1. Rutgers: 11-1
(Before I even begin to tell you WHY, take a look at "Cupcake City," "Creme Puff Row," "Cotton Saturdays," or whatever nickname you have for the Scarlet Knight's schedule. They play Howard, Florida International, Texas Southern, and Army the first half of the season. Get serious ... that's got "Kitty Pool" written all over IT!)
I can’t believe I just did that, but then again, I can. The Scarlet Knights have, easily, the most favorable schedule in all of the Big East Conference. (Note: I have debated this for two weeks.) I understand Greg Schiano’s team lost two -- NFL drafted -- receivers in Kenny Britt and Tiquan Underwood. Along with their starting Quarterback Mike Teel, but I like the team’s chances with all five starters back on the offensive line, including 325-pound NFL prospect Anthony Davis at left tackle.Not to mention both running backs are back for the Scarlet Knights too (Tim Brown will have a huge year). (Note to haters: They won seven in a row at the end of last season … don’t forget!) I expect the offensive line and Brown to take a load of pressure off the young QB. So there “ya” have it. The Scarlet Knights are going to their first BCS Bowl.
2. South Florida: 9-3
As strange as this sounds, sometime during USF's season opener, Bull's Quarterback Matt Grothe will pass West Virginia's Pat White as the all-time leader in total offense in Big East history. I love this Bulls team. Grothe will be the leader of the offense, while projected first-round draft pick, George Selvie will be the King Lear on the defensive side. IF South Florida is a legitimate contender, it will show in the September 26 game verse the Seminoles of Florida State in Tallahassee. Either way, this team will be interesting. (Note: Remember that people have rumored to say that South Florida could soon be the second best football school in the state of Florida … “In Jim Leavitt We Trust?”)
3. Pittsburgh: 8-4
(CAVEAT: Do not go crazy Pittsburgh “bafoons.” This prediction is solely based on a coach that has YET to prove himself on the college stage.)
It’s difficult not to put Dave Wannstedt’s team as the team to finish first in the Big East Conference. But they will have to prove to me (unlike most of the media, who has them the pre-season favorites) that they are the team to beat. Despite losing tailback LeSean McCoy, the Panthers ‘might’ have the most talent in the conference. Dion Lewis will (most likely) be the guy who carries the load for the Pitt Panthers this year. Also, linebacker Adam Gunn returns for a sixth year of eligibility after breaking his neck in the '08 season opener. Plus, end Greg Romeus is the leading returning sacker in the Big East (7.5). Coach Wannstedt has stockpiled talent with three consecutive top 25 recruiting classes. I expect a huge year from this team, but I never let “this” coaching staff fool me … they will have to PROVE IT first.
4. West Virginia: 8-4
(CAVEAT: Booger-‘picken’, message board nerds stay away … I don’t want you to be upset.)
Where do I start? I mean I know I’m going to tick-off every single West Virginia fan when I write this … but oh well … too bad. Don’t be myopic and delusional because I’m being straightforward and non-bias. Three simple things to look at WHY the Mountaineers will be one of the most disappointing teams in the Big East this year: 1) The loss of Pat White. Without him, the Mountaineers will be more lost than Jodie Foster in “Taxi Driver.” 2) The prospects did NOT improve. In the future, I do not see this as a problem, but when you have a brand-new coaching staff in it’s second year, you can’t expect top-echelon national talent. 3) (Note in advance: This may be a little picky.) Kicking game. You cannot expect to have one of the best kicking games in the nation after you lose Pat McAfee. I predict a slow season for Bill Stewart’s Mountaineers, although I am one of the few to say that I like where the program is going in the near future. This team will rely on it’s interior defense.
(Bonus 4th reason: They lost three offensive linemen. So those of you that are saying, “But what about Noel Devine?” There is your answer. Although, I do have to say, I am expecting a fantastic season by the junior tailback.
4. Cincinnati: 8-4
Brian Kelly coached this team to a Big East title last year, ending in an Orange Bowl loss to Virginia Tech. Nevertheless, Kelly is moving up the coaching-ladder rapidly. This is my “Don’t Be Surprised If They Win The Big East (again)” team. With returning QB, Tony Pike, the Bearcats are a team with threats all over the field .One of those threats is a projected 2009 first-round NFL draft pick – Wide Receiver Mardy Gillyard – who was a key to the Bearcats success last season. However, there is one HUGE problem … Coach Kelly has to replace 10 defensive starters. I expect this team to do well, but Cinci is one of those teams who could win the Big East or fall flat on their faces.
5. Connecticut: 6-6
I expect a “Bowl Eligible Finish,” but not a true bowl eligible team in Hartford. Coach Randy Edsall has built a prominent, nationally recognized program in a short tenure, making him one of the easiest candidates to put on the “One Spectacular Coach” list. However, the 2009 season has a lot of holes with no Donald Brown, who led the nation in rushing last year. Not much to say here, but look for Coach Edsall to be rumored for higher coaching positions SOON.
6. Lousiville: 4-8
Talk about a program that has fallen off the map faster than Eddie George could remain on ESPN’s Broadcast Team. This is an absolute make-or-break season for Head Coach Steve Kragthorpe (and I’m leaning toward break.) This team ended the ’08 season with a five-game losing streak; I expect this to be a continuing trend unless tailback Victor Anderson can carry the load. Enough said. This will be another catastrophic season.
7. Syracuse: 3-9
As much as I wanted to put the Cuse above Louisville with four or five wins, I just could not resist and here’s why: I expect this to be the last year you see the Orange at the bottom for a long time. Doug Marrone has a work ethic of Robert Deniro in Hollywood, and he will get this program back on track FAST. Nonetheless, he walks into a trainwreck. At least he has Greg Paulus to blame everything on for year one right? (Note: That really hurt me to say that, especially being a Duke Basketball fan.) (Frowning.) Get ready for the basketball season Carrier Dome.
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