This spring recruiting will tell the tale. If Montana lands great Power forward this spring that could put them over the top. With Straight coming back there should be a lot of Optimism as to filling the power forward spot, the Griz also have a very nice group of freshman coming on board.
The Cats have every one back, but still have a weakness in the 4-5 position. They have a 6-11 center transfer , Ted Morris, who started some of his freshman and sophmore year at Indiana State, who will be elligable, but they too are looking for a JC power forward (one with true size) this spring.
I really think the difference could be who gets it done this spring. The other thing to remember the pre season polls don't mean a whole lot! Look at this years.
BTW Montana, Montana State , Idaho State, Eastern Washington, and Sac State also return the Majority of their players next year. Plus Weber ALWAYS manages to pull rabits out of their hats when recruiting time comes along. The Big Sky will be much better next year and niether Krysco or Durham better hang their hats on returning players only. They need to make moves to keep their advantage!