Big Sky Power Rankings -- 2

Welcome to the second edition of ISJ Sports' weekly Big Sky Power Rankings. It's where we size up all 13 teams and evaluate each based on a combination of factors.

We have one week of Big Sky action in the books, and some surprises along the way.

One more note: Five Big Sky teams appear in the Sports Network FCS Top-25 College Football Poll this week. Montana State retained its No. 2 ranking, even gathering five first-place votes from folks who clearly have no idea what they're doing. Eastern Washington is at No. 7 for the second week in a row. After losing to Northern Arizona at home, Montana drops from No. 14 to No. 21. Coming in right behind UM is Northern Arizona (We suspect the same voters that put Montana State at No. 1 also kept the Griz above NAU in their polls, because, you know, it makes complete sense.)

Cal Poly enters the top 25 for the first time this season at No. 24. North Dakota, Sacramento State and Southern Utah all received votes.

Without further ado ...

1. Montana State Bobcats 4-0, 1-0 (PF:151 , PA: 181 ) (previously: 2)
Last week: beat Northern Colorado at home 41-16
This week: at Southern Utah

The Bobcats take over this week's top ranking not because MSU was particularly impressive beating Northern Colorado — because the No.2 team in the nation and the preseason favorite should look impressive at home versus a team that hasn't won a conference game since 2010 — but because Montana State doesn't have questions at quarterback.

At this ISJ Sports' blog, there are few things we value more than a good doughnut, Thanksgiving turkey or porcupine meatballs. One of those things is a starting quarterback. Montana State has Denarius McGhee and considering Eastern's quarterback situation (more on that below), we are compelled to move the Bobcats to number one.

While McGhee attracts all the headlines worthy of a three-year starting junior quarterback, we'd be remiss to not mention the Bobcats' other offensive star, Cody Kirk. Kirk is the conference's fifth leading rusher and leads the Big Sky in rushing touchdowns. We appreciate Kirk's downfield, bruising running style. If Montana State's young offensive line can continue to open lanes for Kirk and MSU's other running backs, the Bobcats are a balanced, deadly offensive juggernaut.

2. Eastern Washington Eagles, 2-1, 1-0 (PF: 72, PA: 53) (previously: 1)

Last week: beat Weber State 32-26 at Weber

This week: vs. Montana

No one outside of Eastern's locker room knows who the starting quarterback is for EWU's first home game of the season. Kyle Padron hasn't exactly live up to some of the preseason expectations heaped upon his shoulders before the Eagles ever took the field.

The 6-foot-4-inch, 225 pound junior QB has completed 48 percent of his passing attempts for four touchdowns and four interceptions. Considering Eastern deploys a short-passing game that relies on a QB's accuracy, Padron's completion percentage is troubling for EWU fans.

We move them to No. 2 for that reason alone. For now, the difference between EWU and MSU is that tight.

This week, Eastern takes on rival Montana, and considering UM's struggles stopping the run against NAU, we expect the Eagles will utilize its running game to supplement the air attack. Against Weber last Saturday, EWU accumulated 447 total yards — 206 rushing and 241 passing.

3. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks, 3-1, 1-0 (PF: 133 PA: 108) (previously: 7)
Last week: beat Montana 41-31 on the road

This week: vs. Portland State

Anytime a team slays its demons and wins for the first time in Missoula, Mont., since 1986, that team is going to take a jump in ISJ Sports' rankings.

Zach Bauman, the Big Sky offensive player of the week, rushed for a career high 253 yards and three touchdowns in the Lumberjacks' comeback win over the Griz.

Bauman is an absolute stud and the early favorite for Big Sky player of the year. Now, in truth, the committee (of one) that puts together this list does not favor NAU's chances to remain in the top three. But then we looked at Northern's remaining schedule.

A tough road tests awaits NAU at North Dakota, but the Lumberjacks other remaining away games are at Northern Colorado and Idaho State.

4. Cal Poly Mustangs, 3-0, 1-0 (PF: 93 PA: 56) (previously: 4)
Last week: beat UC Davis 28-20 at home
This week: at North Dakota

In this week's Big Sky Power Rankings, we are introducing the inaugural Random School Fact of the Week!

Did you know Cal Poly is currently one of only two polytechnic campuses in the California State University school system?

(hey, we never promised the Random School Fact of the week would either be interesting or applicable to football)

Speaking of football, Cal Poly at North Dakota this Saturday is the game we find most interesting this weekend. Right now, MSU and Eastern are firmly entrenched at the top of the Big Sky rankings. NAU presented its case that the Lumberjacks could make it a big three, and this matchup could go a long ways in determining if either of these programs could make a run to winning the conference

(And as always with Cal Poly, it's a schedule anyone would love.)

5. North Dakota, 2-1 (PF: 187 PA: 99) (previously: 5)

Last week: beat Sacramento State 35-13 on the road
This week: host Cal Poly

We considered leapfrogging North Dakota over Cal Poly to No. 4, thinking along the lines that UND's wins over Portland State (non-conference) and Sac State and the close-loss at San Diego State, are more impressive than the Mustangs' victories over Wyoming, San Diego and UC Davis.

And North Dakota has the top scoring offense in the conference, averaging nearly 47 points a game. But this blog not only believes that a maple doughnut can brighten anyone's day. We firmly support defense. Cal Poly's D allows the fewest yards per game and holds opponents to 18.7 points per contest. For now, at least, that's reason enough to keep UND at No. 5. These teams can settle the debate Saturday.

6. Montana Grizzlies, 2-2, 0-1 (PF: 127 PA: 114) (previously: 3)
Last week: lost to Northern Arizona 41-31 at home
This week: at Eastern Washington

The Grizzlies haven't been 0-2 in the Big Sky since 1992. Can UM rally the troops on the road? You can bet the Eagles and their fans are amped for this game, but no fan base in the Sky travels better than UM's.

Last season, Montana dropped it's first conference game of the year to Sac. State, and then rebounded to win the Big Sky. That said, however, it feels like this year's team has more in common with the New Orleans Saints than UM teams of the past.

7. Southern Utah Thunderbirds, 2-2, 1-0 (PF: 128 PA: 149) (previously: n/a)
Last week: beat Portland State 49-42 on the road
This week: host Montana State

We've given this some serious thought, and we've finally come to a final conclusion. Southern Utah has the worst, the absolute worst mascot in the Big Sky.

Now that's really saying something considering that North Dakota doesn't officially have a mascot. A close second (or 12th) are the Bengals from Idaho State (what in the heck does a Bengal tiger have to do with the state of Idaho?).

The Thunderbirds takes No. 1 (or last) in our mascot ratings because ... one: Thunderbirds don't exist. The Thunderbirds are the air demonstration squadron of the United States Air Force. I don't know, but it feels a bit like stealing to us. And unlike the replacement refs -- who, thankfully, have been replaced -- we don't believe in stealing things ... like games ... or mascots.

Ignoring our dislike for Southern Utah's mascot, though, we still find things to love about the football team. As we've said before, Brad Sorensen is really, really good, and we love our quarterbacks. Can he stay upright long enough to make plays down field versus Montana State's torrid pass rush?

8. Portland State Vikings, 1-3, 0-1 (PF: 130 PA: 166) (previously: 8)
Last week: lost to Southern Utah 49-42 at home
This week: at Northern Arizona

Last week, we lamented PSU's defense, pointing out that the Vikings were dead last in scoring D. Portland State then gave up 49 points to the Thunderbirds at home. Not good. We keep them in the eighth spot because everyone below them is likely worse. And we might still be thinking about the Vikings' preseason expectations.

9. Sacramento State Hornets , 2-2, 0-1 (PF: 90 PA: 129) (previously: 5)
Last week: lost to North Dakota 35-13 at home
This week: at Idaho State

Sac. State drops four spots to No. 9 after mascot-less North Dakota and it's big offensive line ran over the Hornets for 294 yards on the ground.

It was an odd game though, from a couple different areas. North Dakota entered Sacramento with the eighth best passing attack in the FCS, but Sac. State limited UND's effectiveness through the air.

Meanwhile, as the Hornets piled up a season-high 492 yard of offense. They struggled to finish off drives in the end zone, had a fumbled snap and an interception negate long drives. Plus, North Dakota blocked a punt and a Hornets' field goal attempt.

This week, Sac. State travels to face our No. 10 team, the Idaho State Bengals. If the Hornets can finish drives and eliminate special team's gaffes, then Sac. State can grab a crucial road win.

10. Idaho State Bengals, 1-1 (PF: 66 PA: 127) (previously: 10)
Last week: lost to Nebraska 73-7
This week: vs. Sac. State

In the past, we've pondered if putting ISU at No. 10 isn't a skosh too high. And after the lashing Idaho State received at the hands of Nebraska, we would have moved ISU down the list. But, really, the bottom of the Big Sky is a bit crowded, so the Bengals remain out of the cellar for now.

Now we're a bit down on the Bengals because while the effort level against the Huskers was good, it was still brutal to watch ISU just get manhandled.

But Idaho State, even though it's almost October, has still not played anyone at its own level. How the Bengals react to a conference opponent is anyone's guess. We know this, however, if head coach Mike Kramer wants to deliver, it's about high time the Bengals find a way to defend their home field.

11. Weber State Wildcats, 0-4, 0-1 (PF: 70 PA: 149) (previously: 12)
Last week: lost to Eastern Washington 32-26 at home
This week: at UC Davis

The Wildcats played Eastern tough while Northern Colorado was getting blown away by the Bobcats. That's enough, for now, to move Weber up one spot. In a game where the Wildcats were down from the very beginning, Weber State showed some fight in the second half.

At this point of the season that's about the only positive thing we can say about Weber.

12. UC Davis, 1-3, 0-1 (PF: 82 PA: 88) (previously: 13)
Last week: lost to Cal Poly 28-20 on the road
This week: host Weber State

The Aggies jumped out to a 10-0 lead against Cal Poly, but the Mustangs rattled off 28 straight before UC Davis added 10 points late.

For a moment, even it was brief, UC Davis ha a 10-point lead on the road. That's reason enough to move them up a spot to No. 12.

13. Northern Colorado Bears, 1-3, 0-1 (PF: 73 PA: 113) (previously: 11)
Last week: lost to Montana State 41-16 on the road
This week: bye

Bozeman, Mont., is not an easy place to play, granted, but Northern Col. assured us that the bottom of these rankings is where they truly belong.

It was 21-0 after the first quarter and the Bears managed just 266 total yards (UNC quarterback Seth Lobato was 13-of-31 for 214 yards, one touchdown and one pick).

The question now becomes, can the Bears win a Big Sky game this season?

Dirty reality television and the NFL

    In the past 15 years, reality television has invaded cable. Shows like the "Real World," "Mob Wives" and "Jersey Shore" churn out "stars" as often as the San Diego Chargers fail to play up to the team’s talent level.
    My wife watches all these shows. I can't stand them. We have two TVs simply for the reason that I refuse to be in the same room as any of them.
    They're based around the idea that the camera has documented someone's real life. Supposedly, their lives are so much more interesting than our own that it's must-see TV.
    The problem? It's all concocted nonsense. The scenes are staged and fake as many of the lips and other "enhanced" body parts of the folks in Hollywood.
    All this insane, crazy television has only helped me appreciate what's so great about sports.
    You want nail-biting turns, unpredictable outcomes and drama? I give you football, basketball and baseball. Just tune in or show up at a stadium near you.
    Sure, we get our fair share of clunkers (see Alabama and LSU, twice, last season). But it's never safe to assume which game you can ignore. Who’d have thought Oklahoma State at Iowa State would’ve been one of the best games of the year last season?
    The biggest reason to watch as many games as possible is that you don't want to miss that "moment." It's that special, unique point in history when something happens that no one could have imagined.
    They’re moments that Hollywood would erase in a movie script because they're too unbelievable.
    We had two of them this past weekend in the NFL. One made you tear your hair out in anger and frustration, the other touched our hearts and reminded us to call a loved one.
    Of course, you know I'm talking about Torrey Smith's remarkable Sunday night in Baltimore, when he caught six passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns. The performance came the very night after his little brother died in a motorcyle accident.
    Smith's determination and maturity, both on and off the field, is inspiring. He is a remarkable young man. Count me in the Torrey Smith fan club.
    His night was one of those special “moments” that demands we turn on the TV. It makes you step back and truly appreciate life and the game.
    Then Monday night rolled around.
    Before going any further, it's probably time to reiterate what so many have said. The bizarre calls, the confusion and now the blown game are only partially related to the men in zebra suits throwing the yellow flags.
    Yes, they were bound to fail.
    And it's unfair to the replacement officials not to bring up the fact that the real refs make their share of mistakes too — have they reversed that Cutler fumble call from 2008 yet?.
    Finally, though, the replacements have stolen a game and flat out made a call we can directly link to an end result.
    In a league where teams play only 16 games, one of them for the Green Bay Packers is tainted to a degree unmatched in NFL history.
    I won't recite the travesties here, they've been rehashed enough. But after having a day to soak in exactly what I watched, I'm coming around to reality TV again.
    Isn't that debacle Monday night — two teams, 245 yards of penalties and one “touchception” — exactly the kind of moment I long for? When will I ever have the opportunity to watch another ending like that again?
    Wait, don’t answer that.
    Much like the trashy “Jon & Kate Plus 8” or “Toddlers & Tiaras,” the NFL refereeing debacle is the weekly show that keeps on giving.
    I want to turn my eyes away in disgust, but watching the train wreck is so oddly satisfying. And my wife has to watch TV in the other room.

Kyle’s College Football Picks: So good you can feel at ease taking them to Vegas (well, not really)

We deliver to you a game, the spread, which team we are each taking and why.

But first, we examine the Blog's worst pick of the last week. Sadly, we believed Tennessee's junior quarterback Tyler Bray had the goods to deliver a big game. After completing nearly 74 percent of his passing attempts in the Vols first two games for six touchdowns and zero interceptions, Bray was 22-of-44 with two TDs and two picks. Once again, we learn that defense, always defense, wins games in the SEC.

Please note: Parentheses by a team name denote its current ranking. All point spreads are current as of September 21^st  

Favorite	Underdog	Spread
@ USC (13)	California	16.0

The pick:USC

Never, seriously never, underestimate Lane Kiffin's lack of maturity.

Is he cracking under the pressure? Or does Kiffin simply not know how to act like an adult?

Either way, it's time for USC and its Heisman candidate to get back on track after two disappointing performances.

The loss to Stanford was only somewhat surprising. The Cardinal are a well-coached, physical bunch, and USC, while talented, has a thin roster. Starting center Khaled Holmes was hurt in the Trojans' game against Syracuse a week before Stanford, and USC missed his presence.  

But back at home in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, an angry bunch of Trojans will take out their frustrations on Cal.

Favorite	Underdog	Spread
@ Notre Dame (11)	(18) Michigan	5.5

Kyle: Notre Dame

Few players scare the purveyor of this blog more than Denard Robinson. 

He had 502 total yards in 2010 at South Bend as a sophomore, which included a game-winning touchdown run with 27 seconds left. Last year, Robinson had 446 yards with five touchdowns to lead the Wolverines back from a 17-point four quarter deficit.

Meanwhile, Notre Dame starting safety Jamoris Slaughter tore his Achilles tendon against Michigan State last week, and that only contributes to the woes in the Fighting Irish secondary. Yes, the front seven has been great but teams like Michigan State, Navy and Purdue haven't been able to truly capitalize on Notre Dame's inexperienced corners.

This sounds like it's the perfect situation for the equation of the week!

Notre-Dame-killer Denard Robinson + Michigan's three game winning streak + inexperienced Notre Dame secondary + this blog's total bias for everything Irish = inexplicable pick to take Notre Dame and the 5.5 points.

Favorite	Underdog	Spread
@ Oklahoma (6)	(15) Kansas State	14.0

Kyle: Kansas State

Oklahoma has played and beaten UTEP and Florida A&M, and hasn't looked particularly impressive in either game. Yet, inexplicably, the Sooners are ranked No. 6 in the country. How can voters at one point voice such great displeasure about soft schedules, but put teams like OK in the top-10?

Simply out of spite, we're taking K-State to cover the two touchdown spread. Plus, Collin Klein is everything that's right with college football.

Favorite	Underdog	Spread
@ Florida State (4)	(10) Clemson	14.5

The pick: Florida State

The Seminoles are no different than Oklahoma. In fact, FSU's schedule — Murray State, Savannah State — has been even worse, But the 'Noles have played one conference opponent, Wake Forest, that they demolished 52-0. 

The Seminoles' defense has allowed a paltry three points this season, and while we doubt that effort can sustain itself, it's still hard to imagine the Tigers strolling into Tallahassee and leaving with a win.

Ultimately, this blog puts no faith in team's that wear Orange as a primary color. Take FSU and the points.

The replacement referees make a mockery of football

Every spring the NBA fights an ugly perception that its referees favor large market teams — the Lakers, Celtics, Heat — and the game’s icons like LeBron, Durant, Kobe. 

There’s an inherent feeling before small market team X takes the floor against the purple and gold in the playoffs that it’s only for kicks. Ultimately, commissioner David Stern, it’s assumed, has already deemed what the league’s preferred NBA Finals’ matchup.

This perception is constant, immersed, damaging and looms over every blown whistle, result, call or no call in the NBA’s postseason.

LeBron’s non-call after he bumped Kevin Durant in game two of the Finals was not interpreted as a referee swallowing his whistle, letting the players decide the outcome in the game’s defining play. There was an instant outcry among fans, questioning the league’s integrity.

Unlike the NBA, the NFL didn’t have a referee problem. Until this year.

Now after Peyton Manning — you know, the guy who has as many MVP awards as neck surgeries, four — throws three interceptions in what was a debacle of a first quarter for the Broncos, the discussion about the game is not focused on his horrendous start, the subsequent Denver comeback attempt or Atlanta’s 2-0 record.

No, instead we’re talking about the guys in black and white striped shirts — the replacement referees. 

Why? Because if Manning’s opening quarter was abysmal than the referee’s was catastrophic.

Football has become America’s most popular game in part because it’s easily digestible on TV.

Give America a comfy couch, something unhealthy to stuff in our gullet, a flat-screen with HD and we’re a content bunch.

But as the replacements bumbled through Monday night  — and really, the first two weeks of the season — I was tempted to watch Guy Fieri add another couple points to his cholesterol eating his way through another diner.

Was I the only one who considered breaking my football addiction for a night? Was I alone in my exasperation watching a bunch of part-time replacements try and figure out what comes after second down?

Coaches and fans yell at referees every game. But never before have I seen the faces of John Fox, Ken Whisenhunt or Andy Reid with exasperated looks that convey anger, frustration and pity. 

Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco went as far to say that replacement refs are “affecting the integrity of the game,” following his team’s razor thin 24-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Comments from a sore loser, or is Flacco simply saying what we can all see clearly with our own eyes?

The NFL owners and its commissioner, Roger Goodell, run on the principles of holding the game’s standards to the highest degree. But the lockout has forced a bunch of guys to step off the street to call the world’s most complicated sport. 

A league, which revenues have soared past the $9 billion mark, has not been able to come to terms with refs who are seeking benefits they put at $16.5 million over the next five years of a new contract.

Does this math add up for anyone? The country is in the middle of an election, with sides divided between the left and right. 

In this situation, however, I think we can all agree. It’s time to replace the replacements.

Big Sky Power Rankings

Welcome to the inaugural edition of ISJ Sports' weekly Big Sky Power Rankings. Every Wednesday we'll size up all 13 teams and evaluate each based on a combination of factors (like strength of schedule, who is playing well today ... you know, all the things coaches' poll totally ignores).

To this point of the season it's nearly impossible to get a clear reading on many of the teams because most have offered themselves up for slaughter to the likes of BYU and Fresno State (Weber, that's you!) or Utah State and California (hello, Southern Utah!). 

Though a few have not only taken the paycheck from the big boys but their manhood too. Sacramento State beat Colorado, Eastern Washington took down Idaho, Cal Poly beat Wyoming and both North Dakota and Eastern nearly beat top-tier opponents.

For the most part,however, Big Sky teams have either played cream puffs or assumed the role of sacrificial lamb. But conference play commences for most this Saturday and we can't wait to see how the new 13-team league shakes out.

One more note: Three Big Sky teams make The Sports Network FCS Top-25 College Football Poll. Montana State at No. 2, Eastern Washington No. 9 and Montana at No. 14. Cal Poly, Sac. State and Northern Arizona all received votes.

Without further ado ...

1. Eastern Washington Eagles, 1-1 (PF: 40, PA: 27) (previously: n/a)
Last week: Bye
This week: at Weber State

SMU transfer Kyle Padron had big shoes to fill the moment he chose to follow Bo Levi Mitchell to Cheney, Wash., the 2011 Walter Payton Award winner.

His numbers have been ... OK. Three touchdowns, three interceptions and he's completing less than 45 percent of his 87 passing attempts. But the 6-foot-4-inch 220 pound junior made enough plays to lead the Eagles in a 20-3 win over Idaho. And Eastern nearly spoiled Mike Leach's home-debut in a 24-20 loss to Washington State.

If Padron can improve his efficiency, and we think he will, then watch out because the Eagles have the best group of receivers in the country.   

2. Montana State Bobcats, 3-0 (PF: 110, PA: 65) (previously: n/a)

Last week: beat Stephen F. Austin 43-35 at home

This week: vs. Northern Colorado

Two weeks ago, Drake threw for 311 yards and scored 24 points against the MSU defense.

Last Saturday, Stephen F. Austin's Brady Attaway passed for 418 yards and two touchdowns. Granted, MSU was missing its best two defensive lineman — Zach Minter and Brad Daly — but the No. 2 Bobcats have the 39th ranked defense in the FCS, giving up 326 yards per game.

The top ranked defense? The No. 1 North Dakota State Bison — 166 yard per game.

Early reports from Bozeman indicate Minter and Daly may not play this weekend, but it's doubtful Northern Colorado has the personnel to truly push the 'Cats.

3. Montana Grizzlies, 2-1 (PF: 96 PA: 73) (previously: n/a)
Last week: beat Liberty 34-14 at home

This week: vs. Northern Arizona

Despite the off-season turmoil, a new coach, two new coordinators and a change at quarterback, No. 14 Montana just keeps rolling behind a powerful running attack that has out gained opponents 750 to 327.

The Griz are in the middle of a tough opening schedule. After opening with South Dakota, Montana traveled across the country to play App. State. Now starting with conference play, UM hosts Northern Arizona before visiting Cheney Wash., Sep. 29.

4. Cal Poly, 2-0 (PF: 65 PA: 36) (previously: n/a)
Last week: beat Wyoming 24-22 on the road
This week: vs. UC Davis

At ISJ Sports, we have a soft spot for teams that prefer to run over opponents rather than  air it out 45 times a game. And it was via the ground attack that Cal Poly managed a two-point win over the Cowboys, cranking out 325 yards with 68 carries.

This week, the Mustangs take on rival UC Davis in the program's first-ever Big Sky conference game.

(Oh, and this team was gifted a conference schedule that's missing both Montana schools. If Cal Poly can survive road trips to North Dakota and Eastern Washington then we might have found the team outside our top three that has the best chance to win the Big Sky)

5. North Dakota, 2-1 (PF: 152 PA: 86) (previously: n/a)

Last week: lost to San Diego State 49 to 41 on the road
This week: at Sacramento State

North Dakota is the top scoring team in the conference, averaging more than 50 points per game. Junior Greg Hardin has 17 receptions for 435 yards and seven — seven! — touchdowns.

Conversely, North Dakota's defense gave up 37 points at home to Portland State and 49 to San Diego State.

North Dakota stays in California this week and begins conference play at Sac. State.

5. Sacramento State, 2-1 (PF: 77 PA: 94) (previously: n/a)Last week: beat Northern Colorado 28-17 at home
This week: host North Dakota

We strongly believe that by season's end the Hornets will appear much closer to the bottom of this list than this current spot.

Why? Because Sac. State reminds of us of the Pittsburgh Pirates in Major League Baseball the past two seasons. They start off hot and fade down the stretch.

The win over Colorado was impressive (even if the Buffs may be the worst BCS conference team in the nation), but Sac. State struggled mightily against Northern Colorado last Saturday at home.

Northern Colorado had more first downs (23 to 17) and the Bears out gained the Hornets 399 yards to 341. But turnovers (4) and penalties (11 for 117 yards) doomed No. Col's upset hopes.

We're willing to accept that Sac. State was bound for a let down following the big victory over a Pac-12 opponent. In 2011, after the Hornets beat Oregon State, they lost by three touchdowns to Southern Utah.

7. Northern Arizona, 2-1 (PF: 92 PA: 77) (previously: n/a) Last week: beat Fort Lewis 69-0 at home
This week: at Montana

Northern Arizona head coach Jerome Souer struggled mightily to beat Bobby Hauck when he was the leading man at Montana. But Souer and the Lumberjacks found a way to come back from a 14-point deficit to defeat UNLV Sep. 8 in Vegas.

Another bad loss for UNLV but a great team-building win for Northern Arizona. Running back Zach Bauman — 246 yards and three TDs this season — is one of the best in the conference. Can he find enough running lanes to upset the Griz on the road, and reverse the Lumberjacks' 14-game losing streak to Montana?

8. Portland State, 1-2 (PF: 88 PA: 117) (previously: n/a)
Last week: lost to Washington 52-13 on the road
This week: host Southern Utah

The Vikings are dead last in the conference allowing 39 points per game. PSU gave up 52 to Washington — completely excusable — but North Dakota put up 45 the week before. And NAIA powerhouse Carroll College scored 20 points in PSU's opening game Sep. 1.

The defense will have to stiffen for the Vikings to fulfill preseason expectations that pegged them as the fourth best team.

9. Southern Utah, 1-2 (PF: 79 PA: 107) (previously: n/a)
Last week: beat New Mexico Highlands 45-23
This week: at Portland State

We are impressed by Southern Utah's top-tier talent. Few are better than Thunderbirds' quarterback Brad Sorensen. But before Saturday, this ISJ Sports blog had never heard of New Mexico Highlands and we are left unimpressed.

10. Idaho State, 1-1 (PF: 59 PA: 54) (previously: n/a)
Last week: bye
This week: at Nebraska

It's possible we are overrating the Bengals by placing them 10th? After games against Air Force and Black Hills State, ISU has not yet played anyone at the FCS level. And they're not about to with Nebraska looming this Saturday.

But we've seen Kevin Yost up close and we've felt Mike Kramer's energy. The Bengals may not win a lot of games but putting them at 10 feels like a safe bet.

11. Northern Colorado, 1-1 (PF: 57 PA: 72) (previously: n/a)
Last week: lost to Sacramento State 28-17 on the road
This week: at Montana State

 

Northern Colorado's last conference win was way back on Nov. 13, 2010 and under second-year head coach Earnest Collins Jr., the Bears have only beaten Colorado Mesa University.

 

I guess I'm saying that Northern Colorado may find itself buried in the bottom of these rankings very shortly. Let's let them enjoy No. 11.

12. Weber State, 0-3 (PF: 44 PA: 117) (previously: n/a)
Last week: lost to McNeese State 35-21 at home
This week: vs. Eastern Washington

Weber State was down 35-21 before scoring two late touchdowns to turn a rout into a more respectable scoreline.

In total, the Cowboys — undefeated and ranked No. 19 in the country this week — racked up 557 total yards of offense, and Weber struggled to move the ball.

It's been a tough opening month for the Wildcats, admittedly. At Fresno State, at BYU, home to McNeese State and now Eastern Washington comes calling. Weber State is the only Big Sky member that has not won a game yet, and we except that to continue for at least one more week.

(The good news Wildcat fans? John L. Smith and Arkansas are struggling, too!)

13. UC Davis, 1-2 (PF: 62 PA: 60) (previously: n/a)
Last week: lost to South Dakota State 12-8 on the road
This week: at Cal Poly

Since pasting Azusa Pacific 41-3 Aug. 30 in the team's opener, UC Davis' offense has slogged its way through two games.  Against South Dakota State last week, the Aggies offense never scored — the lone UC Davis touchdown was a 69-yard interception returned for a touchdown.

On the bright side Aggie fans, Davis, Calif., is beautiful.

Kyle’s College Football Picks: So good you can feel at ease taking them to Vegas (well, not really)

We deliver to you a game, the spread, which team we are each taking and why.

Please note: Parentheses by a team name denote its current ranking. All point spreads are current as of September 13^th  

Favorite	Underdog	Spread
@ Alabama (1)	Arkansas	20.5

The pick: Alabama

The Razorbacks lost to who last week? No. I don’t believe it.

(searching Internet for the truth….)

Whoa! Unbelievable! Arkansas, ranked No. 8 in the country lost to Louisiana-Monroe, a program that has consistently gone .500 or worse since joining the FCS in 1994. The Warhawks slogged through the last two seasons going 9-15. In contrast, the Razorbacks were 21-5.

After starting quarterback Tyler Wilson left the game at halftime with an apparent head injury, Arkansas embarrassingly blew a 28-7 lead, and Razorback backup Brandon Allen completed 6 of 20 passing attempts. Meanwhile, Warhawks’ quarterback Kolton Browning connected on 42 of his 67 passes for 412 yards. Where was that vaunted SEC defense?

There are big upsets (Iowa State over Oklahoma State, 2011) and then there are shocking upsets (App. State over Michigan, 2007). The Razorbacks loss to Louisiana-Monroe falls somewhere in between. Personally, I’d like to think this is a bit of karma coming back to John L. Smith after he abandoned Weber State, his alma mater, after only a few months on the job to accept Arkansas’ vacancy following a certain motorcycle accident.

Picking this game is easy if you ignore the three touchdown point spread … Roll Tide.

But that’s not the service we provide here. No, instead we give you rock solid whatever-you-do-don’t-actually-take-on-this-bet picks and here at Kyle Franko’s ISJ blog, we believe in the power of home-field advantage.

But Wilson’s status versus Alabama is unknown, and it feels like the safe bet is giving up the 20.5 points and taking the Alabama.

Favorite	Underdog	Spread
@ Boise State	Miami (OH, not the dirty one)	21.0

Kyle: Boise State

Hmmmm… the Broncos lose under Chris Peterson for only the seventh time in his head coaching tenure. With two weeks to stew over that, now BSU hosts 1-1 Miami (not the dirty one) in Boise.

Give up the points and take the Broncos.

Favorite	Underdog	Spread
@ Michigan State (10)	(20) Notre Dame	6.0

Kyle: Notre Dame

We have two weaknesses here at Kyle Franko’s ISJ blog. The first is doughnuts. The second is Notre Dame football.

When confronted with “choosing” a team many years ago, a young catholic boy was pointed in the direction of South Bend (from 1,600 miles away), and with the purchase of one ball cap a love was born.

This love is steadfast, even in the face of constant losing, disappointment and three years of JimmyClausen. In any relationship there a lot of ups and downs, sadly, we are still waiting for the ups.

So what is the chance that the Fighting Irish start the season 3-0, and avenge a fake punt turned game winning touchdown from the last time Notre Dame visited Spartan Stadium?

Well, in Notre Dame’s first game against Navy, a 50-10 shellacking, the Irish ran for 293 yards behind a bruising, experienced offensive line. For any first year starting quarterback, a running game like that is comforting like hot chocolate on a cold, wintery day.

But after rushing the ball 45 times on the Midshipmen, Notre Dame handed it off to its running backs only 21 times against Purdue.

Granted, Purdue is not Navy but it seemed like Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly had found a definitive offensive style in Dublin that was much more like Stanford (run first, two tight end formations) than Notre Dame circa 2011 (spread offense, chuck the ball 40 times a game).

Against Michigan State, on the road, the Irish might need that running game at full speed.

(Oh, and can Notre Dame stop the guy who ran the ball 44 times for 210 yard and two touchdowns against Boise State?)

Favorite	Underdog	Spread
@ Tennessee (23)	(18) Florida	3.0

Kyle: Tennessee

Equation of the week!

Gator bait + Tyler Bray (74 percent completion percentage and six passing touchdowns in two games) + 100,000 screaming, orange clad Volunteer fans = Tennessee victory

Favorite	Underdog	Spread
@ LSU (2)	Idaho	42.5

The pick: LSU

This is a tricky game. LSU only won by 43 points twice last season (49-3 over Northwestern State and 52-3 against Ole Miss).

After beating the Washington Huskies handily 41-3 last week, and with the Tigers’ first SEC game against Auburn looming, we don’t see the Tigers taking the field with the mission to pulverize the Vandals (on the scoreboard).

But Idaho – breaking news alert! – really stinks. The Vandals managed only 237 total yards versus Eastern in week one. Against Bowling Green Saturday, Idaho did throw for 358 yards but had six yards via the ground attack. That lack of balance in Baton Rouge leads us to think that the Tigers win 49-3.

Great player buried on the depth chart

I was just thinking about Tanner Roderick, a kid from Bozeman, Mont., who committed to Nevada out of high school.  As a redshirt freshman this fall, he was fighting for the backup quarterback position.

The team's current depth chart lists him as third string. He's behind two sophomores. One of those guys is Cody Fajardo. He was one of only three sophomores in the country invited to the Manning Passing Academy. Against Cal, Fajardo was 25-32 for 230 yards, and was the WAC's freshman of the year last season. 

If Roderick does indeed have a stud firmly planted in front of him — not to mention the RS sophomore at No. 2 on the chart — we can assume he's predicted to play as a senior, right?

But of course, at programs like Nevada, new, young, heralded prospects are always coming along. In three years, Nevada head coach Chris Ault could find that Roderick is his best quarterback, but that new young sophomore has such potential! Think of Denarius McGhee at Montana State, Landry Jones at Oklahoma, Matt Barkley at USC or Denard Robinson at Michigan, all those guys played before they were ready. But teams live with growing pains because of the payoff when they're juniors and seniors (well, everyone but Michigan).

Bringing this back to Roderick ...

He was the man at Bozeman High. In both basketball and football, Roderick was the best player in the state his senior year. Shoot, he was all-state four times in basketball and was a three-time Gatorade State Player of the Year in football. He's been a winner his entire life.

And now, like many young men who go off to college, he finds himself buried on the depth chart behind other guys that were just like him in high school.

What should he do? Keep fighting to earn playing time at Nevada? Transfer somewhere else?

Neither seems like a great option. He's an interesting example of what happens every year at programs all over the country.