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Tulsa Picked Fourth in the WAC Preseason Poll
7/28/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 28, 2004
Reno, Nevada - As the media, coaches and players gathered at the Peppermill Hotel and Casino for the Western Athletic Conference Football Media Day on Wednesday, the league office released the preseason media poll.
After finishing in second place in the WAC last year, the Hurricane was picked fourth in the WAC's preseason poll this season. Tulsa received 312 points in the poll and garnered one first-place vote.
A year ago, the Hurricane was picked to finish in last place, but surprised the world of college football by finishing the season with an 8-5 record, a second-place finish in the WAC and an appearance in the Humanitarian Bowl. Tulsa's seven-win improvement from the previous season was the nation's best turnaround in 2004.
Defending league champion Boise State was picked to repeat as champs with 434 points and 23 first-place votes in the media poll, while Fresno State was chosen second with 427 points and 20 first-place votes. Hawaii was picked to finish in fourth-place with 384 points and three votes for first-place.
Following Tulsa in the preseason media poll is Nevada (256), Rice (212), Louisiana Tech (199), UTEP (179), SMU (95) and San Jose State (87).
The media also voted on the preseason players of the year. Hawaii quarterback Timmy Chang was voted the Offensive Player of the Year while Boise State linebacker Andy Avalos was picked as the Defensive Player of the Year.
Tulsa quarterback James Kilian and safety Clint Rountree met the media at the annual WAC Media Days on Wednesday. Head Coach Steve Kragthorpe will be up on the podium Thursday at 11:30 a.m. The WAC will carry live video of all the league's coaches interviews on www.wacsports.com. A link to the WAC site is located on www.tulsahurricane.com.
Both Hurricane players echoed each others' remarks about being picked fourth in the preseason poll. "We were picked to finish last a year ago and ended up finishing in second place. As a player, you can't get caught up in the preseason polls, you just have to go out and do your job on the field," said Rountree.
2004 WAC Media Preseason Poll Rk Team (1st place votes) Points 1. Boise State (23) 434 2. Fresno State (20) 427 3. Hawaii (3) 384 4. Tulsa (1) 312 5. Nevada 256 6. Rice 212 7. Louisiana Tech 199 8. UTEP 179 9. SMU 95 10. San Jose State 87
