Sep. 27—The nonconference section on the No. 4 Idaho Vandals’ football schedule is behind them and now it is time to focus on a tough Big Sky Conference.
The Vandals open Big Sky competition on the road when they travel to face UC Davis at 7 p.m. on Saturday. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
Idaho has had one of the strongest nonconference performances this season with two ranked Football Championship Subdivision victories, one Football Bowl Subdivision win and a closer-than-expected loss against the then-No. 3 Oregon Ducks. The Vandals enter Big Sky play with a 3-1 record and they received five first-place votes in the latest Stats Perform FCS Top 25 poll.
“It is definitely a challenge now getting into the (Big Sky) schedule,” Idaho coach Jason Eck said. “You know you have to bring it every week to come out of it.”
Six of the 12 teams in the Big Sky were ranked in the latest poll that was released on Monday. Only Montana State remains undefeated, but it is fair to remember that the overall record for FCS teams after the nonconference slate does not always tell the full story.
For example, Sacramento State is 2-2, but is ranked No. 10 in the latest poll. The Hornets opened the season with two games against FBS opponents in San Jose State and Fresno State. After the two losses, Sacramento State has rolled to two FCS victories.
One Big Sky game has been completed as No. 25 Weber State took care of Portland State on Sept. 7 in a 43-16 victory.
Here is what you need to know about some of the top Big Sky competition for the Vandals as the conference slate begins in full on Saturday and will last until the end of the regular season on Nov. 23.
No. 3 Montana State (4-0)
The Bobcats opened the season with a comeback victory against FBS-opponent New Mexico in a 35-31 win. Montana State trailed by 17 going into the fourth…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/strong-big-sky-conference-means-214600222.html
Author : Lewiston Tribune, Idaho
Publish date : 2024-09-27 21:46:00
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