UTEP has been picked to finish first in the Western Division of Conference USA this season, based on a preseason vote of league coaches. The preseason poll was released on Monday at the conference media days in Memphis, Tenn.
The Miners garnered the highest number of votes (68) of any league member. Southern Miss, the preseason favorite in the Eastern Division, was second with 64 votes.
Following UTEP in the Western Division are Houston (59 votes), Tulane (46), Tulsa (31), Rice (27) and SMU (21). Rounding out the Eastern Division are UAB (60 votes), Memphis (55), Marshall (35), East Carolina and UCF (19 each).
Memphis running back DeAngelo Williams was chosen the preseason C-USA offensive player of the year, while defensive honors went to Rice end John Syptak. Tulsa kickoff returner Ashlan Davis was picked the preseason conference special teams player of the year.
UTEP Coach Mike Price, senior wide receiver Jayson Boyd and senior linebacker Thomas Howard will meet the press on Tuesday in Memphis. CSTV will have live coverage of the event on Tuesday from 9-11:30 a.m. MST, as well as on the CSTV (www.cstv.com) and Conference USA (www.ConferenceUSA.com) websites.
The Miners open fall drills on Thursday and kick off the season on Sept. 3 at I-10 rival New Mexico State.
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