2012 NCAAF Conference Previews Part 6

-Big East Conference-

Predicted Finish

1)Pittsburgh
    This would be considered a surprise but I am going with the Panthers to find a way to win the conference. Yes, Pitt has to endure yet another coaching change but I like the Wisconsin style of football they bring. They will get to work with Senior QB Tino Sunseri and RB Ray Graham who ran for 958 yards in just 8 games. Those two along with a good O-line and decent defense will have this team at the top.
2)Louisville
    I have the "favorite" to finish just short. While the Cardinals bring back QB Terry Bridgewater, Im not in love with the Running back position and I question the defensive front 7.
3)USF
    This team has 15 starters returning, including QB BJ Daniels, and it will be interesting to see how much they improve in coach Skip Holtz 2nd year. They will be better than last year but how much better?
4)Rutgers
5)Syracuse
6)Uconn
7)Cincinnati
8)Temple

-Player of the Year-
 RB, Ray Graham, Pitt

-Best Conference Games-
USF @ Louisville, Oct 20th
Louisville @ Rutgers, Nov 24th
Pittsburgh @ USF, Dec 1st

NCAA Football Conference Previews Part 4

-Big East Conference-

Predicted Finish

1.Connecticut

 Uconn and Randy Edsall finished up strong last year and bring back good talent and that is why im picking them to win the Big East. Not viewed as the favorite to win it this year, i believe the Huskies could surprise the Big East. QB Zach Frazer and RB Jordan Todman should keep this offense moving and the defense will rely on talented but inexperienced youth.

2.West Virginia

 The Mountaineers bring back nine defensive starters, four offensvie lineman and ofcourse electric running back Noel Devine. I can see this team easily flip flopping with Uconn to win the Big East and that could depend on how well QB Geno Smith plays. If this team plays up to potential they should be representing the Big East in the Orange Bowl.

3.Pittsburgh

 The Panthers come into 2010 as being the favorite to win the conference this year behind RB Dion Lewis and WR Jonathan Baldwin. However, i believe they will fall short of expectations. Breaking in a brand new quarterback, three offensive lineman, and a few defensive positions will ultimately be the downfall of this team. Throw in a tough schedule including games on the road at Uconn, USF, and Cincinatti and the conference championship may be out of reach.

4.Cincinnati

 Was flirting with the idea of putting Rutgers in this spot but stuck with the Bearcats instead. Coach Brian Kelly has departed and the team loses QB Tony Pike, WR Marty Gilyard, and six defensive starters. However, dual-threat QB Zach Collaros and deep receiver corp can help this team overcome its losses.

5.Rutgers

 Talented quarteback Tom Savage and receiver Mohammed Sanu along with back Joe Martinek and a defense coached up by Greg Schiano keep me from forgetting about the Scarlet Knights.

6.South Florida

 Incoming coach Skip Holtz takes over a team with some bright spots, including QB B.J. Daniels, but a team that has lost NFL talent defensive players and has a history of finishing poorly down the stretch. 

7.Louisville

 New coach Charlie Strong will begin to take this team in the right direction but the Cardinals won't be great overnight.

8.Syracuse

 Too many holes and the suspension of back Delonte Carter have this team sitting in the cellar of the Big East.

-Player of the Year-

Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia

Will put up huge numbers as expected as he will have to carry the offense atleast early in the season.

-Must See Games-

West Virginia @ Uconn, Oct 29th

Pittsburgh @ Uconn, Nov 11th

West Virginia @ Pittsburgh, Nov 26th