Simon Fraser (0-2 GNAC, 1-2 overall) vs. Humboldt State (1-0, 2-0)

Humboldt State has a target on its back and the team can now expect to get an opponent's best effort simply due to the fact that the Lumberjacks are undefeated, which already includes a win over a Central Washington team that has dominated the GNAC in recent memory.
Head coach Rob Smith said it best in the team's press release on this week's trip.
"The days of sneaking up on people are over for our program."
Both teams are coming off of polar-opposite weekends. Simon Fraser got mauled at Dixie, 42-7; and Humboldt had an early bye week to get a little R & R. Simon Fraser will be looking for a huge upset, Humboldt is looking to keep its early pace.
At the forefront is the running game for both teams. Simon Fraser has a heck of a 1-2 combo in Bo Palmer (GNAC-best 118 ypg, three TDs) and Gabe Ephard (79 ypg, 1 TD), but HSU's Lyndon Rowells (102 ypg, 4 TDs) has to be one of the better running backs on the entire west coast. Much of that has to do with great blocking up front, of course, but that doesn't discount Rowells's talent.
Yet, where Simon Fraser will have its hands full is Humboldt's ability to mix up the play calling with an effective running AND passing game. HSU signal caller Mike Proulx has picked up where he left off in 2010, throwing for an average of 328 yards in two games this season. Yes, it's just been two games, but also yes, Proulx proved last year he's for real. The biggest question Humboldt will have to answer is whether the loss of receiver Patrick Gondkoff (knee injury against CWU; out for season) will affect the 'Jacks.
Defensively, Simon Fraser has shown vulnerability against both the pass and run and the Clan's inability to shut down either will continue to be an issue against an athletic team like Humboldt which continues to gain swagger every week.
That's not to say this will be an easy game for HSU. The trip to Burnaby itself is quite an undertaking and depite the fact that SFU's Palmer and Ephard were shut down last week at Dixie, doesn't discount the fact that both have proved themselves in multiple games this year and last. This will be a key comparison in the game. Humboldt is No. 1 in the GNAC in rush defense (99 ypg) whereas SFU is No. 1 in the GNAC in rushing offense (233 ypg).
This contest will still go in Humboldt State's favor, however, 38-7.

Dixie State (1-0, 1-2) vs. Western Oregon (2-0, 2-1)

Both Dixie State and Western Oregon are coming off of signature victories for their teams. Dixie found its offense by putting up 42 points on the board against SFU. Western Oregon took down Central Washington by a slim margin, 14-7, but it was the first win against CWU since 2001.
Any way you look at it, it's momentum in the right direction for both teams. Unfortunately for one of these teams, the momentum gain is going to hit a speed bump.
While Dixie State dominated Simon Fraser, Western Oregon proved it could win a close one against a CWU team that, yes is 0-3, but has lost those three games by relatively slim margins (11, two and seven points) and has a heck of a history in the last five seasons.
Dixie has been one-dimensional over the last handful of games, showing no rushing attack and relying too heavily on the passing game. Against Simon Fraser, that wasn't the case and that trend will have to continue against Western Oregon. Where Dixie will need some serious improvement is protecting the quarterback. The Red Storm have yielded 18 sacks in just three games this season. Cody Stevenson has had to pick himself off the grass way too many times already. Sacks aren't the only issue as DSC is at -7 in turnover margin (worst in GNAC) versus WOU's +3 (best in GNAC).
Statistically speaking, WOU doesn't look that intimidating: On average, the Wolves score less than their opponents, gain fewer offensive yards, get nailed for the most penalty yardage and both of their wins have been within one score.
That final point, however is where WOU shines, it has proven it can win a close game (35-28 against SFU, 14-7 against CWU). WOU is positioning itself as a "let's get it done team" as it doesn't really have a standout that is dominating the stat sheet. The Wolves will continue to get it done against the Red Storm, 24-13.

Jon Guddat covers the GNAC for D2football.com