This week will feature three Big Sky contests again missing the full slate once again due to COVID protocols. Nevertheless, there are some significant measuring stick games this weekend.
NAU vs. EWU should provide clarity on two above average teams looking to play spoiler or beyond. UC Davis vs. Idaho may shed some light on two unknown potential type teams. ISU vs. SUU will determine the true bottom of the active teams in the conference.
Northern Arizona at Eastern Washington
Northern Arizona made a narrow escape from Southern Utah last week. The Lumberjacks found a way to win, but a vengeful Eastern Washington will not let them make any excuses this week. The Eagles had a rough week in a multitude of ways against Idaho. This week those distractions will be removed from the equation which makes EWU and crew dangerous. If EWU is on top of their game it should be an Eagle win, but NAU’s steadiness and determination offensively keep them in the game.
Northern Arizona Players to Watch: Keondre Wudtee, QB and Harrison Beemiller, LB
Eastern Washington Players to Watch: Eric Barriere, QB and Joshua Jerome, DL
Fearless Prediction: EWU 31 NAU 27
  27 - 17Kibbie Dome UC Davis 27, Idaho 17 |
UC Davis at Idaho
UC Davis makes their spring season debut against a tough Idaho team that narrowly defeated Eastern Washington. Dan Hawkins and the Aggie squad look to find out what they are made of, but the Idaho passing attack and turnover-seeking defense will make it difficult. The offense for UC Davis will have to include a significant passing attack since Ulonzo Gilliam has been very productive which puts a permanent target on his back.
UC Davis Players to Watch: Ulonzo Gilliam, RB and Devon King, DB
Idaho Players to Watch: Mike Beaudry, QB and Tre Walker, LB
Fearless Prediction: Idaho 34 UC Davis 20
  26 - 24Eccles Coliseum Idaho State 26, Southern Utah 24 |
Idaho State at Southern Utah
The race to avoid the bottom begins this weekend. Idaho State got walloped by Weber State and Southern Utah had its heart broken by Wudtee’s walk-off touchdown pass. At the beginning of the season I had these two listed as the bottom two. Ultimately, Idaho State may become the new last place this season.
Idaho State Players to Watch: Tanner Conner, WR and Connor Wills, LB
Southern Utah Players to Watch: Landen Measom, WR and La’akea Kaho’ohanohano-Davis, LB
Fearless Prediction: Southern Utah 24 Idaho State 23
My name is Ben Schleiger and I’m your representative for the Big Sky Conference. I have done work for multiple newspapers and sports blogs including The Johnstown Breeze, The University of Northern Colorado Mirror, and Mile High Maniac. I am a proud alumnus of the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Political Science. In my free time, I like watching sports, playing video games, and trying new foods.
