The Las Cruces Sun reports that New Mexico State’s FBS status may be put on hold if their attendance continues to fall, Karl Benson says that if they were to fail to meet the requirements they would be reinstated if they could prove to meet up to the FBS standard. “They would be out of 1A, that is correct,” Benson said. “It would not affect any of the other sports at New Mexico State. They would remain at the 1A level.”  The program’s status in WAC would be up in the air. “Their standing in the conference would be subject to review,” Benson said.

A few other WAC schools face similar scenarios as New Mexico State. Utah state and Idaho are alspo below the standard. All three programs entered the conference three years ago. NCAA requirements mandate that all Division 1A football programs average 15,000 fans in paid attendance for a rolling two-year period.

If at the end of the 2 years one of these 3 schools fails to meet the standard, the WAC would be forced to get rid of that team until they can show they can manage FBS football. This could open an opportunity for a BSC team that can meet the requirement. Mainly Montana, who currently averages enough to play in the WAC. This is a topic all BSC should watch for the next 2 years, someones name could be called….

Las Cruces Sun Article

Happy to be blogging here, many of you probably know me as RE/MAXGriz over on egriz, I was asked to add some of my long winded insight into the blog features here.  Earlier this week in a discussion about the next season I thought I’d take a look at how the conference has booked their out of conference schedule (OOC).  It’s interesting what’s been set up, and for the amount of teams that are really striving to reach the playoffs, I was pretty surprised at how difficult they set up their schedules.  So lets take a look at what each team has set up before conference play starts:

Eastern Washington - Two FBS schools in Texas Tech and Colorado, in back-to-back games, ouch.  I know that the gap between top FCS teams and many FBS teams has closed, I see both of these games as very tough ones to win for EWU.  They’ve also got a home against Western Washington and two open dates (which I’ll bet one gets filled).  I’d expect possibly a Great West team or maybe another D2 school if they don’t want to travel.  If they look to a mid-west or east coast FCS team I’d expect they’d have to travel out there.  3 road games and 1 home game OOC could be rough, however it could also really toughen them up for the conference.

Weber State - They’ve also got 2 FBS teams, Hawai’i and Utah, probably both losses, those are both very good football teams.  The two home games they have booked are lower division schools, Dixie St and Montana-Western.  So chances are they’ll be 2-2 when done with the OOC, however they’ll not have a single win to help their status with the playoff committee, they’ll have to win at least 7 conference games to be even considered, if they even go 6-2 in conference play they’ll just have 6 Division 1 wins.  So Weber must be banking on winning the conference auto-bid this year.

Idaho State - ISU has Boise and Idaho booked in their OOC, as well as North Dakota.  Boise will most likely win, Idaho… who knows, I’d think the Vandals would have the edge there.  North Dakota went 10-2 last year and beat Southern Utah (although SUU didn’t win a game).  I think this game will be tough for ISU, they’re rebuilding and they’re having budget issues, so they probably won’t book an FCS road game as well.  They could limp out of the OOC with either a 1-2 or 0-3 record.

Portland State - They’ve got an OOC that tilts to their favor, games against Cal Davis and W. Oregon.  I don’t know much about Davis, so I can’t say how competitive they’ll be.  PSU should have their system in place and I think they’ll win both of those games.  Also they travel to Washington State, Wulff, WSU’s coach will be familiar with them, but he’s rebuilding a Cougar team that could have trouble stopping the spread offense.  Could be interesting to see what happens.

Montana - The Grizzlies have a bear of an opening game, testing a defense with 8 new starters against Cal Poly’s amazing and experienced offense.  The Wofford game stung Montana, and Cal Poly could do the same.  After that Montana returns to home to host Southern Utah, Central Washington and Cal Davis.  Most likely they’ll finish the OOC 3-1.

Montana State - Another team with 2 FBS and 2 lower division schools.  The Cats play Minnesota and Kansas State back-to-back, they also host Adams State and South Dakota.  MSU could be in a similar bind as Weber State, coming out of their OOC 2-2 and relying on winning the conference to make the playoffs.  I think they might have a chance to knock off Minnesota, they beat Colorado a few years back, so who knows!

Sacramento State - CSUS has an interesting OOC, they host two lower-division schools, Humbolt State and Southern Oregon.  They also travel to Davis and to Colorado State.  Since half of the conference is playing Davis, maybe I should check up on these guys!  Sac could be 3-1 OOC when it’s all said and done, they don’t play Davis until late, as they usually do. 

Northern Colorado - They’ve got 3 games booked so far, they travel to Purdue and travel to (guess who?) UC Davis.  They also host Texas State.  Didn’t they beat Texas State last year, or the year before that?  UNC is still building, and they’re on the rise, they could come out of this 1-2 but most likely I’ll say 0-3. 

Northern Arizona - NAU plays Arizona State, New Mexico Highlands (who?), and Southern Utah.  Pretty straight forwards, ASU will most likely beat NAU, but the other two games should be wins for the Lumberjacks.  2-1 OOC is decent. 

—-

Quick, “Who is UC Davis?” note - Just looked it up, Davis went 5-6 last year, their most notable wins were against Portland State and beating San Diego late in the season.  They didn’t do much else.  A quick manual count has them losing 12 seniors to graduation from the 2007 season, which included some skill players.  They’re a younger team, probably still finding their way.

—

It amazes me how some teams almost schedule themselves right out of the playoffs, I know it’s usually because of money issues, but there’s a lot of cases where teams would have made the playoffs if they wouldn’t have booked 2 or 3 FBS teams, or didn’t book 2 or 3 Division 2 (or lower) schools.  It will be interesting to see how this all shakes out, it’s just a bummer we’ve got to wait so long until football season actually starts.

Idaho State comes into the Big Sky semi-finals on the heels of a two point victory over Montana. They are the real unknown of the four remaining teams. They are young, and should be in the upper-echelon of the Big Sky for the next few years.

For the Vikings, there is a different story. After a 23 point win at home against the Bengals, and a 10 point win on the road, there is little reason to doubt Portland State’s chances to advance to advance to the Big Sky Championship game. If there is one unknown, it is how the Viking players will react to the Rose Garden. The only other game there this year, the Vikings only beat Division III Lewis & Clark by 1 point. Needless to say the current Viking team has come a long way. They give up the friendly confines of the Stott Center for the added seating capacity and big game atmosphere of the Rose Garden. One would hope the great season Ken Bone’s squad has had would bring more than a thousand fans to championship games.

Match-Ups
Center
ISU: Lucas Steijn PSU: Scott Morrison
This match-up is not fair. Out of the 3 options the Bengals have here, none can guard Scott Morrison, none can rebound with Morrison and none can score against Morrison. In the first game, Morrison had a very solid all-around game while holding Steijn to just 3 points and 3 rebounds. The second match-up saw Morrison have a little less success offensively, while giving the Bengal centers 2 points and 4 rebounds. Even JR Moore had success. I don’t see much changing. As I said before their last game, ISU doesn’t really have any post presence, so PSU may be able to put a little more pressure on the wing players.
Advantage: Vikings

Forward
ISU: Logan Kinghorn PSU: Kyle Coston
Kinghorn was outplayed by his backup, Chron Tatum in the second game against the Vikings. If Kinghorn starts slowly this time, look for the Bengals to go to Tatum early. They can’t hold anything back, as this is likely the last game of their season. Kyle Coston had a so-so game the last time he played against the Bengals, with 8 points and 2 rebounds. Considering how ineffective the other options for the Vikings were at the 4, he had a solid game. PSU doesn’t necessarily need a great effort from this position to win the game, but a little extra cushion couldn’t hurt.
Advantage: Push

Guard/Forward
ISU: Amorrow Morgan PSU: Deonte Huff
Morgan has had decent success against Huff, going for 11 points in both contests. However, he hasn’t been able to equal Huff’s success (20 points and 6 rebounds the last game between the two.) As I pointed out the last game between the two, Morgan is only a sophomore, so he could one day become the player Huff is. However, he is not ready to beat out the Big Sky first-teamer at this point in his career.
Advantage: Vikings

Off Guard
ISU: Donnie Carson/Austin Kilpatrick PSU: Andre Murray
Kilpatrick won the last battle between the two with 14 points to Murray’s 6. However, Murray went only 2-10 from the field. Assuming he can hit an average percentage of his shots, Andre should be able to keep pace. He outrebounded Kilpatrick 5-1 in the first match-up, something he probably won’t have to do in this match-up for the Vikings to have success. Can Kilpatrick seize the initiative and provide the much-needeed scoring punch aside Stucki and Morgan? If not, this game won’t be close. Recently, Carson has been receiving a lot of playing time. Against Montana he turned that into 10 points and 5 rebounds. If he can pitch in and contribute the same amount tonight, that will help keep the game close, and perhaps Stucki can pull something out of the bag late, who knows?
Advantage: Push

Point
ISU: Matt Stucki PSU: Jeremiah Dominguez
Stucki may be the one player who gives Dominguez serious problems defensively. Dominguez has been great all year, but the 6’6” Stucki is a full foot taller than Dominguez. Here, I gave the advantage to Stucki in the Stott Center game based on their outputs in the first game. Dominguez was able to hit right on his averages, but Stucki was great, going for 26 points. However, Dominguez had a very solid all-around game in the second match-up that superceded Stucki. As this season progressed, one could tell Jeremiah went out every night to send a message. He was rewarded for his outstanding play with the Big Sky Player of the Year award. He is clearly the factor that made last year’s mediocre squad into this year’s Big Sky champions.
Advantage: Vikings

Bench
The Vikings have the advantage here. The Bengals have three bench players who average 5 or more points per game, but none who is a real threat to go for a bunch of points. At home, the Viking bench players just tend to do better. Alex Tiefenthaler had 16 points the first time around against ISU, but failed to score a single point in the second contest. JR Moore stepped up with 6 points and 9 big rebounds in the second contest. With Julius Thomas healthy, Moore may not even see time. Hard to believe that even JR was dominant in the post against the Bengals.
Advantage: Vikings

Well… now comes the time for a prediction. The Bengals won only two conference games away from home: Northern Colorado and Montana. I predicted 76-60 at the Stott Center, and the game came out 81-58. This time, I’m expecting the Vikings to score a few less points in the unfamiliar atmosphere at the Rose Garden. However, I think they should still have plenty to get by the Bengals for a championship match-up with Northern Arizona or Weber State.
Prediction: PSU 73-60

2008 SIGNEES ALPHABETICAL ROSTER
FLAYER pOS HT WI. YR EXP HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOL)
Thomas Bauer LB 6-2 237 Jr. JC Niwot, Co (Saddleback CC)
Brandon Beecher DB 5-10 175 Fr. HS Aurora, CO (Overland HS)
Levi Buckles WR 6-3 % 195 Fr. HS Post Falls, ID (Post Falls HS)
Charles Burton OL 6-5 2315 Fr. HS Long Beach, CA (Milikan HS)
Tyzer Cady WR 6-0 180 Fr. HS Colstrip, MT (Coistrip HS)
Mike Cummings DB 6-1 192 Fr. HS Scottsdale, AZ (Chaparral HS)
Ray DeBruycker DE 6-3 205 Fr. HS Choteau, MT (Choteau HS)
Beau Donaldson RB 6-1 223 Fr. HS Missoula, MT (Big Sky HS)
Andrew Douglass LB 6-2 225 Fr. HS San Clemente, CA (San Clemente HS)
Kyle Finneman P 6-2 205 Fr. HS Havre, MT (Havre HS)
Sam Gratton WR 6-0 190 Fr. HS Billings, MT (Senior HS)
Greg Hardy TE 6-5 245 Fr. HS Fairview, MT (Fairview HS)
Josh Harris DR 6-5 210 Fr. HS Kalispell, MT (Flathead HS)
Eric Homec DR 6-5 215 Fr. HS Bozeman, MT (Bozeman HS)
Matt Hulse DL 6-3 260 Fr. HS Chandler, AZ (Hamilton US)
Jared Hunt DB 6-3 175 Fr. US Helena, MT (Helena Capital HS)
Trumaine Johnson — WR 6-3 180 Fr. HS Stockton, CA (Edison HS)
Gerald Kemp — QB 6-2 185 Fr. HS San Diego, CA (Rancho Bernardo HS)
Ryan Kessman WR 6-0 195 Fr. TR San Jacinto, CA (BYU)
Kyle Kmet OL 6-5 300 Fr. US Bonita, CA (Bonita Vista HS)
Blake Lebeau OL 6-5 275 Fr. US Union City, CA (James Logan US)
Matt Lipski OL 6-9 320 Fr. HS Ashland, OR (Ashland I-IS)
Donny Lisowski DB 5-11 190 Fr. HS Seattle, WA (O’Dea HS)
Mike McCord DB 6-0 185 Fr. HS Phoenix, AZ (Maryvale HS)
Caleb McSurdy LB 6-2 240 Fr. HS Boise, ID (Borah HS)
Dan Moore RB 5-11 215 Fr. HS Tucson, AZ (Mountain View US)
Jon Opperud OL 6-7 280 Fr. HS Milwaukie, OR (Milwaukie HS)
Brooks Rabold LB 6-2 205 Fr. HS Billings, MT (Central Catholic US)
Jabin Sainbrano WR 5-1 1 165 Fr, HS Temecula, CA (Great Oaks HS)
Russell Schey - K 6-2 180 Fr. HS Billings, MT (West HS)
Alex Shaw LB 6-2 220 Fr. I-IS Spokane, WA (Lewis & Clark HS)
Josh Stuberg LB 6-2 190 Fr. US Helena, MT (Helena HS)
Cody Von Appen DB 5-10 180 Fr. HS Kailua, HI (Kalaheo US)

TOTAL SIGNERS: 33.

GEOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN: Montana-12; California-8; Arizona-4; Colorado-2; Idaho-2; Oregon-2 Wash ington-2;Hawaii- 1.

BY POSITION: Wide Receiver-7; Linebacker-6 Offensive Line-5; Defensive Back-5; Defensive Line: 4; Running back-2; Tight End-I; Kicker-I; Punter-I; Quarterback- 1.
Griz 2008 FB Signees Add 4-4-4

Jabin Sainbrano (Pronounced: san-braw-no), WR, 5-11, 165, Fr., HS, lemecula, CA (Great Oaks HS): Jabin was a first team all-conference player at wide receiver and defensive back…chosen football MVP as a senior…lettered in football, track, and wrestling…served as team captain in track…voted recipient of Community Service Award. ..his high school football coach was Scott Strohsnider. Personal: Parents: Rick and Julia Sainbrano of Temecula. Major: Undecided. Birth date: March 13, 1990.

Russell Schey (Pronounced: Shy), K, 6-2, 180, Fr., HS, Billings, MT (West HS): Russell was named the “AA” first team at kicker twice. ..he was a first team all-state pick at safety as a senior…he is a two-time all-league selection at kicker and at defensive back…he earned letters in soccer (I), basketball (1), football (3), and track (2)…was team captain in football…his 2006 football team was the state champions with a 13-0 record…he made 150 PATs and converted 97.9% of his PAT attempts…kicked 10 career field goals with a long of 43 yards…he scored 211 career points in football, the third most in school history.. .his track team won the state title last year.. .his prep football coach was Paul Klaboe. Personal: Joan and Steve Schey of Billings. Major: Business. Birth date: March 3, 1990.

Alex Shaw, LB, 6-2, 220, Fr., HS, Spokane, WA (Lewis & Clark HS): Alex was the Washington 4A co-Player of the Year as a senior for the state champions who had a record of 11 -2…he was first team all-state and all-conference at running back and at linebacker in 2007…his senior season he rushed for 1,655 yards, and he gained 793 yards on 151 carries in the state playoffs..he rushed for 176 yards and was voted the “Player of the Game” in the state championship against Bothell High School game. ..nominated for the Eastern Washington “Student-Athlete of the Year Award”.. first team all-league, team MVP, and honorable mention all-state at defensive end as a junior…Greater Spokane League shot put (55-0) champion as a junior and member of winning 4×100 relay team…team captain in football as a junior and senior…earned three letters in football, basketball, and track. ..his prep football coach was Tom Yearout.. .Personal: Parents: Carl and Diane Shaw of Spokane. Major: Undecided. Birth date: June 28, 1990. Misc. Info.: He has a 3.6 GPA.

Josh Stuberg (Pronounced: stew-burg), LB, 6-2, 190, Fr., HS, Helena, MT (Helena HS): Josh was a first team all-state pick at cornerback as a junior, and a second team pick at wide receiver and kick returner.. .he led the state in touchdowns (15) and scoring (9.0 points a game) in 2006, and was third in all-purpose yards (1 ,324)…an all- conference player at cornerback and receiver as a sophomore and junior…second team all-state choice at wide receiver as a sophomore when he was second in the state in receptions. ..he started both ways as a senior, but was injured most of the season…placed in three events in the state track meet as a sophomore and injured for most of his junior year.. .high school football coach was former (1985-88) Griz quarterback Tony Arntson. Personal: Parents:
Rob and Carolee Stuberg of Helena. Major: Business. Birth date: August 18, 1989.

Cody Von Appen (Pronounced: vawn-ah-pln), DB, 5-10, 180, Fr., HS, Kailua, HI (Kalaheo HS): Cody was a first team all-conference selection following his junior and senior seasons in high school.. .as a senior he passed for 975 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushed for 537 yards and nine scores…his junior year he passed for 11 TDs and rushed for 4 touchdowns.. .he was named his gird teams MVP on offense as a senior…chosen his high school’s “Athlete of the Year” as a freshman, sophomore, and junior…he has lettered four times in football and basketball, and three times in baseball…Persoflal: Thea Wheeler of Kailua and Fred Von Appen of Missoula. Major:
Undecided. Birth date: August 12, 1990. Misc. Info.: Cody’s dad, Fred, was an assistant head coach at Montana in 2003 and 2004. Fred coached in the professional and college ranks for 35 years.
Griz 2008 FB Signees Add 3-3-3
Donny Lisowski, DB, 5-11, 190, Fr., HS, Seattle, WA (O’Dea HS): Donny was a first team all-league selection at quarterback and defensive back as a senior…he was chosen the game MVP of the state-semi-final football game in 2007…nominated to East-West All-Star Game…named among the top 20 defensive backs in the state of Washington by Rivals.com and tabbed one of the top 100 recruits in the state by the Seattle Times…lettered in football (3), wrestling (1), and track (4).. ,track team MVP as a junior…state finalist in the 200 and 400 in 2007.. .league champion in wrestling as a freshman.. .prep football coach was Monty Kohler. Personal: Parents: Bob and Mary Lisowski of Seattle. Major: Journalism. Birth date: Jan. 20, 1989.

Mike McCord II, DB, 6-0, 185, Fr., HS, Phoenix, AZ (Maryvale HS): Mike was named All-Region Two-way
Player of the Year as a senior…selected first team All-Region at quarterback and defensive back in 2007…named Region Offensive Player of the Year.. .all-state honorable mention both ways following his senior campaign. ..in 2007 he rushed for 1,070 yards and passed for 490, and had 82 tackles and two interceptions. ..team captain as a junior and senior and offensive player of the year as a senior…earned three letters in football and two in track…his high school football coach was Pat Rowe. Personal: Parents: Michael and Anna McCord ofPhoenix. Major: Undecided. Birth date: May 9, 1990.

Caleb McSurdy, LB, 6-2, 240, Fr., HS, Boise, ID (Borah HS): Caleb was a first team all-state pick at linebacker and second team at tight end following his senior season when he had 65 tackles (52 solos), 8 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks, along with 22 catches for 232 yards and 4 touchdowns…a three-time all-conference selection at linebacker… voted his team’s “Defensive Player of the Year” as a junior and senior, and received “Commitment Award” those seasons as well…won the state championship in the shot put (56-6) and discus (166-0) as a junior and was tabbed “Thrower of the Year”.. .placed in the state shot put three times.. .team captain in football and track junior and senior years…his prep teams won state track titles in 2006 and 2007…his high school football coach was Vince Mann. Personal: Patrick and Nancy McSurdy of Boise. Major: Business. He carries a 3.7 GPA. Birth date: Feb. 24, 1990. Misc. Info.: He is Borah’s record-holder in the bench press (390) and squat (515). He plays the drums in a jazz band.

Dan Moore, RB, 5-11, 215, Fr., HS, Tucson, AZ (Mountain View HS): Dan was an all-state choice in 2007, and named All-Region and all-conference three times…the l4th~ranked poop in the nation by Scout.com. . .as a senior he rushed for 1,941 yards for 21 touchdowns and averaged 9.5 yards a carry, and had 2,525 all-purpose yards (he averaged 229.0 a game).. .voted his team MVP on offense after his senior year. ..team captain his junior and senior seasons.. set freshman rushing record and was a U.S.A Power-lifting champion as a freshman… .his high school football coach was Paul Schmidt. Personal: Parents: David and Amanda Moore of Tucson. Major: Forestry. Birth date: February 1, 1990. Misc. Info.: Has been chosen the MVP of every sports team he has been on since Elementary School (soccer, baseball, basketball, wrestling, and football).

Jon Opperud II (Pronounced.’ Ah-per-ood), OL, 6-7, 280, Fr., HS, Milwaukie, OR (MilwaUkie HS): Jon earned three letters in football, three in basketball, and two in track…team captain and Outstanding Offensive Lineman of the Year as a senior.. .started both ways as a senior. ..high school football coach was Roland Aumueller. ..team captain in hoops as a senior and averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds a game…placed fourth in the state in the discus last season.. ,second team all-state in track as a junior and was all-league in track. Personal: Parent: Gail Opperud of Portland. Major: Undecided. Birth date: Feb. 13, 1990.

Brooks Rabold (Pronounced.’ ray-bold), LB, 6-2, 205, Fr., HS, Billings, MT (Central Catholic HS): Brooks was a two-time all-state and aII~confereflce pick in football.. .selected to play in both the East-West Shrine Game and the Mon-Dak All-Star Game.. .named to Great Falls Tribune’s “Super State Team”…hiS prep football teams won two league titles and one state championshiP.. .team captain as a senior. ..twice voted team MVP on defense. ..earned two letters in basketball and track, and three in football…PreP football coach was Jim Stanton…hiS senior year he had 99 tackles, 17 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 19 QB hurries, 4 fumble recoveries, and 3 forced fumbles. PersonaI.~ Parents:
Pat and Tessie Rabold of Billings. Major: Criminology. Birth date: May 16, 1990. Misc. Info.: His dad, Pat, is a member of the Football Flail of Fame at the University of Wyoming.
Griz 2008 FB Signees Add 2-2-2

Matt Hulse (Pronounced hull-see), DL, 6-3, 260, Fr., HS, Chandler, AZ (Hamilton HS): Matt earned letters in football and track.. .his football team was conference champion his senior year and an Arizona State semi-finalist in 2007 as well…his senior year he had 11 tackles for loss and two sacks…his high school football coach was Steve Belles. Personal: Parents: Sam Hulse Jr. And Alma Jo Cobb Hulse of Chandler. Major: Exercise science. Birth date: Sept. 26, 1989.

Jared Hunt, DB, 6-3, 175, Fr,, HS, Helena, MT (Helena Capital HS): Jared was a key players for his high school squads that won “AA” championships in 2006 (11-2) and 2007 (12-1)…all-state and all-conference as ajunior and senior at quarterback and punter.. track MVP in 2006 and 2007, and football MVP his junior year. ..passed for 1,857 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior, rushed for 366 yards and six scores., and averaged 40.8 yards per punt….voted conference player of the year as a senior…grid coach was Pat Murphy. Personal: Parents: William and Mary Hunt of Helena. Major: Wildlife biology. Birth date: May 23, 1989. He’s played hockey for the past 13 years.

Trumaine Johnson, WR, 6-3, 180, Fr., HS, Stockton, CA (Edison HS): Trumaine was an outstanding quarterback last season, passing for 1,800 yards (with just 5 interceptions), rushing for 500 yards, and he had 22 total touchdowns.. .he was named first team all-league at quarterback and defensive back last season, and voted to his high school’s football “Hall of Fame” at defensive back…his junior year he was first team All-Area and all-league at wide receiver when he had 750 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns…he was tabbed his team’s “Junior of the Year” in football.. .he is also an all-state basketball player…his high school football coach was Elliot Burke. ..Personal:
Parents: Lynn Stallworth and Curtis Johnson of Stockton. Major: Business. Birth date: Jan. 1, 1990.

Gerald Kemp, QB, 6-2, 185, Fr., HS, San Diego, CA (Rancho Bernardo HS): Gerald was named team MVP in football as a senior. ..he was a second team All-North County pick in 2007, as well a first team all-league choice. ..he was also an all-league player in basketball last season..,voted team captain in football and basketball. ..he also competes in track, and last year his track team was league champion…his high school football coach was Brad Elrod…PersOflal.~ Parent: Geradine Kemp of San Diego. Major: Undecided. Birth date: May 23, 1990.

Ryan Kessman, WR, 5-10, 210, Fr., TR, San Jacinto, CA (BYU): Ryan spend one year at BYU last season and was a redshirt. . he was a standout at San Jacinto High School where at wide receiver he was chosen All-C.1.F., allstate, all-league, and his league’s “Player of the Year” as a senior…he had 43 catches for 848 yards and 12 touchdowns, and he had 1,493 total yards at receivers and as,a returner his senior year…his high school football coach was Bill Powell…Personal.~ Parents: Steven and Paulynn Kessman of San Jacinto. Major: Undergraduate studies. Birth date: TBA.

Kyle Kmet (Pronounced: keh-met), OL, 6-5, 300, Fr., HS, Bonita, CA (Bonita Vista HS): Kyle was a an Diego All-Country selection and first team all-conference choice as a senior…he earned three letters in both football and track (shot/discus) and one in lacrosse.. he was also a three-time All-Academic Mesa League pick. ..team captain in football…hiS 2005 football team was the conference champion…hiS high school football coach was Carl Parrick. Personal: Parent: John Kmet of Bonita. Major: Undecided. Birth date: Oct. 16, 1990.

Blake Lebeau, OL, 6-5, 275, Fr., uS, Union City, CA (James Logan HS): Blake was named first team All-East
Bay and all-league.. .his senior football team rushed for 3,542 yards…his football teams won league championships in
2006 (8-3) and 2007 (1 1-1)…served as team captain in football…earned two letters in football…hiS high school
football coach was George Zuber. Personal.’ Parents: Thierry and Luana Lebeau of Union City. Major: Business.
Birth date: April 29, 1990.

Matt Lipski, OL, 6-9, 320, Fr., HS, Ashland, OR (Ashland US): Matt was a first team All-Southern Conference team pick his junior and senior seasons.. his third-ranked 2007 Grizzlies football team went 11-i and advanced to the state semi-finals.. .a three-year letterman in football…an all-conference player in basketball as a junior when his team went to the state 5A play-offs for the first time since l986…currently averaging 14 points, S rebounds, and 3 blocks a game…also lettered in water polo.. .grid coach was Charlie Hall. Personal: Parents: Tom and Sheryl Lipski of Ashland. Major: History or business. Birth date: Nov. 30, 1989.
Griz 2008 FB Signees Add 1-I-I
Beau Donaldson, RB, 6-1, 223, Fr., ~S, Missoula, MT (Big Sky US): Beau was named all-state three times in football.. .earned three letters in football, two in basketball, and four in track…his senior season he set school record and led the state with 1,682 yards rushing for 23 touchdownS…had 13 sacks in 2007…career-Wise he set school standards with 3,749 yards rushing for 44 touchdowns, scoring 278 points…set 10 school records in football…head coach was Gary Ekegren, a former Griz player (1959-6 1) and UM defensive line coach (1977-79)…flrst team allstate both ways as a senior.. .his prep football teams made the state playoffs twice in his career…offenSiVe team MV? as a junior and senior in football, and team MVP his senior year. PersOnal.~ Parents: Larry and Catherine Donaldson of Missoula. Major: Physical therapy. Birth date: July 21, 1989.

Andrew Douglass, LB, 6-2, 225, Fr., US, San Clemente, CA (San Clemente US): Andrew was an All-C.I.F. first team pick at linebacker as a senior. ..first team All-South Coast League as a junior and senior…tabbed South Coast League’s MV? on defense following his senior season…lettered three times in football.. .team captain his senior year…high school football coach was Eric Patton…aS a senior he had Ill tackles (61 solos), 4 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, and 2 interceptions. Personal.~ Parents: Richard and Jane Douglass of San Clemente. Major: Business. Birth date: Nov. 16, 1989.

Kyle Finneflian, P, 6-2, 205, Fr., US, Havre, MT (Havre US): Kyle was tabbed all-state at running back and punter…all-cOflfere1~ pick at halfback and linebacker…a three-sport letterman in football (3), track (4), and basketball…ClasS “A” champion in the 100 and 200.. .football team was Central A” champions in 2006~07…foOtba11 team captain and MVP as a senior.. .voted team captain in hoops as well…high school football coach was Kevin Sukut. Persoflal.~ Parents: Bruce and Pam Finnemafl of Havre. Major: Undecided. Birth date: June 14, 1989.

Sam Gratton, WR, 6-0, 190, Fr., HS, Billings, MT (Senior US): Sam was a three-time all-state choice at wide receiver.., selected to play in both the East-West Shrine Game and the Mon-Dak All-Star Game. ..named to the Great Falls Tribune’s “Super State Team”…flamed an All-American and Montana’s Player of’ the Year by PrepNation.COm…PruP football team was the “AA” runners-up in 2007, going 10-3…his senior year he had 43 catches for 723 yards and 7 touchdownS.. .team captain in 2007…co-Special Teams MVP as a senior at kicker…his high school football coach was former (l987-88)Griz wide receiver Mark Sulser… also lettered in track…in his career he had 149 receptionS for 2,155 yards and 13 TD5…Academic All-State with a 3.6 GPA. Personal: Parents:
Scott Gratton and Shelley Haughton, both of Billings. Personal: Major: Undecided. Birth date: Oct. 10, 1989. Sam’s dad Scott played linebacker for the Griz from 1979-82 and was Golden Helmet Award (hardest hitter) recipient in 1981 and 1982.

Greg Hardy, TE, 6-5, 245, Fr., US, FairvieW, MT (Fairview US): Greg was an all-state pick in football, basketball, and track.. .earned 12 letters: four each in football, basketball, and track. ..a three-time all~confereflCe selection in football, hoops, and track.. football and basketball team captain. ..givefl “Warrior Award” and chosen MV? in football.. .hoop team won the district title, going 20-6…high school football coa~h was Kevin Clausen. Personal: Parents: Jim and Mary Hardy of FairvieW. Major: Business. Birth date: Jan. 2, 1990. Greg’s dad, Jim, played football and basketball at Western Montana College (UM-Western).

Josh Harris, DE, 6-5, 210, Fr., HS, Kalispell, MT (Flatllead US); Josh was named all-state his senior year when he had 47 tackles, 7 sacks, and 14 quarterback hurries…team defensive MVP his senior season two-time all-league pick in football. ..honOrable mention all-state as a junior…selected to play in both the East-West Shrine Game and the Mon-Dak All-Star Game.. ,.lettered in football (3), basketball (I), and track (2). Named Academic All-State twice. His high school football coach was Russell McCarVel. Personal.’ Parents: Greg and Jeanie Harris of Kalispell. Major: Undecided. Birth date: Sept. 15, 1989. Josh’s dad, Greg, lettered in football at Montana from 1972-74.

Eric HomeC (Pronounced home-eck), DE, 6-5, 215, Fr., HS, Bozeman, MT (Bozeman US): Eric was an all-state pick at defensive end as a senior when he had 14 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 6 pass break-UPS, two of which led to interceptions…named to Great Falls Tribune’s “Super State Team”…chosen to play in both the East-West Shrine Game and the Mon-Dak All-Star Game.. .lettered in football and track.. .high school football coach was Troy Purcell. Personal Parents: Steve and Susan Flomec of Bozeman. Major: Business. Birth date: Sept. 15, 1989.
MONTANA GRIZZLIES “CLASS OF 2008” FOOTBALL SIGNEES

Thomas Bauer, LB, 6-2, 237, Jr., JC, Niwot, CO (Saddleback CC): Thomas comes to UM from Saddleback City College in Mission Viejo, Calif., where he was a first team All-Mission Conference pick at middle linebacker.., he was one of the leading tacklers on his 7-3 team a year ago and had 17 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles…he attended Northern Colorado as a freshman and was ranked 10th in the Big Sky Conference in total tackles and had the second most on the team…nominated for Big Sky “Player of the Week” twice as a freshman….he prepped at Niwot High School and was a first team all-state pick as a senior for his 12-I team, and was also named the All-Area Defensive Player of the Year that season…he was first team all-conference as a junior and senior and a three-year starter. Personal: Parents: Ron and Deb Bauer of Niwot. Major: Business. Birth date: October 21, 1986. He has been an honor roll student in high school, at UNC, and at Saddleback.

Brandon Beecher, DB, 5-10, 175, Fr., HS, Aurora, CO (Overland HS): Brandon was a first team all-conference as a junior and all-league as a sophomore. ..prep coach was Tony Manfredi who coached former Griz standout linebacker Tyler Joyce. ..lettered three times in football and basketball. ..plans to compete in track this spring in the 100 and 200…has been timed in the 40 in 4.38. Personal: Parents: Brian Beecher and Dana Moore of Aurora. Major: sociology/criminology. Birth date: Aug. 29, 1990.

Levi Buckles, WR, 6-3 ‘/2, 195, Fr., HS, Post Falls, ID (Post Falls HS): Levi was a second team all-state pick at wide receiver, and first team all-league as a junior and senior…tabbed the Inland Empire League Offensive Player of the Year as a senior when he had 51 receptions for 1,018 yards and 14 touchdowns…prep football coach was Jeff Heinz…first team All-North Idaho and offensive team MV? as a junior and senior…three-year letterman in basketball and team MV? in hoops his junior year. Personal: Parents: Carolyn and Dave Sims of Post Falls and Doug Buckles of Plumnier, Idaho. Major: Undecided. Birth date: Dec. 18, 1989.

Charles Burton, OL, 6-5, 315, Fr., HS, Long Beach, Ci~ (Milikan HS): Charles was an AlI-C.I.F. pick…voted
Moore League co-Offensive Linemen of the Year…on Milikan High’s Weight Lifting Hall of Fame (benches 305 and
squats 325).. .his school football coach was Kirk Diego.. .a four-year letterman in football and twice in track.
Personal: Parent: Felicia Burton of Long Beach. Major: Education. Birth date: Oct. 15, 1990.

Tyzer Cady (Pronounced Cay-dee), WR, 6-0, 180, Fr., US, Colstrip, MT (Colstrip HS): A 12-time letterman in football, basketball, and track and team captain in all three sports…all-state in football as a senior and all-league twice…all-state performer in track as a sophomore and juni~r…all-conference in basketball his junior year.. .prep grid coach was Mark Ator… member of Colstrip’s 2005 state cl.ampionship track team..retumed three kickoffs for touchdowns…the Clas’s B 100-meter champ as a junior. Personal: Parents: Rick and Tresa Cady of Colstrip. Major:
Undecided. Birth date: Nov. 28, 1989.

Mike Cummings, DB, 6-1, 192, Fr., HS, Scottsdale, AZ (Chaparral HS): Mike was an All-Region selection at wide receiver and at defensive back his junior and senior seasons…all-state wide receiver as a senior and at defensive back as ajunior…footbal! captain and offensive MVP as a senior and defensive MV? his senior year…high school football coach was Charlie Ragle. . .earned three letters in both football and basketball.. .BB defensive MVP three times.. team captain in football and basketball.. .senior year he had 77 catches for 1,421 yards and 18 TDs.. .had 14 career interceptions…football squad won region titles in 200~ (12-2) and 2006 (11-3), and in basketball in 2005-06 (25-4). Personal: Parents: Mickey and Lynn Cummings of Scottsdale. Major: Business. Birth date: Aug. 17, 1989.

Ray DeBruycker (‘Pronounced dee-brucker,), DE, 6-3, 205, Fr., US, Choteau, MT (Choteau HS): Ray was an all-state selection in football, wrestling, and track…two-time all-conference pick at tight end and linebacker. ..state wrestling champion at 189 pounds as ajunior…earned 10 letters in football (3), wrestling (4), and track 3)…team captain in wrestling as a junior and senior, and in football his senior season…prep football coach was Joel Chrisiaens…had 11 sacks his senior season, along with 45 catches for 450 yards and 6 touchdowns.. .chosen MVP of wrestling squad.. .selected to play in Montana’s annual East-West Shrine Game. Personal: Parents: Nels and Lorraine DeBruycker of Choteau. Major: Forestry. Birth date: Oct. 2, 1989.

Brian Bignell, HS, 6-2, 225, DL Helena Capitol, (AA Co-MVP)
Jared Rohrback, HS, 6-1, 215, LB Great Falls CMR, (AA Co-MVP)
Matt Harris, JR, 6-2, 225, LB Orange Coast Community College, (JC)
Mark Iddins, JR, 6-3, 205, QB Mukilteo, WA (JC - Scout 3 star)
Anthony Patterson, JR, 6-4, 300, OL Sierra Junior College (CA)
Steven Foster, HS, 6-5, 240, TE Helena High
Ben Taunauu, HS, 6-5, 286, OL Mater Dei HS (CA)
Rick Haluszka HS, 6-2, 205, QB/DB/P Harlem, MT
Jody Owens HS, 6-0, 195, LB Mesquite Horn HS (TX)
Clint Mentzal HS, 6-5, 280, RT, Midlothian High (TX)
Ricky Evans HS, 6-0, 185, RB, South Grand Prarie HS (TX)
Zach Coleman HS, 5-10, 165, CB, Bishop Dunne HS (TX)
C.J. Palmer HS, 6-0, 225, RB/LB, Klein HS(Houston, TX)
DeSean Thomas HS, 6-0, 190, CB/WR, Cleburne HS(TX)
Matt Bernard HS, 6-4, 305, OG, Gig Harbor High School (WA)
James Ekumah, HS, 6-1, 215 LB, Arlington Bowie HS (TX)
James Andrews, HS, 6-1, 185 CB, Rockwall HS(TX)
Jason Cunningham, HS, 6-2, 165 K, Tascosa HS(Amarillo, TX)
Jake Chilton, HS, 6-0, 185 DB, Billings(Central)
Reil Cornelius, HS 6-3 180, WR Helena
Turner Daines, HS 6-3 265, OL Billings(Central)
Ryan Damberger, HS 6-1 215 TE Bozeman
Derek DeJong, HS 6-4 215 DE Manhattan Christian
Heath Howard, HS 5-10 180 CB Plentywood
Kevin Steiner, HS 6-5 205 TE Shelby

Not sure yet:

Todd Brandt, HS, 6-5, 215, OL Bozeman, (First team All State) 

Brandt had verballed according to all news outlets, but his name is strangely absent from the signing day list.

Full bios and more information can be found in this PDF.

As of: 2/5/2008

Cady, Tyzer RB/Ath Colstrip, MT 6-0 180

Cummings, Mike WR Scottsdale, AZ 6-1/191/4.59 (2 star)

DeBruycker, Raymond DE Choteau, MT 6-3 195

Donaldson, Beau RB Missoula, MT 6-2, 223

Douglas, Andrew LB San Clemente, CA 6-2, 225

Gratton, Sam WR Billings, MT 6-1 195 4.5

Hardy, Greg Ath Fairview, MT 6-5 240

Harris, Josh DE Kalispell, MT 6-5/210

Homec, Eric DE Bozeman, MT 6-5 220

Hulse, Matt DT Chandler, AZ 6-4 260 5.0 (2 star)

Hunt, Jared DB/P Helena, MT 6-3 185

Kessman, Ryan WR BYU Transfer 5-10 180 4.6 (3 Star)

Kmet, Kyle OL San Diego, CA 6-4/310

Lisowski, Donny S/DB Seattle, WA 5-11 180 4.5 (2 Star)

Lebeau, Blake OL Union City, CA 6-5 270 5.3 (2 star)

Lipski, Matt OL Ashland, OR 6-8/360/5.7 (2 star)

McCord , Mike CB Pheonix, AZ 6-0/180/4.46 (1 Star)

McSurdy, Caleb LB Boise, ID 6-2/230/4.6 (2 star)

Moore, Dan RB Tuscon, AZ 5-11 210 4.6 (2 star)

Rabold, Brooks DL Billings, MT 6-3 205

Sambrano, Jabin WR/DB Temecula, CA 6-0 170 4.5

Stuberg, Josh WR/DB Helena, MT 6-2 185 4.59 (2 star)

Shaw, Alex RB/LB Spokane WA 6-2 220 4.50 (2 Star)

Opperud, Jon OL Milwaukie, OR 6-7/280 (2 star)

WAITING ON
LOUIS BLAND S/RB (Top 10 Cali RB!!)
ARCHIE WOULARD WR (Not impressed by MSU?)
STEVEN JACKSON RB (Arizona RB)
STEVE JOHNSON LB (Big Hitter- JC)
A QB???

I cannot guarantee that I will have time to do a blog for every game, but I will do my best while I am here. The upcoming contest between the Portland State Vikings and the Montana Grizzlies is an intriguing mid-season match-up as the teams have become rivals in recent years. We all remember the fight after the game two years ago, and it looks like the game on Thursday should be just as hard-fought. Montana enters the contest with two convincing wins against Big Sky opponents which were preceded by a tough home loss against Weber State. The Grizzlies are again lead by their consistent inside duo, Jordan Hasquet and Andrew Strait. Portland State is coming off an extended hiatus which should benefit the team from a health standpoint, but it remains to be seen the effect it will have on team chemistry.

Match-Ups
Center
UM: Andrew Strait PSU: Scott Morrison
The Griz will almost definitely throw everything they have at Morrison offensively. Their combination will include at least Strait and Hasquet, as well as Brian Qvale and Kyle Sharp. There is no doubt that the Grizzly coaching staff has seen how different a team the Vikings are without Morrison on the floor, and it is likely they will try to get him in foul trouble from the opening tip. The Vikings do not have anywhere near the depth of the Grizzlies at center, so it is essential that Morrison stays on the floor for as many minutes as possible and that players like JR Moore and Tyrell Mara are available to spell him inside. Julius Thomas may be the direction Ken Bone wants to go, but it will be difficult for him to compete with the height that the Griz possess at center.
Advantage: Grizzlies

Power Forward
UM: Jordan Hasquet PSU: Kyle Coston/Alex Tiefenthaler
For what has been the most inconsistent position for the Viks all year, Thursday may be a relief. Coston and Tiefenthaler have been much better players at the Stott Center, and Tyrell Mara has not been healthy since his break-out game at the Top of the World Classic. The three man combo will be assigned the Grizzlies top offensive threat, Jordan Hasquet. He has dominated the Big Sky Conference, both offensively and on the glass. If he matches up with Morrison defensively, it will be a showdown between two of the premier big men in the conference. If he matches up at the 4 it will be up to the Viking combo to run him ragged around screens outside, and keep him honest by making a good percentage of the 3 point shots they take. Hasquet and Kyle Sharp should be able to eclipse the Viking players here offensively and on the glass. The question will be whether or not the Viks can keep it close.
Advantage: Grizzlies

Guard/Forward
UM: Ryan Staudacher PSU: Deonte Huff
If the Viks have a mismatch, this is it. Staudacher is big enough to compete with Huff, but is overmatched talent-wise. If he can hold Huff to less than 10 points, I think the Grizzlies should win easily. Unfortunately for him, I do not think that he is capable of that. I think the Viks will depend on strong games from Huff and Dominguez, and it will be up to Huff to keep the game close until the last five minutes. Staudacher is a bit of an unknown to the Viks as he played less than 10 mintues per game last season. At almost 32 per game this year, it is obvious that he has become an important part of the Grizzly attack.
Advantage: Vikings

Shooting Guard
UM: Matt Martin/Ceylon Elgin-Taylor PSU: Andre Murray
Murray has been a very important player to the Vikings this year. Unfortunately, he has also been very inconsistent. The Vikings need a huge effort from him on Thursday, especially if Dupree Lucas is unavailable behind him. Martin and Elgin-Taylor have both averaged 25 minutes a game, so it is up to Murray to play at least that much to provide an equal counterpart. I think Murray should be ready for the challenge if he can stay out of foul trouble.
Advantage: Push

Point
UM: Cameron Rundles PSU: Jeremiah Dominguez
After a strong stretch of games, Dominguez is now leading the team in scoring. He is the go-to-guy down the stretch, and seems to relish the role, as he fares well again and again. This game should give him another opportunity to put the Big Sky on notice. Big or small, he has vanquished them all, and Rundles should provide quite a challenge as he stands 6 ft 1. Rundles is less of a scoring threat than he was last year, but has become a much better passer, an asset the tea, needs at the point. The Viks could definitely use a good shooting night from Mickey Polis, as their front-court match-ups are not likely to produce many points.
Advantage: Vikings

Bench
The Vikings are hoping to have a bit more depth available after the extended break. The team could definitely use the intensity of a player like Mara, or the scoring punch a player like Lucas has provided in the past. The Griz only have 3 bench players who have seen extended action this year, so it is imperative that the Viks try to push the pace and use the extra legs they have available. As that has been their style of play most of the year, it should not be a task with which they have too much trouble.
Advantage: Vikings

Both teams have won their last two games. However, they are at very different places in the conference standings. Thursday will be a chance for the Grizzlies to get back towards the top, where they were expected to be all season. For the Vikings it is a chance to keep pace with Northern Arizona and Weber State at the top of the table. I see this one playing out as a slugfest. Each team is going to take their best shot at the knockout early on, but it is the team that has the most left at the end who should pull it out. In an even match, who do you take? I will go with the home team on a last second floater by Dominguez.

Prediction: PSU 70-68

Carlos Taylor scored a career-high 34 points en-route to a 74-58 victory over the Montana Grizzlies Saturday night in Bozeman. A crowd of over 6,500 watched as the two teams evenly battled for the first half and part-way into the second half, before MSU went on an 11-0 run to take a 4 point lead, and would never look back. Taylor’s 34 points were the 3rd highest total by a Bobcat versus the Griz in MSU history, and the most by a Bobcat since 1988.

http://bozemandailychronicle.com/sports/

Here are my humble predictions for week 6 around the Big Sky:

UNC @ ISU- While I have yet to see the Bears in person, I have seen the Bengals, and they are close to being a good offensive team. Depending on who starts at QB (Butler suffered a concussion @ MSU), UNC may have a hard time stopping the pass. Barnett is proving once again he is on the top 3 backs in the Big Sky. UNC has given up a ton of points, and I would like to say their defense has improved, but the least amount of points they have allowed is 31, and that was their 31-0 loss at home to DII Chadron State. If Russell Hill starts, it won’t be as bad for the Bears, but if Butler is healthy, he is a young talented QB with his best days ahead of him.
UNC 17 ISU 35

NAU @ PSU - Lumberjacks, what happened? From what I understand, Kreissen was playing hurt and went out at halftime? What is his status? For this prediction, I will assume he will be a go at gametime. If he does start, this could be the highest scoring game of the year so far in the Big Sky. A classic Big Sky game, where defense is optional. PSU’s Brian White has been on fire lately, throwing for 1,529 yards and 6 TDs in just 5 games, although he does have 5 INTs in that span as well. They beat a very good EWU team last week, and White did it without star receiver Tremayne Kirkland. NAU on the other hand got smoked by an up and coming (maybe) Sac State squad. Did I hear that Skyler Moore was injured? Both teams have the offense, but who will step up on defense? I think NAU is a little banged up, and this game is in Portland where Glanville has drummed up decent support so far.
NAU 24 PSU 35

Sac @ Weber - Weber had a horrible OOC start to the year, but have played well, at least defensively, in conference so far. They did lose their best DLmen last week on a questionable block by UM’s Cody Balough, but they still have plenty of talent on that side of the ball. Teams often struggle with their man-to-man coverage, and will be a good test to see how good freshman QB Jason Smith really is. Whatever happened to Ryan Mole, or the JC transfer that went to the same JC as MSU’s Demetrius Crawford? On the other end, Weber’s offense has struggled mightily, despite having one of the best RB’s in the Big Sky in sophomore Trevyn Smith. Getting his second start at QB should be Cameron Higgins, a dual-threat freshman who may have emerged to the top of the muck that is the Weber QB situation. I’m still not a believer of the Hornets, and I think Weber wins in a low-scoring affair in Ogden, thanks to the play of their defense.
Sac 10 Weber 14

Southern Utah @ #13 Montana State - The T-Birds of Southern Utah have played the most brutal schedule in FCS football so far, and it doesn’t get any better this week as they head to Bozeman to play the 13th ranked Bobcats. SUU’s QB, Wes Marshall, is a good dual-threat QB in a pretty decent option offense, but rumor is he is a game time decision for Saturday. It would be a big blow to the T-Birds hopes of winning, who despite their 0-4 record are not a horrible team. But they are going to have to be above average Saturday against a Bobcat team playing with confidence and swagger. Demetrius Crawford has emerged as the league’s leading rusher, though he has yet to actually start a game (though he does get most of the carries), and is averaging an amazing 7.8 yards per carry. Jack Rolovich has made a few mistakes, but is always going to bounce back and make the big play. The Cats struggled early against a well-prepared ISU squad, but eventually found their rhythm, and settled down defensively, and soundly beat the Bengals 40-20 in Bozeman. The T-Birds were in the middle of their brutal schedule last week at #6 McNeese State, losing 41-20. The T-Birds may put up more points than Bobcat fans will like, and it may take some second half adjustments, but the Cats should beat the T-Birds by at least 2 TDs.
SUU 20 MSU 38

Game of the Week:

EWU @ #1 UM - Eastern was upset last week in Cheney to a PSU squad that is finally beginning to click in that spread offense. The Eagles have thrived on turnovers this year, but lost the turnover battle for the first time last week, and the score reflected that, but still retain the best turnover margin in the nation. The Griz actually have a negative turnover ratio for the first time in recent memory, but are playing very solid on both sides of the ball, despite their lackluster performance offensively against an underrated Weber defense. EWU sophomore QB Matt Nichols is having a stellar season, throwing for 1,129 yards, 11 TDs and just 2 INTs, good for a rating 162.6, good for 9th nationally. The ground game has also produced 8 TDs and over 700 yards of rushing offense through four games. In fact, the Eagles have the 5th ranked offense in the country. They will bring that potent offense into Washington-Grizzly stadium to face the 6th ranked defense in the country, and the #1 scoring defense nationally as well, only allowing 10.3 points per game. UM struggled with what many call their first “real” opponent of 2007, Weber, and look to improve offensively against a EWU defense ranked 97th in the country. Cole Berquist isn’t exactly lighting teams up, but he is playing mistake-free ball and scoring points, and he can do it on the ground as well. EWU always plays the Griz tough in Missoula, but I just can’t quite smell upset here. If EWU can get up early, it will force the Griz to play catch-up, something I don’t think they will be able to do. Whereas if UM gets up early, EWU has the passing offense to get back into it. But I’ll go with the Griz at home.
EWU 24 UM 30

2008 Big Sky Conference Football Schedule
All Times MS
Updated: 4/16/2008

Eastern Washington Eagles
Aug 30 - at Texas Tech, 5:00 PM
Sep 6 - at Colorado, 1:30 PM
Sep 13 - Open
Sep 20 - vs. Western Wash, 7:05 PM
Sep 27 - vs. Idaho State, 7:05 PM
Oct 4 - at Portland State, TBA
Oct 11 - vs. Montana, 3:05 PM
Oct 18 - at Montana State, 1:05 PM
Oct 25 - Open
Nov 1 - vs. Sacramento St, 3:05 PM
Nov 8 - at Northern Colorado, TBA
Nov 15 - vs. Northern Ariz, 3:05 PM
Nov 22 - at Weber State, TBA

Idaho State Bengals
Aug 30 - at Boise State, TBA
Sep 6 - at Idaho, TBA
Sep 13 - Open
Sep 18 - vs. North Dakota, 6:35 PM
Sep 27 - at Eastern Wash, 7:05 PM
Oct 4 - vs. Montana State, TBA
Oct 11 - at Northern Colorado, TBA
Oct 18 - vs. Northern Ariz, TBA
Oct 25 - at Portland State, TBA
Nov 1 - at Cal Poly, TBA
Nov 8 - vs. Weber State, TBA
Nov 15 - at Montana, 12:05 PM
Nov 22 - vs. Sacramento St, TBA

Montana Grizzlies
Aug 30 - Open
Sep 6 - at Cal Poly, TBA
Sep 13 - vs. Southern Utah, 1:05 PM
Sep 20 - vs. UC Davis, 1:05 PM
Sep 27 - vs. Central Wash, 1:05 PM
Oct 4 - at Weber State, TBA
Oct 11 - at Eastern Wash, 2:05 PM
Oct 18 - vs. Sacramento St, 1:05 PM
Oct 25 - at Northern Colorado, TBA
Nov 1 - vs. Northern Ariz, 12:05 PM
Nov 8 - at Portland State, TBA
Nov 15 - vs. Idaho State, 12:05 PM
Nov 22 - vs. Montana State, 12:05 PM

Montana State Bobcats
Aug 30 - vs. Adams State, 1:05 pm
Sep 6 - at Kansas State, TBA
Sep 13 - at Minnesota, TBA
Sep 20 - Open
Sep 27 - vs. South Dakota (Hall of Fame), 1:05 pm
Oct 4 - at Idaho State, TBA
Oct 11 - vs. Weber State, 1:35 PM
Oct 18 - vs. Eastern Wash, 1:05 PM
Oct 25 - at Sacramento St, 3:05 PM
Nov 1 - vs. Northern Colorado, 2:05 PM
Nov 8 - at Northern Ariz, 3:05 PM
Nov 15 - vs. Portland State, 12:05 PM
Nov 22 - at Montana, 12:05 PM

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks
Aug 30 - at Arizona State, 7:00 PM
Sep 6 - vs. NM Highlands, 3:05 PM
Sep 13 - Open
Sep 20 - at Southern Utah, TBA
Sep 27 - at Northern Colorado, TBA
Oct 4 - vs. Sacramento St, 3:05 PM
Oct 11 - vs. Portland State, 3:05 PM
Oct 18 - at Idaho State, TBA
Oct 25 - vs. Weber State, 3:05 PM
Nov 1 - at Montana, 12:05 PM
Nov 8 - vs. Montana State, 3:05 PM
Nov 15 - at Eastern Wash, 3:05 PM

Northern Colorado Bears
Aug 30 - Open
Sep 6 - at Purdue, TBA
Sep 13 - Open
Sep 20 - vs. Texas State, TBA
Sep 27 - vs. Northern Ariz, TBA
Oct 4 - at UC Davis, 9:00 PM
Oct 11 - vs. Idaho State, TBA
Oct 18 - at Weber State, TBA
Oct 25 - vs. Montana, TBA
Nov 1 - at Montana State, 12:05 PM
Nov 8 - vs. Eastern Wash, TBA
Nov 15 - Open
Nov 22 - at Portland State, TBA

Portland State Vikings
Aug 30 - vs. Western Oregon, TBA
Sep 6 - Open
Sep 13 - at UC Davis, 7:00 PM
Sep 20 - at Washington St, TBA
Sep 27 - at Sacramento St, TBA
Oct 4 - vs. Eastern Wash, TBA
Oct 11 - at Northern Ariz, 3:05 PM
Oct 18 - Open
Oct 25 - vs. Idaho State, TBA
Nov 1 - at Weber State, TBA
Nov 8 - vs. Montana, TBA
Nov 15 - at Montana State, 12:05 PM
Nov 22 - vs. Northern Colorado, TBA

Sacramento State Hornets
Aug 30 - vs. Humboldt State, 3:05 PM
Sep 6 - at Colorado State, 1:30 PM
Sep 13 - vs. Southern Oregon, 3:05 PM
Sep 20 - vs. Weber State, 3:05 PM
Sep 27 - vs. Portland State, 3:05 PM
Oct 4 - at Northern Ariz, 4:05 PM
Oct 11 - Open
Oct 18 - at Montana, 1:05 PM
Oct 25 - vs. Montana State, 3:05 PM
Nov 1 - at Eastern Wash, 3:05 PM
Nov 8 - at UC Davis, 3:05 PM
Nov 15 - vs. Northern Colorado, 3:05 PM
Nov 22 - at Idaho State, TBA

Weber State Wildcats
Aug 28 - vs. Montana-Western, TBA
Sep 6 - at Hawaii, TBA
Sep 13 - vs. Dixie State, TBA
Sep 20 - at Sacramento St, TBA
Sep 27 - at Utah, TBA
Oct 4 - vs. Montana, TBA
Oct 11 - at Montana State, 1:35 PM
Oct 18 - vs. Northern Colorado, TBA
Oct 25 - at Northern Ariz, 3:05 PM
Nov 1 - vs. Portland State, TBA
Nov 8 - at Idaho State, TBA
Nov 15 - Open
Nov 22 - vs. Eastern Wash, TBA