The Big East Preview
1 West Virginia Mountaineers: : RB Steve Slaton and QB Pat White put the Mountaineers head and shoulders above the rest of the conference. Making the offense even more formidable is the quality offensive line in front of them. The run defense was good last year, but that's partly because opponents focused their efforts on West Virginia's horrid pass defense, which was 109th in the country last season. The Mountaineers have a great shot at challenging for a national title.
2 Louisville Cardinals: New head coach Steve Kragthorpe has inherited one of the best situations in the nation to inherit. In a winnable conference that will likely be that way for years to come, the Cardinals can still compete for a national title. QB Brian Brohm just might be the best in the country, and is the front runner to be the number 1 overall draft pick next April. Louisville is loaded on offense, with WRs Mario Urrutia and Harry Douglas. The concern is on the other side of the ball, with the D having to find a way to replace DE Amobi Okoye, among 7 other starters. The secondary is mediocre, but neither West Virginia nor Rutgers does much passing anyway, so the worry shouldn't be much.
3 Rutgers Scarlet Knights: Rutgers was the surprise team in the entire country last season, despite the seasons turned in by Wake Forest and Boise State. FB Brian Leonard is gone to the NFL, but head coach Greg Schiano elected to stay with the team, so hopes are high. The offense is still loaded, with attention focused specifically on RB Ray Rice. On D the Knights can defend against the pass with the best of them, but are also solid on the front line. Repeating last season will be difficult, as Rutgers has never been viewed as a powerhouse
4 South Florida Bulls: QB Matt Grothe took over the offense in 2006 and showed his surprising ability as a leader, throwing for 279 yards as the Bulls beat West Virginia. The passing game will be solid, as will the defense. The team is strong in the secondary, but may have a lack of depth at linebacker. This is the team to watch in the conference, as they could surprise.
5 Pittsburgh Panthers: A new QB, likely Jr. Bill Stull, will be running the show, but has plenty of talent to throw to. Whoever is the starter will have plenty of help from the offensive line as well. All new linebackers and a lack of depth at the position will be a problem. Also, the team's road games include West Virginia, Louisville, and Rutgers in conference, along with Virginia. Dave Wannstedt is one of the most overrated coaches in the nation, possibly the most.
6 Cincinnati Bearcats: A new system will mean struggles for the Bearcats, as new head coach Brian Kelly comes in from Central Michigan and will implement a West Coast style offense. There is experience at the skill positions, which will make the transition a bit easier. A key area will be the strong defensive front, but the linebackers and secondary are questionable and lack depth. Success will be at least a year away.
7 Connecticut Huskies: UConn averaged 182.9 rushing yards per contest in the 2006 season, but still only went 4-8. There's little experience at quarterback, there are almost no playmakers past RB Donald Brown II, and the D line is extremely uncertain. Few winnable in-conference games appear on the schedule.
8 Syracuse Orange: The Orange has potential on offense, but have a first year starter at quarterback. The defense should be solid as well, with Jameel McClain getting after the quarterback, and a decent secondary. The problem will be on the offensive line, getting time for QB Andrew Robinson time to throw the ball. Also, the linebacking corps is entirely new. Head coach Greg Robinson needs to have an impact soon to satisfy the team’s fan base, but a losing season is almost a certainty again this year.
8.2.08
-AB
Read up on the other conferences that Ace has previewed!
