Griz Journal 'Sky Power' Ranking: Week 7

1. Montana -- (1st last week) The Grizzly defense is truly “defending” the team’s solitary grasp of first place... what with its offense so frequently awol. No game is a “given,” but the Griz have an opportunity to experiment with some lineup tweaks on offense with the winless UNC Bears in town this Saturday.
2. Northern Arizona -- (4th last week) A generally favorable schedule remaining puts the Jacks in excellent position to make a run at the league crown. The Jacks travel to Weber Saturday and a road win will leave them with home contests against the Eagles and Griz and one final road contest against MSU.
3. Eastern Washington -- (3rd last week) A week’s break away from Big Sky play won’t help the Eagles, who can’t afford another loss in league or non-conference play. Seems like an odd time of year to schedule a road game against Mountain West power BYU.
4. Montana State -- (2nd last week) Just like the Griz, this team is searching for consistent offensive flow, something that will be harder than ever to find with starting quarterback Jack Rolovich’s status (chronic shoulder injury) questionable for Saturday. Cats might be vulnerable this week.
5. Portland State -- (5th  last week) A well-scheduled week off puts the Vikings in position to challenge for the Big Sky title. Some subtle signs that this team is finding an identity under its new coach. Expect a breakout game on offense from the Vikings.
6. Weber State -- (6th last week) The Wildcats might be able to play spoiler against NAU this week, where a Weber win would severely harm the Lumberjacks’ title hopes. Wildcats are playing for little more than self-respect from here out.
7. Sacramento State -- (7th last week) With the Bobcats facing injury and uncertainty at quarterback, the Hornets have the defense and the offensive potential (if they eliminate interceptions) to pull an upset special.
8. Idaho State -- (8th last week) Another quarterback switch is planned for the Bengals, with Russel Hill back calling signals. The Bengals, with the second-worst league rush defense, need some solutions on D as well.
9. Northern Colorado -- (9th last week) The winless string is mounting. The Bears are now taking more heat from disgruntled critics in Greeley than they are anywhere else.