Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty (2) makes a move against UCLA during last season’s LA Bowl.
Kevin Reece | AP
Wednesday morning brough some unwelcome news for a Nevada football program trying to break out of one of its worst cycles ever.
The Wolf Pack was picked 12th — and last — in the Mountain West’s annual preseason poll of its media following. Nevada will begin the season with an overhauled coaching staff after compiling consecutive 2-10 seasons under since-fired Ken Wilson.
Boise State was named Wednesday as the 46 ballots cast Mountain West media members. The Broncos received 38 first-place votes in the media poll and totaled 543 points, well in front of second-place UNLV’s 471.
Rounding out the top five in Wednesday’s voting were Fresno State (460 points), Air Force (384), and Colorado State (337).
Boise State and UNLV are scheduled to meet Oct. 26 in Las Vegas in a rematch of last year’s Mountain West championship Game, won by the Broncos.
Nevada has games this season against the top five teams in Wednesday’s preseason poll, including games at Boise State and UNLV in a three-game span to end the season. The Wolf Pack opens the season Aug. 24 against new ACC member SMNU.
The annual two-day Mountain West football media event is Wednesday and Thursday at the Circa Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
MW PRESEASON POLL
1. Boise State, 543 points (38 first-place)
2. UNLV, 471 (4)
3. Fresno State, 460 (4)
4. Air Force, 384
5. Colorado State, 337
6. Wyoming, 296
7. Utah State, 285
8. San Diego State, 251
9. Hawaii, 214
10. San Jose State, 185
11. New Mexico, 85
12. Nevada, 77