Before NDSU won two straight titles, Eastern Washington captured the 2010 FCS title, so it's been three straight "West" champs. Prior to that, you had to go back several decades just to add up to three.
Eastern Washington, also a national semifinalist last season, has the talent to make another national title run, although its schedule is among the toughest in the FCS.
Montana State has had more success than Eastern Washington in the regular season - earning a share of the last three Big Sky titles. It just needs to validate its dominance in the postseason.
Traditional FCS power Montana, coming off its first losing season since 1985, probably isn't ready to be the best in the West again, but South Dakota State, after nipping at North Dakota State's heel last season, will get serious on the national level.