BOISE, Idaho - One year removed from capturing the Western Athletic Conference championship, Louisiana Tech was picked fifth in the 2003 Preseason Media Football Poll released by the league office Thursday morning.

According to the poll, which was released in conjunction with the WAC's Football Media Day held in Boise, Idaho, Hawaii is the odds on favorite to win the league as the Rainbow Warriors garnered 12 first place and 227 points.

Defending league champion Boise State was a close second in the poll, garnering nine first place votes and 223 total points. Fresno State (4 1st, 212 points), Nevada (161 points) and Tech rounded out the top five.

San Jose State (127) was picked sixth in the poll followed by SMU (99), Rice (92), UTEP (56) and Tulsa (30).

"Preseason polls don't mean much," Bicknell said. "Our first year in the league we were picked ninth and won the league. Last year we were picked second and finished in the middle of the pack. Bottom line is we have to go out, play hard, not turn the football over and see what happens."

Bicknell's Bulldogs look to rebound after a disappointing 2002 that saw Tech post a 4-8 mark, including a 3-5 record in conference play. Tech returns 13 starters and 53 letter winners from a squad that opened the season 2-1 before falling in seven of its last nine games.

"Last year was a disappointment," said Tech senior quarterback Luke McCown. "We weren't as hungry. There wasn't the urgency that we had the year (we won the WAC). This summer I've already seen a difference. The senior leadership is there. We're coming into this year a little under the radar."

One of the overriding story lines during Thursday's player interviews was how balanced the WAC has been over the past decade. Illustrating that point is the fact that six different programs have won or tied for a league title in the past four years.

According to Bicknell, this year should be no different.

"There are 10 good teams in this league," Bicknell said. "When I look at film (on each team), they all have athletes and talented players. This league is balanced and anything can happen. There are always going to be favorites before a season starts, but you can't overlook any one in this league."

Boise State quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie was tabbed the league's preseason Offensive Player of the Year while Nevada defensive end Jorge Cordova was the Defensive Player of the Year.

Tech opens the season against the five-time national champion Miami Hurricanes Aug. 28 at Independence Stadium in Shreveport.

WAC Preseason Media Poll

1. Hawaii (12) 227
2. Boise State (9) 223
3. Fresno State (4) 212
4. Nevada 161
5. Louisiana Tech 148
6. San Jose State 127
7. SMU 99
8. Rice 92
9. UTEP 56
10. Tulsa 30