A strong Big Sky Conference means a lot of challengers for football crown

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 quarter.

Montana State has relied on a dominant rushing game and a great defense and is one of the favorites to win the FCS championship this year. The Bobcats have scored at least 31 points in all four wins.

Scottre Humphrey leads a running attack that averages over 325 yards per game. Humphrey has 55 carries for 428 yards and four touchdowns. Adam Jones has added 321 yards and four scores, including a 93-yard run in the fourth quarter of the comeback victory against New Mexico.

Opponents are averaging only 276.5 yards per game and have only scored seven touchdowns (four rushing, four passing) in four games against the Bobcats.

The schedule did some favors for the Bobcats, who get to host Idaho, Montana and Sacramento State in Bozeman this season. The final three games will be a test for the third-ranked squad as it plays all three games against top-14 ranked teams (Sacramento State, UC Davis and Montana).

No. 8 Montana (3-1)

The Grizzlies have not been as dominant as some expected them to be to start the season. Montana jumped out to a 24-7 advantage, but lost to No. 9 North Dakota after the Fighting Hawks scored 20 unanswered points.

Last week, the Western Carolina Catamounts (1-3) were within three points on the road in the fourth quarter before Montana was able to put the game away for a 46-35 victory.

The team stats on the season show a big disparity towards Montana, but a lot of that was aided by a dominating 59-2 win over Morehead State. The Grizzlies outgained the Eagles 576-45 in the game and had 410 rushing yards.

Senior defensive end Hayden Harris has been trouble all year for opposing offenses. Harris has 5 1/2 sacks and an interception this season.

No. 10 Sacramento State (2-2)

The Hornets struggled on the road against FBS-opponents San Jose State and Fresno State, but have dominated once they got back to FCS-level competition.

Sacramento State has gained more than 400 yards and given up less than 175 on defense in both victories. Running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver has 238 yards and three touchdowns in the two wins.

Last year, the Hornets started strong at 5-1. The only loss was a 36-27 defeat to the Vandals. Sacramento State was one of four Big Sky teams to make the playoffs and is a threat to do so again this year. The Hornets do not play Idaho or Montana this year.

No. 14 UC Davis (3-1)

The Aggies host Idaho this Saturday and present a challenge defensively. Linebacker David Meyer has 41 tackles and two interceptions on the season. Defensive back Kavir Bains has added 24 tackles and an interception and has a team-high five pass breakups.

The Big Sky preseason offensive MVP Lan Larison is averaging 98.25 yards per game on the ground and another 49 yards per game receiving. The running back has already scored five times this season.

“He is a great player, the best player in our conference,” Eck said. “He is great with the ball in his hands.”

UC Davis lost its season opener to California 31-13, and since then have jumped on its opponents. The Aggies had a 22-0 lead over Texas A&M-Commerce and a 25-0 lead against Utah Tech. UC Davis was in a good battle with Southern Utah, but scored 20 consecutive points and held on in the fourth quarter for a 24-21 victory.

No. 25 Weber State (2-2, 1-0)

Technically, the Wildcats lead the Big Sky with the lone conference victory against Portland State. Weber State has been well tested with a loss to Washington and a one-point loss to No. 19 Lamar.

Defensive end Kemari Munier-Bailey — a former Idaho Vandal — has five of the team’s nine sacks on the season and 22 total tackles. Running back Damon Bankston averages 94.25 yards per game on the ground and has scored three times.

Weber State has one more nonconference game against McNeese on Saturday. The Wildcats return to Big Sky action on the road against Montana on Oct. 5.

Isbelle can be reached at 208-848-2268, risbelle@lmtribune.com or on X (formerly Twitter) @RandyIsbelle.