Is the Big Sky a better conference than last year.

[macvik2003]

I think the conferance is imporved from last year. EWU and Sac state both almost had big upsets. ISU and NCU look like the only dogs in the conferance this year. I'm glad that the viks play both Montana and EWU at home this year, but do the viks have a chance in either of these games or a big sky champion ship?

 

[martymoose]

I think the conference is better overall this year.

 

[ManOfVision]

Yes, I think the Big Sky is better this year than last, but still inferior to where the league was at several years ago. Many used to think of the Big Sky as the SEC of FCS (then I-AA), but now it is probably no better than the third or fourth best conference at its level.

 

[martymoose]

...but do the viks have a chance in either of these games or a big sky champion ship?

Ask me after Saturday. ;-)

 

[bpcats1]

The Big Sky is definitely on its way up. Last year we had 4 head coaching changes along with (I think 5) freshman starting qbs. As the coaches settle in and the qb's develop, this will become a very competitive conference. The big problem will be is that we will spend beating up on each other so the word may not get out anytime soon. Scheduling games against other quality FCS teams and beating them will be key to regaining national recognition.

We also need a team other than UM or EWU to make the playoffs and win a game or two.

Its only been two weeks but my early impressions are:

UM - Still the team to beat and if they decide to open up that offense they will be scary
EWU - Will challenge UM this year
Northern Colorado - They outplayed Purdue for 3 quarters before collapsing. Their new qb is going to make a big difference in their future.
Idaho State - Still a little early to tell buy they have a lot of talent and a lot of fight in them.
Weber - Potential darkhorse - they brought back practically everybody from last year
Sac State - Their defense is very tough and their offense is progressing
Portland State - Will be dangerous later in the season as the freshman grow up
Northern Arizona - Will not be fun to play...could finish in the top 3 in conference
Montana State - If they had a better oline, they would be dangerous but they don't. Probably finish another 6-5 record.