LAS VEGAS -- Wyoming place-kicker Cooper Rothe was named the Mountain West Conference's preseason Special Teams Player of the Year by the media Tuesday at opening day of the conference's media days in Las Vegas.

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Rothe, a Lou Groza Award semifinalist in 2018, converted 16-of-17 kicks last season, which led the nation. Rothe is fourth among all kickers in made field goals with 44. In his career, the Longmont, Colo., product has made 31-of-35 kicks. He is a leading candidate for All-American honors this season.

There was more Wyoming news early on Day 1 of MWC Media Days.

The Cowboys were picked to finish fourth overall in the Mountain Division by the media, receiving 66 votes. Wyoming returns just eight starters from last season's 6-6 squad, three on offense and five on the defensive side of the ball.

Boise State is the preseason favorite, garnering 15 first-place votes, followed by Utah State, which landed it's highest ranking with six first-place tallies. The media believes Air Force will come in third, followed by Wyoming, Colorado State and New Mexico.

On the other side of the conference, defending champion Fresno State took the top spot and racked up 17 first-place votes. San Diego State was picked second, followed by Nevada, Hawaii, UNLV and San Jose State.

To see all voting results and preseason All-Conference selections, please visit the MWC website.

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