Third and Long: Big Sky contenders still hunting Griz
7/25/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - You'll have to forgive Montana fans if their December Saturdays are already booked solid. If you're sending wedding, cocktail party, or bar mitzvah invitations to friends or family in Missoula, be prepared to field some regrets. U of M football fans figure to be busy during fall's final weekends, cheering on the defending national champs in their quest for a third I-AA title.
They're not being cocky (well maybe they are just a little), simply realistic. Consider:
The Griz have won four straight Big Sky titles and six of the last seven, have been to the playoffs every year since 1993, have earned two consecutive trips to the national title game, and come off a run to last year's I-AA title that left little doubt who the nation's best team was. Montana is 48-6 (.889) in league play since 1995, including a perfect 15-0 under third-year head coach Joe Glenn.
Is everyone else in the Big Sky playing for second? That appears to be the size of it. But that doesn't mean the league's quest for an at-large playoff berth or two won't be entertaining. Two Montana nemeses... Montana State and Portland State...look to be the prime candidates for the vice-presidency of I-AA's westernmost league, and two others... Northern Arizona and Idaho State...could have a significant impact as well. Below is a team-by-team breakdown of the 2002 Big Sky race, with teams ranked according to The Sports Network's predicted order of finish.
Sports Network Predicted Order of Finish:
1. Montana; 2. Montana State; 3. Portland State; 4. Idaho State; 5. Northern Arizona; 6. Sacramento State; 7. Eastern Washington; 8. Weber State.
1. MONTANA (15-1, 7-0). LAST YEAR: After losing at Hawaii on Sept. 8, the Grizzlies won 14 straight, including a 13-6 triumph over Furman for the national championship. Montana outscored its four playoff opponents by a combined score of 128-49.
OFFENSE: The Griz are solid at quarterback, where senior John Edwards (221-376, 2728 yards, 14 TD, 6 INT, 282 rushing yards) returns behind a veteran offensive line. Tackles Dylan McFarland and Jon Skinner, guard Derek Decker, and center Brian Pelc help form one of the nation's top trench units. There will be new faces at the other skill positions, where tailback Yo Humphery (2101 rushing yards, 23 TD) and wideout Etu Molden (102 receptions, 1414 yards, 16 TD) have both graduated with several school records. Freshman David Gober will be pushed by Washington transfer Jelani Harrison at tailback, while Rory Zikmund (31 receptions, 346 yards) is the team's best returning receiver. Tight ends Conor Molloy and Ja'Ton Simpson will catch their share of passes.
DEFENSE: Montana has one of the nation's strongest defensive lines, as ends Ciche Pitcher (18 sacks) and Tim Bush (10 sacks) and tackles Curt Colter (6 sacks), Jonny Varona (9 sacks), and John Cahill (2 sacks) each have All-America potential. Pitcher may be the team's top overall player. Linebacker is not as steady, and Glenn has hinted that the team may use the nickel package more often to compensate. Andy Thompson (39 tackles) and Joel Robinson (59 tackles) figure to see the most time at LB. The secondary is led by safeties Trey Young (9 sacks, 2 INT) and Dave DeCoite (81 tackles, 3 INT), while corners Johnnie Peeples (5 INT) and Vernon Smith (44 tackles) each have plenty of experience.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Kicker Chris Snyder (16-30 FG, 63-64 XP) and punter Mark Spencer (42.6 avg.) are both back, and punt returner Levander Segars (11.9 punt return avg.) lends his speed to returns.
SCHEDULE: The opening trip to Hofstra (8/29) will be a test, but the Griz won't face many challenges thereafter. Round jaunts to Idaho (10/5) and Portland State (10/26) will be tricky, and the annual war with Montana State (11/23) is one of I-AA's games of the year.
PROGNOSIS: They've got some holes to fill, particularly at running back, wideout, and linebacker, but Montana is still far and away the best team in the Big Sky. Many coaches will tell you that games are won on the offensive and defensive lines, and the Griz have some of the best trench players in the business. Moreover, the schedule is relatively tame, and Glenn's charges will scarcely be tested within the friendly confines of Washington-Grizzly Stadium. Double-digit wins and another Big Sky title are virtual certainties.
2. MONTANA STATE (5-6, 4-3). LAST YEAR: The Bobcats went from 0-11 to an unlikely contender in the Big Sky race, starting out 4-2 before bottoming out down the stretch. MSU threw a scare into arch rival and eventual national champ Montana, before losing for the 16th consecutive year, 38-27.
OFFENSE: Mike Kramer's team is well-tooled at the skill positions, as quarterback Tyler Thomas (184-366, 2330 yards, 19 TD, 17 INT), tailback Ryan Johnson (1537 yards, 14 TD), and wideout Junior Adams (40 receptions, 652 yards, 6 TD) return as the Bobcats' best weapons. Johnson, who had off-season back surgery after setting a single-season rushing record, will be spelled by JC transfer Tyon Gilmore. Tight end Aaron Ware (20 receptions, 244 yards, 5 TD) and WR Scott Turnquist (36 receptions, 510 yards, 5 TD) are also back in the mix, and Oregon State transfer Aaron Hill will see time at receiver. MSU is set on the line, with tackles Brent Swaggert and Ryan Henning and guards Mike Quast and Brian Choi returning as starters.
DEFENSE: Defensive ends Jon Montoya (6.5 sacks) and Adam Cordeiro (11.5 sacks) are two of the best in I-AA, and Cal State Northridge transfer Jason Nicastro will add pressure from the interior. Another CSN transfer, Isaac Gardner, should start at linebacker along with incumbent David Smith (52 tackles). Cornerback Joey Thomas (5 INT, 18 PBU) and safety Kane Ioane (124 tackles) have All-America potential in the secondary, and free safety Justin Mobley (46 tackles, 2 INT) should also be a playmaker.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Nate Cook (40.0 avg., 7-8 FG, 30-30 XP) will handle punting and place-kicking duties again, and Adams (19.0 avg., 3 TD) has big-play ability as a punt returner.
SCHEDULE: With St. Mary's (CA) (8/31), Adams State (9/14), and Central Washington (10/5) on the slate, MSU has some (maybe too many) easy outs. The trip to Washington State (9/21) won't be fun, and the Bobcats will probably have to win three of the following road games: Stephen F. Austin (9/7), Idaho State (10/12), Northern Arizona (10/26), or Montana (11/23) to give themselves a shot.
PROGNOSIS: There is not a team in the Big Sky, including Montana, that can boast Montana State's talent and experience throughout the starting lineup. It is behind the starters where things begin to get slippery. If MSU can remain relatively healthy for 13 weeks, they should live to see a 14th and the school's first playoff berth since 1984. If not, the heartbreak in Bozeman and envy of that accomplished neighbor to the west will continue. And don't forget about those two sub-Division I opponents, which could hurt the Bobcats' case if there is a bubble situation.
3. PORTLAND STATE (7-4, 5-2). LAST YEAR: The Vikings sputtered to a 3-4 start, with a 33-13 loss at Montana on Oct. 27 putting the team's hopes of a second straight playoff berth to rest. Once the pressure was off, PSU looked great, winning its last four games by a combined score of 172-119.
OFFENSE: The Vikings boast a potent backfield, with quarterback Juston Wood (218-33, 3200 yards, 23 TD, 5 INT) and tailback Ryan Fuqua (1586 yards, 15 TD) ranking among the best skill players in the country. Wideout Terry Charles (71 receptions, 1096 yards, 12 TD) was drafted by the San Diego Chargers, but WRs Jesse Levin (48 receptions, 905 yards, 4 TD) and Antonio Jackson (29 receptions, 398 yards, 1 TD) are more than capable. JC transfer Jay Williams could be a diamond in the rough as a pass-catcher, and tight end Tim Hester (18 receptions, 203 yards, 3 TD) can also contribute. Fullback Saleem Muhammad will be used in a variety of ways. Up front, guards Devan Kelley and Lee Gutu lead the charge, along with tackle Scott Lesure.
DEFENSE: Stefon Kleinert (22 tackles) and Matt Jenkins (34 tackles) are back at defensive end, while transfers Josh Ratliff (Texas Tech) and Shaun Jackson (Baylor) are expected to help up front. Marcus Green (71 tackles) and Kevin Hastin (76 tackles) each started at linebacker a year ago, while free safety Brent Donnerberg (17 tackles) and Nick Chenault (52 tackles, 2 INT) are the leaders for Tim Walsh's secondary. Donnerberg was Portland State's best tackler in 2000, but missed most of last year after tearing his ACL and MCL. Without him, the Vikings gave up nearly 450 yards per contest.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Mike Cajal-Willis (13-17 FG, 40-45 XP) was a hit as a first-year placekicker a year ago, and Edi Pazos (36.9 avg.) is also back to field punting duties. Corner Amad Robinson (14.0 avg.) returned punts last year, and Fuqua (22.1 avg.) was an effective kickoff returner.
SCHEDULE: The Viks' opening month will be challenging, with home games against Stephen F. Austin (8/31) and North Carolina A&T (9/14) preceding road trips to Oregon (9/21) and Northern Arizona (9/28). The rest won't be as daunting, though Montana (10/26) and an away battle with Montana State (11/16) will remain.
PROGNOSIS: Though probably not as talented as Portland State's 2000 playoff team, Viking fans have every right to expect this year's squad to compete for a postseason bid. Wood is the real deal and will have plenty of targets, while Fuqua is a budding I-AA star in his own right. PSU will score points, to be sure. It is on the other side of the ball where the Viks will have to better, as Walsh can't expect his team to give up 30 points six times and still compete. In any event, Portland State should win at least six or seven games and be on the playoff board headed into the season's final weeks.
4. IDAHO STATE (4-7, 1-6). LAST YEAR: A 23-17 upset of Portland State made ISU 3-2 on Oct. 13th, but a series of heartbreaking losses shut the door on the Bengals' once promising season. Narrow defeats to Utah State (28-27), Montana (32-28), and Eastern Washington (48-45) handed the team its fifth losing season in six campaigns.
OFFENSE: Quarterback Doug Baughman (207-354, 2638 yards, 20 TD, 13 INT) had his moments in his first year in a Bengal uniform, and will welcome back receivers Brett Fowler (37 receptions, 552 yards, 6 TD), Jason Girley (40 receptions, 404 yards, 1 TD), and Sale' Key (32 receptions, 359 yards, 3 TD) as his top targets. Running back Isaac Mitchell (431 yards, 9 TD) sits atop the depth chart after a late-season resurgence in 2001, and Mike Jones (881 yards, 5 TD) is also back to spell him. Lewis will have the most holes to fill on the offensive line, where tackle Dustin Fitzpatrick and guard Steve Burch are the only returning full-timers.
DEFENSE: Defensive end Jared Allen (6.5 sacks) and tackle Eric Boose (38 tackles) help forge one of the Big Sky's most menacing pass rushes, and Mark Weivoda (4 sacks) has also proven effective on the interior. The linebacking corps should be solid, with Bart Brooks (118 tackles, 4 sacks) and Josh Whitworth (60 tackles) displaying all-league potential. The secondary is young but does have game experience, with sophomore corners LaDerick Daniels (55 tackles) and Ernie James (43 tackles) counted on along with safeties Na'Jai Rankin (64 tackles) and Mo Caraway (23 tackles).
SPECIAL TEAMS: Eddie Johnson (46.3 avg.) returns as a First-Team All-America punter, while Cal transfer Jeremy Hershey is expected to serve as placekicker. Girley (10.1 avg., 1 TD) was the team's top punt returner a year ago.
SCHEDULE: Lewis and company will have difficult road games with Utah State (9/14), Montana (9/21), and Portland State (11/2), but get Montana State (10/12) and Northern Arizona (11/9) in Pocatello.
PROGNOSIS: Despite suffering through two decades of frustrating mediocrity, a careful look at Idaho State's 2002 lineup on paper shows plenty of positive signs. The Bengals have a fair amount of talent and some decent depth, but now must win the close games they couldn't quite get a handle on last season. If offensive line inexperience doesn't turn out to be a glaring problem, Idaho State should be in just about every game it plays. ISU is a team on the rise in the Big Sky, and could be a dark horse for an at-large playoff berth.
5. NORTHERN ARIZONA (8-4, 5-2). LAST YEAR: NAU showed that 2000's 3-8 campaign was an anomaly last season, going 8-3 during the regular season and earning its second playoff berth in three years. The Lumberjacks lost to Sam Houston State, 34-31, in the First Round.
OFFENSE: Gone are starting quarterback Preston Parsons (2267 yards, 19 TD, 3 INT) and tailback Marcus King (1287 yards, 9 TD), who accounted for a great deal of NAU's offense over the past two seasons. Two former transfers, Clint Womack (Grossmont JC) and one-time UMass starter Richard Lucero will battle for QB duties, while Brian Bingham (627 yards, 10 TD) has a beat on tailback duties. Whoever plays quarterback will have two of the league's finest pass-catchers at his disposal, as Clarence Moore (43 receptions, 644 yards, 3 TD) and Johnny Marshall (43 receptions, 595 yards, 4 TD) are back along with tight end Tom Winn (17 receptions, 281 yards, 5 TD). The rest of the line will be young, with left guard Steve Gomez and JC transfer center Matt Raivio counted on heavily.
DEFENSE: Head coach Jerome Souers will work with two new starting defensive ends, so tackles Ray Solis (7 sacks) and Isi Tuanaki (24 tackles) will have to do their part for the pass rush. The 'Jacks overall team strength is at linebacker, where preseason All-American Keith O'Neil (83 tackles, 7 sacks) is back along with starters Kaaina Keawe (78 tackles) and Mike Sands (43 tackles, 3 sacks). Safeties Keala Loo (66 tackles, 4 INT) and Jeremy Thornburg (51 tackles) will boost a secondary that should also include Akron transfer Maurice Taylor at one corner.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Mark Gould (43.4 avg.) is back to punt for NAU, and former kickoff specialist Paul Ernster will get full-time place-kicking duties. Thornton (10.3 punt return avg.) and Marshall can return both punts and kicks.
SCHEDULE: After opening with Arizona (8/31) and Cal Poly (9/7) on the road, the Lumberjacks will play five of their next six in Flagstaff. Portland State (9/28) and Montana State (10/26) are the key games in that stretch. NAU's quirky schedule ends with three straight away from home, including one with Montana (11/2).
PROGNOSIS: Northern Arizona has several key pieces back from last year's team, but inexperience in all the wrong places will probably keep the Lumberjacks from making a return playoff trip. Womack will have to be better than advertised at QB, since Lucero already proved his ineffectiveness while at UMass in 2000. Perhaps more important than that position are the offensive and defensive lines, which will have to grow up quickly to give Jerome Souers' team a chance. Look for the 'Jacks to hover around .500 in 2002.
6. SACRAMENTO STATE (2-9, 1-6). LAST YEAR: The Big Sky's "X"-factor in the 2001 race quickly turned into ex-contenders, as injuries and inexperience helped hand John Volek's team eight straight defeats to end the season. Sac State was outscored 424-249 on the year.
OFFENSE: Quarterback Ryan Leadingham (214-393, 2752 yards, 17 TD, 10 INT) was pressed into service as a freshman last year, and finished the season much better than he started. The sophomore will throw to receivers Fred Amey (54 receptions, 885 yards, 7 TD) and Michael Johnson (50 receptions, 747 yards, 5 TD). The team still lacks a proven running back in the year 2 A.C.R. (after Charles Roberts), and former QB Garrett White is actually listed atop the depth chart there. The offensive line should be improved, with starting tackles Mario Cavka and Sean Doherty, center B.J. Tittlemeier, and guard Chris Frank each back for the Hornets.
DEFENSE: The defense was hit hard by injuries a year ago, and having nose tackle Bilal Watkins (5 tackles) 100 percent will assuredly help the Sac State cause. Tackle Eric Broden (18 tackles) and UNLV transfer Brad Ousterhout will also lend assistance up front. Park McAllister (69 tackles, 3 sacks) is the team's strongest linebacker, and Reza Williams (78 tackles) is also back in the starting lineup there. Safety Camron Mbewa (88 tackles, 2 INT) leads a secondary that should also include Brandon Coleman (61 tackles, 4 INT) and Iowa State transfer Julian Cummings at cornerback.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Bret LeVier (2-2 FG, 9-10 XP) will handle full-time place-kicking duties this season, and one-time starting kicker Paul Kerr is expected to punt. Amey returned kickoffs (19.7 avg.) and the occasional punt (5.5 avg.) in 2001.
SCHEDULE: Sac State must play five of its first six games away from Hornet Stadium, including games against UTEP (8/31), rival UC Davis (10/5), and Northern Arizona (10/12). A two-game stretch with physical teams in Montana State (11/2) and Montana (11/9) could sting the Hornets.
PROGNOSIS: There is little chance that Sacramento State will repeat the misery of 2001 this season, but expecting a great turnaround might be optimistic. The Hornets still lack the all-important running back that aided their past success, and Leadingham and his receivers are not good enough to do it on their own. Throw in the least home-friendly schedule in the league, and a .500 mark begins to look like a successful year.
7. EASTERN WASHINGTON (7-4, 3-4). LAST YEAR: Eastern Washington failed to live up to preseason expectations a year ago, though the Eagles did escape with a respectable record. A then-stunning 48-38 home loss to Montana State may have shaken the team's confidence, and consecutive losses to Northern Arizona (42-33) and Portland State (37-22) wiped Paul Wulff's team out of the playoff picture.
OFFENSE: Only one starter, right tackle Justin Nipp, is back from last year's offense. Former 1,000-yard rusher Jovan Griffith will try to return from a knee injury and fill the talented shoes of All-American Jesse Chatman (2096 yards, 24 TD). Replacing Fred Salanoa (228-379, 3057 yards, 26 TD, 13 INT) at quarterback will be three-year Tulsa starter Josh Blankenship. Kyler Randall (37 receptions, 438 yards, 3 TD) and JC transfer Joe Pierce will likely be Blankenship's top receiving choices. Nipp and center Brandon Bouge will try to lead a re-tooled offensive line.
DEFENSE: Defensive line will likely be a team strength, as ends Brandon Moore (48 tackles) and Justin Brester (27 tackles) return along with nose tackle Dante Harrell (26 tackles). Brothers Luke (116 tackles) and Doug Vincent (28 tackles) should stabilize the linebacking corps. The secondary picture is not pretty, with cornerback John Jones (22 tackles) the only returning full-timer and Cal State Northridge transfer Steve Paysinger expected to play a vital role at one safety.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Wulff went the JC route to fill kicking game gaps, with Rich Heintz expected to handle the place-kicking and Jesse Nicassio slated to punt. Randall (14.4 avg., 2 TD) is the incumbent at punt returner.
SCHEDULE: The young Eagles should get pasted at Arizona State (8/31), but the next four games (Montana Tech, Western Oregon, @ Southern Utah, Idaho State) are winnable. Trips to Portland State (10/12) and Montana State (11/9) will be tough, as will the home finale with Montana (11/16).
PROGNOSIS: Eastern Washington will have the unmistakable look of an expansion team in 2002, with enough new faces to ensure the brisk sale of programs at Woodward Field. The Eagles probably won't be down long after attracting a good recruiting class this past spring, but the program will in all likelihood take its lumps this year. If EWU is a first-division team in the Big Sky, it will be an upset akin to the Patriots winning the Super Bowl.
8. WEBER STATE (3-8, 2-5). LAST YEAR: After making a run at a playoff berth in 2000, Weber quickly dropped to earth last season. The Wildcats lost six of their first seven, and seemed to suffer from a chronic inability to stop anyone. Weber ranked 122nd of 123 I-AA schools in total defense a year ago.
OFFENSE: Quarterback Tyler Gladwell (201-362, 2733 yards, 22 TD, 9 INT) found out in June that he would not be returning, due to an eligibility snafu from early in his career that went undetected. Backup Tate Bennett (40-85, 473 yards, 3 TD, 5 INT) is therefore thrust into the starting role, and will throw often to Justin DeFour (52 receptions, 826 yards, 4 TD) and JC transfer Scott Peery. Running back Johnnie Gray III (1571 yards, 15 TD) has exhausted his eligibility, leaving either sophomore Gavin Brooks (38 yards) or Houston transfer Bobby Tillman as the primary rushers for Jerry Graybeal's team. WSU is in relatively good shape up front, where guards Jon Newman and Matt Hill lead the way along with center Ben Olson.
DEFENSE: Weber's much-maligned defensive unit should be ok up front, with ends Colter Bolton (2 sacks) and Brian Marquardt (2 sacks) returning to the fold along with tackle Randy Spencer (41 tackles, 2 sacks). Preseason All-American Matt McFadden (123 tackles) is the team's best player, and will team with Colton Swan (60 tackles) and Corey Pantuso (40 tackles, 1 INT) at linebacker. The secondary is in rough shape, with safety Randy Smith (17 tackles, 1 INT) the only starter certain to return. Cornerback Marcus Thurman (56 tackles, 3 INT) will start is he meets academic requirements.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Joey Spendlove, who averaged 40.0 yards per punt in 1999 before embarking on an LDS mission, will resume his starting duties. Freshman Joe Johnson is the league's least experienced place-kicker, and none of Weber's return men from last season are back.
SCHEDULE: The Wildcats should enter October with a winning record, as they follow the opener with New Mexico (8/31) with games against sub-Division I foes Western State (9/14) and Eastern Oregon (9/21). With Northern Arizona (10/5), Montana (10/12), and Montana State (10/19) to begin the 10th month, Weber will quickly learn just how good it is.
PROGNOSIS: This team has the potential to be really, really bad. Bennett, the starting running back, and the two new starting wide receivers will have to be very quick studies in order to keep Weber in games. The offensive line will have to be a team strength. McFadden is a good player on defense, but the Wildcats' problems on that side of the ball will likely overshadow their one strong player. The special teams situation doesn't look very positive either. It could be a long year in Ogden.
They're not being cocky (well maybe they are just a little), simply realistic. Consider:
The Griz have won four straight Big Sky titles and six of the last seven, have been to the playoffs every year since 1993, have earned two consecutive trips to the national title game, and come off a run to last year's I-AA title that left little doubt who the nation's best team was. Montana is 48-6 (.889) in league play since 1995, including a perfect 15-0 under third-year head coach Joe Glenn.
Is everyone else in the Big Sky playing for second? That appears to be the size of it. But that doesn't mean the league's quest for an at-large playoff berth or two won't be entertaining. Two Montana nemeses... Montana State and Portland State...look to be the prime candidates for the vice-presidency of I-AA's westernmost league, and two others... Northern Arizona and Idaho State...could have a significant impact as well. Below is a team-by-team breakdown of the 2002 Big Sky race, with teams ranked according to The Sports Network's predicted order of finish.
Sports Network Predicted Order of Finish:
1. Montana; 2. Montana State; 3. Portland State; 4. Idaho State; 5. Northern Arizona; 6. Sacramento State; 7. Eastern Washington; 8. Weber State.
1. MONTANA (15-1, 7-0). LAST YEAR: After losing at Hawaii on Sept. 8, the Grizzlies won 14 straight, including a 13-6 triumph over Furman for the national championship. Montana outscored its four playoff opponents by a combined score of 128-49.
OFFENSE: The Griz are solid at quarterback, where senior John Edwards (221-376, 2728 yards, 14 TD, 6 INT, 282 rushing yards) returns behind a veteran offensive line. Tackles Dylan McFarland and Jon Skinner, guard Derek Decker, and center Brian Pelc help form one of the nation's top trench units. There will be new faces at the other skill positions, where tailback Yo Humphery (2101 rushing yards, 23 TD) and wideout Etu Molden (102 receptions, 1414 yards, 16 TD) have both graduated with several school records. Freshman David Gober will be pushed by Washington transfer Jelani Harrison at tailback, while Rory Zikmund (31 receptions, 346 yards) is the team's best returning receiver. Tight ends Conor Molloy and Ja'Ton Simpson will catch their share of passes.
DEFENSE: Montana has one of the nation's strongest defensive lines, as ends Ciche Pitcher (18 sacks) and Tim Bush (10 sacks) and tackles Curt Colter (6 sacks), Jonny Varona (9 sacks), and John Cahill (2 sacks) each have All-America potential. Pitcher may be the team's top overall player. Linebacker is not as steady, and Glenn has hinted that the team may use the nickel package more often to compensate. Andy Thompson (39 tackles) and Joel Robinson (59 tackles) figure to see the most time at LB. The secondary is led by safeties Trey Young (9 sacks, 2 INT) and Dave DeCoite (81 tackles, 3 INT), while corners Johnnie Peeples (5 INT) and Vernon Smith (44 tackles) each have plenty of experience.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Kicker Chris Snyder (16-30 FG, 63-64 XP) and punter Mark Spencer (42.6 avg.) are both back, and punt returner Levander Segars (11.9 punt return avg.) lends his speed to returns.
SCHEDULE: The opening trip to Hofstra (8/29) will be a test, but the Griz won't face many challenges thereafter. Round jaunts to Idaho (10/5) and Portland State (10/26) will be tricky, and the annual war with Montana State (11/23) is one of I-AA's games of the year.
PROGNOSIS: They've got some holes to fill, particularly at running back, wideout, and linebacker, but Montana is still far and away the best team in the Big Sky. Many coaches will tell you that games are won on the offensive and defensive lines, and the Griz have some of the best trench players in the business. Moreover, the schedule is relatively tame, and Glenn's charges will scarcely be tested within the friendly confines of Washington-Grizzly Stadium. Double-digit wins and another Big Sky title are virtual certainties.
2. MONTANA STATE (5-6, 4-3). LAST YEAR: The Bobcats went from 0-11 to an unlikely contender in the Big Sky race, starting out 4-2 before bottoming out down the stretch. MSU threw a scare into arch rival and eventual national champ Montana, before losing for the 16th consecutive year, 38-27.
OFFENSE: Mike Kramer's team is well-tooled at the skill positions, as quarterback Tyler Thomas (184-366, 2330 yards, 19 TD, 17 INT), tailback Ryan Johnson (1537 yards, 14 TD), and wideout Junior Adams (40 receptions, 652 yards, 6 TD) return as the Bobcats' best weapons. Johnson, who had off-season back surgery after setting a single-season rushing record, will be spelled by JC transfer Tyon Gilmore. Tight end Aaron Ware (20 receptions, 244 yards, 5 TD) and WR Scott Turnquist (36 receptions, 510 yards, 5 TD) are also back in the mix, and Oregon State transfer Aaron Hill will see time at receiver. MSU is set on the line, with tackles Brent Swaggert and Ryan Henning and guards Mike Quast and Brian Choi returning as starters.
DEFENSE: Defensive ends Jon Montoya (6.5 sacks) and Adam Cordeiro (11.5 sacks) are two of the best in I-AA, and Cal State Northridge transfer Jason Nicastro will add pressure from the interior. Another CSN transfer, Isaac Gardner, should start at linebacker along with incumbent David Smith (52 tackles). Cornerback Joey Thomas (5 INT, 18 PBU) and safety Kane Ioane (124 tackles) have All-America potential in the secondary, and free safety Justin Mobley (46 tackles, 2 INT) should also be a playmaker.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Nate Cook (40.0 avg., 7-8 FG, 30-30 XP) will handle punting and place-kicking duties again, and Adams (19.0 avg., 3 TD) has big-play ability as a punt returner.
SCHEDULE: With St. Mary's (CA) (8/31), Adams State (9/14), and Central Washington (10/5) on the slate, MSU has some (maybe too many) easy outs. The trip to Washington State (9/21) won't be fun, and the Bobcats will probably have to win three of the following road games: Stephen F. Austin (9/7), Idaho State (10/12), Northern Arizona (10/26), or Montana (11/23) to give themselves a shot.
PROGNOSIS: There is not a team in the Big Sky, including Montana, that can boast Montana State's talent and experience throughout the starting lineup. It is behind the starters where things begin to get slippery. If MSU can remain relatively healthy for 13 weeks, they should live to see a 14th and the school's first playoff berth since 1984. If not, the heartbreak in Bozeman and envy of that accomplished neighbor to the west will continue. And don't forget about those two sub-Division I opponents, which could hurt the Bobcats' case if there is a bubble situation.
3. PORTLAND STATE (7-4, 5-2). LAST YEAR: The Vikings sputtered to a 3-4 start, with a 33-13 loss at Montana on Oct. 27 putting the team's hopes of a second straight playoff berth to rest. Once the pressure was off, PSU looked great, winning its last four games by a combined score of 172-119.
OFFENSE: The Vikings boast a potent backfield, with quarterback Juston Wood (218-33, 3200 yards, 23 TD, 5 INT) and tailback Ryan Fuqua (1586 yards, 15 TD) ranking among the best skill players in the country. Wideout Terry Charles (71 receptions, 1096 yards, 12 TD) was drafted by the San Diego Chargers, but WRs Jesse Levin (48 receptions, 905 yards, 4 TD) and Antonio Jackson (29 receptions, 398 yards, 1 TD) are more than capable. JC transfer Jay Williams could be a diamond in the rough as a pass-catcher, and tight end Tim Hester (18 receptions, 203 yards, 3 TD) can also contribute. Fullback Saleem Muhammad will be used in a variety of ways. Up front, guards Devan Kelley and Lee Gutu lead the charge, along with tackle Scott Lesure.
DEFENSE: Stefon Kleinert (22 tackles) and Matt Jenkins (34 tackles) are back at defensive end, while transfers Josh Ratliff (Texas Tech) and Shaun Jackson (Baylor) are expected to help up front. Marcus Green (71 tackles) and Kevin Hastin (76 tackles) each started at linebacker a year ago, while free safety Brent Donnerberg (17 tackles) and Nick Chenault (52 tackles, 2 INT) are the leaders for Tim Walsh's secondary. Donnerberg was Portland State's best tackler in 2000, but missed most of last year after tearing his ACL and MCL. Without him, the Vikings gave up nearly 450 yards per contest.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Mike Cajal-Willis (13-17 FG, 40-45 XP) was a hit as a first-year placekicker a year ago, and Edi Pazos (36.9 avg.) is also back to field punting duties. Corner Amad Robinson (14.0 avg.) returned punts last year, and Fuqua (22.1 avg.) was an effective kickoff returner.
SCHEDULE: The Viks' opening month will be challenging, with home games against Stephen F. Austin (8/31) and North Carolina A&T (9/14) preceding road trips to Oregon (9/21) and Northern Arizona (9/28). The rest won't be as daunting, though Montana (10/26) and an away battle with Montana State (11/16) will remain.
PROGNOSIS: Though probably not as talented as Portland State's 2000 playoff team, Viking fans have every right to expect this year's squad to compete for a postseason bid. Wood is the real deal and will have plenty of targets, while Fuqua is a budding I-AA star in his own right. PSU will score points, to be sure. It is on the other side of the ball where the Viks will have to better, as Walsh can't expect his team to give up 30 points six times and still compete. In any event, Portland State should win at least six or seven games and be on the playoff board headed into the season's final weeks.
4. IDAHO STATE (4-7, 1-6). LAST YEAR: A 23-17 upset of Portland State made ISU 3-2 on Oct. 13th, but a series of heartbreaking losses shut the door on the Bengals' once promising season. Narrow defeats to Utah State (28-27), Montana (32-28), and Eastern Washington (48-45) handed the team its fifth losing season in six campaigns.
OFFENSE: Quarterback Doug Baughman (207-354, 2638 yards, 20 TD, 13 INT) had his moments in his first year in a Bengal uniform, and will welcome back receivers Brett Fowler (37 receptions, 552 yards, 6 TD), Jason Girley (40 receptions, 404 yards, 1 TD), and Sale' Key (32 receptions, 359 yards, 3 TD) as his top targets. Running back Isaac Mitchell (431 yards, 9 TD) sits atop the depth chart after a late-season resurgence in 2001, and Mike Jones (881 yards, 5 TD) is also back to spell him. Lewis will have the most holes to fill on the offensive line, where tackle Dustin Fitzpatrick and guard Steve Burch are the only returning full-timers.
DEFENSE: Defensive end Jared Allen (6.5 sacks) and tackle Eric Boose (38 tackles) help forge one of the Big Sky's most menacing pass rushes, and Mark Weivoda (4 sacks) has also proven effective on the interior. The linebacking corps should be solid, with Bart Brooks (118 tackles, 4 sacks) and Josh Whitworth (60 tackles) displaying all-league potential. The secondary is young but does have game experience, with sophomore corners LaDerick Daniels (55 tackles) and Ernie James (43 tackles) counted on along with safeties Na'Jai Rankin (64 tackles) and Mo Caraway (23 tackles).
SPECIAL TEAMS: Eddie Johnson (46.3 avg.) returns as a First-Team All-America punter, while Cal transfer Jeremy Hershey is expected to serve as placekicker. Girley (10.1 avg., 1 TD) was the team's top punt returner a year ago.
SCHEDULE: Lewis and company will have difficult road games with Utah State (9/14), Montana (9/21), and Portland State (11/2), but get Montana State (10/12) and Northern Arizona (11/9) in Pocatello.
PROGNOSIS: Despite suffering through two decades of frustrating mediocrity, a careful look at Idaho State's 2002 lineup on paper shows plenty of positive signs. The Bengals have a fair amount of talent and some decent depth, but now must win the close games they couldn't quite get a handle on last season. If offensive line inexperience doesn't turn out to be a glaring problem, Idaho State should be in just about every game it plays. ISU is a team on the rise in the Big Sky, and could be a dark horse for an at-large playoff berth.
5. NORTHERN ARIZONA (8-4, 5-2). LAST YEAR: NAU showed that 2000's 3-8 campaign was an anomaly last season, going 8-3 during the regular season and earning its second playoff berth in three years. The Lumberjacks lost to Sam Houston State, 34-31, in the First Round.
OFFENSE: Gone are starting quarterback Preston Parsons (2267 yards, 19 TD, 3 INT) and tailback Marcus King (1287 yards, 9 TD), who accounted for a great deal of NAU's offense over the past two seasons. Two former transfers, Clint Womack (Grossmont JC) and one-time UMass starter Richard Lucero will battle for QB duties, while Brian Bingham (627 yards, 10 TD) has a beat on tailback duties. Whoever plays quarterback will have two of the league's finest pass-catchers at his disposal, as Clarence Moore (43 receptions, 644 yards, 3 TD) and Johnny Marshall (43 receptions, 595 yards, 4 TD) are back along with tight end Tom Winn (17 receptions, 281 yards, 5 TD). The rest of the line will be young, with left guard Steve Gomez and JC transfer center Matt Raivio counted on heavily.
DEFENSE: Head coach Jerome Souers will work with two new starting defensive ends, so tackles Ray Solis (7 sacks) and Isi Tuanaki (24 tackles) will have to do their part for the pass rush. The 'Jacks overall team strength is at linebacker, where preseason All-American Keith O'Neil (83 tackles, 7 sacks) is back along with starters Kaaina Keawe (78 tackles) and Mike Sands (43 tackles, 3 sacks). Safeties Keala Loo (66 tackles, 4 INT) and Jeremy Thornburg (51 tackles) will boost a secondary that should also include Akron transfer Maurice Taylor at one corner.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Mark Gould (43.4 avg.) is back to punt for NAU, and former kickoff specialist Paul Ernster will get full-time place-kicking duties. Thornton (10.3 punt return avg.) and Marshall can return both punts and kicks.
SCHEDULE: After opening with Arizona (8/31) and Cal Poly (9/7) on the road, the Lumberjacks will play five of their next six in Flagstaff. Portland State (9/28) and Montana State (10/26) are the key games in that stretch. NAU's quirky schedule ends with three straight away from home, including one with Montana (11/2).
PROGNOSIS: Northern Arizona has several key pieces back from last year's team, but inexperience in all the wrong places will probably keep the Lumberjacks from making a return playoff trip. Womack will have to be better than advertised at QB, since Lucero already proved his ineffectiveness while at UMass in 2000. Perhaps more important than that position are the offensive and defensive lines, which will have to grow up quickly to give Jerome Souers' team a chance. Look for the 'Jacks to hover around .500 in 2002.
6. SACRAMENTO STATE (2-9, 1-6). LAST YEAR: The Big Sky's "X"-factor in the 2001 race quickly turned into ex-contenders, as injuries and inexperience helped hand John Volek's team eight straight defeats to end the season. Sac State was outscored 424-249 on the year.
OFFENSE: Quarterback Ryan Leadingham (214-393, 2752 yards, 17 TD, 10 INT) was pressed into service as a freshman last year, and finished the season much better than he started. The sophomore will throw to receivers Fred Amey (54 receptions, 885 yards, 7 TD) and Michael Johnson (50 receptions, 747 yards, 5 TD). The team still lacks a proven running back in the year 2 A.C.R. (after Charles Roberts), and former QB Garrett White is actually listed atop the depth chart there. The offensive line should be improved, with starting tackles Mario Cavka and Sean Doherty, center B.J. Tittlemeier, and guard Chris Frank each back for the Hornets.
DEFENSE: The defense was hit hard by injuries a year ago, and having nose tackle Bilal Watkins (5 tackles) 100 percent will assuredly help the Sac State cause. Tackle Eric Broden (18 tackles) and UNLV transfer Brad Ousterhout will also lend assistance up front. Park McAllister (69 tackles, 3 sacks) is the team's strongest linebacker, and Reza Williams (78 tackles) is also back in the starting lineup there. Safety Camron Mbewa (88 tackles, 2 INT) leads a secondary that should also include Brandon Coleman (61 tackles, 4 INT) and Iowa State transfer Julian Cummings at cornerback.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Bret LeVier (2-2 FG, 9-10 XP) will handle full-time place-kicking duties this season, and one-time starting kicker Paul Kerr is expected to punt. Amey returned kickoffs (19.7 avg.) and the occasional punt (5.5 avg.) in 2001.
SCHEDULE: Sac State must play five of its first six games away from Hornet Stadium, including games against UTEP (8/31), rival UC Davis (10/5), and Northern Arizona (10/12). A two-game stretch with physical teams in Montana State (11/2) and Montana (11/9) could sting the Hornets.
PROGNOSIS: There is little chance that Sacramento State will repeat the misery of 2001 this season, but expecting a great turnaround might be optimistic. The Hornets still lack the all-important running back that aided their past success, and Leadingham and his receivers are not good enough to do it on their own. Throw in the least home-friendly schedule in the league, and a .500 mark begins to look like a successful year.
7. EASTERN WASHINGTON (7-4, 3-4). LAST YEAR: Eastern Washington failed to live up to preseason expectations a year ago, though the Eagles did escape with a respectable record. A then-stunning 48-38 home loss to Montana State may have shaken the team's confidence, and consecutive losses to Northern Arizona (42-33) and Portland State (37-22) wiped Paul Wulff's team out of the playoff picture.
OFFENSE: Only one starter, right tackle Justin Nipp, is back from last year's offense. Former 1,000-yard rusher Jovan Griffith will try to return from a knee injury and fill the talented shoes of All-American Jesse Chatman (2096 yards, 24 TD). Replacing Fred Salanoa (228-379, 3057 yards, 26 TD, 13 INT) at quarterback will be three-year Tulsa starter Josh Blankenship. Kyler Randall (37 receptions, 438 yards, 3 TD) and JC transfer Joe Pierce will likely be Blankenship's top receiving choices. Nipp and center Brandon Bouge will try to lead a re-tooled offensive line.
DEFENSE: Defensive line will likely be a team strength, as ends Brandon Moore (48 tackles) and Justin Brester (27 tackles) return along with nose tackle Dante Harrell (26 tackles). Brothers Luke (116 tackles) and Doug Vincent (28 tackles) should stabilize the linebacking corps. The secondary picture is not pretty, with cornerback John Jones (22 tackles) the only returning full-timer and Cal State Northridge transfer Steve Paysinger expected to play a vital role at one safety.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Wulff went the JC route to fill kicking game gaps, with Rich Heintz expected to handle the place-kicking and Jesse Nicassio slated to punt. Randall (14.4 avg., 2 TD) is the incumbent at punt returner.
SCHEDULE: The young Eagles should get pasted at Arizona State (8/31), but the next four games (Montana Tech, Western Oregon, @ Southern Utah, Idaho State) are winnable. Trips to Portland State (10/12) and Montana State (11/9) will be tough, as will the home finale with Montana (11/16).
PROGNOSIS: Eastern Washington will have the unmistakable look of an expansion team in 2002, with enough new faces to ensure the brisk sale of programs at Woodward Field. The Eagles probably won't be down long after attracting a good recruiting class this past spring, but the program will in all likelihood take its lumps this year. If EWU is a first-division team in the Big Sky, it will be an upset akin to the Patriots winning the Super Bowl.
8. WEBER STATE (3-8, 2-5). LAST YEAR: After making a run at a playoff berth in 2000, Weber quickly dropped to earth last season. The Wildcats lost six of their first seven, and seemed to suffer from a chronic inability to stop anyone. Weber ranked 122nd of 123 I-AA schools in total defense a year ago.
OFFENSE: Quarterback Tyler Gladwell (201-362, 2733 yards, 22 TD, 9 INT) found out in June that he would not be returning, due to an eligibility snafu from early in his career that went undetected. Backup Tate Bennett (40-85, 473 yards, 3 TD, 5 INT) is therefore thrust into the starting role, and will throw often to Justin DeFour (52 receptions, 826 yards, 4 TD) and JC transfer Scott Peery. Running back Johnnie Gray III (1571 yards, 15 TD) has exhausted his eligibility, leaving either sophomore Gavin Brooks (38 yards) or Houston transfer Bobby Tillman as the primary rushers for Jerry Graybeal's team. WSU is in relatively good shape up front, where guards Jon Newman and Matt Hill lead the way along with center Ben Olson.
DEFENSE: Weber's much-maligned defensive unit should be ok up front, with ends Colter Bolton (2 sacks) and Brian Marquardt (2 sacks) returning to the fold along with tackle Randy Spencer (41 tackles, 2 sacks). Preseason All-American Matt McFadden (123 tackles) is the team's best player, and will team with Colton Swan (60 tackles) and Corey Pantuso (40 tackles, 1 INT) at linebacker. The secondary is in rough shape, with safety Randy Smith (17 tackles, 1 INT) the only starter certain to return. Cornerback Marcus Thurman (56 tackles, 3 INT) will start is he meets academic requirements.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Joey Spendlove, who averaged 40.0 yards per punt in 1999 before embarking on an LDS mission, will resume his starting duties. Freshman Joe Johnson is the league's least experienced place-kicker, and none of Weber's return men from last season are back.
SCHEDULE: The Wildcats should enter October with a winning record, as they follow the opener with New Mexico (8/31) with games against sub-Division I foes Western State (9/14) and Eastern Oregon (9/21). With Northern Arizona (10/5), Montana (10/12), and Montana State (10/19) to begin the 10th month, Weber will quickly learn just how good it is.
PROGNOSIS: This team has the potential to be really, really bad. Bennett, the starting running back, and the two new starting wide receivers will have to be very quick studies in order to keep Weber in games. The offensive line will have to be a team strength. McFadden is a good player on defense, but the Wildcats' problems on that side of the ball will likely overshadow their one strong player. The special teams situation doesn't look very positive either. It could be a long year in Ogden.
Thursday, June 04
Friday, May 01
Monday, March 30
Monday, March 30
