Big East preview
In our final installment of the previews of the BCS conference, we move on to the Big East.
The Big East isn't great, but it's not the worst conference (that distinction belongs to the ACC).
The Big East probably sits squarely behind the Big Ten as the fifth best conference, but at least there are some teams who are interesting and who are worth rooting for.
West Virginia has had a stranglehold on this conference for years, but with Pat White, the face of the conference, gone it's time to get to know some of the new faces.
It also means that the bid to a BCS game is wide open, much like it was last year when Cincinnati dethroned the Mountaineers.
Without further babbling, let's look at the conference rundown.
1. South Florida
Gotta go with the Bulls here. They have the best offensive player in the conference in quarterback Matt Grothe and the best defensive player in DE George Selvie. This program has been building, and this is the year they win the conference.
2. Rutgers
The Scarlet Knights showed a lot of pluck last year, finishing as one of the hottest teams in the country. Unfortunately they lose Mike Teel (never thought I'd say that) who was great last year. They'll be young at the skilled positions, but a very good offensive line and a solid defense returns.
3. West Virginia
As we alluded to already, the Mountaineers have to replace all-everything quarterback Pat White. They will do so with Jarrett Brown, who is no Pat White. Noel Devine will be the best back in the conference, but it won't be enough to get them back to the top.
4. Cincinnati
The Bearcats were a team that kinda overachieved last year. With that said, they have a good QB in Tony Pike and a really good WR in Mardy Gilyard returning, but they don't have much on defense. I think they sink back with the pack.
5. Pittsburgh
Time for the Panthers to slip back to 5-7, 6-6 and for Dave Wannstedt to get back onto the hot seat. No LeSean McCoy, no LaRod Stephens-Howling means no ground game. A bad quarterback means no passing game. The defense loses quite a bit as well.
6. Connecticut
The Huskies love running the ball and playing defense. No Donald Brown means the offense will struggle and the defense will be pretty good, but not great. Don't expect much from UConn.
7. Louisville
I'm not even sure what to say about this team. How does a program on the rise, and rising like a bullet, fall to the bottom so quickly? Bobby Petrino leaving didn't help. There looks like there is no hope for this team any time soon.
8. Syracuse
Why isn't Louisville picked to finish last? Because Syracuse is in the conference. Horrible.
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Not too many surprised here. I think Cincy will challenge and I will never count out West Virginia. It should be South Florida's year. Good call.