Tech picked 4th in WAC preseason polls

LAS VEGAS, Nev.- Louisiana Tech has been projected to finish fourth in the Western Athletic Conference this season in both the coaches and media preseason polls that were released by the league office Thursday morning.

LA Tech (5-7, 4-4 WAC last season) is entering its second season under head coach Sonny Dykes and is expected to improve upon its on-the-field performance despite a challenging schedule.

Both polls were similar in selecting Hawai'i as the league's preseason favorite. Fresno State was projected to finish second with Nevada predicted to place third in both polls. Both polls also agreed on projected finishes for Utah State (5th), Idaho (6th), San Jose State (7th) and New Mexico State (8th).

Hawai'i received 47 points from the eight WAC coaches. Fresno State was in second with 41 points followed closely by Nevada with 40. Louisiana Tech was selected fourth with 31 points followed by Utah State with 22 points, Idaho (21), San Jose State (15) and New Mexico State (7).

Hawai'i received 292 points and 18 first-place votes from media members around the WAC and the nation. Fresno State was picked second after garnering 284 points and 11 first-place votes. Nevada finished third with 264 points and 11 first-place votes. Louisiana Tech was selected fourth with 184 points followed by Utah State (166), Idaho (141), San Jose State (85) and New Mexico State (60).

The media also voted on preseason players of the year. Hawai'i quarterback Bryant Moniz was voted the Offensive Player of the Year, while Utah State linebacker Bobby Wagner was picked as the Defensive Player of the Year.

Hawai'i and Nevada, along with former member Boise State, shared the WAC title last season with identical 7-1 league records.

The preseason polls were released as media, coaches and select student-athletes convened in Las Vegas for the 2011 WAC Media Days.

Polls:

WAC Coaches' Preseason Poll

Rank Team (1st Place Votes) Points

1. Hawai'i (5) 47

2. Fresno State (1) 41

3. Nevada (2) 40

4. Louisiana Tech 31

5. Utah State 22

6. Idaho 21

7. San Jose State 15

8. New Mexico State 7

WAC Media Preseason Poll

Rank Team (1st Place Votes) Points

1. Hawai'i (18) 292

2. Fresno State (11) 284

3. Nevada (11) 264

4. Louisiana Tech 184

5. Utah State (1) 166

6. Idaho 141

7. San Jose State 85

8. New Mexico State 60