THIS WEEK IN THE BIG SKY

Montana (4-1, 3-1) at Northern Arizona (3-2, 1-1)

Northern Arizona, ranked No. 21 in Division I-AA, scored 43 points last week in a victory at Idaho State one week after managing only 10 against Eastern Washington. Seventh-ranked Montana, which routed Cal State Northridge, 48-27, last week, has thrived behind quarterback Drew Miller, a transfer from Brigham Young and the Division I-AA leader in passing efficiency. Miller is averaging nearly 400 yards of total offense and provides the first big test for Northern Arizona’s secondary. Coach Mick Dennehy of Montana said he expects the Lumberjacks, led by linebacker Jake Crissup, to be up to the challenge. “It seems like Crissup has been around for 10 years,” Dennehy said. “They are still a relatively young team, yet they have enough seniors on defense to provide good leadership with Crissup and the people they have in their secondary.” Last week, Northern Arizona sacked Idaho State’s Kevin McCarthy eight times. Defensive end Kacey Allen had 5 1/2 sacks. Northern Arizona’s Travis Brown threw for 338 yards and six touchdowns in the rout of the Bengals. Running back Ronney Jenkins had more than 200 yards in rushing and receiving.

Montana State (3-2, 1-1) at Portland State (4-2, 3-1)

Portland State, ranked 24th, still holds a share of the conference lead after collapsing against Cal State Sacramento, 41-14, last week. The Vikings have fared well against Montana State at Portland, averaging 45 points a game and earning three of its five victories in the series. Quarterback Jimmy Blanchard, third in the Big Sky in passing efficiency, has passed for 1,679 yards and 17 touchdowns. Blanchard has thrown only one interception in 193 attempts. Montana State’s Kasey Harte leads the conference in passing efficiency, although he has passed for only 492 yards.

Idaho State (2-4, 0-4) at Eastern Washington (3-3, 2-1)

Two teams with quarterback woes resume a lopsided series. Eastern Washington leads the series, 14-6, and has won the last three games. The Eagles have outscored Idaho State, 126-37, during that time. Interestingly, the Bengals rank ahead of Eastern Washington in total offense and total defense. Quarterback Chris Samms has guided Eastern Washington since starter Fred Salanoa was injured in the third game. Kevin McCarthy has led the Idaho State offense since an injury to Shane Griggs in the second week.

Nonconference

Southern Utah (3-3) at Weber State (3-3)

Weber State has defeated Southern Utah 11 times in as many games, including nine at Ogden, Utah. The Wildcats have never scored less than 20 points against Southern Utah. Weber State won the last meeting, 33-32, in 1997. Weber State linebacker Jason Allen leads the Big Sky with 66 tackles.