Before hiring an Elvis impersonator to accompany him to the Mountain West Conference’s Media Summit in Las Vegas this past week, Hawaii football coach Nick Rolovich considered entering the Las Vegas meetings with a pygmy monkey on his shoulder.

But like the children’s game “telephone,” the message changed when it reached MWC commissioner Craig Thompson, who asked: Was Rolovich going to bring a donkey?

When it comes to the Mountain West, it’s all about interpretation. There is uniqueness to a league that stretches wide (3,227 miles between Honolulu and Albuquerque) and high (sea level to Laramie’s 7,200-foot elevation).

Colorado State is opening a new stadium; Hawaii lawmakers are pondering the future of middle-aged Aloha Stadium. Boise State reluctantly played home games with 8:30 p.m. kickoffs for the national television exposure and paycheck; others insist money games against Power-Five teams are more profitable than TV games. And while coaches wish an undefeated MW champion would be granted a spot in the College Football Playoff, San Diego State’s Rocky Long cautioned the best thing for the league (a dominant team) also would be the worst thing (no parity). The two-day, meet-the-media event also touched on these subjects:

>> Extending training camp: By eliminating two-a-day practices, the NCAA kept the number of practices by adding a week to training camp. “It’s expensive to bring them in a week earlier and feed them three times a day,” said Fresno State coach Jeff Tedford, noting it cost $21.50 per player each day to stay in the dorms. Colorado State and San Diego State brought in the freshmen and transfers early to learn the system before they were joined by the returning players. New Mexico is giving its players a four-day break leading to the first day of classes of the fall semester.

>> Week zero: UH, Colorado State and San Jose State are taking advantage of the exemption that allows teams playing games in Hawaii to open the season a week earlier — week zero — than the widespread start to the NCAA season. CSU coach Mike Bobo said moving a game to Aug. 26 created an in-season bye during a schedule that initially called for games on 12 consecutive weekends. But Boise State’s Bryan Harsin and Air Force’s Troy Calhoun said their teams would only play on week zero if ordered. “I want no part of (week zero),” said Harsin, noting it would leave little downtime for assistant coaches involved in year-round coaching, recruiting and instruction. Harsin said his preference would be not to open training camp earlier than Aug. 1.

>> Expanding the playoffs: There is little chance a MW team will qualify under the current four-team format. New Mexico coach Bob Davie said expanding the field would make it too long a season. Last year, Alabama played 15 games. But San Jose State coach Brent Brennan said adding playoff teams would create more excitement. Brennan said the football playoffs lack the Cinderella team that is a staple of the NCAA basketball tournament. “It’s not the Kentuckys and UCLAs or whoever those big teams are in college basketball,” Brennan said. “Everyone loves it because they love the upset, the underdogs making a run. As it is now, there’s no opportunity for that (in college football).”

But there was one subject that was not debatable. In polling of players attending the Media Summit, it was unanimously agreed Floyd Mayweather would defeat Conor McGregor.

“Mayweather is ‘Money,’” said San Diego State running back Rashaad Penny, whose surname also is money.

WEST DIVISION

1. San Diego State Aztecs

>> Last year: 11-3, 6-2 MWC

>> Coach: Rocky Long

>> What’s new: Quarterback Chris Laviano is a graduate transfer from Rutgers.

>> Outlook: In keeping up with the Kardashians and social-media-savvy coaches, Long, 67, is using social media to connect with prospects and fans — sort of. “His emoji is a period,” safety Kameron Kelly mused. Long, the dean of MWC coaches, is sticking to his run-based offense and 3-3-5 chameleon defense. NCAA career rushing leader Donnel Pumphrey has graduated to the NFL and quarterback Christian Chapman had offseason thumb surgery. But Rashaad Penny (7.5 yards per carry) is set to become the next prolific SDSU running back.

>> Player to watch: With Pumphrey’s departure, Penny looks to be the Aztecs’ version of Russell Westbrook. Penny is a triple threat as a runner (1,018 yards in 2016), receiver (20 percent of his catches went for TDs) and returner (five career scores). He said he got faster by cutting out fast food. “I waited forever,” Penny said. “Now that I have the chance, you’ve just got to take that role.”

>> Quote: On unnecessary NCAA rule changes, Long said: “I have confidence in 99 percent of the college coaches. They’re not going to beat their (players) up (in practices) because their (players) are going to have to play on Saturday. We’re not real smart but we’re not complete dummies.”

2. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors

>> Last year: 7-7, 4-4 in MWC

>> Coach: Nick Rolovich

>> What’s new: Legi Suiaunoa was promoted to defensive coordinator

>> Outlook: The Warriors have several playmakers — quarterback Dru Brown, running back Diocemy Saint Juste, tight end Metuisela ‘Unga, linebacker Jahlani Tavai and free safety Trayvon Henderson — and an experienced offensive line. But they are counting on newcomers to replenish the depth in the trenches and restock the secondary. They also are breaking in a new kicker, punter and holder. Suiaunoa would like to play to the Warriors’ strength, and that appears to be the linebackers. Look for more sub-packages involving a fourth linebacker or a rover.

>> Quote: “It’s the rice,” Brown said of gaining 8 pounds.

3. UNLV Rebels

>> Last year: 4-8, 3-5 MWC

>> Coach: Tony Sanchez

>> What’s new: Quarterback Armani Rogers

>> Outlook: Quarterbacks Johnny Stanton and Kurt Palandech return, but the buzz is over second-year freshman Rogers, who is 6-5 and 225 pounds. Athlon magazine likened Rogers to Carolina quarterback Cam Newton. “You make a joke about it,” Sanchez said. “He walks in the building, you say, ‘Hey, Cam, how are you doing?’ We laugh about it. We put the elephant out of the room.” In the final six weeks of his redshirt season, Rogers practiced with the No. 1 offense in live scrimmages. “If he was getting sacked, he was getting sacked,” Sanchez said. There is an acclimation plan for this season. “A healthy run game is the best way to help a young quarterback figure things out,” Sanchez said.

>> Player to watch: Mike Hughes will make the step over from nose tackle to 3-technique, which will free him from a diet of tandem blocks. This summer, Hughes feasted on iron. During a session, he increased his bench-press max from 390 pounds to 410 to 430. He could not lock his arms at 450 pounds. “When you put four plates on, you feel good about yourself,” Hughes said.

> Quote: Hughes on his world debut: “My mom didn’t look like she was having a good time in the picture of her (in the birthing room). I tell her all the time when I see the picture, ‘thank you. Sorry for the hard time I gave you. Hey, you did it.”

4. Nevada Wolf Pack

>> Last year: 5-7, 3-5 MWC

>> Coach: Jay Norvell

>> What’s new: Norvell, hybrid offense, 3-3-5 defense

>> Outlook: Not only did the Wolf Pack change the play-callers, they also reset the roster. Fourteen non-graduates departed, and 40 players were added, including quarterback David Cornwell (from Alabama) and receivers Justin Brent (Notre Dame) and Kaleb Fossum. The three transfers are exempt from redshirting. They should boost the reconfigured offense that blends the pistol and Air Raid (a variation of the run-and-shoot). Matt Mumme, son of Air Raid co-architect Hal Mumme, is the Pack’s new offensive coordinator. James Butler, last year’s leading rusher, earned his degree early and transferred to Iowa a month ago. Running backs Jaxson Kincaide and Kelton Moore look to fill the void.

>> Player to watch: Cornwell, who was named the starter the past week, meets Norvell’s QB requirements of accuracy, throwing touch, intelligence and deep-pass ability. Last year, 74.8 percent of the Pack’s completions went for 14 yards or fewer. “We want our opponents to know they’ll have to defend us throwing deep, and that will help us in running the football,” Cornwell said.

>> Quote: “Sometimes it’s like the kid in the neighborhood who gets his face rubbed in the dirt. In the long run, that experience helps you,” Norvell said on how adversity builds resiliency.

5. San Jose State Spartans

>> Last year: 4-8, 3-5 MWC

>> Coach: Brent Brennan

>> What’s new: Brennan, spread offense, 3-4 defense

>> Outlook: Brennan, who served as UH’s receivers coach in 1998, is implementing a run-pass-option attack modeled after former Warrior Dino Baber’s offense at Syracuse. A yet-to-be-named starting quarterback will come from four holdovers and two newcomers. Last year’s entire starting offensive line is back — and in better shape. The no-huddle offense demands a quicker pace. “We’re going for one of the faster tempos in the country,” right tackle Nate Velichko said. “We’re running the play before the defense is even set. … We have to hustle downfield (following long completions). We know that’s exhausting but we know that’s what will help us win games.”

>> Player to watch: Cornerback Andre Chachere was raised in the Central Valley and grew up as a Fresno State fan. When it came time to choose a college, he headed north. “It felt right,” said Chachere, who embraces changes. This season, the Spartans are relying on Chachere (four interceptions, 14 breakups in 2016) to stabilize the transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4 scheme.

>> Quote: “Guys earn the chance to be first team in practice,” Brennan said, “they earn the chance to be the man in games.”

6. Fresno State Bulldogs

>> Last year: 1-11, 0-8 MWC

>> Coach: Jeff Tedford

>> What’s new: Tedford, both coordinators

>> Outlook: With two weeks remaining in a going-nowhere 2016 season, the Bulldogs fired Tim DeRuyter, buying out the $3.44 million remaining on his contract, and reinvesting in alumnus Jeff Tedford. In 2002, Tedford inherited a 1-10 California team and went 7-5, 8-6 and 10-2. He has coached future NFL quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers, Trent Dilfer, Billy Volek and Kyle Boller, as well as running back Marshawn Lynch. Tedford, who “observed” the final two FS games last year, is installing a multiple pro-set offense and 4-3 defense. A bigger challenge is to boost the low APR scores that might lead to scholarship sanctions.

>> Player to watch: As a misplaced outside linebacker, Stephen Van Hook had one tackle in 12 games in three years. But with new defensive coordinator Orlando Steinauer’s fresh view and new alignment, Van Hook has emerged as a No. 1 D-end. “They discovered a player the old staff didn’t find very valuable,” defensive end Nathan Madsen said. “Stephen Van Hook, they realize, can be a guy who can make plays. He’s aggressive. He’s hungry.”

>> Quote: “They trimmed the fat, so to speak,” Madsen said of personnel changes.

MOUNTAIN DIVISION

1. Boise State Broncos

>> Last year: 10-3, 6-2 MWC

>> Coach: Bryan Harsin

>> What’s new: More three-man defensive fronts

>> Outlook: After all these years, the offense’s status is still listed as complicated. “We don’t have many plays, but it’s the way we dress them ,” quarterback Brett Rypien said. “There are so many different formations and shifts and motions and multiple personnel and changing tempos. We try to change the picture for the defense and never let them know the base concepts we’re running.” Rypien, whose uncle Mark Rypien won two Super Bowls with the Redskins, has developed into an efficient passer and game manager. Nose tackle Sonatane Lui, a low-gravity gap clogger, anchors a defense that needs to improve on last year’s nine takeaways.

>> Player to watch: David Moa moves back to his comfort zone, 3-technique, after a temp job at nose tackle. He averaged nearly 70 snaps a game last year, which likely contributed to his difficulty in retaining weight. Moa is now 275, and he recently benched 355 pounds five times.

>> Quote: “I was kind of salty because I was a Gonzaga fan growing up,” joked Rypien, who spotted North Carolina basketball coach Roy Williams in Las Vegas.

2. Colorado State Rams

>> Last year: 7-6, 5-3 MWC

>> Coach: Mike Bobo

>> What’s new: A $220 million on-campus stadium

>> Outlook: The opener appeared to be a closer for quarterback Nick Stevens, who was 6-for-20 for 31 yards and two picks. He was sent to the sidelines with no promise of a return date. But after Collin Hill suffered an ankle injury, Stevens was summoned. In the final seven games, Stevens completed 64.2 percent of his passes with a TD/pick ratio of 9/3. The Rams enter this season with Stevens as the No. 1 quarterback and the enthusiasm over a new stadium. “Walking in there, people were jumping up and down, and they had their phones out,” Stevens said. The good feelings spread. “Usually when I go through airports, nobody notices me,” Stevens said. “But four TSA people did. They said they had season tickets and couldn’t wait for the season to start.”

>> Player to watch: Linebacker Deonte Clyburn missed the 2016 season when his complaints about fatigue were diagnosed as resulting from blood clots in his lungs. He was on blood thinners for nine months and restricted from physical activity. Clyburn was cleared in March, and he promises to lead the defense. “We’re going to be mean and tenacious and go to the ball with bad intentions,” Clyburn said.

>> Quote: On his illness, Clyburn said: “Coach always says it’s a privilege to be out here and it can be taken away at any moment. You’re not really listening. But when it’s taken away from you … it really is a blessing to be back.”

3. Wyoming Cowboys

>> Last year: 8-6, 6-2 MWC

>> Coach: Craig Bohl

>> What’s new: Defensive coordinator

>> Outlook: The Cowboys’ storybook 2016 season — a first-place tie in the Mountain Division — ended with three consecutive losses. Josh Allen’s last pass was intercepted in the Poinsettia Bowl. “We’ve got a hungry football team,” Bohl said. Allen, who opted to return for his junior year, has drawn comparisons to another Bohl student, Carson Wentz of the Philadelphia Eagles. Allen is projected as a high first-round pick if he chooses to enter the 2018 NFL Draft. Scottie Hazelton, who spent the past three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, reunites with Bohl and brings the Tampa-2 concepts. The entire starting secondary returns.

>> Player to watch: Safety Andrew Wingard, like Allen, received only one scholarship offer as a high school senior. “Coach Bohl is good at picking guys out of the rough,” Wingard said. Wingard is admittedly a football diehard who obsesses about the intricacies of the sport. He parlayed that knowledge, toughness and quickness into 131 tackles in 2016. His sole focus is on football now that the Cowboys banned him from participating in extreme sports this season.

>>Quote: “I’m a regular white dude from Colorado, I need to have something unique about me,” Wingard said of the hair he has not cut in 2 1/2 years.

4. Air Force Falcons

>> Last year: 10-3, 5-3 MWC

>> Coach: Troy Calhoun

>> What’s new: 10 defensive starters

>> Outlook: The defensive formula is to start four seniors, four juniors, two sophomores and a freshman. “We haven’t been able to make the formula exact,” Calhoun said of returning only one starter. Things will be back to normal on offense with the emphasis on the triple option.That means Aaron Worthman, who averaged 22 carries in his five starts, has the edge over Nate Romine, a rare fifth-year Falcon. Tight end Ryan Reffitt can play the unit (next to the tackle), in the slot or flexed wide.

>> Player to watch: As the top returning tackler (67 stops), linebacker Grant Ross is the heart of the rebuilding defense. Ross plans to attend medical school to pursue a career as a cardiac surgeon. “My dad had a triple bypass,” Ross said. “I have some emotions in that field.”

>> Quote: “If you fly a really good mission in an F-16, you might not get a whole of notoriety or credit or recognition. Hopefully, there’s another reason why you joined the Air Force,” Calhoun on the unheralded work of his players.

5. New Mexico Lobos

>> Last year: 9-4, 6-2 MWC

>> Coach: Bob Davie

>> What’s new: Expanded passing attack

>> Outlook: Last year, the Lobos split assignments, with Austin Apodaca as the passer and Lamar Jordan as the triple-option distributor. With Apodaca’s departure, Jordan will handle both duties. “I believe I can make every throw,” said Jordan, who trained with other NCAA quarterbacks in Arizona this summer. With wideout Delane Hart-Johnson’s full recovery from a car accident last year — he had two 80-yard-plus TDs in 2015 — and two highly regarded QBs-turned-receivers, the Lobos will attempt more than last year’s 13.8 passes per game. “People are going to be shocked by the lineups we’ll come in with,” Jordan said. “We’re not always going to be three-back, two-back. You’re going to see a lot of empty (sets) this year.”

>> Player to watch: Defensive end Garrett Hughes often shows as much emotional restraint as Draymond Green, but he makes plays (6.5 sacks in 2016) and attacks with unabashed enthusiasm. His Youtube preferences are videos of Aaron Donald, Khalil Mack and Von Miller.

>> Quote: “There are a lot of offensive linemen out there wanting to know the secret sauce,” Hughes on why he won’t reveal his repertoire of pass-rush moves.

6. Utah State Aggies

>> Last year: 3-9, 1-7 MWC

>> Coach: Matt Wells

>> What’s new: Offensive coordinator David Yost

>> Outlook: Three years ago, Kent Myers’plan to redshirt was voided when the top three USU quarterbacks suffered injuries. In his NCAA debut, Myers tossed three scoring passes to beat UH. “When I was in middle school, I said I wanted to go to college and start as a freshman,” Myers said. “Once I got here, I realized, hey, it’s not that easy. There’s a lot to learn.” It has been a roller coaster since that debut. But now Myers, who passed for 2,389 yards and rushed for 449 last year, has clicked with Yost, who is emphasizing a quicker-paced, four-wide passing attack. Myers has added daily sprints on the treadmill to improve his speed and endurance.

>> Player to watch: After two years at BYU, safety Dallin Leavitt made the 125-mile transfer across the state. “(BYU) wasn’t the best fit for me at that time of my life,” Leavitt said. “I didn’t have the maturity I have now.” Leavitt is hard-hitting defender who recently celebrated his first wedding anniversary. His father-in-law, Jason Deere, is a Nashville-based music producer for Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, LeAnn Rimes, Taylor Hicks and SHeDAISY.

>> Quote: “We haven’t moved the mountains,” Wells said of construction projects not disturbing Maverik Stadium’s picturesque background.