(Editor’s note: Big Sky Conference media release)
OGDEN, Utah – With conference play set to begin this weekend, the Big Sky Conference has four teams ranked in the FCS STATS and American Football Coaches (AFCA) Top 25 national polls.
Eastern Washington is the highest-ranked Big Sky team in the national polls after Week 3. The Eagles fell to Washington State on the road, and with that loss dropped one spot in the AFCA poll to No. 6 and also remain in the No. 6 spot in the FCS STATS poll. The Eagles rank third in the FCS in total offense (542.0 ypg).
Weber State controlled the game versus South Dakota last week to earn the 27-10 win. The victory propelled the Wildcats up five spots to No. 8 in the AFCA poll, giving the Big Sky two teams in the Top 10. In the FCS STATS poll, Weber State jumped four spots to No. 7 in the FCS STATS poll. The Wildcats are tied for fourth in the FCS in turnovers gained at nine.
Montana remains in the Top 25 in the AFCA poll, after losing to Western Illinois on the road, 31-27 in the final minutes. The Griz were slated in the 20th spot by the AFCA and come in at No. 19 spot in the FCS STATS poll. Montana ranks eighth in the nation in kickoff returns and 11th in rushing defense.
After being slotted just outside the AFCA Top 25 last week, UC Davis enters the poll for the first time this season at No. 25. The Aggies fell to Stanford on the road, 30-10, to suffer its first loss of the season as it holds a 2-1 overall mark. The FCS STATS poll ranked the Aggies at No. 23. A week ago, while this week the Aggies improve to No. 21. UC Davis ranks fourth in the FCS in passing offense (360 ypg).
Other Big Sky teams receiving votes were Sacramento State, Montana State, Northern Arizona, and Idaho.