I got my 2011 Big Sky Conference football ballot today. Folks who cover the league will soon fill out their picks to make up the preseason poll.

I have yet to fill mine out; I’m going to need some time to mull this one over.

...

On the heels of winning the FCS title, is Eastern Washington the favorite to win the Big Sky again? What about Montana State? Are the Bobcats poised to win a second consecutive title behind stud quarterback DeNarius McGhee?

Can perennial league power Montana bounce back from a down year and begin a new championship streak? Is Sacramento State for real? Will the Hornets prove last year’s great season wasn’t a fluke?

And what about the other squads? Is there a darkhorse in the mix? Can Weber State reclaim a position among the Big Sky elite? Is Northern Arizona a team to watch? Will Northern Colorado, Portland State or even Idaho State surprise?

Remember: This is the final season of the Big Sky’s current 9-team format for football. The league is set to expand next year.

But that doesn’t make filling out this ballot any easier. I may need your help with this one.

By Greg Rachac, The Billings Gazette
http://billingsgazette.com/sports/college/blogs/catgrizinsider/article_7920a808-a295-11e0-984f-001cc4c002e0.html#ixzz1QmTknoN2