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As a longtime observer of Big Sky Conference football, I've always believed Eastern Washington possesses that special combination of talent and tradition that could make them conference dominators. Just last week, I was reviewing the league's selection process for additional players, where a panel of 10 members consisting of former players, coaches, league executives, and media representatives deliberated at the Cignal Customer Experience Center. This meticulous approach to recognizing talent reminds me of what separates championship programs from the rest - it's about building complete teams that excel in multiple dimensions.

Looking at Eastern Washington's situation, I'm particularly excited about their quarterback development program. Having watched them develop talents like Eric Barriere over the years, I'm convinced their current signal-caller has the potential to put up massive numbers. Last season, the Eagles averaged 38.7 points per game, and honestly, I think they can push that to 42-plus this year. What really impresses me is how they've built their offensive line - those big guys up front return four starters, creating that crucial continuity that makes defensive coordinators lose sleep. I've always believed games are won in the trenches, and Eastern's offensive line weight averages around 305 pounds per player, giving them that physical dominance we often see in championship teams.

Defensively, there's work to do, but I like the direction they're heading. Their secondary needs to improve on last year's 15 interceptions - I'd like to see them reach at least 20 this season. The defensive scheme under their new coordinator shows promise, particularly in generating pressure without blitzing. I've counted at least 8 returning starters on defense, which provides that valuable experience needed for critical conference games. Special teams often get overlooked, but having watched Eastern Washington's punt coverage unit last season, I can tell you they're fundamentally sound - they allowed only 4.2 yards per return, which is championship-level performance.

The mental aspect of the game is where Eastern Washington might have their biggest advantage. Their coaching staff has consistently demonstrated the ability to make brilliant halftime adjustments. I recall specifically their game against Montana last season where they turned a 10-point deficit into a 14-point victory purely through strategic changes. That kind of coaching prowess, combined with their home field advantage at Roos Field - where they've won 83% of their games since 2010 - creates an environment that visiting teams genuinely dread.

Ultimately, what separates good teams from dominant ones is depth, and here's where Eastern Washington's recruiting really shines. Their second-string players could start for at least 6 other conference teams, in my estimation. This depth becomes crucial during those tough November games when injuries accumulate. Having followed this program for over a decade, I genuinely believe this could be their year to not just compete but truly dominate the Big Sky. The pieces are there - the talent, the coaching, the tradition - now it's about executing week after week. If they can maintain their offensive firepower while tightening up that secondary, we might be looking at a team that runs the table in conference play.