Big Sky Football Week 4 Recap: Montana Explodes for 62, Idaho State Stays Unbeaten + Week 5 Preview

Week 4 delivered a statement from the Montana Grizzlies and another nail-biter for Idaho State, and Week 5 brings a stacked Big Sky slate headlined by a Friday night trap game in Moscow. 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 week coming up.

Montana blew the doors off UC Davis 62-22 behind a career rushing day from Eli Gilman, who set the program's single-game rushing record. Idaho State survived a turnover-filled battle with Southern Utah to stay undefeated at 4-0, Cal Poly knocked off Eastern Washington 31-27 behind running back Jayden Green, and Montana State beat Northern Arizona 28-14 despite missing three of its top offensive players to injury. Portland State pulled off a wild shootout win over Weber State, and Northern Colorado rolled past Utah Tech 37-13 for its second straight win.

Then the panel turns to a loaded Week 5: Idaho hosts Montana State on a short week with the Bobcats' top playmakers still banged up, Montana hosts Northern Colorado for a homecoming game that doubles as head coach Bobby Kennedy's return to his alma mater, and an undefeated Idaho State hosts Northern Arizona in what the panel calls a potential postseason resume game. The show wraps with the weekly picks segment, where Jon Allen looks to extend his lead atop the standings.

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
1:10 Montana 62, UC Davis 22 Recap
5:59 Idaho State 28, Southern Utah 24 Recap
9:20 Cal Poly 31, Eastern Washington 27 Recap
13:50 Montana State 28, Northern Arizona 14 Recap
19:17 Portland State Outlasts Weber State in Wild Shootout
23:05 Northern Colorado 37, Utah Tech 13 Recap
25:08 Week 5 Preview: Idaho at Montana State
29:13 Week 5 Preview: Northern Colorado at Montana
32:11 Week 5 Preview: Northern Arizona at Idaho State
34:42 Week 5 Preview: Eastern Washington at UC Davis
37:32 Week 5 Preview: Southern Utah at Utah Tech
38:46 Week 5 Preview: Weber State at Cal Poly
39:57 Week 5 Pick 'Em: presented by Mountain Pass Safes & Coins

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Transcript

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SPEAKER_02 0:21

On this episode of Biggest Guy Now, we dive into a chaotic week four slate with so many games to talk about, including Montana's huge win over UC Davis and Montana State survives against Northern Arizona without Justin Lambson. Then we dive right into next week's games and give our picks of the week. But first, I just wanted to give a shout-out to M ⁇ C Tires for sponsoring this podcast. Let's not waste any time and get right to it. Welcome back everyone to the Big Sky Now podcast. I'm your host, David Smith. More than excited to talk about the week four and week five related games with you, and thank you for tuning in. Before we do that, I need to introduce my panel. First, from the Daily Interlake, we have sports editor Fritz Saber and sports reporter John Allen. Next, we have Mike Maynard from the Columbia-based narrow. And last but not least, we have Mark Melkey from the Quarterlink Fred. Thank you guys for being here. We're all early today, so we're all super excited to talk football. We're gonna get right into it as we're gonna talk about Montana defeating UC Davis 62 to 22. Uh one exclamation point for Bobby Kennedy and the team. Eli Gilman sets a school record for a career uh for a rushing yards in a game. Uh Fritz, I'm gonna throw this one to you right away. What what was your reaction on such a big win for Montana?

SPEAKER_04 1:46

Well, you know, I I predicted a Grizz win, which not uh all of us did. And uh, but I just there's no way I would have predicted a 60 burger. Um you know, it just seemed like they got going early and often, and the longer they played, the better they looked. And the worse UC Davis looked, that was really surprising. Um, the way they just, you know, to fall behind 31-0. Um, you know, they're pretty good. They've got some great players. Um if you're a Grizz fan or a Grizz coach, you had to be concerned about Gabato and the the great receiver and Porter Connors. And I just didn't really see either one have much of an effect, you know, 31-0, the Grizz roll out, and um and just kept the pressure on, scored 31 in each half. And then, you know, what can you say about Gilman? I I thought he would probably take it up a notch. He's taking it up a notch every season. I think it's more like two notches, maybe two and a half this season, you know. And I believe the 26 carries is a career high. Obviously, the 275 is a grizzled record that uh takes Johansey Humphrey down to number two, and he was a great one and um basically uh put the grizz on his back in 2001 and carried him to a national title. Um which is great. You know, he had that techmo bowl spin move on the 15 yarder, that was his third TD. Um and then um and then the last one yeah, the the Aggies were just worn down. They I think there were three arm tackles they tried on the 58-yarder at the end, and uh good luck with that. So just a great win, very timely, I think. Um I think Bobby Kennedy maybe heard some whispers for the way they performed and how badly they lost at Oregon State. Although I thought Oregon State was really good. Um if you know, if somehow the Grizz would have lost that game at Davis and then Bobby Hawk resigns the next day at uh at Illinois. I uh wonder what the uh wonder what the E Grizzers would have said. So it was uh it was timely in that fashion. Um good for Bobby Kennedy, good for the program.

SPEAKER_02 3:44

Really good for for the program. John, I'm gonna go right over to you. Um, even if you want to talk about offense, you can, but I just want to say, you know, Montana's defense also showed up in this, you know, forcing two fumbles, uh, three sacks, eight tackles for loss. Uh, what impressed you the most from that side, maybe, and any other thoughts, even if you wanted to hit on Houk as well?

SPEAKER_01 4:02

Yeah, I mean, well, anytime you can jump out to a 31-to-nothing lead in the first half, the defense is doing something, right? They're getting stops, you know, getting the getting the ball back into the offensive hand offense's hands. Um I mean, what more can you say about Eli Gilman than what Fritz already did? And he's being a little humble today as well. He's the only one of us who picked Montana to win that game, I believe. So uh all of us were riding the the Davis train at home. So um, but yeah, I mean, just that all around great performance for the team. You know, there were some points where you looked at it and the Grizz gave up a quick score, and you were kind of wondering, like, oh, okay, well, let's see if Davis can kind of use that momentum and string together a couple of drives now. And then the you know, Montana would either go right down and score again, or or you know, if they had to punt or turned it over, which they I don't believe they did turn it over in the game, um, but the defense was right there to stand back up and and and get going. And one drive that really kind of stuck out to me with that momentum idea um wasn't one of Davis's scores, but there in the second quarter, they punted and pinned Montana down at the one. And and Bobby Kennedy instantly opened up the playbook, didn't go, you know, hand up the middle, try to get some yards out of the end zone. No, he let he let Ayat take the pass out of shotgun, roll out, find Ian Finch for a 12-yard gain. And then next play, you know, uh Gilman breaks off a 64-yard run, and they're in business. So um there was a lot of trust there for uh for Montana with Bobby Kennedy and you know, just letting Ayat run this offense the way that he wants to run it. Um and yeah, it just ended up working great for Montana in that regard.

SPEAKER_02 5:37

Yeah, I noticed in Kennedy's presser, uh, he brought an offensive and a defensive lineman because he was just proud overall of you know, Gilman had a great game or Brooks Davis. Or you can take any of these players, but it came down to the trenches, and I think Montana really just dominated. And they what a tale of two weeks uh from the Oregon State game. Obviously, two different opponents. Oregon State's very good. But if you remember last week, UC Davis swept all of the big sky awards. So uh a very up and down week for both teams, but uh excited to see the Grizz starting to do some really good offensive play, especially I 241 yards. Um, we're gonna keep rolling here though, because I want to hear from Mark. Mark, Idaho State stays undefeated as they take down southern Utah 28-24. Uh Mark, let's hear what you got.

SPEAKER_03 6:21

Yeah, uh exciting game. Um, evenly played game, kind of weird game, lots of turnovers, so it wasn't exactly a clean game. Um, Idaho State had four, southern Utah at three. Um, Southern Utah scored 14 points off those turnovers. Usually you um that means you southern Utah is gonna win, but Idaho State started out, they fumbled on like the first drive, and Southern Utah scored, and then they almost turned the ball over. I think Southern Utah thought it was a turnover on the second drive, but um refs didn't agree. And then um Southern Utah goes on, and then on Idaho State finally gets on the board late in the in the second quarter. Two-yard pass to former Queer Lane High Vikings star Kai Wheeler. His first college catch for the um tight end or wide receiver Redshirt freshman. So that was pretty cool. Um Idaho State finally gets going and stops throwing the ball over for a little while, goes up 21-10. Southern Utah then comes back and takes a 21-24-21 lead. Idaho State takes a lead back. They get a punch out and a forced fumble at the three-yard line, and then they get a sack on the next series to save it. So, you know, fun game to watch. I thought it was a pick'em game going in, and is like you know, it seemed like every week we talk about Idle State. Is this you know, is this the game they need to prove it? And you know, once again, once again, they they did their 4-0.

SPEAKER_02 7:53

They did prove it again. Fritz, uh, what how are you feeling about your Bengals? It's the first time since '95 they're four and oh, and now it's eight straight games dating back to last season they've won.

SPEAKER_04 8:03

Yeah, in a row. And uh, you know, um, like Mark said, it wasn't the cleanest game. Um Floyd Chalk, I thought, looked great for Southern Utah, and then he uh he fumbled at the end of a couple positive plays. He had that foam at the 30-yard line, you know, and that wasn't at the end of an eight-yard run. You know, it looked like he was possibly gonna make uh uh score touchdown and put him ahead, and all of a sudden the ball's loose, and uh he um he came right after Jordan Cook fumbled to kick the door wide open for the T Birds, you know. And you know, I was kind of repping the T Birds after they played the Grizzlies close in the season opener in week zero. And um they just uh they just kept kind of hurting themselves, you know. That Will Burns threw a pick at the four-yard line at Issues four. And um I just think that uh Southern Utah could have won, could have, should have won that game. But you know, that's what good teams do. I mean, maybe Idle State didn't play their best game by far, but they came through and made another plays at the end to win it. And uh force turnovers are forced turnovers, you know, they count and they help you win games.

SPEAKER_02 9:06

I'm glad you said, you know, that that Southern Utah really hurt themselves because uh one number I saw, you know, 110 yards of penalties and such a four-point loss is gonna come down to that. And also, you know, Southern Utah has lost three games by a combined 13 points, so they're they're staying in it and they're just not being able to complete games. We might have to talk about that soon with Eastern Washington, but uh that's just another school I'm looking at trying to see how they are able to finish. Um, but we'll jump right into it because I've been waiting to hear from Mike. Mike was at the game. Cal Poly defeats Eastern Washington 31 to 27. Mike, Cal Poly's 2-0 uh in the big sky for the first time since 2013. And Jaden Green, I mean, the floor is yours on this one.

SPEAKER_00 9:49

Yeah, yeah. Jaden Green is where we need to start. I mean, might be one of the more overlooked running backs, not only in the big sky, but maybe even in the country in terms of FCS. The dude has some unreal speed and was honestly the difference maker for Cal Poly in this game. Um, quite honestly, the Eastern defense played better when Cal Poly opted to pass. Um, they got two turnovers, uh, one of three in the first half, forcing a fumble as well, and then also a turnover on down. So, I mean, the defense was really doing their thing. Um, but it just seemed like every time Jaden Green touched the ball, I mean, almost effortless. I mean, if he got through that front line, it didn't matter who was at that next level, he was gone to the house. Um, so Jaden Green uh definitely needs to be in those conversations alongside Eli Gilman, I think. Um, so shout out to him, honestly. Played a hell of a game, uh heck of a game. But, you know, I think yeah, we're running into a concerning trend with Eastern this season where, you know, this team is highly competitive. I mean, they have the offense that can do what you need it to do, and the defense is starting to become good enough to allow the offense to hang in with with their opponents, but they're they're struggling to finish games. We're looking at NAU as also an example of this. Um, you know, when you force three turnovers or in Coach Best's statement, basically four with that turnover on downs, you should be winning the game. But um there's there's some some things maybe late in that late in that game that kind of cost them um one. I mean, they averaged in total two yards a carry um in the run game, uh, which that's it's not gonna get you anywhere. Um, and then, you know, I feel like they kind of got a little conservative in the late third, early fourth quarter. Um, you know, they were sort of describing they were trying to get their run game going, which which appeared to be what they were doing while it was effective milking milking the clock, it wound up costing them um, you know, because they were going back to the things that were were really working for them. Um this team has dealt with some injuries in the receiver room, but with each week, which each with each injury, the next guy is stepping up really well. Um, if I could just pull up the stats real quick, uh I believe David Cabrera, uh, not a not a typical starter, but came in and caught a a really a really great catch over the middle for a touchdown. I believe it was like a 35-yard touchdown. Um, so you know, they gotta they gotta get the run game going. They gotta, you know, I feel like be a little more conserved uh or more aggressive late in games and build on leads. They've had multiple opportunities to do that um late in the second half, but just were unable to do so, um, which allowed Kyle Pauly to really get back in it. And uh, you know, Jalen Jakins essentially nearly had a chance to kind of break up that game-winning touchdown. He was right there, but um kind of talked about he kind of maybe in in the process of looking for the ball while I was in the air, he lost his the guy he was guarding, uh, who eventually uh caught the touchdown. So um I know there's a lot of conversation around like, you know, is is the seat getting warm for Coach Best? I'd be interested to see how the rest of the season plays out before kind of taking that, taking a stance on that. But you know, I wouldn't be I'm not surprised to hear this because you know these trends are kind of becoming concerning with the inability to finish games. They're honestly one of the most fun teams to watch through three quarters, and then the fourth quarter, you might want to turn it off uh because you might get your heart broke a few times. But um, yeah, I don't know. It's it's tough. I think this is a game that they should they should have won. Um, I was really pleasantly surprised with that defense. I think they're actually getting better, and despite the loss, I think it's important to kind of call attention to that. But yeah, I don't know. It's that's a tough one.

SPEAKER_02 13:37

I I'll fully just say I think Aaron, I think Coach Best is on the hot seat, not maybe you know, gonna be fired this week, but three of their next four games is UC Davis, Montana State, and Montana with Northern Colorado thrown in there. I mean, it's gonna be quite the uphill battle with two losses already before October's even started. So we'll see how the team rebounds. That's why we play a full season. Can't jump to those conclusions, but I really do think Coach Best, he's he's gotta maybe have a couple of one or two of those upset wins to hold his job over personally. But we're gonna keep moving on here. Thank you, Mike. That was a great analysis. Uh, John, I'm gonna jump to you on the Bobcats win. They win 28 to 14 over Northern Arizona on Saturday night. Uh without their starting quarterback, Justin Lampston did not play in this game. Neither did any of uh both Dowler brothers. Uh, John, your thoughts.

SPEAKER_01 14:27

Yeah, uh, well, it's not just the no Dowers, no, no Lampson, but also Adam Jones only had one carry in the game. Found out he was also nursing an injury right there before kickoff. So it was Colson Kuhn in the backfield. And I just feel like first off, we need to give a shout out to just the running backs of the big sky this week. Because we had three 200-yard rushers. Colson Kuhn was one yard away from a 200-yard game as well. He was over 200 all purpose, so just some great rushing performances this weekend. Um, but yeah, um, we also know now Taco Daller and Justin Lamson will miss this week's game against Idaho. So be interesting to see how that one works. They will not be back until after the bye week. So um, yeah, but uh Montana State kind of got bailed out there with some some late plays. Northern Arizona was driving down the field, they got into the red zone three times and uh turned it over all three times, twice on downs, and one time with a fumble there on the 15. Last drive of the game as well, Montana State stands strong and and you know forced Pennington into a deep ball, which he completes, and then they get a penalty and backs him up, and then they force another fourth down turnover. Um, so the defense stood strong when they needed to. I wasn't a big fan of some of those play calls on fourth down from NAU. Um, I felt like they didn't give Pennington much option. The receivers ran their routes and just kind of stood there at the end while Pennington's rolling out, and he eventually had to throw it because it'd throw it or take a sack, and either way, you're gonna get the turnover. So um, yeah, it it didn't seem like it was a very good option. I also didn't like how they were going straight for touchdowns on fourth and two. Run somebody underneath, maybe give yourself an option to at least get a first down. Maybe also tell Pennington he can try to run it in that situation. So uh just all around, I feel like NAU could have done better in those fourth and two situations down by the by the goal line. Um, it was another one of those games where NAU had their chance to kind of put their footprint on the season and and you know get a defining win, and they they flip come up short once again, unlike what Idaho State is doing this year, you know. Idaho State we just talked about is is finding ways to win these games that are tight. So um, yeah, uh that that's what I feel about for N uh NAU, but Montana State, it just showed how deep they are. Um Pat Duchesne and Carter Dahlkey have this great connection already, just in one game between them. Dahlke had seven catches for 71 yards, a touchdown. Um, yeah, Colson Kuhn stepped up when he needed to. Uh, and you know, the Bobcats looked good despite missing, was it four All-Americans on the offensive side or all around? So um, yeah, uh they're a deep team, they're good a good team no matter what uh players are on the field and they're they're showing it.

SPEAKER_02 17:07

That's why depth matters, just like you said, John. Fritz, do you have any uh thoughts on on this one before we uh jump over to the Portland State Weaver game?

SPEAKER_04 17:14

Yeah, you know, I just uh you know Ty Pennington looked really pretty sharp, I thought, in the first half when and uh which ended uh you know I believe 14-14. Um and then uh I I continue to be frustrated as John already mentioned, how they uh they don't teams don't go for the points. Uh NEU gave up the ball and downs uh in the first half inside the red zone or inside the 10. Um you know, so there's nine points probably um where they just gave the ball and downs. So all of a sudden maybe or maybe you're looking at a 23-21 NEU lead. And then uh MJU kind of makes it academic with a really, really strong drive to close out the game, which ended with Patrick Duchenne from Florence. Florence is about 10 miles down the road from Missoula here. Um Jim Ben, who used to coach our boy Luke here in high school, told me back uh when they ran into the Florence Falcons and and uh took a whooping that goes, somebody better get on this Duchenke because he can play. I'm not sure where he can play, but he can play. And uh, you know, he'd be the starting quarterback if Lampston hadn't come in. And I think he showed why. He he can play. You know, he had a turnover at the end of a um a positive run in the first half. He had a interception. Um the second half, it was more or less give the ball off to Kuhn, who was really had a dominant second half, and uh winds up with 199. You know, that's not the 517 he gained in one game when he was at Sheridan High School in Wyoming, but pretty impressive. And uh I don't think we'll see Adam Jones this week in outward either. You know, he he got that one carry and he limped off. Dan Ankle's gonna stay with him for a couple more weeks. So um they're gonna rely on these uh these second-tier guys who could would be first tier guys for a lot of teams in the big sky, and MSU will keep rolling, I think.

SPEAKER_02 19:02

Yep, this wind just bodes the confidence and in the in the waves of of that room of the second and third stringers, you know, and that they get the opportunity to step up at any moment. They they're fully involved in the season. Um, I did think it's interesting, you know, that uh Carter Dalkey, when they I will look back that they thought he was gonna do uh a red shirt season, but now that he's played it in enough games, he's gonna lose that. Um, I was listening to the press conference, and that was the plan for Dalkey. But now that, you know, with the injuries, all these guys are stepping up and and what an impressive win, uh, especially over a good Northern Arizona team. Um they, like John said, kind of shot themselves in the foot, maybe weren't as creative as as we should thought they could be. But it's a good win overall for the Bobcats before they've got a quick week, and we'll talk about that game against Idaho very soon. Uh Mike, I'm gonna jump back to you here. We can touch this game pretty briefly, even though it was kind of chaotic. Uh Portland State gets their first win of the season despite uh Weaver State putting up over 700 yards. Weaver State uh came back twice uh from three-score deficits and tied it 41 to 41 late. But you know, I just wanted to hear your thoughts uh after looking at the stats of this game, Mike.

SPEAKER_00 20:09

Yeah, absolutely. I think first, you know, this is such a huge win for Portland State. I think ever since that UC Davis game, I mean, there I I don't I feel like we rarely ever see so much excitement uh come around a program after a loss. Um, but given, you know, this team was at the bottom of the conference after last season, let's be honest, and to come out of game one against, you know, who's a team that's usually at the top of it, near the top of it, um, and perform so well and almost beat them. Uh we've been waiting to see if how legit they are. And they've kind of been screwed by their schedule of having to go up to the FPS a few times. Uh North Dakota, a ranked team, we kind of have to give them a little uh a little slack there, um, just given where this team is coming from in terms of rebuilding and whatnot. So to kind of see them, you know, come through and show what they're actually capable of and that they are a team to kind of not be overlooked. Uh, that's a huge win for them. Um, and I wouldn't be surprised if they continue to kind of stack these these wins. They got you talk tech next. I mean, this is a prime opportunity for them to do that. Um, so that I think, you know, Weaver State just can't get the ball to bounce in their favor, uh, it seems like this season. They're in a lot of shootouts um and just seemingly on the losing end of a lot of them. Um, you know, I think promising is Nate Nate Dale might be the the guy that they need to just stick with. Uh he's performing really well, um, you know, filling in for Devin Brown. And uh Devin Brown, I think stats-wise, it doesn't seem to be he's you know, living up to you know what what a guy that was once a five-star or a high-end four-star. So um there's that. And then with every shootout win or loss, you know, there's also that element of like that means the defense probably didn't play too well. Um, and I imagine that'll be a point of discussion uh this next week at practice.

SPEAKER_02 22:05

Fritz, did you have anything to add on to this game?

SPEAKER_04 22:08

Well, I guess uh funny that you know, um, or maybe not funny to them, you know, you gain 700 yards of offense, and then you watch a guy come out and look like he found his jersey at a second hand store and he boots a field goal to beat you, you know. Have a tucked in. I don't know what he's supposed to tuck it into. He looked like he's wearing biking shorts. Joshua Hawsman Lees is the Stats Perform National Special Teams Player of the Week. And and uh that's who got him. And I I thought we should mention Delon Thompson for uh Portland State. I just thought he had a great game, number 24. Um, they gave it the ball and downs really deep when they rotated him out of the lineup. I was like, I would have put that guy back in there for that series, and but they still wound up winning. So good for Portland State.

SPEAKER_02 22:50

Yeah, great for Chris. Uh excuse Chris Fisk getting his first win uh of the era for Portland State. Shout out to him. And another player I wanted to highlight, um, even though they lost for Weber, Marvin Session, career highs, 175 yards, three touchdowns. Thought he played tremendous as well. Uh, really, the turnovers for Weber, they they get so much momentum in this game, get right back to where they wanted, and then uh the late interceptions, inexcusable. That throw just set up the reason why they lost. And they had a couple other plays in the game that just shot themselves in the foot. But this was uh this was a high scoring one, and it was a fun one. I paid attention uh as me, John, and Fritz were all working together Saturday. It was almost like it was a red zone Sunday. We were all these games were happening, and it was big sky after dark madness. It was a lot of fun, and and that game was fun to pay attention to. Um, really briefly, I'm just gonna wrap up Northern Colorado game. Uh, they won 37 uh 13 over Utah Tech. Uh the game started really quick for for Northern Colorado. They were able to get a 14-0 lead off of a double reverse. Uh yeah, they scored on double reverse and then they got a pick six about two plays later. So the Bears took care of business and got a homecoming win their first since 2022. And it's the first time for coach Ed Lamb. They've won back-to-back games, I believe. Yes, they've UNC's first back-to-back wins under Lamb. So uh shout out to the Bears for that. They're starting to come around a little bit. Had a bad start to the season, but uh they're getting back into it and they've improved to uh two and three. Uh Fritz, did you have anything on this one by chance?

SPEAKER_04 24:18

Oh, you know, I just uh the other thing that really struck me is just how poorly Utah Tech played, including you know, they line up for a punt and somehow the the uh snap goes through the five hole of the punter. And then, you know, it gets to the goal line. And so he wants to kick it through the end zone, but he didn't the ball didn't reach the end zone, it's like a half a foot short. So when you do that, it's illegal touching, and they gave the ball over to UNC at like the half foot line and they scored. So that was another thing that just uh uh led the Bears to really what on paper looked like a route, but it just I just thought Utah Tech just had a terrible game too. And uh and UNC is uh is who the Grizz play next, and they got some talent, but uh we'll get to that in a minute, I guess.

SPEAKER_02 24:59

Yeah, yeah, we absolutely will. And and that's a the confusing thing, especially if we're saying that Utah Tech, as we were expected to be the bottom of the big sky, but they've had one of the best punters in the country, so that's when it was surprising to see that is you know the one thing that they're expected to do okay, special teams. If that's not gonna go well, there's probably the reason they're gonna be 0-5 to start the year. Um, but we're gonna go right into week five and get right to Mark here as Idaho gets a chance. I know we haven't talked about the Vandals in a second, Mark. Got to get the cobwebs off. But what are your thoughts about this game? Montana State, uh a little bit short on rest. I don't think it'll be an issue, though. They'll be ready to play. Um, but Idaho's coming off the bye week.

SPEAKER_03 25:39

Yeah, I mean, you know, originally, if you look when you look at the schedule at the beginning, you'd think um you wouldn't think the Vandals would have much of a chance, um, other than the fact they're playing at home, they're coming off a bye in Montana State's on a short week. But then you throw in the fact that you know Montana State's gonna be probably without Lampson, the Dowlers, and probably Adam Jones, you know, and you think, okay, okay, the Vandals have a chance, but then they they found a way with their backups to beat um Northern Arizona at home. Like you know, John and Fritz said, Northern Arizona kind of kind of helped with their play calls and stuff like that. Um, but you look at this week, and I mean it's it's it's all set up for Idaho to take advantage of this opportunity. Like I said, they're coming off a bye, they're at home. And you know, they're asking people to pack the dome. I don't know if that's gonna happen, especially on a Friday night. It's a pretty big high school football night around here. But you know, it's it's all set up for the Vandals. I don't know if they're gonna pull it off or not, but you know, if not, that would that would say a lot about where both programs are if a team like Montana State on a short week and beat up, not just beat up numbers-wise, but beat up the guys that are beat up can come into Moscow in front of a loud crowd in a dome and still beat the Vandals. That would that would say maybe more about that, would say a lot about both teams.

SPEAKER_02 27:07

John, I want to I want to hear your opinion as well. You know, uh is a winless Vandals team maybe maybe going to be actually an issue for Montana State with the short week.

SPEAKER_01 27:16

I mean, when you're facing a team that's coming off of a bye week, they have that extra time to game plan. I'm I mean, maybe a little less so in the in the terms of Idaho now that we went a week with thinking that Lamson and Dowler and Jones were all gonna be playing this last week. So they may have started to put some some some of that offensive game planning or defensive game planning together, thinking that they're gonna be facing them. Um, but you you really kind of just now turn things to uh stopping Duchesne, Dalkey, and Carson Kuhn or Colson Kuhn. So um yeah, it's it's one of those games where you feel like it might be a trap game for Montana State. And now that they have those players out, it it more so feels like it could be. But it's also one of those games where Idaho, and I've said this a lot for different teams this season, but it's one of those games where if they fall behind early, it has a chance to become late early, and you know, it could turn into a blowout fairly quickly if they let Montana State take whatever crowd does show up on a Friday night out of the game. You know, it's a national TV scene. You'd you'd like to think that Idaho could pack the dome and and you know make uh uh make it a difficult situation for Montana State. But yeah, just with how these teams have gone this year, even with Montana State facing all these injuries, you just kind of feel like it's uh they're gonna get in there, they're gonna establish their their dominance early, like they have with a lot of teams, and they're just gonna roll to another victory.

SPEAKER_02 28:44

I agree, I agree with exactly what you just said, John. A couple things uh I I found uh for this game. This is Idaho's first Friday night home game since November 12, 2010. That was against Boise State. Um, but not Idaho is 19-7-1 against Montana State all-time in Moscow. Uh, their last win was in 2023 against Montana State in the Kibi Dome. But since then, uh MSU's crushed Idaho twice in 2024. They won 38-7 in the regular season and 52-19 in the NCS quarterfinals. So just a couple bitted numbers there. I think this game, it's gonna be fun that it's nationally televised and have something to look forward to Friday night. Um, hopefully it'll be on around after those high school football games. We'll be able to watch this one. But I will be paying attention to see how the Vandals come out of the gate right away. Fritz, we're gonna go to you here. Northern Colorado is playing Montana. You're gonna be at this game. You know, what should Big Sky fans expect in this matchup?

SPEAKER_04 29:39

Well, you know, I expect the Grizzlies to win another homecoming game. I think uh I think we're decided over, dog. I do like uh I do like Coach Lamb. I like the fact that he's uh made Denrose recruiting around Greeley in that part of the state of Colorado. I think that slipped and I think it showed in their one-loss record, you know. That's uh that's a program that was really good in D2. Um Joe Glenn coached him. Guy named Bobby Kennedy played there. Um and uh, you know, they they've got some they've got some nice players, you know. I I liked uh I like Semler Lyman running around. Um guy that had the pick six, um Mikhail Benner, he had nine tackles as well in that game, broke up another pass. Um they've got some talent, they ran for 20 some yards last week, so I think they're kind of a run first um program. I don't think the quarterback is gonna be uh somebody who's gonna light it up vertically very much. And it'll be a good test, but it's also I think more importantly, um a good homecoming draw for the Grizzlies. I just think that uh they'll win and give another uh huge crowd uh something to smile about as they leave Washington Grizzlies Stadium.

SPEAKER_02 30:53

John, any any thoughts on on what Fritz said or anything else to add on this one?

SPEAKER_01 30:57

Um not really uh too too much. Uh in terms of what Fritz was just saying there about giving the home fans a a nice big win. Uh Montana seems to be due for one stinker every year at Walker is so where they just kind of barely pull it out. So I'm maybe hoping that homecoming isn't the weekend that they decide for that, but you never know. Um they they can sometimes overlook and play down to levels of some of these teams as they come in. Um so it'll be interesting to see how they continue on after putting up a 60 burger this last week against Davis and and not have the letdown of facing a lesser opponent potentially in in northern Colorado.

SPEAKER_02 31:34

The history between these two uh is pretty dominant on the Montana side, obviously. Like Fritz said, they they were D2. Uh Montana shut out Northern Colorado the last three straight meetings. Um, and this is a cool game for Bobby Kennedy. This is where he went to college, actually. So he's familiar with the program, and I think it's gonna be uh an interesting uh little point there on his first season as the Grizz coach, another chapter he gets to write of playing his old school. Um, one other thing I wrote down, you know, Northern Colorado's only win uh was actually against Montana was in Greeley in 2016 when they uh the Montana was ranked 18th, they won by three. So uh overall, Montana's owned this series, and I think we're gonna expect to see the same on Saturday. Mark, I'm gonna come back to you again here. We got Northern Arizona at Idaho State. This game's gonna be really fun, in my opinion. Uh, I think we've gonna have a really good game on our hands as the Lumberjacks travel Fucatello. Uh, what's your thoughts on this one?

SPEAKER_03 32:33

Man, well, first of all, I smile when you mentioned the Idaho's last Friday night home game against Boise State back there. Uh I was at that game. Um, there was a lot of anticipation about that because that was this, I think, the last year, the second to last year that they were both in the same conference, and uh Boise State won 52 something, 52-10 or something, 17 or something like that. Anyway, they just came in and dominated the Vandals. But anyway, back to back to 2026. Um, seems like every game for Idaho State is that way. Um, you know, kind of a prove it game. They've already won at Utah State, won at Southern Utah. So they're they're already finding ways to win. Um, that's a great effort by Northern Arizona last week um at Montana State, but they couldn't put away the Bobcats even missing four of their best players. So um one thing I was thinking watching Idaho State the last few games is you know, we know that Jordan Cook can sling it and stuff like that, but they can run it. And you know, they lost their they lost Brooks, their running back, but they they got others that can run it and they can run the ball. And they the first year or two under Cody Hawkins, they didn't really have a defense, and now their defense is making plays and probably won or you know, saved them the game last week. So they're they're becoming the the well-rounded team he wanted them to be. He kind of had to start with throwing it and then kind of build everything else up. But I think I think um Idaho State Um is looking, like I said, more like a well-rounded team than just a team that can put up a lot of numbers.

SPEAKER_02 34:12

You hit it that nail right on the head. It's another prove-it game for Idaho State, uh, and especially with Northern Arizona coming to town that have won the last four matchups against this team and one and eight all time, or one and eight in the last nine meetings, excuse me. So I know Idaho State is gonna want to make sure they get a win at home and do it against a team they've had uh problems against in the past.

SPEAKER_01 34:33

I just kind of wanted to pop in there and say that I feel like this uh NAU and Idaho State game is actually one that we're gonna look back at towards the end of the season as a potential uh maybe lock-in playoff game for for whoever comes out on top in this one. Uh this is a this is definitely a game that it's gonna be a nice one to put on the resume either way.

SPEAKER_02 34:51

Yeah, it's it's perfect strength of resume game. You know, uh Idaho State undefeated. NAU's already seen uh Arizona and Montana State. I think I think we're gonna really learn in this game uh about both teams. But I want to talk about there's another game I'm gonna be on ESPN Saturday. It's gonna be Eastern Washington goes down and is going to be playing at UC Davis. Mike, we've got two teams coming off uh pretty brutal losses. Uh Eastern's one and four, and and Davis just gave up 62 at home. You know, what are your thoughts about this one?

SPEAKER_00 35:21

Yeah, I I think I think very clearly we're no we're gonna know what type of team is gonna come out for UC Davis, and it's probably a really uh fired up one uh because I can't use a certain word that starts with a P. You know, after a loss like that, that I mean that's if I don't know, as a fan or even a coach, that's I I would expect them to play like that, especially a loss like that at home. And um, they're gonna want to avenge that, and they're gonna really want to take it out on Eastern. Um on the flip side, Eastern does have the talent to sneak up on teams like UC Davis. Um they can't be slept on, they can't be overlooked. I could easily see um either, you know, easily see this game being very competitive in you know, coming down to who's gonna make the smarter choices late in the game, or it's a blowout. Um, so it just really depends on uh what type of Eastern team shows up. Uh you know, can they get the run game finally going the way that they want it to? Um, uh, you know, Coach Best was like called called their average of two yards atrocious. So I imagine that's also a point of discussion this week and getting that going. Um, but yeah, I I think it's yeah, it's either gonna be uh a pretty big margin uh deficit on the scoreboard or it'll be a competitive one, which I think is more likely, and it's gonna come down to who to who makes the less mistakes late in the game.

SPEAKER_01 36:46

Yeah, I feel like just kind of basing on what Mike had talked about earlier when he was talking about last week's Eastern game and how this Eastern Washington team has come out strong uh in the first three quarters and then kind of fallen apart at the end of games. We've seen kind of the opposite from UC Davis. They've come out really flat in a couple games. Portland State, they fell behind 21-0. Last week to Montana, they were down 31 to nothing. So, you know, if if Eastern can come out and have that kind of start and Davis falls flat, I really think that Eastern could be able to, you know, get that good jump early on and make this into a game, if not try to pull the upset.

SPEAKER_00 37:18

Yeah, yeah. I just realized I didn't answer that last part of just you know who who needs this win more. And um, I honestly would say Eastern, just with the way the season has gone so far, not being able to finish games and things of that nature, um, getting a win like this, if they find themselves. I think if if Eastern's winning this game, it's obviously going to be in a competitive matchup. I don't think they're blowing out UC Davis. So, you know, just it's gonna be important to see that this team can finish a game, especially a competitive one, uh, with you know, one of the top teams in the conference. So I'd say it kind of leads that way. Um, yeah. Just wanted to add that.

unknown 37:53

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 37:53

Yeah, no, thanks, thanks for adding that. I've been uh each game, I was trying to do a little bit of history research this week and something I found UC Davis is 0-5 against Eastern at home, and even maybe a little crazier when UC Davis is one and eleven all-time against Eastern. So, you know, I think two different teams now, of course, but you know, the Eastern has traveled and played well down there. So I'm interested to see if history repeats itself on Saturday. Uh, I'm really gonna hit this one quick due to time, but uh Southern Utah is going to play at Utah Tech. And this is the battle for the axe. I did not know this was actually uh rival. I mean the same state, but didn't know it was that that big of a rivalry game. In the past, Southern Utah really has uh had them had their number, their six and one on the last seven times they've played. So overall, I I expect Southern Utah in this game. We'll make our pick soon about it, but I expect the the rushing of Will Burns and just his efficiency uh to really just continue. A tough schedule for Utah Tech, and and I think overall, you know, we'll see if Utah Tech at home is maybe a different team because they have played a couple games on the road, and I would like to see if uh maybe at home maybe they have a little bit momentum in a rivalry game. Last game we're here to talk about. I'm throwing it over to John. John, we have Weaver State gonna be going to Cal Poly, and I'm thinking we're gonna get another shootout between these two. What are your thoughts?

SPEAKER_01 39:15

Yeah, I feel like on paper you're you're dead on with that one. Uh, you know, we've seen Weaver State be able to put up points and and turn the ball over a lot this season. So um, of course, that's kind of the deciding factor that we've kind of come to the conclusion on with them this year is if they can keep the ball out of the defense's hands, I feel like Weaver State has a chance. But Cal Poly has really kind of taken this conference by storm this year, you know, two and oh in conference play now, big road win over Eastern. They took out Idaho in the first week of the season. So um, yeah, it's uh it's definitely one of those games where I feel like if uh if if cal Poly can establish that run game like they did last week, once again, they have a chance to open up the passing game for Grigsby and just take control of this one over Weber State.

SPEAKER_02 39:59

Yeah, exactly. You really you really hit it there. Um, another little history on it. Uh Cal Poly has lost seven straight games to Weber State, actually. And Weber leads all-time series 12 to 6. Cal Poly's last win over Weber. It was 30 to 24 in Ogden, October 11th, 2014. So I'm gonna be interested to see if Cal Poly is able to just like the last game, uh, make a serious history repeats itself or not. But that's gonna lead us to our pick segment. Before we get to our pick segment, just gotta give a shout-out to our sponsor. 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 burner launchers. They have the products and expertise to help protect what matters most. Visit Mountain Pass Safes and Coins on Highway 2 East in Kalis Bell. And also, I just wanted to let everyone know you can make your picks with our link below in the description. If you want to follow along week to week, we do our picks every single episode, and you can see how you do and see if you can maybe even take on John, as he's usually our top guy, and see if you wanted to uh have some fun with us in the pick segment. Without further ado, I'm gonna hand it over to John for his picks. John, he's still in the lead. Uh 40 for 48.

SPEAKER_01 41:11

Alrighty, yeah. Last week wasn't my uh finest work, so I think I need to kind of rebound this week. Uh last week I went with three road teams. This week I'm just gonna go with one. Uh, I think Montana State will win on the road over Idaho, and I think Montana at home over northern Colorado. I think CalP Hawley at home over eastern Idaho State over northern Arizona, though I feel like that's gonna be the game of the week this this week. Um I've got oh actually, I shouldn't I shouldn't say that. I've got a second road team. I didn't realize Southern Utah was on the road. Southern Utah will take down Utah Tech. And then Davis will rebound against Eastern Washington. Man, I I really almost almost lost that one. I was gonna go with Utah Tech again for some reason, apparently. I was like, no way you're doing that two weeks in a row.

SPEAKER_03 41:56

Go for it, John. Take him. Take Utah Tech. I was like, no, I'm gonna go with Sandy.

SPEAKER_00 42:01

If you're preaching like that, we'll take it. Throwing off the bone there.

SPEAKER_02 42:07

And we're gonna go over to Mark next. Mark, uh, you and Mike are tied now. Mike had a not a bad week last week. He called Cow Poly beating his Eastern Eagles, but uh Mark's still gonna give you the benefit of going first.

SPEAKER_03 42:19

Oh man, does Aaron Best remind you of those picks when you go in there for the pressers and stuff like that? So I hope.

SPEAKER_02 42:28

I don't know. That's two.

SPEAKER_03 42:29

That's that's two conference games. Eastern is well, I can't we can't use that word, but they've they've given away that I mean they could very easily be two and oh. So anyway, I'm gonna start out with uh Montana beating northern Colorado, Cal Poly over Weber, Idaho State over Northern Arizona, southern Utah over Utah Tech. Um, and then the loud I kept looking at Eastern and UC Davis and wanting to think Eastern's gonna win that game, but I think UC Davis is going to after, like I said, Eastern's kind of given away those two conference games. Um, of course, naturally they'll probably go down to Davis and win that game, just you know, not by 40 like Montana did, but they probably will. And then I wanted to save the best for last. Um just mostly because so we have something to talk about next week. I'm gonna take the Vandals in a in a shocker there. I think they're gonna beat, I think I don't know how they're gonna do it really, but I think I think if they can't beat Montana State without us their starting quarterback and the Dallas and Adam Jones, then there's problems in Moscow. Oh, wait, there's already problems in Moscow, they're 0-4. So, but anyway, I'm gonna take Idaho to beat Montana State. I mean, what's the worst that could happen? Montana State wins 59 to 3. I mean, you know, oh wait, that uh never mind. You guys anyway, but let's just let's go with the Vandals just to have something that uh that wraps me over next week.

SPEAKER_00 44:00

Thank you, Mark. Mike, over to you. The worst that could happen is John gets more comfortable with his seat at the top of the mountain there, Mark. Come on, man. Um I'll I'll go with Idaho uh losing to Montana State uh at home. Uh Montana's gonna get the win over northern Colorado. I think kind of Polly's gonna get the win over Weaver State, um, probably in another high-scoring affair, maybe. Um, but I don't see them taking away Jaden Green. Uh, Southern Utah over the Utah Tech. Idaho State keeps it going over NAU, uh goes to 4-0. I'm excited to see how far this team could go with that undefeated record to open this season, quite honestly. Um, and then I actually wasn't aware of that record that you pulled out between Eastern and Davis, uh, Luke. So that kind of uh that kind of makes me a little more reluctant to pick Davis, but I'm gonna sit, I'm gonna stick to my guns here uh until I really can be given reason to really believe in this Eastern team to to upset these bigger opponents. Um I'm gonna go I'm gonna go this way. So yeah.

SPEAKER_02 45:04

Hey, it makes sense. You you picked Cal Poly to beat uh Eastern last week, and Eastern was at home. So if Eastern's going on the road, it makes sense. So I totally understand.

SPEAKER_00 45:13

I'm happy to be wrong. I will be very happy to be wrong. That's all I gotta add, you know.

SPEAKER_02 45:16

So gotta give a shout out to Fritz. I'm not forgetting Fritz today. Fritz did the best, only had one game wrong last week, I believe. Fritz, you are now sitting at 37 for 48. Only one game behind second place, Fritz. So you're right there.

SPEAKER_04 45:31

Well, the the great thing about picking fourth is that uh I see everybody ahead picking all almost the sex team. So I'm gonna try to make some ground. I will take the Bobcats to win at Idaho and the Grizz to win their homecoming game over UNC. But I think uh those trends that Weaver State and Eastern started uh matter. So I'm gonna take Weaver to win on the road at Cal Poly. I think Weaver's better than San Diego. Um I'll take southern Utah to win on the road, and I'll take Eastern to win on the road at UC Davis, and then I'll take Idaho State to uh to beat NEU, even though that's I don't feel great about that pick, just because I I think NEU's pretty pretty darn good. But uh I gotta stick with my bangles.

SPEAKER_02 46:14

I'm glad you're riding with with your bangles another week. That that'll be a fun one to watch. Uh I'm in last. Uh I should be better, like you just said. Uh, word for word, I get to see everyone's picks every single week for the last two years, and somehow I still just don't got it. But we're gonna keep going. I'm I'm here. I I'm I promise I watch football. I'm not that bad, but we're gonna keep going. Um, I'm gonna take Idaho over Montana State this week. I'm going with you, Mark. I thought maybe I'd be the only one, but I'm with you. Um, if it was in Bozeman with those guys, the familiarity of that of the quarterback room, maybe for Duchenne's a little better at home. Uh, I think Idaho's just gonna win that one. I think it's gonna be really close, though. And if I'm wrong, it's it's been a theme. Uh, Montana over Northern Colorado. I think Montana on their homecoming will take care of business. I've got Cal Poly over Weaver State, but total shootout. I could see this being uh 80, 90, 70 points combined game, winner wins by two or three. But I'm gonna take Cal Poly right there. I'm gonna take Fritz's Bengals. I thought about Northern Arizona coming off the loss, but I am gonna go Idaho State. Bengals gonna stay undefeated. I think that's gonna happen. I'm gonna take Southern Utah over Utah Tech in the Battle of the Axe. And finally, I am going to take UC Davis over Eastern Washington. I'm not too ecstatic about the Eagles right now, and their upcoming schedule might change my mind. But overall, uh, that's gonna be all of the time we have. So, first, I want to thank my panel for being here today and giving me all their information. Uh, it's been so fun to talk to you guys. And for anyone still listening out there, really appreciate you still listening to all of our football talk. Uh, please send a comment in the comment section, like the video, share with your friends. We really appreciate everyone out there. But that's gonna be all the time we have today on Big Sky Now. So we will catch you next week.