Athlon Preseason Top 25 Defense will tell the tale.
(10–3, 7–1 Big Sky)
The Aggies so enjoyed their first appearance in the FCS playoffs last season that they’re eyeing a run even further than the quarterfinals. Senior quarterback Jake Maier, the 2018 Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year who passed for 3,931 yards and 34 touchdowns, is surrounded by a wealth of offensive talent, including running backs Ulonzo Gilliam and Tehran Thomas, wide receiver Jared Harrell, tight end Wesley Preece and four returning starters on the offensive line. Eddie Robinson Award-winning coach Dan Hawkins must restock a defense that features sophomore linebacker Montell Bland.
Montana State is moving Andersen back to linebacker, what a trip.
While EWU has managed to keep UC Davis, Montana State and Weber State off their schedule, they've also got games @ Washington and @ Jacksonville State (a preseason Top 10 team). So the road through the Big Sky looks "easy", but the out of conference play for the Eagles, aside from Lindenwood, is going to be tough. Two trips to California, @ Sac State and @ Cal Poly.