Stats Preseason Poll: Griz No. 24

[PlayerRep]

Probably one of the most anticipated seasons for me (as far as the entire conference goes) in a very long time.
Can Bobby return Griz to playoffs?
How good is MSU?? ( I think folks are sleeping on them)
Is sac st for real?
What will Nau do with their "easy" schedule?
Idaho FBS talent?? or nah
Who is the best in Utah? Weber or SUU
Can EWU remain the one consistent in the BSC?
Who will have biggest turnaround?? PSU or POLY?

Let's get it on!!!!!!!!!!

My thoughts (subject to change as camps / seasons get underway)

1. Can Bobby return the Griz to the playoffs? Yes, but currently unsure if it'll be in 2018.

2. How good is MSU? I agree, I think they're better than most give them credit for, but the loss of Murray is going to hurt them, maybe a 6 or 7 win team.

3. What will NAU do with their easy schedule? NAU seems to always have the same issues, a mass wave of injuries and then late-season losses that make no sense.

4. Idaho FBS talent? I think they'll compete, the trick will be their mentality through this season. If they come in thinking they're superior to most Big Sky teams and then lose a few games, will they just crumble?

5. Best in Utah? I'll go with Weber, love what Jay Hill is doing there.

6. Can EWU remain the one consistent in the Big Sky? They did miss the playoffs last year. They might be a playoff team, can't underestimate their talent on offense. I'm not sure what to expect from them, some chatter I've heard is they might have another disappointing season.

7. Biggest turnaround? Not sure if either PSU or Poly are poised for much. If anyone I'd wonder if it's the team that's technically not in-conference anymore, North Dakota. Idaho State could be an interesting one to watch too.

Those are two good posts.

 

[ABQCat]

The opening weekend is jam packed with telling games and should give plenty of resolution right away. Often the opening weekend is full of lopsided games in either direction and we don't learn much. Not this year.

* MSU, UM, and Cal Poly get tested against MV, although Poly drew NDSU. I happen to think Poly won't be held down two years in a row, and that game will be much closer than anyone expects.

* Weber goes 20 minutes to the south and faces Utah. If I were a Ute fan I wouldn't like this BSC draw. Jay Hill and the Weber squad will be 100% prepared for this game and won't be intimidated in the slightest. I predict a close game.

* Davis has a short trip to SJSU, and can easily walk away with a win. Similar to Weber/Utah, having easy logistics to a familiar place when playing up is very helpful.

* For as bad as PSU was last year, they damn near beat the OSU Beavers on opening weekend. Nevada is bad and we'll see right away what PSU has to offer this year. This should be closer than many people are thinking.

* NAU at UTEP could easily go to NAU. If they win and with their schedule, I'm not sure even the worst end of year crumble will keep them out of the playoffs. Should be a great game.

* Anyone who thinks Central Wash at EWU won't be a good game isn't paying attention.

* Idaho at Fresno State will give us a fantastic look at what's in store for the Vandals.

* Edit: I forgot McNeese at NCU. It may look like a smacking Gobears, but that was unintentional. This is also a good game played at NCU and will give a great look at the Bears.

A couple crappy games, but this is a tremendous opening slate for the BSC.

 

[grizeyes]

The opening weekend is jam packed with telling games and should give plenty of resolution right away. Often the opening weekend is full of lopsided games in either direction and we don't learn much. Not this year.

* MSU, UM, and Cal Poly get tested against MV, although Poly drew NDSU. I happen to think Poly won't be held down two years in a row, and that game will be much closer than anyone expects.

* Weber goes 20 minutes to the south and faces Utah. If I were a Ute fan I wouldn't like this BSC draw. Jay Hill and the Weber squad will be 100% prepared for this game and won't be intimidated in the slightest. I predict a close game.

* Davis has a short trip to SJSU, and can easily walk away with a win. Similar to Weber/Utah, having easy logistics to a familiar place when playing up is very helpful.

* For as bad as PSU was last year, they damn near beat the OSU Beavers on opening weekend. Nevada is bad and we'll see right away what PSU has to offer this year. This should be closer than many people are thinking.

* NAU at UTEP could easily go to NAU. If they win and with their schedule, I'm not sure even the worst end of year crumble will keep them out of the playoffs. Should be a great game.

* Anyone who thinks Central Wash at EWU won't be a good game isn't paying attention.

* Idaho at Fresno State will give us a fantastic look at what's in store for the Vandals.

* Edit: I forgot McNeese at NCU. It may look like a smacking Gobears, but that was unintentional. This is also a good game played at NCU and will give a great look at the Bears.

A couple crappy games, but this is a tremendous opening slate for the BSC.

And another good post about football!

 

[PlayerRep]

The opening weekend is jam packed with telling games and should give plenty of resolution right away. Often the opening weekend is full of lopsided games in either direction and we don't learn much. Not this year.

* MSU, UM, and Cal Poly get tested against MV, although Poly drew NDSU. I happen to think Poly won't be held down two years in a row, and that game will be much closer than anyone expects.

* Weber goes 20 minutes to the south and faces Utah. If I were a Ute fan I wouldn't like this BSC draw. Jay Hill and the Weber squad will be 100% prepared for this game and won't be intimidated in the slightest. I predict a close game.

* Davis has a short trip to SJSU, and can easily walk away with a win. Similar to Weber/Utah, having easy logistics to a familiar place when playing up is very helpful.

* For as bad as PSU was last year, they damn near beat the OSU Beavers on opening weekend. Nevada is bad and we'll see right away what PSU has to offer this year. This should be closer than many people are thinking.

* NAU at UTEP could easily go to NAU. If they win and with their schedule, I'm not sure even the worst end of year crumble will keep them out of the playoffs. Should be a great game.

* Anyone who thinks Central Wash at EWU won't be a good game isn't paying attention.

* Idaho at Fresno State will give us a fantastic look at what's in store for the Vandals.

* Edit: I forgot McNeese at NCU. It may look like a smacking Gobears, but that was unintentional. This is also a good game played at NCU and will give a great look at the Bears.

A couple crappy games, but this is a tremendous opening slate for the BSC.

Thanks. Good info.

 

[Ursa Major]

The opening weekend is jam packed with telling games and should give plenty of resolution right away. Often the opening weekend is full of lopsided games in either direction and we don't learn much. Not this year.

* MSU, UM, and Cal Poly get tested against MV, although Poly drew NDSU. I happen to think Poly won't be held down two years in a row, and that game will be much closer than anyone expects.

* Weber goes 20 minutes to the south and faces Utah. If I were a Ute fan I wouldn't like this BSC draw. Jay Hill and the Weber squad will be 100% prepared for this game and won't be intimidated in the slightest. I predict a close game.

* Davis has a short trip to SJSU, and can easily walk away with a win. Similar to Weber/Utah, having easy logistics to a familiar place when playing up is very helpful.

* For as bad as PSU was last year, they damn near beat the OSU Beavers on opening weekend. Nevada is bad and we'll see right away what PSU has to offer this year. This should be closer than many people are thinking.

* NAU at UTEP could easily go to NAU. If they win and with their schedule, I'm not sure even the worst end of year crumble will keep them out of the playoffs. Should be a great game.

* Anyone who thinks Central Wash at EWU won't be a good game isn't paying attention.

* Idaho at Fresno State will give us a fantastic look at what's in store for the Vandals.

* Edit: I forgot McNeese at NCU. It may look like a smacking Gobears, but that was unintentional. This is also a good game played at NCU and will give a great look at the Bears.

A couple crappy games, but this is a tremendous opening slate for the BSC.

Yes, the NCU game will be interesting given NCU's record last year. It may give us a glimpse as to how good NCU will be this year and how NCU might finish in the BSC. :thumb:

 

[signedbewildered]

Srsly @ Central Washington and EWU?

I honestly haven't been paying attention.

Interesting, didn't expect that.

 

[ABQCat]

Srsly @ Central Washington and EWU?

I honestly haven't been paying attention.

Interesting, didn't expect that.

11-0 regular season last year and then lost in double OT to the eventual champs. They are a very good program and would be fairly competitive in the BSC on day 1. EWU will need to come ready that day.

 

[signedbewildered]

Hrmmmm.......pulling in recruits from somewhere...

 

[Paytonlives]

Probably one of the most anticipated seasons for me (as far as the entire conference goes) in a very long time.
Can Bobby return Griz to playoffs?
How good is MSU?? ( I think folks are sleeping on them)
Is sac st for real?
What will Nau do with their "easy" schedule?
Idaho FBS talent?? or nah
Who is the best in Utah? Weber or SUU
Can EWU remain the one consistent in the BSC?
Who will have biggest turnaround?? PSU or POLY?

Let's get it on!!!!!!!!!!

My thoughts (subject to change as camps / seasons get underway)

1. Can Bobby return the Griz to the playoffs? Yes, but currently unsure if it'll be in 2018.

2. How good is MSU? I agree, I think they're better than most give them credit for, but the loss of Murray is going to hurt them, maybe a 6 or 7 win team.

3. What will NAU do with their easy schedule? NAU seems to always have the same issues, a mass wave of injuries and then late-season losses that make no sense.

4. Idaho FBS talent? I think they'll compete, the trick will be their mentality through this season. If they come in thinking they're superior to most Big Sky teams and then lose a few games, will they just crumble?

5. Best in Utah? I'll go with Weber, love what Jay Hill is doing there.

6. Can EWU remain the one consistent in the Big Sky? They did miss the playoffs last year. They might be a playoff team, can't underestimate their talent on offense. I'm not sure what to expect from them, some chatter I've heard is they might have another disappointing season.

7. Biggest turnaround? Not sure if either PSU or Poly are poised for much. If anyone I'd wonder if it's the team that's technically not in-conference anymore, North Dakota. Idaho State could be an interesting one to watch too.

Those are two good posts.

 

[AZGrizFan]

Srsly @ Central Washington and EWU?

I honestly haven't been paying attention.

Interesting, didn't expect that.

11-0 regular season last year and then lost in double OT to the eventual champs. They are a very good program and would be fairly competitive in the BSC on day 1. EWU will need to come ready that day.

Do I hear a motion to add CWU and dump UNC?

 

[Zirg]

Srsly @ Central Washington and EWU?

I honestly haven't been paying attention.

Interesting, didn't expect that.

11-0 regular season last year and then lost in double OT to the eventual champs. They are a very good program and would be fairly competitive in the BSC on day 1. EWU will need to come ready that day.

Do I hear a motion to add CWU and dump UNC?

Have you ever been to Ellensberg? We got enough s-hole towns in this conference. I am all for dumping UNC but CWU doesn't bring anything to the dance besides being a fb equal to UNC.