THE FRONT ROW WITH JASON ELLIOTT: Nov. 30, 2013
There has been a lot of quality college football played in the Northwest over the past three months.
But, if you're looking for some games that will actually mean something, it might be a week too soon.
STARTING NEXT weekend, both the Eastern Washington and Montana football teams will start the quarterfinals of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs, and with three wins each, could wind up playing each other in the national title game.
Eastern, which upset Oregon State in the season opener 49-46 in Corvallis, has won eight straight games, including a 42-37 win against the Grizzlies in Missoula in late October.
Montana's last loss was against the Eagles and considering what a mess the Grizzlies were last year, getting to the playoffs might not have been a surprise, but a first-round bye definitely was.
Eastern and Montana wouldn't meet unless it was in the title game.
NOT THAT the 106th Apple Cup on Friday between Washington State and Washington didn't mean anything, both had became bowl eligible the week before, so the thrill of knocking your rival out of any postseason play was taken away.
Most recently, the teams have been battling to stay out of the Pac-12 Conference basement, but they're both improving. Washington has advanced to bowl games in the last two years and Washington State is another step closer to advancing to a bowl game.
With nine bowl-eligible teams out of the conference entering Friday, it might be a little difficult for the Cougars to find a game that will take them.
The conference will get at least seven bids, including a possible BCS game for the champion.
Washington (8-4) might not have any problem finding a postseason home, whether back at the Alamo, Las Vegas or New Mexico Bowl.
Washington State (6-6) meanwhile, might still be out in the cold, but not for much longer.
Who knows, they could wind up in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, should either the Mountain West or Mid-American Conference not get a team eligible.
THE VANDALS will play today with the hopes of getting a sour taste out of their mouths as they conclude the season.
Considering how difficult the team's schedule was this season, its first as an independent, as well as a ton of youth at key spots, not getting more than a few wins isn't too shocking.
They're getting better, but it is tough to compete against teams like Northern Illinois, Fresno State and Florida State, who are in line for BCS bowl games.
It will take a few years to get back on track, but they will, eventually.
For now, you can't go wrong rooting for the little guys.
Jason Elliott is a sports writer for the Coeur d'Alene Press. He can be reached by telephone at 664-8176, Ext. 2020 or via email at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @JEPressSports.