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

2011 NCAA Conference Previews Part 9

-Big East Conference-

Predicted Finish

1.West Virginia
-Head Coach Dana Holgorsen brings his spread offense from Oklahoma state and looks to be leading a favorite in the Big East. The Mountaineers bring back QB Geno Smith and experienced O-line to make the transition to a new offense easier. The defense has only 5 starters back but that includes sack specialist Bruce Irvin. This isn't a great team but it still looks better than the other teams in this conference.
2.South Florida
- Underachieving QB BJ Daniels returns to this Bulls team in Skip Holtz second season as head coach looking to improve and live up to his potential. The Bulls get the bulk of their defense back and add Colorado transfer Darell Scott at running back. While the O-line will need some work, I think this team will be able to challenge for the conference title.
3.Pittsburgh
-With 8 defensive starters back along with QB Tino Sunseri and RB Ray Graham, the Pit Panthers should field a good team this year. If Coach Graham can make this offense look anywhere close to his offenses at Tulsa, then the Big East will have to watch out.
4.Cincinnati
-I have Cincy in the 4th spot but that may be too low, especially with QB Zac Collaros and the entire defense returning.
5.Syracuse
6.Connecticut
7.Louisville
8.Rutgers

-Player of the Year-
RB Isiah Pead, Cincinnati

-Best Conference Games-
Cincinnati @ South Florida, Oct 22nd
Pittsburgh @ West Virginia, Nov 24th
West Virginia @ South Florida, Dec 1st