July 28, 1998

LAS VEGAS - UNLV was tabbed to finish in seventh place this season in the Western Athletic Conference football media poll released by the league Tuesday.

The Rebels, who finished seventh last year with a 3-8 overall record and 2-6 in the conference, received 94 points, which was five less than sixth-place choice Texas Christian, in the eight-team Mountain Division.

Defending WAC champion Colorado State, with 38 of the possible 40 first-place votes, was the overwhelming favorite to win the Mountain Division. The Rams were followed by Wyoming, Air Force, Rice, SMU, TCU, UNLV and Tulsa.

In the Pacific Division, favorite Brigham Young received 20 first-place votes to edge out Utah. They were followed by New Mexico, San Diego State, Fresno State, Hawaii, Texas-El Paso and San Jose State.

UNLV kicks of its season on September 5 at Northwestern in Evanston, Ill. The Rebels' home opener is September 12 against Air Force.