(Editor’s note: Big Sky Conference release)
OGDEN, Utah -– The Big Sky continues to shine in the STATS FCS and American Football Coaches (AFCA) Top 25 national polls were released today.
For the second week in a row, the Big Sky claimed the 4-5-6 spots in the STATS FCS Poll. Weber State leads the way at No. 4, followed by Eastern Washington and UC Davis.
In the AFCA Coaches’ poll, the Eagles remained in the No. 4 spot after a 38-14 home win over Idaho. The Eagles are first in the Big Sky in total offense and fourth in the FCS (526.8.) Eastern Washington has now been ranked in the top 10 for nine consecutive weeks.
With its third consecutive win, the Wildcats hold down the No. 5 spot for the second straight week in the AFCA Coaches’ poll. Weber State registered a 35-30 win over a ranked North Dakota squad on the road. Weber State is now 3-0 versus ranked opponents this season. The Wildcats are second in the league in scoring defense, holding their opponents to an average of 23.0 points per game. Weber State leads the FCS in turnovers gained at 23.
The Aggies continue to have a historic season as it jumped from No. 13 to No. 9 in the AFCA Coaches’ poll. It’s the first time UC Davis has ever ranked in the top 10 in both national polls. The Aggies lead the Big Sky and are ranked fourth in the FCS in passing offense at 334.2 yards per game.
This is the third straight week the Big Sky has three teams in the top 10 poll. Prior to this season, the Big Sky last had three teams in the top tier in Week 1 of the 2015 season – Eastern Washington (7th), Montana (8th) and Montana State (9th) in the Coaches’ Poll.
Other Big Sky teams receiving votes were Idaho State and Montana State.
The FCS STATS poll can be found below. To view the AFCA coaches poll, please click here.
STATS FCS Poll
Rankings as of 10/29/2018
Rank School Votes Prev
1 North Dakota State (8-0) 4000 (160) 1
2 Kennesaw State (7-1) 3777 2
3 James Madison (6-2) 3665 3
4 Weber State (6-2) 3416 4
5 Eastern Washington (6-2) 3209 5
6 UC Davis (7-1) 3158 6
7 South Dakota State (5-2) 3084 7
8 Elon (5-2) 2789 8
9 Wofford (6-2) 2688 9
10 Jacksonville State (6-2) 2337 12
11 McNeese (6-2) 2209 14
12 Colgate (7-0) 2046 16
13 Delaware (6-2) 1790 21
14 Illinois State (5-3) 1781 11
15 Towson (6-2) 1774 10
16 Stony Brook (6-3) 1479 15
17 North Carolina A&T (6-2) 1414 18
18 Princeton (7-0) 1345 19
19 Central Arkansas (5-3) 1261 13
20 Nicholls (5-3) 1003 20
21 Sam Houston State (5-3) 661 23
22 ETSU (7-2) 567 25
23 Maine (5-3) 548 24
24 Dartmouth (7-0) 435 NR
25 Southeast Missouri State (6-2) 316 NR
Receiving votes, in order: North Dakota (314) , UNI (262) , Florida A&M (169) , Chattanooga (163) , Idaho State (160) , Rhode Island (87) , Western Illinois (32) , San Diego (20) , Monmouth (20) , Alcorn State (12) , Montana State (4) , Samford (3) , Lamar (1) , UIW (1)
