FARMINGTON, Utah (Oct. 10, 2021) - The conference race for Big Sky football is heating up as only three undefeated teams in league play remain after Week 6 action.
The undefeated trio of Eastern Washington (3-0 BSC), Montana State (3-0 BSC) and Sacramento State (2-0 BSC) all had big wins this past Saturday, while Idaho State knocked off previously undefeated and Top-10 ranked UC Davis for one of the biggest upsets so far this season.
EWU is just one of seven teams in the FCS remaining undefeated overall, as the Eagles improved to 6-0 with their 63-17 win at Northern Colorado on Saturday. EWU is now 6-0 for the first time since becoming members of the Football Championship Subdivision level in 1984.
Below is a recap of each game from this past week.
EWU 63, Northern Colorado 17
EWU Recap
GREELEY, Colorado (Oct. 9, 2021) – No. 4 Eastern Washington racked up 479 yards of total offense en route to its 63-17 victory over Northern Colorado, as the Eagles improved to 6-0 for the first time since joining the FCS in 1984. Eric Barriere and Dennis Merritt scored three touchdowns each to lead the Eagles, as EWU scored the most points ever by a visiting team at Nottingham Field.
Idaho State 27, UC Davis 17
ISU Recap
POCATELLO, Idaho (Oct. 9, 2021) – For the first time since 2005, Idaho State knocked off a Top 10 team as the Bengals upset No. 7/8 UC Davis 27-17 at Holt Arena. ISU forced three Aggie interceptions, while piling up a season-high 444 yards of total offense. Quarterback Hunter Hays passed for 281 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while Tanner Conner racked up a season-high 150 yards and one score on five receptions.
Montana 31, Dixie State 14
UM Recap
MISSOULA, Montana (Oct. 9, 2021) – Despite a slow start, No. 6 Montana pulled away from Dixie State at home as the Griz earned a 31-14 victory over the non-conference foe. Kris Brown started the game at quarterback, throwing for 241 yards and a touchdown while adding another two on the ground. Xavier Harries rushed for 119 yards, eclipsing the 100-yard mark for the second-straight game.
Montana State 45, Cal Poly 7
MSU Recap
BOZEMAN, Montana (Oct. 9, 2021) – No. 10/11 Montana State had no trouble with Cal Poly as the Bobcats earned a 45-7 Homecoming victory. Matthew McKay finished the game with 163 yards on 14-of-18 passing and two touchdowns, while the Bobcat defense forced four interceptions on the day to stifle the Mustang offense.
Idaho 42, Portland State 35
IDAHO Recap
MOSCOW, Idaho (Oct. 9, 2021) – Idaho jumped out to a 35-7 halftime lead and held off a late Portland State rally to earn a 42-35 win at the Kibbie Dome. The Vandals used a balanced rushing attack to outgain the Vikings 257-173, while Mike Beaudry and Zach Borisch combined for 208 yards passing and two scores. Despite the loss, PSU's Davis Alexander passed for 424 yards and four touchdowns.
Sac State 41, Southern Utah 20
SAC Recap
SACRAMENTO, California (Oct. 9, 2021) – Sacramento State scored a season-high in points, as the Hornets earned a 41-20 win over Southern Utah at Hornet Stadium. The quarterback duo of Jake Dunniway and Asher O'Hara combined for 173 yards passing and four total touchdowns, with O'Hara adding 73 more yards on the ground. The Hornet defense also forced three interceptions, while limiting the Thunderbirds to just 43 rushing yards on the day.
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