Key matchup

Idaho State's offensive line vs. Eastern Washington's defensive line

If ever there was a game in which the Bengals' front five could re-assert themselves, this would be it.

The Eagles have lost three senior starters on their defensive line, including Buck Buchanan Award winner Greg Peach.

The Bengals' offensive line, meanwhile, has undergone intense scrutiny from Idaho State coach John Zamberlin after it allowed five sacks last week and created minimal holes for the team's running backs. Zamberlin, normally a defensive coach, has been watching over the offensive line all week in practice.

"We need better effort up front," Zamberlin said. "What I'm looking for is great effort the whole time - going the right way and playing with great effort. We improve on that, and we'll be fine."

Eastern Washington, which had just six sacks before last weekend's win over Sacramento State, picked up the pace with three in that game. The line's lone returning starter, Renard Williams, leads the team with three sacks.

"I'm not going to sit here and be overly concerned," Eastern Washington coach Beau Baldwin said. "I'm very confident in how our defense has progressed and will progress the rest of the year."

System battle

When the Bengals pass

Eastern Washington's secondary has been suspect at times, such as when Sacramento State quarterback Jason Smith threw for 320 yards against it last week. Smith is the same quarterback that Idaho State's Kyle Blum outplayed in the Bengals' season-ending win last year, so chances are, Blum can do better than that.

Advantage - Idaho State

When the Bengals run

Don't be fooled by the average of 167 rushing yards the Eagles have surrendered this season. That statistic is skewed by the 342 yards Heisman candidate Jahvid Best and California racked up in Week 2. Besides, Idaho State hasn't yet proven it can establish an effective ground game.

Advantage - Eastern Washington

When the Eagles pass

The Bengals will not confuse senior Eagles quarterback Matt Nichols the way they did Central Washington's rookie signal caller last week. Nichols, who has thrown seven touchdown passes to just two interceptions, is on pace for another spectacular season.

Advantage - Eastern Washington

When the Eagles run

This has not always been the Eagles' strength, but sophomore back Taiwan Jones has changed all that. Jones leads the Big Sky with 409 rushing yards and six touchdowns. He averages 8.3 yards per carry and gives Eastern Washington another big play threat.

Advantage - Eastern Washington

Special teams

Until Idaho State proves it can protect punter Jon Vanderwielen for an entire game, the nod will go to its opponent. Fortunately, placekicker Jarrett Huk has continued his trend of booming long kicks and kickoffs.

Advantage - Eastern Washington

Coaching

Baldwin might preside over what is now the 17th-ranked team in the nation, but he is still relatively inexperienced as a head coach. He guided a supremely talented Eagles team to just a 6-5 record last year. That's better than Idaho State's 1-11 mark last season, but this remains a toss-up.

Advantage - Tie

In the end

Idaho State should put up a better showing than it did last week against Central Washington, but Eastern Washington has too much firepower for the Bengals to match. The 17th-ranked Eagles have shown they can win a defensive struggle - see their 16-0 win over Northern Colorado - and shootouts - 56-30 victory over Sacramento State.

Eastern Washington 37, Idaho State 23

Around the Big Sky

Northern Colorado (1-3, 0-2) at Northern Arizona (1-2, 0-1)

3:05 p.m. at Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff, Ariz.

Series: Northern Arizona leads 7-2

Prediction: Northern Arizona 44, Northern Colorado 16

Montana State (2-1, 1-0) at No. 11 Weber State (2-2, 2-0)

1:35 p.m. at Stewart Stadium in Ogden, Utah

Series: Montana State leads 25-20-1

Prediction: Weber State 33, Montana State 25

Sacramento State (0-3, 0-1) at Portland State (1-3, 0-2)

2:05 p.m. at PGE Park in Portland, Ore.

Series: Portland State leads 21-7

Prediction: Portland State 53, Sacramento State 41