July 17, 2006

CORONADO, Calif. - San Diego State has been picked to finish sixth in the Mountain West Conference in a preseason poll of MWC media members, the league announced Monday at its annual media day. Junior defensive end Antwan Applewhite earned individual accolades from the conference as he was named to the preseason all-league team.

The Aztecs, who return 17 starters, including eight on the defensive side of the ball, received 104 points. Reigning champion TCU (213 points) was picked to finish atop the MWC, followed by Brigham Young (192), Utah (188), Colorado State (130) and New Mexico (119). Air Force (70), UNLV (58) and Wyoming (51) were tabbed to finish seventh, eighth and ninth, respectively.

Applewhite added to his list of preseason honors by being voted to the preseason all-MWC team. The junior from Torrance, Calif., was one of five defensive linemen selected to the squad. Earlier this summer, Applewhite was named to the preseason Nagurski and Hendricks Award watch lists.

San Diego State opens the 2006 season Aug. 31, vs. UTEP at Qualcomm Stadium. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. PDT.