This Week in the Big Sky

Northern Arizona at New Mexico

The Lumberjacks have lost 16 games in a row to New Mexico dating to 1934 and have defeated the Lobos only twice in Albuquerque. New Mexico is projected to finish in the middle of the pack in the Western Athletic Conference’s Mountain Division. Northern Arizona was picked by Big Sky coaches to win the conference title. Terrance Petty, a junior transfer from Moorpark College, is the starting middle linebacker for Northern Arizona.

Portland State at Fresno State

Another Big Sky-WAC match-up, Portland State won three games last season, one in the Big Sky. The Vikings are slightly improved but still inferior to Fresno State, even though the Bulldogs are weaker than usual. Fresno State leads the series, 2-0, but the teams have not met since 1969. Gary Clemons, who played at Moorpark College, led Portland State in rushing last season with 646 yards but has been relegated to third-string tailback.