Sports Network Rankings

Matt Dougherty has come up with a ranking list for every I-AA squad in the country. While a few schools are a bit low in my opinion, overall I agree with most of his rankings (although I think UNI is a bit low at #7 and Poly is a bit high at #3). Anywho...

2. Montana (8-4) - The Grizzly defense is as deep as any in the country, and the addition of transfer talent at quarterback and wide receiver should inject more life in the Lex Hilliard-led offense and help vault the Grizzlies to a record that would keep them at home throughout the postseason.

18. Montana State (7-4) - Travis Lulay will be dearly missed after a spectacular career under center, but the running game led by Evin Groves and a strong and deep defense give the Bobcats hope to be as good or better in the first season without Lulay.

23. Idaho State (5-6) - The Bengals figure to put points on the board with a strong running tandem and Michigan transfer Matt Gutierrez to revive the passing game, and they have a chance at a postseason run if new starters on the defensive line can play well.

42. Weber State (6-5) - With Brady Fosmark, Shane Barkdull, Paul McQuistan and Pat McQuistan all moving on, both Wildcat lines suffer major losses and the team will be hard-pressed to improve again in Ron McBride’s second season.

47. Eastern Washington (7-5) - The Eagles return a strong offensive line and emerging running back Ryan Cole, but any team that plays average defense and loses the Walter Payton Award winner and one of the best receivers in I-AA history is due for a fall.

50. Portland State (6-5) - With three I-A games and key starters to replace on both sides of the ball, the Vikings will need quick contributions from a host of transfers if they are going to make a run at a winning record.

57. Sacramento State (2-9) - With major personnel losses for many of their conference foes, a Hornet team with Ryan Mole at running back and a few strong players on defense has a chance to at least climb out of the basement and inch closer to .500.

70. Northern Arizona (3-8) - After a promising freshman season, Jason Murrietta will need to display more consistency and a defense that gave up 30 ppg has to improve just to be competitive again in the Big Sky.

71. Northern Colorado (4-7) - Running back Andre Wilson gives Northern Colorado some explosiveness on offense, but the loss of first-team All-American Reed Doughty depletes a defense that surrendered 380 yards per game last year.

I wouldn't rank Sac above NAU, but the rest is tolerable. I still believe that PSU will finish pretty good, even with their three I-A games.