RENO, Nevada - Louisiana Tech earned 199 points to finish No. 7 in the preseason Western Athletic Conference Media Poll released by the league office Wednesday during the conference's media days.

Two-time defending WAC champion Boise State finished first in the poll with 23 first place votes and 434 points followed by Fresno State (20 first place votes, 427 points), Hawaii (three first place votes, 384 points), Tulsa (one first place vote, 312 points), Nevada (256 points), Rice (212 points), Tech, UTEP (179 points), SMU (95 points) and San Jose State (87 points).

"I'm not surprised by the poll," said Tech head coach Jack Bicknell. "Based on what has happened in the league over the last two years, the poll is probably as accurate as possible for a preseason poll. The only poll that matters is the one at the end of the year. We know we have work to do."

Tech senior defensive lineman Chris Van Hoy, the Bulldogs representative in Reno for the mid-week event, also said the poll didn't surprise him but added that he feels confident in his team's ability to challenge for the WAC title this year.

"It's not a big deal being ranked low in the preseason poll," Van Hoy said. "We were ranked low in 2001 and won the league. We have to come together and fight for one another day in and day out. We have to devote ourselves to this season and to this team."

Van Hoy knows in order for Tech to improve on last year's 5-7 overall mark and eighth place finish in the WAC, the Bulldog defense must improve on last season's performance.

"We have to improve," Van Hoy said. "We have to play good defense. Even if we win 65-64, although it's a win, it still doesn't feel like we did our job. Anytime you play defense, it's about pride. It's about beating the guy on the other side of the line one on one every play."

Hawaii quarterback Timmy Chang was voted the league's preseason Offensive Player of the Year while Boise State linebacker Andy Avalos was tabbed the Defensive Player of the Year.

Chang, a senior from Waipahu, Oahu, is already the school's all-time leader in total offense and passing yards and needs only 2,218 more passing yards to surpass NCAA record holder Ty Detmer.

Avalos, a senior from Corona, Calif., was a first team All-WAC selection last year after leading the Broncos in tackles.

2004 Preseason WAC Media Poll

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

WAC Offensive Player of the Year: Timmy Chang, Hawaii
WAC Defensive Player of the Year: Andy Avalos, Boise State