July 22, 2004

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Utah was selected to repeat as Mountain West Conference champions in a poll of MWC media members. The Utes return 17 starters from last season's 10-2 squad that captured its first MWC crown and a 17-0 victory over Southern Miss in the Liberty Bowl. Utah claimed 15-of-16 first place votes and 127 points. 2003 San Francisco Bowl participant Colorado State was chosen second with 98 points and one first place vote. The Rams return 13 starters this season after posting a 7-6 record last season. This is the first time in four years the Rams have not been selected to win the conference title. San Diego State edged New Mexico by one point to claim third place in the poll. The Aztecs collected 87 points to the Lobos' 86, marking their highest ranking in the MWC preseason poll. San Diego State welcomes back 16 starters from last year's squad that went 6-6. New Mexico has 12 starters back after finishing 8-5 in 2003 and making its second straight Las Vegas Bowl appearance. BYU and UNLV tied for fifth with 54 points apiece, followed by Air Force with 42 and Wyoming 23. 2004 Mountain West Conference Pre-Season Poll