‘‘I that in my 11 years in the Big Sky, top to bottom without question, it will be the strongest league it's been,'' fourth-year Eastern Washington head coach Paul Wulff said. ‘‘Several teams are quality and three teams in particular that were co-champions last year have enough seniors on the team to be able to think this is going to be their year.''

Overall, 77 players who received all-conference recognition return. This after Montana, Idaho State and Montana State, which tied for the league title, finished the season ranked in the top 20, and league members went 23-12 in non-league games, including 14-3 against other I-AA programs.

Associated Press Colorado transfer quarterback Craig Ochs is making a run at the starting job at Montana.

But no matter how the numbers are interpreted, Montana still has to be the favorite for the sixth straight year. The Grizzlies, who lost at McNeese State in the second round of the playoffs, are gunning for a I-AA record 11th straight playoff appearance. Overcoming the loss of the co-Big Sky offensive MVP -- quarterback John Edwards -- and coach Joe Glenn, who went 39-6 and won a national title in his three years before bolting for Wyoming, will be difficult. But the Griz bring back 46 lettermen and 12 all-league players.

The defense has an Inland Northwest look with Tim Bush of Kellogg, who led the Big Sky with 13 sacks last year, Blake Horgan of East Valley, Jonny Varona of Medical Lake and Kevin Edwards of Lewis and Clark all playing key roles. Varona missed last season with an injury. Former Colorado player and UW assistant Ty Gregorak, a West Valley grad, is the cornerbacks coach. Kicker Chris Snyder, a senior from Mt. Spokane, scored 107 points last year, hitting all 50 of his PATs and 19 of 32 field goals.

Bobby Hauck, a Montana grad and most recently a Washington assistant, is the latest to fill the hot seat of expectations in Missoula.

The conference, in predicted order of finish:

Montana

2002 record: 11-3, 5-2.

Head coach: Bobby Hauck, first year.

Returning starters: 10 on offense, eight on defense.

When they play the Eagles: Nov. 15 in Missoula.

Outlook: The Griz tied the I-AA record of 24 straight wins last season until losing 30-21 to EWU at Albi Stadium. Next was a 10-7 loss to Montana State. That should be motivation enough for all the veterans to overcome the loss of Edwards and Glenn. Jeff Disney and Colorado transfer Craig Ochs were in a tight battle at quarterback until Ochs sprained an ankle. All-American tackle Dylan McFarland anchors the O-line and the defense welcomes the return of 2001 All-America defensive end Ciche Pitcher, who missed last season.

Idaho State

2002 record: 8-3, 5-2.

Head coach: Larry Lewis, fifth year, 22-22 record.

Returning starters: 10 on offense, eight on defense.

When they play the Eagles: Oct. 4 in Pocatello.

Outlook: The Bengals suddenly have bite with 13 all-leaguers back from the first title team since 1981. A key is replacing second-team All-Big Sky quarterback Doug Baughman and first-team punter Eddie Johnson, who was drafted in the sixth round by Minnesota. Senior Caleb Eastman and junior-college transfers Mark Hetherington and Roman Ybarra are battling at QB. Defensive end Jared Allen, a preseason All-American, headlines the defense that led the league last year. Sophomore Quinton Freeman tied for the league lead with six interceptions.

Montana State

2002 record: 7-6, 5-2.

Head coach: Mike Kramer, fourth year at MSU, 10th overall, 49-55 record.

Returning starters: Seven on offense, eight on defense.

When they play the Eagles: Nov. 8 in Spokane at Albi Stadium.

Outlook: A season-ending 10-7 win over Montana, ending a 16-year drought, gave the Bobcats a share of their first league title since 1984 and the automatic playoff berth, which resulted in a 21-14 loss at McNeese State. True freshman Travis Lulay took over at quarterback six games into the season to turn the season around and earn former EWU coach Kramer his second Coach of the Year honor. The Cats must find a replacement for all-time rushing leader Ryan Johnson but the line is sound with potential All-Americans in tackle Brent Swaggert and guard Mataio Toilolo.

Sacramento State

2002 record: 5-7, 3-4.

Head coach: Steve Mooshagian, first year.

Returning starters: Eight on offense, eight on defense.

When they play the Eagles: Oct. 25 in Sacramento.

Outlook: If the Hornets adapt to a new staff, they'll be dangerous. Junior quarterback Ryan Leadingham completed 59 percent of his 373 passes for 2,788 yards and 15 touchdowns with seven interceptions. He enters this season with a string of 139 passes without an interception and 5,537 yards for his career, already fifth in I-AA history. Junior wideout Fred Amery caught 62 passes for 989 yards, a league-best 16-yard average and nine TDs. Amery, also a kick returner, led the league with 164.7 all-purpose yards a game. He is already the school record-holder with 1,874 yards receiving. In front of them are four all-league linemen. Senior linebacker Ryan Kroeker anchors the defense after making 105 tackles last season.

Eastern Washington

2002 record: 6-5, 3-4.

Head coach: Paul Wulff, fourth year, 19-14.

Returning starters: Six on offense, eight on defense.

Outlook: New coordinators for offense and defense are on the hot seat. The Eagles demolished offensive records the last two years, but that was with senior quarterbacks, proven running backs and Timm Rosenbach calling plays. A sophomore or freshman -- or both -- will call signals and hand off to a first-year starting back. That's with new offensive coordinator Beau Baldwin calling the plays. Meanwhile, Jody Sears is responsible for a defense that gave up yards almost as fast as the offense got them. There is plenty of experience on D, but still only one or two seniors will start. Seniors man the kicking game, which could be a big boost.

Portland State

2002 record: 6-5, 3-4.

Head coach: Tim Walsh, 11th year at PSU, 15 overall, 93-62 record.

Returning starters: Four on offense, five on defense.

When they play the Eagles: Oct. 11 in Cheney.

Outlook: There isn't a lot of experience with nine starters, but one of them is junior running back Ryan Fuqua, the only skill-position player to return. Fuqua rushed for a league-leading 1,283 yards last year and more than 1,500 as a freshman. He rushed for 393 and 263 yards in his two games against EWU. If the Vikings hope to have a fifth straight winning season, Joe Wiser has to be a solid replacement for Juston Wood at QB. Redshirt sophomore Joey King from Ferris is expected to start at linebacker.

Northern Arizona

2002 record: 6-5, 3-4.

Head coach: Jerome Sauer, sixth year, 27-30.

Returning starters: Ten on offense, three on defense.

When they play the Eagles: Oct. 18 in Flagstaff.

Outlook: Can the offense carry a rebuilding defense? There is concern with Guy Tomcheck, a senior transfer from Baylor, pushing Clint Womack at QB. The winner of the job can throw to senior Clarence Moore, who was second in the league with an average of 15.2 yards on his 61 catches, and Johnny Marshall, a second-team all-leaguer. Four starters return on the line, which is more than the whole defense. Junior John Perrigo is the only returning starter on the D-line. All-America punter Mark Gould led the nation with a I-AA record 48.2-yard average and kicker Paul Ernster hit 13 of 19 field goals.

Weber State

2002 record: 3-8, 1-6

Head coach: Jerry Graybeal, sixth year, 23-32.

Returning starters: Ten on offense, seven on defense.

When they play the Eagles: Sept. 27 in Cheney.

Outlook: Graybeal, the former EWU assistant, is probably facing a make-or-break year after consecutive 3-8 campaigns. Despite all the returning players on offense, senior quarterback Tate Bennett is facing a challenge from junior Kyle Bauer. A top target will be senior wideout Justin DeFour from Lewis and Clark. He had 39 catches for 515 yards and four touchdowns after starting with one catch in the first three games. In the last two games he had 126 and 127 yards.