This Week in the Big Sky

Weber State (2-1, 1-0) at Montana (2-0, 1-0)

The Wildcats shocked conference-champion Montana last year, 27-20, for only their second victory over the Grizzlies in 11 games. But that was in Ogden, Utah. “Playing in Missoula is always tough on the opposing team,” Coach Jerry Graybeal of Weber State said. “They have a lot of rabid Grizzly loving fans who show tremendous support each game.” Montana is ranked No. 2 in the nation in NCAA Division I-AA. The Grizzlies are coming off a bye, which Coach Mick Dennehy said helped the team improve its execution. “It was also big as far as getting some key kids healed up,” Dennehy said. Quarterback Drew Miller and receiver Tanner Hancock had shoulder injuries in Montana’s 41-38 double-overtime victory over Sacramento State two weeks ago. Running back Yohance Humphery had a thigh bruise. All are expected to play. Weber State running backs Morgan Welch and Derek Poole combined for 245 rushing yards last week in a 27-24 victory over Idaho State. Poole had a 36-yard touchdown catch from Cole Cooper, who passed for 264 yards. Linebacker Jason Allen of Weber State, Big Sky defensive player of the week, had 15 tackles and helped hold Idaho State almost 200 yards below its season average of 580 yards per game.

Montana State (2-1, 0-0) at Cal State Sacramento (2-1, 0-1)

Montana State is coming off a 40-37 loss at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo that Bobcats Coach Cliff Hysell said exposed plenty of shortcomings. “It comes down to making plays,” Hysell said. “We need to avoid dropping balls. We need to not blow blitzes. We need to stay in our gaps and trust each other on defense. We need to wrap up on tackles.” Cal State Sacramento must stop running back Charles Roberts, who had 251 yards and two touchdowns during Montana State’s 37-30 victory last season. Roberts set Division I-AA rushing record last season with 2,260 yards. “Charles Roberts didn’t just burn us last year,” Hysell said. “He torched us.”

Portland State (2-1, 1-0) at Idaho State (2-1, 0-1)

Portland State could have the most potent offense in the Big Sky. Last week, Jimmy Blanchard threw four touchdown passes, including a school-record 99-yarder in a 48-39 victory over Eastern Washington. The Vikings have an excellent opportunity to go 2-0 entering a showdown next week against visiting Montana. Idaho State might have missed its only chance for a conference victory in a 27-24 loss last week to Weber State that was decided in the final seconds.

Nonconference

Northern Arizona (1-1) at Southwest Texas State (1-2)

The Big Sky will have to wait another week before getting a glimpse of Ronney Jenkins, who played at Hueneme High and BYU. Northern Arizona has been good and bad in nonconference games, routing Cal Poly San Luis Obispo but losing, 45-14, last week to New Mexico. Jenkins was held to 36 yards in 14 carries against New Mexico. Northern Arizona opens conference play next week at Eastern Washington.

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STANDINGS

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Conf. Season W L W L PF PA Montana 1 0 2 0 86 51 Portland State 1 0 2 1 102 101 Weber State 1 0 2 1 76 68 CS Northridge 0 0 1 1 52 90 Montana State 0 0 2 1 122 58 N. Arizona 0 0 1 1 69 66 Idaho State 0 1 2 1 120 58 CS Sacramento 0 1 2 1 127 85 E. Washington 0 1 1 2 104 110

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Today’s Games

CS Northridge at Eastern Washington, 6:05 p.m.

Weber State at Montana, 12:05 p.m.

Northern Arizona at SW Texas State, 5 p.m.

Portland State at Idaho State, 5:35 p.m.

Montana State at CS Sacramento, 6:05 p.m.

Oct. 2

Idaho State at CS Northridge, 3:05 p.m.

E. Washington at Northern Arizona, 4:05 p.m.

CS Sacramento at Weber State, 5:05 p.m.

Montana at Portland State, 6:05 p.m.