It seems that the Big East is the long forgotten conference among the BCS. No teams from The Big East were ranked in the USA Today Preseason Poll. However, determining who will win this conference may be my toughest challenge yet. This is a conference that has a few surprises up their sleeve.
Cincinnatti turned many heads last year by surprisingly winning The Big East. Head Coach Brian Kelley was on the wish list of many prestige college programs and the Bearcats found themselves in the Orange Bowl. That's not going to happen this year. Although the offense returns 8 starters including their QB Tony Pike, they only have 1 returning starter on defense. The X-Factor for the Bearcats will be how fast the defense matures.
Players to watch: QB Tony Pike; WR/PR Marty Gilyard; WR Vidal Hazelton; TE Ben Guidulgi; SS Aaron Webster
Impact Freshman: P Patrick O'Donnell
The Bill Stewart era began in Morgantown last year and began with sputters over East Carolina and Colorado. Last year marked the end of an era at QB. As Pat White begins his NFL Career, Jarret Brown takes over behind center. With only one returning starter on the Offensive Line, this unit is highly recognized by most publications. Brown will not have a shortage of passing targets with 3 WR's returning. It also helps to have Noel Devine in the backfield. Although highly recognized by most publications, their switch to a more pass friendly offense may not be as effective with the talent they have on their depth chart. Fortunately, West Virginia has one of the best defenses in the conference.
Players to watch: RB Noel Devine; WR Jock Sanders; DT Scooter Berry; LB Reed Williams; CB Brandon Hogan
Freshman to watch: RB Tavon Austin; WR Logan Heastie; G Jeffery Braun(RS)
Jim Leavitt has put his heart and soul putting this program together. It looked as if the Bulls were going to be in the NC talk for a second consecutive year, until they couldn't recover from a disappointing loss to Pitt at home. The Bulls went 1-5 the last 6 games before ending their season with a bowl win over Memphis. Would this be the year the Bulls finally turn the corner? Probably not. Road games include Florida St., Pittsburgh, and Rutgers. They have one non-conference home game against Miami (FL) in November. However, a 3VL QB, RB, and WR helps things. The only achilles heel could be the offensive line. Expect USF's defense to be absolutely nasty. Even with the two tough conference games on the road, and if the O-Line can sync together quickly. Don't be surprised to see this team taking a post season trip to the Orange Bowl.
Players to watch: QB Matt Grothe; RB Mike Ford; WR Jessie Hester; DE George Selvie; LB Kion Wilson; CB Jerome Murphy; SS Nate Allen
Impact Freshman: DE Ryne Giddins
For the last couple of years, football has been relevant at "The Birthplace of College Football". Greg Schiano has brought a new mentality to Piscataway. Instead of just being a road block to Women's Basketball season, Rutgers faithful are talking about winning the Big East. Although the RBs are not as experienced, this team has depth at the positions. It also helps when your O-Line is returning 80+ career starts. Expect a tough defense, especially at the LB position. The only achilles heel I see could be in the passing game. The recieving corps only returns 1200 yards receiving from last year. What works as an advantage for the Scarlet Knights could be a favorable schedule with all major conference games in their own yard.
Players to watch: RB Kordell Young; RB Jourdan Brooks; The entire O-Line; LB Ryan D'Imperio; S Joe Lefeged
Impact Freshman: WR Tim Wright (RS); WR Marcus Cooper (RS); Marcus Witherspoon (RS)
The pressure has been at a high level on Dave Wannstedt to bring Pittsburgh closer to the days of glory, back when Dan Marino and Johnny Majors were leading the mighty Panthers to victory. They return 15 starters from last year and their O-Line returns 60 career starts. Although the offense may not seem explosive, the defense is going to be a force to be reckoned with. With a favorable non-conference schedule, don't be surprised if Pitt has a 10-win season.
Players to watch: TE Nate Byham; OG John Malecki; OT Jason Pinkston; DE Greg Romerus; DE Jabaal Sheard; CB Aaron Berry; SS Dom DeCicco
Impact Freshman: RB Dion Lewis (RS); LB Dan Mason
My forecast for the Huskies is not that pleasant. Not because UConn will be a bad team. It's the fact that most of the tough conference games are on the road and their non-conference schedule doesn't do them any favors. One bright light is the game against South Florida will be at home. The only saving grace for the Huskies is a decent offensive line. It will be very tough for UConn to capture another bowl berth this season, unless they can pull some upsets.
Players to watch: QB Zack Frazer; RB Jordan Todman; RB Andre Dixon; WR/PR Jasper Howard; OT Mike Hicks; LB Scott Lutrus; S Robert Vaughn
Impact Freshman: TE Ryan Griffin
I wouldn't want to be in Steve Kragthorpe's shoes right now or be sitting in his chair. If he doesn't put a stop to this free fall, he maybe out of a job. Breaking in a new quarterback does not help his cause. This team is mediocre at best. If you thought my forecast for Connecticut was bad, my forecast for Louisville is not that better. This team does not have the talent to compete with the top side of the conference. Steve Kragthorpe will probably be looking for another job at the end of the season.
Players to watch: QB Justin Burke; RB Victor Anderson; WR Doug Beaumont
Impact Freshman: C Mario Benavides (RS)
Doug Marrone has some major custodial duties as he cleans up the mess that was left by Greg Robinson. Don't expect any miracles from this team, but expect them to cut away the deadwood and construct a more stable foundation that has been rocked within the last 5+ years. The most realistic goal this year for the Orange is to get out of the cellar. Is it possible? Yes, if Louisville continues their downward spiral. If you're a fan of The Orange, the only way to go is up. It's going to take a little time.
Players to watch: WR Mike Williams; LT Tucker Baumbach; LB Derrell Smith
Impact Freshman: QB Ryan Nassib (RS)
Big East Projections
1) Pittsburgh 11-1 (7-0)
2) Rutgers 11-1 (6-1)
3) South Florida 9-3 (5-2)
4) West Virginia 9-3 (5-2)
5) Cincinnatti 6-6 (3-4)
6) Connecticut 5-7 (2-5)
7) Louisville 3-9 (1-6)
8) Syracuse 1-11 (0-7)
Reading Assignments
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