Sports News Southwest

Las Vegas, Nev. – San Diego State has been picked to finish eighth in the Mountain West Conference in a preseason poll of MWC media members, the league announced Monday at its annual media day at the Green Valley Ranch Resort in Las Vegas, Nev.

The Aztecs, who return 15 starters, including nine on the offensive side of the ball, received 56 points. Last year’s runner-up, TCU, was selected to win the conference title after receiving 18 first-place votes and 202 overall. Brigham Young, the 2006 league champion, earned 178 points and three first-place tallies to come in second, while Utah was picked third after garnering 165 points (two first-place votes).

New Mexico was slated to finish fourth (120 points), with Wyoming (fifth place, 110), Colorado State (sixth place, 107) and Air Force (seventh place, 62) finishing ahead of SDSU. UNLV rounded out the poll with 35 points.

San Diego State opens the 2007 season Sept. 8, as it travels to Seattle, Wash., to take on Washington State at Qwest Field. Game time is set for 4 p.m. PT.

1. TCU (18) 202

2. Brigham Young (3) 178

3. Utah (2) 165

4. New Mexico 120

5. Wyoming 110

6. Colorado State 107

7. Air Force 62

9. UNLV 35