SALT LAKE CITY – The University of Idaho Vandals were picked eighth in both the coach and media polls at the Western Athletic Conference’s football media days at Salt Lake City.

Vandal coach Robb Akey is intent on changing those predictions as he begins his second season.

“The preseason polls tell you the amount of respect people have for your program,” Akey said. “We’ve just started something here. It’s our responsibility to build that respect.”

Fresno State was picked No. 1 by the coaches in their poll, while Boise State was the favorite of the media. The coaches followed their selection of Fresno State (seven first-place votes) with Boise State (two first-place votes), Nevada, Hawai`i, Louisiana Tech, San Jose State, New Mexico State, Idaho and Utah State. Other than switching the top two teams, the media poll mirrored the coaches’ poll.

The Vandals report back to Moscow August 4th with practices beginning August 5th.

They open the season August 30th at Arizona.