LAS VEGAS --Two-time defending champion BYU has been chosen o win a third straight conference football title in 2008, in a poll of Mountain West Conference media members.

Wyoming was picked to finish fifth among the league's nine teams.

The MWC said BYU received 29 first-place votes and a total of 299 points in the poll released at the first of two league media days in Las Vegas.

BYU went 8-0 in the conference in 2007, and 11-2 overall en route to a No. 14 ranking by the Associated Press.

Utah was picked second, with 274 points and five first-place votes after finishing 5-3 and tying for third place in conference play in 2007.

TCU was picked third, followed by New Mexico, Wyoming, Air Force, San Diego State, Colorado State and UNLV.

BYU junior quarterback Max Hall was selected preseason offensive player of the year, and TCU senior linebacker Jason Phillips was the preseason defensive pick.

Utah senior kicker/punter Louie Sakoda is preseason special teams player of the year, and TCU defensive end Braylon Broughton is the media preseason freshman of the year pick.