Poll: Most Improved Big Sky Team

[ajwildcat]

Which team will turn things around from last season?

 

[n.ogdencat]

Well based on paper and the players coming back, I think PSU has the best chance to make some noise next season. Granted, ISU winning 2 games would be a huge improvement for the Bengals. UNCO is going to struggle, but I think they have a good coach who will get the cubs playing better.

 

[EWURanger]

Gunna go out on a limb here and say ISU......Kramer knows how to motivate. I don't expect them to win more than 3 or 4 games this year, but even winning 3 games would be a huge improvement and certainly enough to qualify as "most improved".

 

[talhadfoursteals]

I really wouldn't doubt Northern Colorado getting a goose egg next year.

 

[bigskybears]

I really wouldn't doubt Northern Colorado getting a goose egg next year.

Why is that?

 

[talhadfoursteals]

I really wouldn't doubt Northern Colorado getting a goose egg next year.

Why is that?

Honestly?? Your HC isn't ready to run a program in the Big Sky. He was hired away from another FCS school that is in a far worse league than UNC's, and he didn't do very well while he was there (Alcorn State). I hope he proves me wrong. He is coming back to his alma mater, and that might be a huge motivator for him, but really, I think your administration really screwed the pooch on this decision. Also, your OL isn't anything special. Its probably the worst OL in the league, and the one thing that Bear fans could hang their hat on, Defense, lost a lot. Yeah, you are returning some talented players, but so is every team in the Sky. Personally, I think UNC should have stuck with Downing for another year. No he wasn't winning games, but the program was improving and getting to the point where they were competitive and on the cusp of winning close and big games (Weber, MSU, Eastern, and UM all were close loses last year for the Bears). I do like Orms, but if he doesn't have a line, he really won't be effective. Finally, with the coaching change, the recruiting wasn't spectacular, by saying it was average would be me being nice.

I will say...that my comment about UNC getting a goose egg wasn't very fair or warranted. I hope the Bears do better than that, but in my opinion they are going to take a step backwards. Whereas, ISU has a good core of players returning, being led by a HC who is a proven asset in the Sky. As for PSU, they could be the most dangerous team offensively. If they get their defense playing better, they will be very competitive. We all know how good Easterrn (reigning National Champ's) and MSU (reigning BSC Champs). UM is going into the season in unfamiliar territory and could end anywhere from 1st to 5th. SAC...hell, as much as I hate to admit this, they are solid, but beatable. NAU...well...the Lumberjacks are the wildcard. In terms of talent, NAU lost, perhaps the most, and will be in the midst of a serious rebuilding year. HOwever, they have had two good recruiting classes, and Souers is a veteran coach. Finally, Weber, yes Weber lost Higgins, but lets be honest, last season he was average. Weber was rebuilding last year. We were fortunate to have some offensive weapons available during a rebuilding year, but that doesn't mean the defense or other offensive players were at the top of their games. Yes, Higs, Phillips, and Collins are gone, but that doesn't mean Weber isn't in a position to contend. Weber has the best OL, two experienced TE's, back up lineman who could start for most Big Sky programs and a very proficient QB. By the end of the season everyone will know who Mike Hoke is. On defense...Weber is going to be nasty. The DL lost no-one and got the Beast back, along with a handful of new players who will make immediate impacts. The secondary and LB's are solid. This isn't a middle of the pack Big Sky team.

 

[SWeberCat02]

I really wouldn't doubt Northern Colorado getting a goose egg next year.

Why is that?

Hey Beardown, any truth to the rumor that Jace Davis won't play this year due to academics?

 

[bigskybears]

From what I understand, Davis is ineligible due to grades. However, I did talk to him during the spring and he said he is taking summer classes and should be okay. I guess we'll see.

I think we will improve under Earnest Collins. I don't claim do be an insider to the program but I do occasionally talk to players that I see or players' parents and they have nothing but positive things to say about how Collins is doing things. Downing was a good recruiter but couldn't win close games for the past 2-3 years. I can see us winning 4-5 games this year, even without Jace Davis because we do have depth at that position. Dylan Orms will be awesome in this offense if he stays healthy. We are running a spread/no huddle offense and Orms has a great first step. He's go wheels. He does have a bum knee that he injured last year so that will limit him somewhat.

 

[SDHornet]

PSU. They will have one year of running the Pistol under their belt and they will be returning a good amount of starters.

ISU improvement will probably be more visible in 2-3 years. They will get my vote in this poll next offseason.