Big Sky Football: Who’s First?

You know how complicated our high school playoff scenarios can be -- especially when a three way tie for first is a possibility. Imagine the headaches the Big Sky Conference has with four teams tied for first, and playoff births on the line. With two teams going head to head this week, the Big Sky could end up with as many as three, and as few as one, team at the top of the conference standings at the end of the season.

Here's how the Big Sky press release breaks down the logjam at the top of the standings:

"Montana State, Eastern Washington, Cal Poly and Northern Arizona all enter the final Saturday of the regular season 6-1 in conference play. As many as three of them could lay claim to the regular-season title come next Saturday.

Cal Poly and Northern Arizona meet in Flagstaff next Saturday. The winner will claim at least a share of the title, and would win the title outright if Montana State and Eastern Washington both lose.
Eastern Washington closes its regular season at Portland State. Montana State travels to Montana for the 112^th meeting between the schools. The game will be televised live on ROOT SPORTS..

The Big Sky’s automatic bid to the FCS playoffs is still up for grabs. It would go to the Cal Poly/Northern Arizona winner if EWU and MSU both lose.

If MSU, EWU and Cal Poly tie at 7-1, the automatic bid would go to Eastern Washington. All three teams would have played Sacramento State in league games. Cal Poly would be eliminated because of a loss to the Hornets. MSU and EWU both beat Sac State, so the tiebreaker would revert to the head-to-head meeting between MSU and EWU, which the Eagles won.

If MSU, EWU and NAU tie at 7-1, the automatic bid would go to Montana State. All three teams would have played Southern Utah, and Montana State is the only one of the three to have a win over the Thunderbirds.

If EWU and Cal Poly tie at 7-1, EWU would get the automatic bid because of a head-to-head win over the Mustangs.

If MSU and Cal Poly tie at 7-1, MSU would get automatic win because of its win over Sacramento State.

If MSU and NAU tie at 7-1, MSU would get the automatic bid because of the Bobcats’ win over
Southern Utah.

If EWU and NAU tie at 7-1, the highest team in the Sagarin Rating would determine the automatic bid."

Is THAT all?

Bobcat fans can hear Tyler Wiltgen and Dan Davies call the Cat-Griz game Saturday afternoon at 1:00 on KSEN!