"Those who say we've arrived, returned to glory, well, everything I do is to remind them this is the fourth year, not the 29th. My approach is you are just starting, show them by example because thinking you arrived shows a lack of motivation ... setting us up for a letdown."

BYU released a statement from Mendenhall on Friday after the poll hit the wires.

"I believe this acknowledgement is based upon the results over the past two seasons, as well as the intrigue that surrounds our program and its governing principles," Mendenhall said. "Being ranked in the preseason top-25 doesn't ensure a quality season. We will focus on the established pillars that have proven to be successful.

"Being ranked in the preseason doesn't provide any guarantees," Mendenhall added.

"Our goals will continue to be winning at home and winning the Mountain West Conference. We will not focus on an undefeated season or going to a BCS game. While that pressure exists, and we acknowledge that it has been and will continue to be talked about, our focus will be on doing our personal best and doing it as a collective unit on a daily basis."

That collective unit gets curtain call No. 1 today.

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E-mail: dharmon@desnews.com