RFC Summer Semester: The Division I Previews--Big Sky Conference

Big Sky Conference 

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2013 Final Standings

2014 Media Guide

Looking back: Just how strong was the Big Sky Conference in 2013? How about five teams finishing the season with winning records strong--in Eastern Washington, Northern Arizona, Montana, Southern Utah, and Montana State.  Two other teams--Cal Poly and Portland State, finished at 6-6 overall last year.

The Big Sky also came up big in the FCS playoffs last year, with four teams--Eastern Washington, Northern Arizona, Montana, and Southern Utah--advancing to postseason play.  EWU made the deepest playoff run of that quartet, advancing to the national semifinals before being stunned at home by eventual national runner-up Towson.

The other three playoff teams--Montana, NAU, and SUU--all had their respective postseason runs cut short after just one game. The Lumberjacks and Thunderbirds both fell in the first round, respectively, while the Grizzlies were ousted by an upstart Coastal Carolina squad in the second round.  


Looking ahead: Don't be surprised if Eastern Washington repeats as Big Sky champions--and then some--in 2014. But as always, there will be plenty of challengers--especially Montana and Northern Arizona, among others--just waiting to knock them off of that lofty throne.


Predicted order of finish (2013 overall record in parentheses):

1. Eastern Washington (12-3):  With a preseason No. 2 ranking behind three-time defending national champion North Dakota State in the FCS Coaches Poll, the Eagles have an excellent chance to win their second national championship in five years, with their first-ever crown coming in 2010.  With 45 letterwinners coming back, there's no reason why EWU can't make yet another deep postseason run at least.

2. Montana (10-3):  But the Grizzlies will plenty to say in who might go all the way this fall. And with a No. 5 preseason ranking by the FCS coaches, this pack of Big Sky bruins will provide stiff competitions for many an opponent this season.

3. Northern Arizona (9-3):  After an early first round exit at the hands of South Dakota State last season, the Lumberjacks will be hungry for more this season.  But with eight starters on defense gone due to graduation, repeating last year's success might prove to be very difficult at best.

4. Southern Utah (8-5):  Coming off of the program's first-ever postseason appearance in 2013, the Thunderbirds hope to soar to even bigger and better heights in 2014.

5. Montana State (7-5):  The Bobcats will play four straight home games in September, including a date with Eastern Washington on September 20. They might need that home cooking down the stretch, as four of their final seven games will be on the road, including the finale at Montana on November 22.

6. Cal Poly (6-6):  After finishing in a four-way tie for fourth place in Big Sky play last season, the Mustangs hope to prime themselves for a possible banner year this season.

7. UC Davis (5-7):  Head Coach Ron Gould hopes that the return of 18 starters will help propel the Aggies into Big Sky and FCS playoff contention this year.

8. Sacramento State (5-7):  The Hornets head into a new era with Jody Sears signing on as their new head coach.

9. Portland State (6-6):  The Vikings hope to stay on track towards respectability under head coach Nigel Burton.

10. North Dakota (3-8):  Head Coach Bubba Schweigert comes on board from NAIA Jamestown to try and winner in Grand Forks.

11. Weber State (2-10):  The Wildcats will look to rebuild under new head coach Jay Hill.

12. Idaho State (3-9):  The Bengals will open the 2014 season with back-to-back road games against Utah from the Pac-12, and Utah State from the Group of Five Mountain West Conference.

13. Northern Colorado (1-11):  The Bears will begin this season with 11 straight losses after a season-opening win to begin last season.

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