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Las Vegas • With a seasoned quarterback and a solid defense returning, the Utah State Aggies were picked to finish second in the Mountain Division of the Mountain West, it was announced Tuesday here at the annual league media days.

Defending league champion Boise State was picked to win the Mountain Division, earning 28 of the 30 first-place votes and 177 points.

The Aggies received two first-place votes and 150 points to land second in the poll. The Aggies are followed by Colorado State (108), Air Force (90), Wyoming (64) and New Mexico (41).

Utah State returns 15 starters from a team that finished tied for second in the Mountain Division in 2014 with a 6-2 MW record and 10-4 overall mark, including a 21-6 win over UTEP in the New Mexico bowl.

Linebacker Kyler Fackrell was selected as the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, while quarterback Chuckie Keeton and linebacker Nick Vigil were on the all-conference preseason team.

Fackrell returns to action after he suffered a season-ending knee injury at Tennessee last year. In 2013, he earned second-team all-conference honors, finishing with 82 tackles, including 13 for a loss.

San Diego State was picked to win the West division with 27 first-place votes and 177 points. Fresno State was second with 141 points, followed by Nevada (113), San Jose State (91), Hawaii (70) and UNLV (38).

CSU receiver Rashard Higgins was named the league Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.

The Aggies open the season Sept. 3 against Southern Utah and open league play at home against CSU on Oct. 3. —

2015 MWC preseason poll

Team (first-place) Pts.

Mountain Division

1. Boise State (28) 177

2. Utah State (2) 150

3. Colorado St. 108

4. Air Force 90

5. Wyoming 64

6. New Mexico 41

West Division

1. San Diego St. (27) 177

2. Fresno St. (3) 141

3. Nevada 113

4. San Jose St. 91

5. Hawaii 70

6. UNLV 38