Big Sky Preview - The Oregonian

Norm Maves Jr. over at The Oregonian did a little preview of the Big Sky for it's readers. Unfortunately he misses on a few crucial parts here and there. So being the nice guy that I am, I thought I would correct a few things for him.

MONTANA STATE 2005: 7-4 Returning starters: 5 offense, 7 defense, 1 kicker The story: Quarterback Travis Lulay no longer is around to bail out the Bobcats. Montana State can't replace him and won't try, but somebody -- Lincoln High School's Colin Beeson? -- has to step in and run the offense right away. If the defense buys time for the offense to readjust, Montana State will be back in the race. As usual.

- Colin Beeson transfered to Central Washington. So I have my doubts he will replace Lulay.

IDAHO STATE 2005: 5-6 Returning starters: 9 offense, 6 defense, 1 kicker The story: The Bengals have two 700-yard rushers -- Ken Cornist and Josh Barnett -- and nine returning offensive starters, but need a quarterback to ignite it all. If they do, the Bengals could make life tough for somebody in their indoor Holt Arena.

- I agree they need a quarterback, but it seems to me that Matt Gutierrez has been pretty darn impressive in fall camp/scrimmages. Maybe impressive enough to warrant a mention?

WEBER STATE 2005: 6-5 Returning starters: 8 offense, 4 defense The story: New coach Ron McBride turned the struggling Wildcats completely around last year, but must rebuild a defense with seven new starters this season to keep it going. Offensive weapons abound: quarterback Ian Pizarro, who threw for 2,357 yards last year, and running back Zach Hall, who ran for 848 yards, are back.

- Zach Hall is and was a force last year, but unfortunately he suffered the same fate as Lex Hilliard and is done for the year. Adrian Conway will be the #1 guy.

Overall a pretty good summation. Nothing glaring, just a few minor oversights. I'm glad to see the Big Sky get any press at all in big cities.