Big Sky Conference Post Season Chances and Power Rankings

The picture is pretty much the same as last week, but I erroneously reported that North Dakota was out of the race.  They are now 4-4 with three games left.  They still have a mathematical possibility of a post-season bid.

The reason for keeping track of this is to determine if the expanded Big Sky Conference can be justified by more playoff births.  Before, the BSC was often a 2 or 3 team post-season conference.  Where the GWC was often left out.  So far, it appears that the BSC will get 4 teams in the post-season.

The Contenders

#1/1 Eastern Washington is still #1, but fell to #3 in the GPI because of they did not win easily over Sacramento State.  GPI is used to determine who the at-large people will be, not necessarily seeding.  But if it is, #3 is as good as #1 until the semi-finals.  However, if the voters in both polls think that EWU is the #1 team in the land, can the committee really be justified and giving them a lower seed?  Remaining schedule: @Southern Utah, Cal Poly, UC Davis, @Portland State.

#4/4 Montana State took the week off and moved up one spot in the polls.  In the GPI, they are at #6.  They should win all of their remaining games, but they also do not have that much of a chance to make more of an impression unless they win big.  Too bad Montana is having an off year.  Remaining schedule: North Dakota, @ Sacramento State, Portland State, @ Montana

#11/11 Cal Poly had a close game last week against Portland State.  But they move up in the polls and hold steady with a GPI of #4.  Even if they lose to EWU and NAU, they should still be in good shape for the post season as long as they do not look past their other two opponents.  Remaining schedule: @ Sacramento State, @ Eastern Washington, Idaho State, @ Northern Arizona

#13/13 Northern Arizona is steadily climbing the polls.  They are also at #7 on the GPI.  They have a relatively light schedule before the big finale.  It will be a challenge for them to remain focused because NCU, ISU and SUU are dying to spoil their season.  Remaining schedule: @ Northern Colorado, @ Idaho State Southern Utah, Cal Poly.

Also still in the running

Sacramento State's chances took a major hit with the loss to EWU.  Close losses to quality opponents do not matter right now.  They need to beat somebody, either Cal Poly or Montana State, just to get to 7 wins.  They have Cal Poly, Montana State and UC Davis left to play.  If they win 2 of the last 3, their playoff chances are good.

Mathematically Still in the Race


North Dakota is a 4-4 with 3 left to play.  @Montana State, Southern Utah and @Northern Colorado.  If they can knock off the Bobcats, they have breath

Not in post-season contention:

There will be no post-season this year for Southern Utah, UC Davis, Portland State, Montana, Weber State, Idaho State and Northern Colorado

Power Rankings

1.  Eastern Washington
2.  Cal Poly
3.  Northern Arizona
4.  Montana State
5.  Sacramento State
6.  North Dakota
7.  UC Davis
8.  Southern Utah
9.  Montana
10. Portland State
11. Weber State
12. Northern Colorado
13. Idaho State