There is one game pending in the Big Sky Conference, but I feel confident in the rankings at the end of 2010. They should be the same going into 2011 unless some players leave early to go pro. This rarely happens in the FCS, but there is one exception this season.
1. Eastern Washington Eagles. Unless Taiwan Jones leaves for the NFL, I do not see a reason why EWU will not be the favorite in 2011. Bo Levi Mitchell has proven to be both a quality and capable quarterback and the defense has been solid enough to win games. Plus, the schedule in 2011 will favor the Eagles. Winning the National Championship next week will simply be a big bonus. Biggest potential obstacle for 2011: The possible early exit of Taiwan Jones.
2. Montana State Bobcats. They return a young team from 2010 that will be a veteran team in 2011. The only regret from 2010 was not getting deeper into the playoffs. They return McGhee and all of their other stars that made them so difficult to beat last year. I doubt that the power in the Treasure State has permanently shifted east, but the better team in Big Sky Country next season will be the one in Bozeman. Biggest potential obstacle for 2011: Finding consistency.
Update: RB Orenzo Davis has been suspended by the NCAA and declared ineligible for the 2011 season. This hurts the Bobcats chances for offensive consistency in 2011.
3. Weber State Wildcats. In Flagstaff, Weber State proved that there will be life after Cameron Higgins. Their team leader on defense, Nick Webb will be back and they will be a hard team to score against. As long as Ron McBride can establish a running game and let the defense rest, Weber State will be a hard team to beat. Biggest potential obstacle for 2011: Establishing a running game.
4. Montana Grizzlies. The season did not finish well in 2010 and there are more questions in 2011. Besides, the Grizz open the season at Neyland Stadium against the Volunteers. If they do not get beat up too badly, they will likely be a stronger team next year. Biggest potential obstacle for 2011: Dealing with rebuilding.
5. Sacramento State Hornets. This program does not have enough clout to rock the boat they way they have been doing off of the field. Even though they made some noise last season, the Big Sky is a tough conference and there are no Miss Congeniality bowl games at this level of college football. The Hornets played well enough to finish 10-1 in 2010 and came up just short four times settling for 6-5. Biggest potential obstacle in 2011: Finishing close games.
6. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks. If NAU can ever figure out how to finish a season, they may have more respect than they have right now. 2010 looked good for a while, but losses down the stetch to Sacramento State and Weber State cost the Lumberjacks a chance at the playoffs. Likely it was inconsistency on defense that doomed the Jacks in 2010. For example, they held the mighty pistol offense of Portland State to their lowest output in an FCS game, but gave up 40 to Sacramento State. Biggest potential obstacle in 2011: Playing consistent football throughout the season.
7. Portland State Vikings. The Pistol is a success in Portland. The Vikings will score a ton of points next year, but still need to have the defense that will keep the opposition off the board. The Vikings gave up an average of 32 points to FCS opponents in 2010 and that includes holding Idaho State to a solitary field goal. You don't win a lot if you give up 32 points per game. The Vikings will be back at PGE park in 2011. Biggest potential obstacle in 2011: Defense.
8. Northern Colorado Bears. Every season they make strides, but continue to not gain any ground in the Big Sky Conference. Sooner or later, they will find the right combination. The Bears finished 2010 at 3-8, but were oh-so-close to 7-4. Here is another team, like Sacramento State, that needs to figure out how to finish some close games. Part of the reason for losing those close games was not being able to caplitalize on opportunities. For example, Weber State gave up 6 fumbles in that 4 overtime game, but NCU only scored 13 points off of those turnovers. Biggest potential obstacle of 2011: Finishing games.
9. Idaho State Bengals. Not much can be said about the 2010 season other than thank goodness it is over. There will be a new coach in Pocatello this season, but it could be more of the same for a long time. Biggest potential obstacle in 2011: New coaching style.
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