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

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