July 22, 2004
The University of New Mexico football team was picked to finish fourth in the Mountain West Conference today in a poll of MWC media members. The Lobos garnered 86 points, just one shy of third place San Diego State. Utah was picked to repeat as MWC champs with 127 points and 15 of the 16 first place votes. Colorado State got the nod for second place with 98 points and the one other first place vote. Utah was the consensus choice for regular season champ, but only 12 points separated the fourth place Lobos from the second place Rams.
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. 2003 San Francisco Bowl participant Colorado State returns 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. The Aztecs recorded their highest ranking in the MWC preseason poll and they welcome 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.
The Lobos’ kick off the 2004 season on Friday, September 3, against Washington State in University Stadium. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m. (M.D.T.) and the game will be broadcast live on ESPN to a national audience. For ticket information you can click here or you can call the UNM Ticket Office at (505) 925-LOBO.
1. Utah (15) – 127
2. Colorado State (1) – 98
3. San Diego State – 87
4. New Mexico – 86
5. BYU – 54
UNLV – 54
7. Air Force – 42
8. Wyoming – 23