Montana favored in Big Sky; Weber picked 2nd

OGDEN — Montana has been picked as the preseason favorite to win the Big Sky Conference football title.

The Grizzlies were voted No. 1 by the Big Sky coaches and also in the league's media poll. Defending co-champion Weber State, the only team to beat Montana in the regular season last year, is second in both polls released Tuesday.

"I'm cautiously optimistic about our chances this year," Montana coach Bobby Hauck said. "Spring ball was very encouraging. I'm excited to see where this team will go."

Montana, which has won at least a share of 11 straight conference titles, was the national runner-up last year in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, losing in the title game to Richmond.

The Grizzlies received 27 first place votes from the media. The other five went to Weber State, which was the only team to beat Montana in the regular season. Montana also got seven No. 1 votes from the coaches. Weber State and Eastern Washington received the other two.

The Grizzlies finished the season 14-2 and have 13 starters returning, including running back Chase Reynolds, who scored 22 rushing touchdowns last season.

Weber State also has 13 starters back, including seven on the league's top offense a year ago. Quarterback Cameron Higgins, a junior this year, helped the Wildcats to averages of 35 points and 455 yards per game last fall.

Montana State and Eastern Washington split the third and fourth spots in the preseason polls. The media have Montana State third, and the coaches ranked Eastern Washington at No. 3.

The two polls matched with the remaining rankings. Northern Arizona was No. 5, followed by Portland State, Sacramento State, Northern Colorado and Idaho State.

Big Sky Conference preseason polls. First-place votes in parentheses:

MEDIA

1. Montana (27)

2. Weber State (5)

3. Montana State

4. Eastern Washington

5. Northern Arizona

6. Portland State

7. Sacramento State

8. Northern Colorado

9. Idaho State

COACHES

1. Montana (7)

2. Weber State (1)

3. Eastern Washington (1)

4. Montana State

5. Northern Arizona

6. Portland State

7. Sacramento State

8. Northern Colorado

9. Idaho State