Weber State at home in the NCAA quarterfinals and eventually advanced to the national championship.
It was quite an accomplishment for a Grizzly team that had Montana coach Bobby Hauck saying, "I don't know what this season will hold," the previous summer.
While the normally-robust expectations were slightly tempered last season, the unexpected run to the title game has Grizzly fans dreaming of even better things this year.
That said, Montana, which has been in the playoffs every year since 1993, could be better this season and not have as much to show for it, as the competition in the Big Sky figures to be stronger than usual.
Weber State returns most of its prodigious offense and several key defensive performers after tying the Grizzlies for the Big Sky title last season.
Elsewhere in the league, Eastern Washington had a disappointing year, but also returns a productive attack that will make the Eagles difficult to beat.
Northern Arizona had one of the top defenses in FCS at times last year and has the talent offensively to make a run, if the Lumberjacks can find some consistency and survive their typically-tough schedule.
Montana State has quietly built itself into a defensive powerhouse and could make a playoff run with some improvement on the other side of the ball.
And could a dark horse team like Sacramento State or Portland State make a surprising run?
1. Montana (14-2 overall, 7-1 in conference, tied for first)
The Grizzlies lost the leaders of both their offense (quarterback Kole Bergquist) and defense (strong safety Colt Anderson), but the Bobby Hauck- coached team has most of the other elements back to make another national title run.
Former Oregon starter Josh Roper is the favorite to take over for Bergquist, but will be challenged by holdover Andrew Selle. Roper has a strong, accurate arm, but lacks the mobility and running prowess of Bergquist.
Whoever starts at quarterback will have Marc Mariani as a favorite target. Mariani is also a threat as a return man.
Chase Reynolds came on strong as a running back with 1,583 yards and 22 touchdowns, and has offensive linemen like Levi Horn and Terran Hillesland, as well as fullback Kevin Klaboe, opening holes for him.
The Montana defense may not have its normal household names, but is a gritty unit. Taking over leadership roles will be free safety Shann Schillinger, defensive end Jace Palmer and linebacker Shawn Lebsock.
The advantage that is Washington-Grizzly Stadium could give Montana an important edge when the Grizzlies entertain Weber State Oct. 31 in what could be the most important conference game of the season.
2. Weber State (10-4, 7-1, tied for first)
The Wildcats were in position for a top-four seed in the playoffs and an outright Big Sky title before coach Ron McBride's team lost its regular season finale to EWU. Weber State recovered, going on the road for a stunning win over Cal Poly in the playoffs, before a remarkable year ended at Montana.
With Cameron Higgins (4,477 passing yards, 36 TD passes) at the controls of an offense that includes fellow preseason All-Americans Trevyn Smith (running back), Tim Toone (wide receiver), Cody Nakamura (tight end) and Kyle Mutcher (center), the Wildcats will be difficult to stop.
Smith is one of the most unsung players in FCS. The multi-talented back has led the Big Sky in rushing for three consecutive years and can become one of only a handful of runners to gain 1,000 or more yards rushing in four consecutive years.
Defensively, the Wildcats have plenty to replace after losing standouts like nose guard Bryce Scanlon, linebacker J.D. Folsom and safety Scotty Goodloe, but defensive end Kevin Linehan will anchor the line and safety Beau Hadley will be back in the secondary.
Josh Morris proved himself as one of the top cover men in FCS last season, with his performances against receivers such as Cal Poly's Ramses Barden and Montana's Mariani.
3. Eastern Washington (6-5, 5-3, tied for third)
Coming off a quarterfinal-round playoff appearance in 2007, the Eagles had high hopes for last season and were considered potential Big Sky title favorites, but stumbled out of the gate.
This year, EWU is ineligible for the playoffs and the league title due to NCAA probation, but the Eagles have the talent to determine who will finish on top.
Matt Nichols (9,376 yards of total offense) is a four-year starter at quarterback but must regain the form he showed as a sophomore, when he threw for 3,744 yards and 34 touchdowns. He has an outstanding group of receivers with wideouts Aaron Boyce, Brynson Brown and Tony Davis (combined 166 catches, 2,229 yards and 17 TDs) and tight end Nathan Overbay.
Among the 15 returning starters are twin brothers Matt and Zach Johnson (179 tackles combined), who will lead the defense from their safety and linebacker positions. But the Eagles must replace Buchanan Award-winning defensive end Greg Peach, who graduated on to the Canadian Football League.
Second-year coach Beau Baldwin should be more settled in after a season of adjustments.
4. Montana State (7-5, 5-3, tied for third)
Rob Ash, now in his third year as coach, has done a remarkable job turning around the APR concerns and off-field problems he inherited. Now he can turn his attention to getting the Bobcat program back on track as a playoff contender.
If MSU makes an expected postseason push, it will be because of defense.
Dane Fletcher could become the signature defensive player in the Big Sky this season. The Buck Buchanan Award nominee at defensive end had 14.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks before a knee injury ended his year. Kevin Retoriano anchors the Bobcat defense at safety.
Montana State's offense was erratic last season and lost tailback Demetrius Crawford (1,314 yards) to graduation. But junior quarterback Cody Kempt should be better with a year under his belt.
5. Northern Arizona (6-5, 4-4, fifth)
The Lumberjacks won four straight Big Sky games early to move into the Sports Network's top-25 poll and become title contenders. Then, NAU turned around and lost its last four games to finish 6-5 for the third season in a row.
For the Jerome Souers-coached club to make a move this year, it will need a consistent season out of its new starting quarterback, ex-Mississippi passer Michael Herrick. Herrick passed for 1,043 yards in relief last season.
Running back Alex Henderson is looking to return to form after injuries stole five games from the middle of his 2008 season. The senior had 1,915 yards rushing in his first two years.
The Lumberjacks were first nationally in sacks (42) and rushing defense (59.8 yards per game) last season, but lost playmakers like safety Cyrus Igono and Buchanan Award finalist K. J. Gerard at cornerback as well as defensive end Steve Nwogbe. Linebackers Stevon Thomas, Cody Dowd and Zac McNally should be the heart of this year's unit.
NAU must also replace an All-American specialist in punter and place kicker Robbie Dehaze.
6. Portland State (4-7, 3-5, tied for sixth)
Jerry Glanville hasn't had the quick success that the Viking fan base expected when he came on as coach in 2007, but PSU could have enough talent to start moving up this season.
The offense has eight returning starters, but must replace legendary offensive coordinator and former Viking head coach Mouse Davis, who retired at the age of 75. Davis had devised a Run-and-Shoot attack that led FCS in passing for the past two years.
Junior quarterback Drew Hubel (4,208 yards passing, 33 TDs in two years) is back to direct the attack and has an arsenal of weapons that includes All- American fullback Bobby McClintock and receiver Aaron Woods (sixth nationally in all-purpose yards at 179 per game). But the team will be without Mario D'Ambrosio (76 receptions), who suffered a career-threatening knee injury in the spring.
To win, the Vikings need to beef up a running attack that averaged only 29 yards per game and a defense that allowed 197 yards. The loss of Buchanan Award finalist Andy Schantz at middle linebacker won't help the defense.
7. Sacramento State (6-6, 3-5, tied for sixth)
The Hornets broke a string of seven straight losing seasons last season under second-year coach Marshall Sperbeck and could continue to improve again in 2009, if replacements can be found for some key losses.
The biggest loss was junior running back Bryan Hilliard, who will miss the season as he recovers from shoulder surgery. Hilliard ran for 1,908 yards and 19 TDs in his first two seasons.
That will put more pressure on quarterback Jason Smith, who passed for 1,831 yards despite missing three starts with injuries. The Hornets hope that JC transfer Brandyn Reed will be an adequate replacement for graduated receiver Tony Washington (83 catches, 12 TDs last season).
On defense, Sac State must find out if there is life without linebackers Cyrus Mulitalo and Mike Brannon. Cornerback Deionte Gordon showed some promise as a freshman with four interceptions and 76 tackles.
8. Northern Colorado (1-10, 1-7, tied for eighth)
The Bears were FCS laughingstocks when they arrived in the Big Sky Conference, but now in their fourth year in the league, coach Scott Downing is starting to narrow the talent gap.
Bryan Waggener transferred from Florida and passed for 2,546 yards last year as a junior and is one of 17 returning starters, but he lost a big target in tight end Ryan Chesla (79 career catches). Tyrone Wilson will be called upon to step up the running game.
The Bears defense lost linebacker Cristian Sarmento (142 tackles, 10 sacks, 15 tackles for loss), but the team is hoping for big things from junior safety Max Hewitt.
9. Idaho State (1-11, 1-7, tied for eighth)
The good news for coach John Zamberlin is that the Bengals return 14 starters, including quarterback Russel Hill (2,634 yards, 14 TDs passing) and running back Clint Knickrehm (456 yards). The bad news is that ISU needed a 36-33 overtime win against Sacramento State in the final regular-season game to snap a 15-game losing streak.
The Bengals were ninth nationally in passing, but were 104th in rushing and ranked last in all of FCS defensively, giving up 480 yards per game.
Eddie Thompson, one of the top all-purpose men in FCS (3,031 career yards), and cornerback D.J. Clark (five interceptions) have been lost to graduation, but there are a lot of young players for Idaho State to build with. That probably won't help the Bengals much in the 2009 Big Sky race, however.
07/15 17:51:43 ET
Around FCS: Can Weber State stop Montana's streak?
By David Coulson, FCS Executive Director
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - It is never unwise to select Montana as the title favorite when you are predicting the order of finish in the Big Sky Conference.
The Grizzlies came within a play or two of seeing their 10-year run of winning or sharing the Big Sky championship come to an end last fall, but eventually came up with a share of title number eleven.
Montana was handled by Weber State, 45-28, in Ogden, UT last October, and didn't secure a share of an 11th straight league crown until WSU running back Trevyn Smith fumbled late in a 33-26 loss to Eastern Washington, as the Wildcats were driving for a potential game-winning score.
Montana earned some revenge with a 24-13 win over Weber State at home in the NCAA quarterfinals and eventually advanced to the national championship.
It was quite an accomplishment for a Grizzly team that had Montana coach Bobby Hauck saying, "I don't know what this season will hold," the previous summer.
While the normally-robust expectations were slightly tempered last season, the unexpected run to the title game has Grizzly fans dreaming of even better things this year.
That said, Montana, which has been in the playoffs every year since 1993, could be better this season and not have as much to show for it, as the competition in the Big Sky figures to be stronger than usual.
Weber State returns most of its prodigious offense and several key defensive performers after tying the Grizzlies for the Big Sky title last season.
Elsewhere in the league, Eastern Washington had a disappointing year, but also returns a productive attack that will make the Eagles difficult to beat.
Northern Arizona had one of the top defenses in FCS at times last year and has the talent offensively to make a run, if the Lumberjacks can find some consistency and survive their typically-tough schedule.
Montana State has quietly built itself into a defensive powerhouse and could make a playoff run with some improvement on the other side of the ball.
And could a dark horse team like Sacramento State or Portland State make a surprising run?
1. Montana (14-2 overall, 7-1 in conference, tied for first)
The Grizzlies lost the leaders of both their offense (quarterback Kole Bergquist) and defense (strong safety Colt Anderson), but the Bobby Hauck- coached team has most of the other elements back to make another national title run.
Former Oregon starter Josh Roper is the favorite to take over for Bergquist, but will be challenged by holdover Andrew Selle. Roper has a strong, accurate arm, but lacks the mobility and running prowess of Bergquist.
Whoever starts at quarterback will have Marc Mariani as a favorite target. Mariani is also a threat as a return man.
Chase Reynolds came on strong as a running back with 1,583 yards and 22 touchdowns, and has offensive linemen like Levi Horn and Terran Hillesland, as well as fullback Kevin Klaboe, opening holes for him.
The Montana defense may not have its normal household names, but is a gritty unit. Taking over leadership roles will be free safety Shann Schillinger, defensive end Jace Palmer and linebacker Shawn Lebsock.
The advantage that is Washington-Grizzly Stadium could give Montana an important edge when the Grizzlies entertain Weber State Oct. 31 in what could be the most important conference game of the season.
2. Weber State (10-4, 7-1, tied for first)
The Wildcats were in position for a top-four seed in the playoffs and an outright Big Sky title before coach Ron McBride's team lost its regular season finale to EWU. Weber State recovered, going on the road for a stunning win over Cal Poly in the playoffs, before a remarkable year ended at Montana.
With Cameron Higgins (4,477 passing yards, 36 TD passes) at the controls of an offense that includes fellow preseason All-Americans Trevyn Smith (running back), Tim Toone (wide receiver), Cody Nakamura (tight end) and Kyle Mutcher (center), the Wildcats will be difficult to stop.
Smith is one of the most unsung players in FCS. The multi-talented back has led the Big Sky in rushing for three consecutive years and can become one of only a handful of runners to gain 1,000 or more yards rushing in four consecutive years.
Defensively, the Wildcats have plenty to replace after losing standouts like nose guard Bryce Scanlon, linebacker J.D. Folsom and safety Scotty Goodloe, but defensive end Kevin Linehan will anchor the line and safety Beau Hadley will be back in the secondary.
Josh Morris proved himself as one of the top cover men in FCS last season, with his performances against receivers such as Cal Poly's Ramses Barden and Montana's Mariani.
3. Eastern Washington (6-5, 5-3, tied for third)
Coming off a quarterfinal-round playoff appearance in 2007, the Eagles had high hopes for last season and were considered potential Big Sky title favorites, but stumbled out of the gate.
This year, EWU is ineligible for the playoffs and the league title due to NCAA probation, but the Eagles have the talent to determine who will finish on top.
Matt Nichols (9,376 yards of total offense) is a four-year starter at quarterback but must regain the form he showed as a sophomore, when he threw for 3,744 yards and 34 touchdowns. He has an outstanding group of receivers with wideouts Aaron Boyce, Brynson Brown and Tony Davis (combined 166 catches, 2,229 yards and 17 TDs) and tight end Nathan Overbay.
Among the 15 returning starters are twin brothers Matt and Zach Johnson (179 tackles combined), who will lead the defense from their safety and linebacker positions. But the Eagles must replace Buchanan Award-winning defensive end Greg Peach, who graduated on to the Canadian Football League.
Second-year coach Beau Baldwin should be more settled in after a season of adjustments.
4. Montana State (7-5, 5-3, tied for third)
Rob Ash, now in his third year as coach, has done a remarkable job turning around the APR concerns and off-field problems he inherited. Now he can turn his attention to getting the Bobcat program back on track as a playoff contender.
If MSU makes an expected postseason push, it will be because of defense.
Dane Fletcher could become the signature defensive player in the Big Sky this season. The Buck Buchanan Award nominee at defensive end had 14.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks before a knee injury ended his year. Kevin Retoriano anchors the Bobcat defense at safety.
Montana State's offense was erratic last season and lost tailback Demetrius Crawford (1,314 yards) to graduation. But junior quarterback Cody Kempt should be better with a year under his belt.
5. Northern Arizona (6-5, 4-4, fifth)
The Lumberjacks won four straight Big Sky games early to move into the Sports Network's top-25 poll and become title contenders. Then, NAU turned around and lost its last four games to finish 6-5 for the third season in a row.
For the Jerome Souers-coached club to make a move this year, it will need a consistent season out of its new starting quarterback, ex-Mississippi passer Michael Herrick. Herrick passed for 1,043 yards in relief last season.
Running back Alex Henderson is looking to return to form after injuries stole five games from the middle of his 2008 season. The senior had 1,915 yards rushing in his first two years.
The Lumberjacks were first nationally in sacks (42) and rushing defense (59.8 yards per game) last season, but lost playmakers like safety Cyrus Igono and Buchanan Award finalist K. J. Gerard at cornerback as well as defensive end Steve Nwogbe. Linebackers Stevon Thomas, Cody Dowd and Zac McNally should be the heart of this year's unit.
NAU must also replace an All-American specialist in punter and place kicker Robbie Dehaze.
6. Portland State (4-7, 3-5, tied for sixth)
Jerry Glanville hasn't had the quick success that the Viking fan base expected when he came on as coach in 2007, but PSU could have enough talent to start moving up this season.
The offense has eight returning starters, but must replace legendary offensive coordinator and former Viking head coach Mouse Davis, who retired at the age of 75. Davis had devised a Run-and-Shoot attack that led FCS in passing for the past two years.
Junior quarterback Drew Hubel (4,208 yards passing, 33 TDs in two years) is back to direct the attack and has an arsenal of weapons that includes All- American fullback Bobby McClintock and receiver Aaron Woods (sixth nationally in all-purpose yards at 179 per game). But the team will be without Mario D'Ambrosio (76 receptions), who suffered a career-threatening knee injury in the spring.
To win, the Vikings need to beef up a running attack that averaged only 29 yards per game and a defense that allowed 197 yards. The loss of Buchanan Award finalist Andy Schantz at middle linebacker won't help the defense.
7. Sacramento State (6-6, 3-5, tied for sixth)
The Hornets broke a string of seven straight losing seasons last season under second-year coach Marshall Sperbeck and could continue to improve again in 2009, if replacements can be found for some key losses.
The biggest loss was junior running back Bryan Hilliard, who will miss the season as he recovers from shoulder surgery. Hilliard ran for 1,908 yards and 19 TDs in his first two seasons.
That will put more pressure on quarterback Jason Smith, who passed for 1,831 yards despite missing three starts with injuries. The Hornets hope that JC transfer Brandyn Reed will be an adequate replacement for graduated receiver Tony Washington (83 catches, 12 TDs last season).
On defense, Sac State must find out if there is life without linebackers Cyrus Mulitalo and Mike Brannon. Cornerback Deionte Gordon showed some promise as a freshman with four interceptions and 76 tackles.
8. Northern Colorado (1-10, 1-7, tied for eighth)
The Bears were FCS laughingstocks when they arrived in the Big Sky Conference, but now in their fourth year in the league, coach Scott Downing is starting to narrow the talent gap.
Bryan Waggener transferred from Florida and passed for 2,546 yards last year as a junior and is one of 17 returning starters, but he lost a big target in tight end Ryan Chesla (79 career catches). Tyrone Wilson will be called upon to step up the running game.
The Bears defense lost linebacker Cristian Sarmento (142 tackles, 10 sacks, 15 tackles for loss), but the team is hoping for big things from junior safety Max Hewitt.
9. Idaho State (1-11, 1-7, tied for eighth)
The good news for coach John Zamberlin is that the Bengals return 14 starters, including quarterback Russel Hill (2,634 yards, 14 TDs passing) and running back Clint Knickrehm (456 yards). The bad news is that ISU needed a 36-33 overtime win against Sacramento State in the final regular-season game to snap a 15-game losing streak.
The Bengals were ninth nationally in passing, but were 104th in rushing and ranked last in all of FCS defensively, giving up 480 yards per game.
Eddie Thompson, one of the top all-purpose men in FCS (3,031 career yards), and cornerback D.J. Clark (five interceptions) have been lost to graduation, but there are a lot of young players for Idaho State to build with. That probably won't help the Bengals much in the 2009 Big Sky race, however.
07/15 17:51:43 ET
