The University of Montana football team begins the 2009 season ranked third in the nation in the FCS Coaches' top 25.

The preseason poll was released Monday, with Montana ranked third and Weber State at ninth. Eastern Washington is the third Big Sky team in the poll, checking in at No. 17.

The Grizzlies, who finished 14-2 in 2008 and claimed a share of their 11th straight Big Sky Conference title, earned no first-place votes and 623 total points. Bobby Hauck's Grizzlies have advanced to the FCS playoffs a record 16 consecutive seasons.

Montana will be led by senior All-American wide receiver Marc Mariani, and junior All-American running back Chase Reynolds.

Weber State is coming off one of its best seasons in school history. The Wildcats won a share of the Big Sky Conference title, its first since 1968. Ron McBride's club advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 1991, upsetting Cal Poly in the first round. The Wildcats fell in the quarterfinals to Montana.

The Wildcats feature seven players who were named preseason All-Americans, including senior running back Trevyn Smith and junior quarterback Cameron Higgins.

Eastern Washington, which advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2007 playoffs, earned 204 total points. Beau Baldwin's Eagles closed 2008 with three consecutive victories. The Eagles' are led by 2007 Big Sky Offensive MVP Matt Nichols at quarterback and senior wide receiver Aaron Boyce.

Eastern Washington is currently ineligible for the 2009 postseason, a punishment that is being appealed to the NCAA. Eastern Washington expects the NCAA to either uphold or repeal the postseason ban within the next month.

Appalachian State, which won three straight national titles from 2005-2007, is the preseason No. 1. The Mountaineers finished 11-3 in 2008, falling in the FCS quarterfinals. Appalachian State returns 2008 Walter Payton Award winner Armanti Edwards at quarterback. Appalachian State earned 13 of the 28 first-place votes and 665 total points.

Defending national champion Richmond opens the season ranked second. The Spiders beat Montana in the 2008 National Championship game. Richmond earned 10 first-place votes and 660 total points.

The Big Sky tied three other conferences for the most teams in the preseason poll. The Colonial Athletic Conference placed eight teams in the top 25. The Big Sky, Southern, Missouri Valley and Southland each put three in the poll. The MEAC, Ohio Valley, Ivy League, SWAC and Great West each had one team.

Northern Arizona received 34 votes and Montana State received 33.

The Sports Network preseason top 25 is expected to be released later this week.

Montana opens its season Sept. 5 at home against Division II Western State. Weber State travels to Wyoming for its opener, while Eastern Washington is at home against Western Oregon.