Big Sky Now
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Big Sky Now
Big Sky Football Week 3 Recap: Montana State's Comeback Win, Grizzlies Blown Out at Oregon State + Week 4 Conference Play Kicks Off
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Week three brought Big Sky Conference football back down to earth, and week four kicks off conference play for real. On this episode of Big Sky Now, host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake sports editor Fritz Neighbor, Daily Inter Lake sports reporter Jon Allen, Coeur d'Alene Press sports editor Mark Nelke, and Columbia Basin Herald sports reporter Mike Maynard to break down every result and preview the full week four slate.
Montana State needed a second-half comeback to hold off Central Connecticut State 35-30, pushing the nation's longest active win streak to 18 games. It was a rough week on the road for the state's flagship programs: Montana fell 52-17 at Oregon State, and Portland State was run off the field 84-0 by Oregon. Idaho dropped to 0-4 in a heartbreaker against Abilene Christian, Eastern Washington lost big to Washington, Northern Colorado needed overtime to beat Northeastern State, Southern Utah fell to St. Thomas, and Cal Poly lost a shootout to San Diego.
Then the crew turns to week four, the first full slate of Big Sky Conference games. Montana travels to UC Davis for a Friday night shootout, a ranked Northern Arizona team heads to Bozeman to face Montana State, Idaho State looks to keep its hot start alive at Southern Utah, and Cal Poly and Eastern Washington meet in a game both teams need.
Play along with us and make your weekly picks in our season-long Pick 'Em! Someone needs to beat Jon. No registration required, and it's free to play: https://qr1.be/D321P8
Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:06 Montana State 35, Central Connecticut State 30 Recap
4:30 Oregon State 52, Montana 17 and Oregon 84, Portland State 0 Recap
10:12 Abilene Christian 41, Idaho 39: Vandals Fall to 0-4
12:58 Washington 48, Eastern Washington 16 Recap
15:02 Northern Colorado and Southern Utah Recaps
16:50 San Diego 38, Cal Poly 35 Recap
18:23 Rapid Scoreboard: UC Davis, Northern Arizona, Weber State
19:11 Week 4 Preview: Montana at UC Davis
23:05 Week 4 Preview: Northern Arizona at Montana State
25:33 Week 4 Preview: Idaho State at Southern Utah
28:08 Week 4 Preview: Cal Poly at Eastern Washington
30:12 Week 4 Preview: Portland State at Weber State and Utah Tech at Northern Colorado
31:31 Week 4 Pick 'Em: presented by Mountain Pass Safes & Coins
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On this episode of Big Sky Now, we discussed all of the results in week three before getting back into conference football play talk in week four as the Big Sky will finally be playing one another. Before we get started, I'd like to say a special thank you to MNC Tires for sponsoring this podcast. Let's not waste any time and get right to it. And welcome back everyone to the Big Sky Now podcast. I am your host, and we've committed more than this static to talk about week three results and we finally get back into that conference play week four. Before we talk about that, just let me introduce my panel. From the Daily Interlake, we have sports editor Fritz Neighbor and sports reporter John Allen. And then from the Columbia-based narrow, we have Mike Maynard. And last but not least, from the quarterlane press, we have Mark Nelke. Want to thank you guys for being on time today. Really excited to hear what we have from the week three results and also the week four. We're going to jump right into it and talk about one of the closest games of the week that we didn't expect to be close. It's Montana State 35, Central Connecticut 30. Wow, did Central Connecticut State give the Bobcats a scare in the second half going down as uh 14 points? Uh Montana State was down. Fritz, the Cats needed, you know, the comeback at home. And uh is this that Mercyhurst moment last year we saw with Montana State? Or, you know, how does this change your view on the number one team uh in the FCS?
SPEAKER_04Yeah, I suppose um I think Central Connecticut's a little bit better than what Mercyhurst brought out to uh Bobcat Stadium. And you know, that game could have been 28-7 because right before halftime, the Blue Devils had first and goal, and then they committed a bunch of penalties and then coughed the ball up on a third-down play and uh lost a fumble. So that left it 7-7, and then uh you saw him score, and then uh on the Bobcats next position get a scoop of scores 21-7. I'm thinking, huh. You know, this is uh this is good TV. And then the Bobcats just really I thought asserted control from there. I mean, I know the scores 35-30. Um it was 35-24, and the Blue Devils ate up a bunch of clock, got six first downs, had a really long drive to close 35-30, and then uh uh couldn't uh keep the possession on the ensuing onsite kick. And so um a couple things I thought were notable is Lampson um really played well the second half. First half, uh we saw Coach Vegan kind of yelling at him. I'd seen him yell like that at uh Lamson since last year's South Dakota State game. So maybe there was a little bit of concern there. I think Central Connecticut we forget that they were a playoff team the last two years, possibly. Um they kind of pushed him around for half, and it took a long time for the Bobcats to get control, but once they did, they didn't really give it up. And uh, you know, I was going back through the box today, and you know, Lamson threw an end-zone interception during their comeback. And still, even when that happened, I thought I still think the Bobcats have this because I I just didn't see it just felt like the momentum completely switched. So um I counted up. Lamson uh threw for I think 239. He had at 197 after halftime. So he really got things going. He threw so well uh interception notwithstanding that eventually Adam Jones tore off a couple big runs that put the game away, and there you have it. 18 straight wins. Every wins a record from here on out for the Bobcats, and uh they were the better team and they showed it when they really needed to.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, it was that first moment of the season for the Bobcats. We kind of get to see a little bit uphill battle for them, and a lot you hit it right on the head, Fritz. Justin Lampson more than efficient, 23 of 28. Uh, it was his first interception of the year, so that is something notable. Uh to maybe next week's uh we'll talk about it soon, Northern Arizona. They're gonna be able to see this film against Montana State and see how they can possibly beat the Bobcats. But we'll talk about that soon. Uh, I also thought, yeah, CCSU getting 24 first downs, uh, really able to work the clock. Uh they had 32 minutes of possession, so Montana State was a better team, but I really think Central Connecticut came in with a good game plan and could have given the Bobcats quite the loss there. That would have been historic. But the Bobcats winning streak stays at 18. Now, what I've been waiting to listen for all week, uh John. John heads over to go to the Oregon State, Montana game and also catches the Oregon and Portland State game. John, tell us about your trip and how fun it was and uh your reactions from both games.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, well, um, it's always a fun trip to go over to Oregon, uh, see some family who live over in that area. But um, be able to go down to Austin. It was my second time at Austin, play it, see the or see the Ducks play Portland State, saw them play Montana back in, I believe it was 2019, uh, there as well. Um, the it's a fun experience, of course. The game definitely not a close one, uh, 84 to nothing. And Oregon looked like they were uh trying to settle a score from I don't know what happened in the past between these two teams, but um yeah, most points the Ducks had ever scored or had scored since 1916 when they beat Will Lamett out of Salem uh 97 to nothing. Um they outgained them 723 to 103. Delon Thompson got the Portland State rushing yards into the positives in the final seconds of the game. Um so yeah, it just wasn't a good day for Portland State. And I know there's been a lot of discourse about the ducks going no huddle in that fourth quarter and throwing some goal line fades from 30 yards out when it's 77 to nothing. Take what you will with that. But uh that one just kind of it I think it was expected. Oregon was 58 and a half point favorites, and and they went in there and showed it. Um, as for the next day, I was thinking that Montana would come out a little bit better than they did. Um, you know, they fell but fell behind 35 to 3 there in the first half. And um really when you look at it though, I don't I didn't get a chance to see the TV version, like the TV of this game uh yet, but in in the stadium, you felt like there were some chances for the Grizzlies to you know keep it closer in that first half. You had Brooks Davis on a fourth and goal, kind of the ball go in and out of his hands. Uh uh in the end zone, that could have been a touchdown to make it that they they went three and out on their first drive, and then their second drive, they got stalled out just outside of field goal range and went forward on a fourth down, didn't get it. Um, second quarter, there's uh a play there on a a third or fourth down where Ayat's trying to make uh make his reads, and right as he turns his head away from Gilman, Gilman breaks through on a wheel route and has five yards of space. Would have been an easy touchdown if Ayat hangs with it for another second. Uh instead he turns, completes the pass for 17 yards still, but you know, it it could have been a lot different in that regard. So um and then you just kind of saw the the difference in talent of, you know, even though it's not the same Pac-12 of the old days, but Braden Atkinson's a really good quarterback. I believe he's second in the country in passing yards right now through three weeks, and then Jesse Legree as a freshman is one of the best receivers I think I've seen in person. So um I I really think Oregon State's gonna have a tough time holding on to him next year. Really hope he can. Uh hope they can because uh I'd love to see the Beavers, you know, start to do something in the Pac-12 again. But um overall, I just felt like it it was just a tough game for Montana, tough draw. And it's an Oregon State team that last year was really bad. This year they've much improved, and I don't think people have kind of realized that yet.
SPEAKER_01How cool, John. Not maybe for the Montana side of how they performed, even though Oregon State was was superior in this matchup, for you to go out there and experience this. Uh Fritz, did you have any thoughts about how the Grizz played?
SPEAKER_04Well, you know, I I was uh pushing pages a little bit, but I was listening to it on the radio and Chase Reynolds made some good points at halftime, but you know, he just um well he said a lot of the same things that John just said, you know, there were opportunities and they're just not playing well enough to take advantage of them and and uh you hope to see some some adjustment in halftime and play a lot better second half, and then Oregon State took three plays and scored again to go up 42 to 3. So they scored six times on their first seven possessions and uh and then uh you saw the Grizz kind of right the ship, you know. E Eli Gilman showed his talent. It kind of struck me funny because I was by that point I was watching and uh Gilman was out of the game with his helmet uh kind of tilt to back in his head and and sitting next to a teammate, kind of smiling and laughing, and uh the camera stayed on for quite a while. And I wondered, did did Brent P see that? Because pretty soon he was back in the game and he's picking up some yards. And uh he wound up with 82, and now he's the uh uh career rushing leader for the Grizz, which we all saw would thought thought would happen, and uh it has. Uh the Grizz got two 224 yards after halftime. A lot of it was kind of you know, those two late drives where they scored. And uh it should have been 238, but they lost 14 yards on a hook and lateral that Oregon State recovered and and uh converted into field goal. The only other thing is I thought um, you know what it was probably a good test for an O-line that's still trying to gel. Uh they won't play anybody better than Oregon State's D-line, I don't think, the rest of the season, and uh and they were able to uh clear some clear some lanes for Eli Gilman to get his.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, overall, just tough matchup for Montana, and the the respect should be for Oregon State as they were 0-2 going to this game, but they play two top 25 teams, and that offense is no joke. Uh, one thing I'm gonna be watching for the next couple weeks as we get into conference play is how uh how comfortable is Keely Ayat getting into the offense. I've seen a little bit of criticism online. I'm not gonna be that guy yet. Um, some are calling I've seen calling vanilla, some seem stale, or he's not ready for the season yet. I've seen a lot, a lot of different stuff, but I'm gonna be really watching him as we get back to big sky conference football going up against that level of competition. Um, because so far this season there's some Grizz fans that that haven't been happy, but we're gonna keep moving on based on time's sake. Uh, I'm gonna go right over here to Mark. Mark, we got to talk about Idaho again, unfortunately, on the bad side uh for another can we pass them up this week?
SPEAKER_03Maybe next week, yeah.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, maybe next week, but unfortunately they have a pie too. So this this one's gonna really sting for these guys. I know that's reporting. Mark Vandals Fall 0 and 4. The floor is yours for this game.
SPEAKER_03Oh man, the last two weeks have been kind of the same thing. Um, both weeks, you know, winnable games, and they they seem to just play just well enough to lose both of those games. Um, the Lamar game, they come out their home opener chance to be fired up front of the Kibbi Dome Faithful, and they fall behind 20 to 3 at the halftime, and then you know they make a run at it, and part of that's Lamar, you know, milking the clock, and so they come back, fall short. And then last week they they're going toe-to-toe with Abilene Christian, and they were playing really well. Then they had the play where Joshua Wood gets um gets the ball knocked away from him. He he thought he was throwing, he thought he was throwing the ball forward, and they said he was tucking it, and so they called it a fumble. They got a scoop and score. Then Idaho goes for it in its own territory on the next drive, turns it over the next play. They run a nice little screen pass, and the guy zips like 36 yards for a touchdown, and that's kind of the game. I mean, Idaho comes back, gets a couple quick touchdowns, but um Allen Christian, you know, was playing the clock and was able to run out the clock. So they gotta obviously gotta clean some things up, and hopefully this week, you know, they can do that. Joshua Wood has been remarkable the last, you know, first three games, four games. Um, but he's almost had to do too much. You know, he's been throwing and been a good runner, and that's what he can do, but they they can't just rely on him. Last week they finally started running the ball a little bit better with their other guys, and so hopefully that takes some of the the heat off of him because you know you know what happens to the running quarterbacks. So we'll we'll see. We'll see what they what they what they do this week there and they're bye with um with that easy game next week with Montana State coming to town.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, long week for Thomas Ford and the Vandals as they're gonna have to prepare for the Bobcats, uh, especially starting the way they have it. It's gonna be a lot of uh a lot of close closed door meetings, I assume, but also making sure the players are together. And and you know, I I really, really do almost feel bad for Joshua Wood as he's been so efficient uh running the ball, especially last game, four rushing touchdowns. Uh the defense is gonna really just have to come together over these big sky conference games going forward. And even though Abilene Christian didn't win a game before this, there's everyone should know that they're not they're not someone that should be walked over either. So this wasn't just an easy game. Idaho should have won at home again. Um keep on moving on here. Uh, I wanted to go over to Mike actually here. We're gonna talk really quick about Washington versus Eastern Washington. Uh the Eagles do unfortunately lose by quite a bit, Mike. But you know, what did what did you learn from this game? Is there anything? And and maybe there was some on the health side of hopefully everyone stayed healthy.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, that seems to be kind of the focus uh as they return home this coming weekend. Uh getting everybody healthy and getting ready to, I mean, let's be honest, they got a really tough slate, even though they're hosting most of the rest of their big sky conference games the rest of the season, they got a tough slate. So getting getting guys healthy and getting guys ready for that uh is probably a big, a big key focus this coming week. But um, you know, what continued to shine through with the Eagles this past weekend was that offense, as long as Nate Bell's behind center, that offense still can operate pretty well. I mean, they found a way to score in each quarter for going against a ranked FBS team. I mean, there are some positives you can take away from that. Um, as I mentioned last week, it's not necessarily about the win, but can we grow in some some some areas uh even with a loss? And I think I think there was some some glimpses of that. Um, you know, a few emerging players on defense. Um, Marcus Nixon recorded his first career interception. Bryce Smith posted 12 tackles uh and has reached double-digit tackles in four three of the four games that they've played so far, um, while Isaiah Perez added a sack. So some promise there in that defensive uh group that you know seems to be so far the season. A lot of the pressure is kind of leaning on them a little bit more than the offense. Um, so it'll be interesting to see how they take this week uh or this past week and build off it and um get themselves ready for uh certainly a tough matchup next uh this coming Saturday against Cow Poly.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, can't wait to talk about that game. We'll get to that soon, Mike. But unfortunately, as we said, Eastern loss, they dropped 0-4 all-time against Washington. This will be the fourth time they've played. And uh for Eagles fans, there's more home games coming, so don't be too worried. Their first four games, uh, three of them have been on the road. So we're gonna really learn about the Eagles here soon. I'm gonna cover two more games here quickly, give a little bit of a scoreboard recap, and then we're gonna dive right into week four where we can talk about the actual big sky matchups. Uh, another game, Northern Colorado 23, Northeastern State 17. Uh, Northern Colorado finally got in the win column, but uh, you know, absolutely had to earn it in this way, almost lose to the D2 program. Uh the Bears trailed 17-7 entering the fourth against Northeastern State. Uh, they did come in 3-0 and ranked 13th in Division II, but that's no excuse for the Bears here as they're at a much higher level school than that. Uh Northern Colorado did rip off 10 points in the fourth, including a 48 touchdown Landon Richardson field goal as well to force overtime. Uh Justin Green ended it with a 13-yard touchdown run in overtime. The Bears used two quarterbacks this game, uh, Kenny Luth and Brayton Silver. So 306 passing yards for those two. And overall, they needed to get this win and they were able to at home after trailing. And the last thing, you know, I really want to say for Northern Colorado as we're getting into conference play, is they've held a couple of teams close. Even like Wyoming, they almost had that game, and they only lost to Weaver State by one. So Northern Colorado is gonna have a big couple weeks coming up here, and it was important they got this win. And then we go to Southern Utah, who actually loses last week to St. Thomas 28-26. Very close game. Uh, it was about one play from stealing it in Minnesota, but the Thunderbirds trailed 28-20 late, got the ball back with under a minute left. Will Burns did hit Mark Bales for an 18-yard touchdown. Unfortunately, the two-point conversion was out of reach, so they were unable to tie the game, and St. Thomas was able to run out the clock. So just wanted to give an update on those two games. But for those two teams, I'm excited to see how they will compete coming up against uh same level schools. Another recap here. Oh, you know, I want to actually ask Mike really quick. We did have one more game. Uh, Mike, San Diego 38, Cal Poly 35. Totally forgot about this one, but I wanted to ask you about it. What were your thoughts about this surprise loss?
SPEAKER_00Just a shootout. Uh I I I won't be surprised if Cal Poly comes out this Saturday just uh angry, playing angry. Uh, I'd use a different term uh if we weren't on a podcast. But um, you know, that's a loss that especially with the way that they played, you know, you you I imagine a lot of those players are like, we shouldn't have come out on the losing end of that. Um, you know, Anthony Grigsby, uh over 60% completion, three touchdowns, no picks, uh, and has been efficient all year long. And then what meanwhile, they got a really uh underrated run game. I don't know if we've talked much about their running backs, but Jaden Green and uh Misa won't even I won't even disrespect the last name by butchering it. Um but I mean these dudes these dudes are moving the ball really well. Uh Jaden Green's, I believe, on the season is averaging over six yards a carry, had 17 carries for 126 yards and a touchdown this game. Uh Misa had three for 40, averaging 13, but he's also averaging over five per game this season so far. So uh this offense seems to be pretty well balanced and they got a lot, a lot of strength. So I imagine that they'll they'll they'll touch up on the things that they probably feel that they came short on uh in this game and look to look to correct things uh in in Cheney on Saturday.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, they're gonna want to bounce back from the this one immediately. They did come back, like I said, 35-21 the second half, but unfortunately they were not able to get the job done. Uh three other games, just gonna say the scores of UC Davis 45, Stetson 7. Davis led 28-0 at half there. Uh Northern Arizona gets a win over Utah Tech 35-23. Lumberjacks at 495 yards, and Ty Pennington threw for 311. But Utah Tech did make it close. They cut it 28-23 in the fourth before the Lumberjacks put it away. And lastly, Weaver State 49, Northwestern State 20. Weaver gets their second win of the season, and they finally got home, scored 21 points in the first, and rushed for 229 yards. All right, finally, what I've been waiting for since day one is to talk even more conference football. We're here now, week four. All the big sky teams will be playing each other this week, except Idaho is on the bye. We're gonna kick it off first with a huge matchup. Montana travels down to California and we'll be taking on UC Davis on the road. I'm gonna go back to Fritz here. Fritz, the Grizz are on the road again. It's gonna be a night game. What's your level of trust with this team going forward and what do you expect?
SPEAKER_04Well, I kind of expect a shootout. I think um UC Davis is for real. You know, they swept the player of the week honors after uh beating up on the Hatters. Um Trainer Cleveland seems to pick up where Caden Pinnock left off. You know, he had um he had a bunch of yards, 330, I believe, against Stetson. Um it helps you have uh Samuel Gabatu in in the fold. He had 10 catches for 172, so he's the offensive player of the week. Uh Zach Jones took a punt back for a touchdown for the Aggies. He's the D the uh special teams player of the week. And then uh Porter Connors, um 10 tackles, I think, and then he popped the ball loose on another special teams play. And and uh yeah, they're for real. They're ranked number 10. The Grizz have dropped to number five following their Oregon State loss. Um I think we all are waiting um for uh for Keely to really connect with his uh receivers. You know, it's still kind of um a process, I think. You know, obviously Brooks Davis is for real. He had he had the long touchdown against Oregon State, but he also had one he he could have gotten, didn't and uh they're just not quite there, but I think uh Saturday would be a good time for that to uh start happening for him. And congrats to Caden Pinnock and the Wazoo Cougars for getting a win last week over Duquesne.
SPEAKER_01Yes, shout out to Pinnick for that previous UC Davis freshman uh quarterback. Uh John, we go over to you here. Uh I did find today. UC Davis has won 11 uh straight home openers online, but what what do you do you think needs this game more, John?
SPEAKER_02Yeah, um well that's a good one. I feel like of course both teams need this game. It's a tough game to win. Um, Montana going on the road once again. Um, they picked up their three wins at home to start the season and then went to Oregon State and and kind of got trounced. Whereas you got UC Davis who started out solid, they got you know beat up by SMU. That was expected. Um, but that first half against Portland State, you just kind of feel like that looms over them, and and you wonder if that's ever going to show up once again. Um, so but when I really look into the schedules going forward, I see I see what Montana has to deal with, and I really think that that means that the Grizzlies need to win this game. Their schedule looks much more difficult on paper than what UC Davis has coming up. Um, you know, you still got at Eastern, you've got at Northern Arizona, you've got home against Idaho State, who's looking really good this year. You've got, of course, Montana State at the end of the season. So there's four tough games there. They need to get as many wins out of them as they can. Um, and you know, a big road win can really set up the rest of the season to kind of maybe give them a spark after coming out a little flat this last week. And you know, everyone expected a big win against Utah Tech, and it was only a 35 to 14 showing that was 21-0 in the fourth quarter. So um they they uh a game this weekend, the a good showing against UC Davis this weekend is something that really could be able to spark this team going forward. Um, you know, and and for Davis, it's definitely just kind of you know, springboarding the the big one that they just got offsets in and and see if they can use that as more momentum to maybe round out the season, uh competing with the Bobcats for a for a big sky championship.
SPEAKER_01I do think this is gonna be a shootout. One thing I did find today, uh both teams, same record, um, but through four games, they're only separated by three and a half yards of offense per game. So they play different teams. I do know that, and the scale is different if you want to balance it. But both offenses are gonna be looking to be efficient here, and it's gonna be a huge game for both teams. And when it comes to who needs it more, I think John, you hit it on the head. I think Montana really does uh with the level of schedule coming up. Uh, moving on here, John, I'm gonna throw it right back to you as we have Northern Arizona at Montana State this week. I know the Bobcats are certainly looking to play better this week, but those ranked Jacks are coming to town. And the last team, I was able to actually find this today, too. The last team that beat Montana State before their 18-game winning streak in a base guy. Oh, they won 18 games from last year FBS, but NAU was able to beat them the year before. So, John, the floor is yours for this matchup.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, um, well, I mean, Montana State definitely is gonna want to try to play a little better than they did last week. Um, get off to uh, you know, a better offensive start. I I think we Fritz kind of touched on it earlier. We saw some good things still from Lamson, you know, Adam Jones maybe having a little bit of a breakout there at the end, his first uh you know, you know, really truly big game, I feel like this season, getting two touchdowns and 132 yards on the ground. So I like to see what they can do to springboard that. Um and being at home is always gonna help. It's always a tough place to play to go into Bozeman. Um, and for NAU, I really feel like this is one of those games where we can kind of truly gauge just how good they are. I know I kind of said this last year when they when they met with Montana State uh in Flagstaff is that it's got it was a game for them to really just show what they truly bring to the table this season. Um and you know, they're not gonna have the ability to make it a home game and try to get the fans out and force and everything for this one, but we're really gonna see just what Ty Pennington can do at a quarterback, um, how this defense that's you know, they forced six turnovers last week against Incarnate Word. Um, what can they do against a very good Montana State offense? So um I think it's a it's a prove yourself week for NAU that even if they don't win, if they can keep this game close, it gives them a lot of confidence moving forward into conference play.
SPEAKER_01One thing I want to hit on uh I forgot to say from this last week's game for Montana State, all four other sacks came from down lineman and Seth Brock had two in his first career start. So just want to get that out there. But then going back to this game, um, it's it's gonna be fun. ESPN too, so you know it's gonna be one of those classic night games. I would love for this to go down to the wire and be watching it late Saturday night. I don't know when it comes to prediction time if I'll be thinking the same way, but uh I'm excited for this matchup for sure. We're gonna keep moving on here. I'm gonna go back over to Mark. We're gonna go Idaho State at Southern Utah. Uh Mark, the Bengals now have some expectations to deliver in the big sky after this uh amazing start. You know what can they show you on Saturday to be a legitimate playoff team?
SPEAKER_03Yeah, it's kind of weird. They're kind of like out of sight, out of mind a little bit. I mean, they had a couple home games against teams they should have beat that they beat. They had the the big win at Utah State, then they were off last week. So you almost kind of forget about them. It's like, okay, they're back. Um this obviously they can play with southern Utah and and uh and can win this game. Obviously, with Jordan Cook being able to sling it, and they're able to run the ball a little bit, and their defense is okay. Um, southern Utah gave up 42 points at home to Weber State that was playing its backup quarterback. So there's some yards there to get. So I think this this ought to be a really good game, and it it's kind of like another another chance for another signature win for Idaho State.
SPEAKER_01It'll come on in Southern Utah's uh actual their homecoming. So interesting, interesting game there as they'll be definitely ready to play. Mike, did you have anything to add to this game?
SPEAKER_00Yeah, I kind of just wanted to sing the the Bengals' praises a little bit. I think with the way that they've started the season, and you know, honestly, I think we're as much as I enjoyed the start of Southern Utah season, the way that that offense can really, you know, be explosive at times. Uh, I think they've come back down to earth a little bit. They've lost a lot of close games. So to me, I'm starting to ask questions can this team finish a game? Which kind of gives me a little more confidence in Idaho State with the way that they've started the season and this being one of their best starts uh since the 90s and just the way that they're rolling their hot right now. So uh yeah, I'm I'm excited. I think it should be a good game, but I kind of lean in favor of those Bengals.
SPEAKER_01The Bengals right now are sitting at number four in the entire FCS passing yards allowed, number two nationally in pass uh efficiency defense. So I'm looking for this defense to travel. Fritz, your Bangles, what are your thoughts?
SPEAKER_04Well, I um I was a big booster for southern Utah too, especially after the way they played the Grizzle first week. But uh yeah, I'm gonna stick with my Bengals. I just think they're uh their team on the rise. They were they showed it last year and they've kind of continued it. And uh I like their coaching and I like their offense.
SPEAKER_01I do too as well. Fritz, excited to watch that matchup. I'm gonna throw right back to Mike here. As we were just talking about Cal Poly, Eastern Washington. We're gonna reel it back in. Mike, what do you see from this matchup? I think this could be uh this could be a barn burner for sure. Both offenses could be uh exciting in this one.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, I think I think Eastern Washington really has its work cut out for them this week. Um I have no doubts in what that the the offense will show up. Um they have consistently throughout the year so far. Um once again, this is gonna be a really big game, big test for that defense with the type of offense that Cal Poly seems to be bringing. Um, very well balanced. I mean, that quarterback, he he can do his thing back there. Grisby is is really solid. Uh has only turned the ball over four times here while throwing 11 touchdowns, has a really nice completion percentage. Um, you know, so he can operate the pass game really well while that run game, which is probably the strength of their offense, uh, I mean, they got a two-headed monster back there. So um that defense, it's gonna, it's gonna come down to can they, if they end up in a shootout, I mean, who's gonna get the the first stop, right? I mean, that's kind of that's kind of where I'm I'm leaning. Um, you know, we've talked a lot about this team has shown promise, potential. Um, they've started to take steps on either side of the ball. Um, now that we're in big comp big sky conference play, I'm I'm eager to see the Eagles show that they can turn these things into results and uh get off to a good start in conference play. They may be one and three, but they're only 0-1 in big sky. So if they get a win this weekend, they're one and one and they're back, they're back in poised to uh you know get things back on track for themselves uh the rest of the way, where we get into October where they're hosting, you know, three straight games and they're gonna be at home a lot more. I guess they're tougher opponents like uh Montana and Montana State. Uh so this is a this is a huge momentum game for the Eagles. They they I think they need this one um just as bad as Cal Poly does coming off that loss.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I think like you said, both teams really need this win, especially getting back into conference play. If Eastern falls one and four, you know, it's how much has it changed your view on the team? And then same with Cal Poly. You you get back-to-back losses with last week's being really bad, unfortunately, to San Diego and losing on the road to Eastern, it just creates that uphill mountain that unfortunately Cal Poly might have to deal with. So I'll be watching this game, seeing what defense gets more stops and what quarterback do we trust more, Grigsby or Bell. I'm gonna cover the next two again really quickly, and when we'll get over to our picks here. Uh, we have Portland State at Weber State, not gonna spend too much time on it. What I wrote down, uh Vikings are gonna be 0-4, but they're looking to get back to the opening stretch. They started with the first half, UC Davis. I'm still bringing up that first half they had in that first game. I want to see that Portland State team return. Haven't seen it yet. But Eric Carr's got it get the uh Eric Carr deserves the respect. His team, 35.5 points per game and over 400 yards. His son Noah Carr leads the FCS with six receiving touchdowns. And uh Spencer Ferguson also averaging 6.7 yards a carry. So I want to see Portland State get back to that side they were playing UC Davis, but the Weber State offense is very efficient. It's been impressing me. So that's what I'll be watching in that game. And then last game, I have Utah Tech at Northern Colorado. And I think this is just really another chance for Northern Colorado to stack wins here. I think the Bears finally broke through in overtime last week in the game they should have won. This is a chance to do another game that I think they should win. And Utah Tech has had quite the gauntlet to start their season, but I still don't know if if they're fully developed and ready in the big sky teams yet. Maybe by next season we'll see that. But you never know. Going on to our next segment here is going to be our pick segment. But before that, um I gotta give you guys a message. Mountain Pass Safes and Coins is going to be our sponsor for our pick segment. Mountain Pass Safes and Coins is your local source for safes, precious metals, and personal defense products. From professional safe delivery and relocation to champion safes and burno launchers, they have the products and expertise to help protect what matters most. Visit Mountain Pass Safes and Coins on Highway 2 East in Calisbell. I also wanted to let you know if you wanted to make your selection of picks with us on the podcast. In the description below, we have a link that'll take you right to our pick selector. You can pick all the games every single week throughout the season and see how you do against us in our weekly pick segment. First, just want to give uh another congrats to John being in the lead still. John, 37 for 42 so far this year. Still a great start. Let's hear what you got this week.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, it was kind of a rough week for us all last week with some of those games. Um uh I know we usually uh we usually see a lot of home teams being picked here. I'm actually gonna go with three road teams to win this week. We'll go uh I'm gonna take Cal Poly over eastern Washington on the road. I'm gonna take Utah Tech on the road over northern Colorado, uh, and I'm gonna take Idaho State on the road over southern Utah. Uh, and then I'm gonna pick the three home teams in the last three. Uh Weaver State at home will be Portland State. I'm gonna take UC Davis over Montana at home and Montana State over Northern Arizona.
SPEAKER_01Mark, we have you at 35 for 42 so far. The floor is yours.
SPEAKER_03Yeah, well, I picked the vandals the last two weeks and got burned, so I made it note, wrote it down. I'm not gonna pick the vandals this week. So I'm gonna start. We'll start. I will not lose that one. Uh I'm gonna start in Chini with uh the Eagues winning at home on the red against Cal Poly. I'm gonna take northern Colorado to stave off Utah Tech's upset bid. I'm gonna take um Idaho State to win at southern Utah. I'm gonna take Weber State over Portland State. Um, I thought about this Montana UC Davis for a while. I'm gonna take UC Davis at home. It's second, the second straight road game for Montana. I don't know if there's a uh cumulative effect of the travel or not, but I I think it's gonna be a close game anyway. But I think UC Davis will win at home. And then Montana State um will rebound and play better against um northern Arizona. I think Ida they kind of had maybe their stinker a little bit last week. I think Idaho was kind of hoping maybe they would have saved it for next week, but maybe they got that thing out of the way and Montana State will win on Saturday.
SPEAKER_01Mike, uh third place, but you're only one pick behind Mark. You're at 34 for 42.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, um I think for now, I think I'm just gonna have to go against the Eagles and say Cal Poly uh edges one out. I forgot to mention they got Mikey uh DeMato on defense, who I thought was an underrated player last year in the big sky. So and he's back doing his thing. So uh Cal Poly over Eastern, uh Idaho State over southern Utah, Weaver State over Portland State, uh Northern Colorado over Utah Tech. I'm gonna go with UC Davis as well, getting a win over the Grizz, and then Montana State over Northern Arizona.
SPEAKER_01Beautiful, Mike. Thank you. Uh for me this week. I'm surprised you didn't do it, Mike. I'm gonna take Eastern Washington over Cal Poly. I like Eastern at home after that brutal opening stretch they've had. Uh, I'm gonna take Northern Colorado narrowly over Utah Tech. I think Northern Colorado uh should win this game, but in normal fact, they usually do make things very close. I'm gonna take Idaho State over southern Utah. I keep believing in Fritz's Bangles until the wheels fell off. Weaver State over Portland State. I'm gonna continue trusting that offense, but still need to see improved defense for the Wildcats. And then this one I really did think about. I wanted to take Montana, but as we're talking back-to-back uh games on the road and UC Davis's stellar record to open games uh at home, it's gonna be tough for me to take the grid. So I'm gonna go UC Davis on that pick. And last but not least, I also wanted to take Northern Arizona. Tried to look into you know if there is any statistical things online when I was going through my stats that would bounce out of the way. Nothing did. So we're gonna go right back to the Bobcats. Well, folks, that's gonna do it.
SPEAKER_04I know I mean last, but let's look at the pick, don't I? Such disrespect.
SPEAKER_00We already know you're picking out a jose. We already know. Oh Fritz, I gotta let you.
SPEAKER_01I got I'm trying to get ahead of you, Fritz. That's why I did that. I'm just trying to not let you pick. Uh Fritz. Luke thought that he wasn't in last.
SPEAKER_04Yeah. Shall I go? Oh, go ahead. I'm gonna say that uh Eastern is no San Diego, so I'll take Cal Poly. Um man, San Diego, I should have picked them. They have their number. They have Cal Poly's number. Uh so um I'll take Cal Poly, I'll take Northern Colorado over Utah Tech, I'll take my Bengals and a shoot app. I'll take Weaver State. I'm gonna pick the Kriz to get a signature win. Um in by in the in the short tenure of Bobby Kennedy so far. And then uh I'll take the cats to beat any of you.
SPEAKER_01Perfect. Thank you, Fritz. Apologize for that skipping over you. But uh, all right, folks, that's gonna be uh all the time we have on this episode of Big Sky Now. Really appreciate for everyone that's still listening. Uh please comment, share your pics with us, subscribe, share the video with friends. Really appreciate everyone out there. Um if you want to drop us a comment, leave a question. We've got a couple engagements in the last couple episodes, love reading those. Um but for now, that's gonna do it for this week, and we will catch you next week on big time.