Big East preview

I don't think the Big East will be the powerhouse conference it's been some years, but it could still generate five bowl eligible teams.  Let's look at each one:


CINCINNATI BEARCATS:  The 'Cats won't skip a beat at QB, despite the loss of Tony Pike.  Zach Collaros filled in admirably when Pike was injured late in the season, and ran the offense just as smoothly.  New coach Butch Jones will keep the offensive firepower going.  He comes from Central Michigan, where he engineered the offense that gave Dan LeFevour such numbers. 

Cincy's sore spot is defense.  They've shifted to a 4-3 to take advantage of their strong defensive line, but their secondary is slow.  Worse, they have a thin bench.  That situation hurt West Virginia last year, as late season injuries put in such a weak defensive that they lost to Syracuse.  If Cincy's defense can remain healthy, and they can focus on building up their bench's skills, they can be a powerful team.

UCONN HUSKIES:  QB Zach Frazer can build on his strong finish to the 2009 season.  He has some new wide receivers to throw to, but he's supported nicely by a strong backfield stable offensive line, and a patsy lineup of non-confernce opponents, allowing the new receiving corps time to develop.  With a strong defense, perhaps the best in the conference, the Huskies will be a tough team to beat.

LOUISVILLE CARDINALS:  This is definitely a rebuilding year under new coach Charlie String, especially on defense.  This team will contend for the cellar.

PITTSBURGH PANTHERS:  Could this be the year of the Panthers?  RB Deon Lewis is giving them reason to think so.  As a freshman, he ran for more yards than any player in Pitt history except for former Heisman Trophy winner Tony Dorsett.  If not for the disappointing one-point loss to Cincy at the end of the season, they would have tied for the conference title.  Lewis will be supported this year by sophomore Ray Graham, giving them a powerful rushing attack.

They may need that rushing attack, as the quarterback situation is still open, and the receiving corps is young.  At least the defense returns a bunch of guys, so Pitt can take some time to develop the newcomers.  They have a tough non-conference schedule, though.

RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS:  QB Tom Savage had a solid freshman season.  If he can avoid the "sophomore letdown", he'll help engineer a Rutgers comeback.  A weak offensive line makes that a tough call, though, and Mohamad Sanu is the only experienced reliable wide receiver.  Their two-running back system should help block for the offensive line, but it'll still be an uphill battle.  Their defense won't help much, as they have a weak linebacking corps.

SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS:  Skip Holtz takes over for departing coach Jim Leavitt.  Holtz has been successful everywhere he's gone, but he's downplaying the team's potential this season.  Since they gave a team record six players to the NFL, I don't blame him.

QB B.J. Daniels had a strong 2009, but much of the work was done on the ground.  Holtz doesn't want him running so much, to help reduce punishment.  He'll give the ball more to RB Mosie Plancher.  A strong offensive line will protect Daniels and punch holes for Plancher.  That line is needed, as the wide receiving corps is inexperienced.

This team was known for its strong defense, but many of the losses came from that squad.  With only four returning starters, we'll find out how strong a bench Leavitt left Holtz.  This team may start off shaky, but could gain momentum as the season progresses.

SYRACUSE ORANGEMEN:  This will be a long year for Syracuse.  They do have two bright spots:  they didn't lose runner Delone Carter, whose assault case was dismissed, and they return most of the offensive line.  That's about all of the good news, however.

WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS:  Coach Bill Stewart has wiped all traces of former coach Rich Rodriquez from the playbook.  Whether that will sit well with former QB and new athletic director Oliver Luck remains to be seen.  Stewart has to contend with a new quarterback, but at least he has a great supporting cast.  The offensive line returns everyone, and RB Noel Devine is back.  WR Jock Sanders will be the favorite target.  A strong defensive line will help slow down opponents but eat clock, so that the offense doesn't have to be on the field as much.  They are a bit succeptible to the long pass, though, given a weak secondary.  A great non-conference schedule makes this team a bowl contender.

Projected standings:
1.  PIttsburgh Panthers (8-0 conference, 10-2 overall)
2.  UConn Huskies (5-2/9-3)
3.  West Virginia Mountaineers (5-2/9-3)
4.  Cincinnati Bearcats (4-3/7-5)
5.  South Florida Bulls (4-3/7-5)
6.  Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2-5/6-6)
7.  Syracuse Orangemen (1-7/3-9)
8.  Louisville Cardinals (1-7/3-9)