THIS IS WEEK IN THE BIG SKY

Eastern Washington (5-4, 4-2) at Montana State (3-5, 1-4)

Montana State has lost three in a row against Eastern Washington. Worse, the Bobcats have lost five of their last seven home games. Both teams are weakened by injuries. At least four starters are sidelined for Montana State and the Eagles have their share of bumps and bruises. “It might be a case of who can line up the healthiest team,” Montana State Coach Cliff Hysell said. Jovan Griffith of Eastern Washington was selected Big Sky offensive player of the week after rushing for 214 yards and a touchdown in 37 carries in a 26-21 victory over Cal State Sacramento. Griffith accounted for Eastern Washington’s 46 yards on the winning drive.

Northern Arizona (5-3, 3-2) at Weber State (3-6, 2-4)

Running back Ronney Jenkins of Northern Arizona returns to Utah in a game the Lumberjacks must win to keep their title hopes alive. Jenkins transferred from Brigham Young after being expelled for a second violation of the school’s honor code. “We obviously need to find a way to stop Ronney Jenkins,” Weber State Coach Jerry Graybeal said. “He’s a dual threat, running and receiving.” The Lumberjacks are ranked No. 22 by Sports Network. Weber State has lost four in a row, but the Wildcats are 14-3 against Northern Arizona at Ogden. The Wildcats are in need of a kicker after Mike Minnoch tore a knee ligament when he was hit during a kickoff last week against Northridge. The home team has won in the last six meetings between the teams.

Idaho State (2-7, 0-6) at Cal State Sacramento (4-5, 2-5)

Sacramento concludes its conference schedule after a disappointing season that began with high hopes. Charles Roberts leads the Big Sky with 173.1 yards rushing per game. But the Hornets, who have lost two in a row, have been unable to generate little offense otherwise. Idaho State has lost seven in a row. The Bengals were tabbed to finish last by coaches at the Big Sky meetings last summer and they have pulled off few surprises--except for averaging 434 yards passing over the last three games.

Nonconference

Montana (7-1) at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (2-6)

Montana plays the first of two consecutive nonconference games against a team scheduled to play five Big Sky schools this season. THe Grizzlies last played at San Luis Obispo in 1971. Defensive end Andy Petek had nine tackles, including a sack, in a 73-23 victory over Idaho State. Freshman John Edwards passed for 268 yards and four touchdowns in relief of injured Drew Miller.