Preseason MW Poll | Preseason All-MW Team | Chow Interview |
Falemalu Interview | Edwards Interview | UH Press Conference

LAS VEGAS – The University of Hawai'i football team was selected to finish seventh in the Mountain West preseason poll media poll as announced Tuesday at the Mountain West Media Days at the Cosmopolitan Hotel.

Boise State was selected the preseason favorite after finishing last year with a 12-1 record and a top 10 final ranking in the national polls. The Broncos received 296 points and 27 first-place votes followed by a pair of conference newcomers in Nevada (244) and Fresno State (231, 2). Rounding out the poll were Wyoming (213), San Diego State (173, 1), Air Force (170), Hawai'i  (116), Colorado State (111), UNLV (63) and New Mexico (33).
 
“You have to go play the games,” head coach Norm Chow said. “Obviously the teams that got picked ahead deserve it. I think our goal is to be the best we can be. We're going to worry about ourselves and not worry about our opponents. Obviously we do schematically, but our goal is to be the best we can be.”
 
The preseason all-Mountain West team was also announced with senior defensive end Paipai Falemalu gaining a spot as UH's lone representative. The senior captain from Hau`ula, O'ahu, has earned a reputation for his high motor on the defensive line. In 2012 he totaled 50 tackles including 6.0 for loss and was tied for second on the team with 4.5 sacks. He also had seven quarterback hurries.
 
“I'm kind of shocked to be part of that group,” said Falemalu, who along with junior defensive back Mike Edwards represented UH at the MW Media Days held at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. “It's an honor.”
 
Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr was named the preseason MW Offensive Player of the Year, while senior defensive back Leon McFadden was selected the preseason MW Defensive Player of the Year.
 
This season marks UH's first in the Mountain West. The Warriors will open up an eight-game league schedule on Sept. 22 at home versus Nevada.