Big East ConferenceWest Virginia
2007 record 11-2 (Defeated Oklahoma 48-28 in the Fiesta Bowl)
Had West Virginia defeated hated rival Pittsburgh in the season finale, the Mountaineers would have played in the BCS Championship Game.
Things To Like About West Virginia:
Pat White: He’s the greatest Mountaineer to wear the WV on the side of his helmet. A great player who will have a great season and be in the thick of the Heisman race.
Offensive Line: 5 starters return and will be one of the best O-Lines in the country.
Things Not To Like About West Virginia:
Defense: Only 4 starters return from 2007 so it’s a rebuilding year in Morgantown. It may put pressure on the offense to out score opponents.
Take Me Home Country Roads: Bill Stewart takes the reigns at West Virginia and he wants to prove that the win over Oklahoma wasn’t a one hit wonder. Stewart has pressure to keep the momentum going as West Virginia that has been on the brink of a national title the last few years. There is still lots of talent for the Mountaineers and the recruiting class remained intact. West Virginia should win the Big East title.
South Florida Bulls
2007 record 9-4 (Lost to Oregon 56-21 in the Sun Bowl)
At mid-season, South Florida was the #2 team in the country but the Bulls had peaked too soon and lost 3 straight. It was still a milestone year for the Bulls.
Things To Like About South Florida:
Matt Grothe: He is a dynamic talent who lead the Bulls in rushing last year. If it wasn’t for Tim Tebow playing in the same state, Grothe would get more attention as a dual threat. Grothe has become the identity of the South Florida football program.
Defensive Line: They are underappreciated and have been the cornerstone of the rise of the Bulls program. Quarterbacks beware with All-American George Selvie coming off the end. Selvie is a great talent.
Things Not To Like About South Florida:
Secondary: Big losses at cornerback where Mike Jenkins and Trea Williams have moved on. They could cover any one and that aspect will be missed.
Find a running back: Matt Grothe can’t keep leading the team in rushing or he might end up in the hospital. Mike Ford emerged at the end of the season and will need to shoulder the rushing load.
Know Bull: One thing about South Florida, their defense will be fast and fundamentally sound. USF will challenge for the Big East title but to win it, they will have to beat West Virginia in Morgantown on December 6th. A Florida team playing up north in December is never a good thing. A BCS bowl is possible for the Bulls.
Pittsburgh Panthers
2007 record 5-7
Pitt’s win over West Virginia at the end of the 2007 season provided to perfect momentum heading into 2008.
Things To Like About Pitt:
Running game: LaSean McCoy and LaRod Stephens – Howling are La Good. They provide a nice 1-2 punch for the Panthers.
Defensive Line: Active group that will create havoc in the opponents backfield. Might become the best in the Big East
Things Not To Like About Pitt:
Offensive Line: Pitt lost its starting offensive tackles from 2007. This group must develop to protect the quarterback and open holes for Pitt’s talented running backs.
Quarterback: Pitt must decide on 3 QB’s, Bill Stull, Pat Bostick or JUCO transfer Greg Cross. That decision will determine what kind of season Pitt will have.
Pitt Stop: It’s up to the offense as to if Pitt turns the corner this year. The defense is damn good. Dave Wannstedt has had 2 great recruiting classes and has Pitt poised to becoming the class of the Big East.
Cincinnati Bearcats
2007 record 10-3 (Defeated Southern Miss 31-21 in the Papa John’s.com Bowl)
First 10 win season for Cincinnati since 1951.
Things To Like About Cincinnati:
Shutdown corners on defense: Cornerbacks Mike Mickens and DeAngelo Smith are that good. This pair can be left on an island in one-on-one coverage while the rest of the Cincinnati defense pressures the QB. Mickens and Smith combined for 14 interceptions last year.
Marcus Bennett: The type of stretch the field wide receiver that can bring the opposition to its knees.
Things Not To Like About Cincinnati:
Quarterbacks: Ben Mauk lost his appeal on a 6th year from the NCAA but received a temporary injunction from an Ohio judge. Mauk could suit up and practice with the Bearcats while his lawsuit is being heard but should he lose in court, in might cost Cincinnati the season and revenue. Therefore UC will have to rely on inexperience QB’s. One is Demetrius Jones who started in the season opener last year for Notre Dame against Georgia Tech, then transferred to Cincinnati.
Running Backs: Cincinnati did not have much of a ground attack last season. The backs they had last year are gone. Junior Jacob Ramsey will have the pressure to produce out of the backfield.
It Ain’t the Bengals, It’s the Bearcats: Brian Kelly is a winner and he’s working his magic in the Queen City. Cincinnati might take some steps back this year with the uncertainty of the offense but in the big picture, Coach Kelly has this program moving forward.
Louisville Cardinals
2007 record 6-6
Louisville thought the had the horses for a national title but then lost to Kentucky then SYRACUSE in September of 07 killing any hopes. Then the Cardinals flew in the wrong direction and didn’t go bowling.
Things To Like About Louisville:
Offense: Hunter Cantwell takes over at quarterback for the departed Brian Broh
m and the production won’t fall off that much. He’s got some receivers to throw to, in particular Scott Long. Brock Bolen and Bilal Powell will handle things running the ball. The offense should be fine.
Schedule: It sets up perfect for a program looking to bounce back. The Cardinals only have 4 games on the road this season and 2 are at Memphis and at Syracuse. There are some tough road games but Louisville should thank their schedule maker for a job well done.
Things Not To Like About Louisville:
Defense: To quote Bill Walton, they were horrible. Louisville ranked near the bottom of every defensive category last season. After that performance the defensive coaching staff was shown the door. Enter new defensive coordinator Ron English who built defenses at Michigan. English has his work cut out for him with this unit.
Redbird Report: Steve Kragthrope had a miserable debut season at Louisville. His honeymoon ended when Louisville lost to Syracuse in September. If the defense stops somebody, Louisville might win some games and go to a good bowl. It will be a tough year but not an embarrassment this year.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
2007 8-5 (Defeated Ball State 52-30 in the International Bowl)
Things To Like About Rutgers:
Defense Attack!!!: Rutgers’ defense could be downright scary this season. They might be young up front but they will attack and attack and attack and will be creating chaos in the opposition’s backfield.
Great defensive backfield: Last season the Scarlet Knights were the nation’s 5th best pass defense and were lead by the McCourty twins, Jason and Devin, who are great playing the corner. The star of the Rutgers “D” is safety Courtney Green, who led Rutgers with 101 tackles last season. He can intimidate receivers, cover the pass, fill lanes and deliver the wood on run defense. Green could have gone to the NFL but instead returned to New Jersey to scare the hell out of the Big East.
Things Not To Like About Rutgers:
Who can replace Ray Rice: Rutgers can’t, Rice carried the offense last year. Not QB Mike Teel will be asked to serve that role. Kordell Young will be carrying the rock out of the backfield for the Scarlet Knights.
Offensive Line: Rutgers lost 3 starters from the O-line.
Knight Side: Greg Schiano has raised expectations at Rutgers that an 8 win season is considered a disappointment. Rutgers might not flirt with a BCS bowl this year but look out on down the line. Remember, Coach Schiano is stockpiling talent in New Jersey plus, he won’t let this team take steps back, or you’re going for a ride.
Connecticut Huskies
2007 record 9-4 (Lost to Wake Forest 24-10 in the Meineke Car Care Bowl)
Things To Like About Connecticut:
Great Running Backs: Andre Dixon and Donald Brown are the best running back duo in the Big East. Last year each gained over 800 yards and should improve on those numbers this year.
A Husky Defense: They are fundamentally sound. Head Coach Randy Edsell is obsessed with making his defense faster. Some moves this year may have accomplished that.
Things Not To Like About Connecticut:
Offensive Firepower: Can the offense make a big play when needed. Connecticut’s receivers are just OK and has no one that can stretch the defense. Thus UConn might be facing a lot of 8 man fronts.
Huskie Hotline: The Defense looks solid and can make plays. While the offense has a great running game, unless Tyler Lorenzen and his receiving corps can hook up on some big plays, Dixon and Brown might be running into walls. Getting to a bowl game will be a great accomplishment this year at UConn.
Syracuse Orange
2007 record 2-10
Things To Like About Syracuse:
Running Backs: If Curtis Brinkley and Delonte Carter can stay off of crutches and stay on their 2 legs this year, then the Orange have a pair of backs that will elevate the offense. Brinkley and Carter must carry the ‘Cuse offense.
Things Not To Like About Syracuse:
In the trenches: The offensive line lacks talent and depth and so does the defensive line.
Losing Mike Williams: He was a stud receiver but he didn’t go to class which is a requirement in school so his tardiness has cost the team his talents. The Orange receiver corps will struggle plus loses a big weapon.
Orange Crushed: It will be a long year again at Syracuse. Greg Robinson might want to update his resume.
Take Me Home Country Roads: Bill Stewart takes the reigns at West Virginia and he wants to prove that the win over Oklahoma wasn’t a one hit wonder. Stewart has pressure to keep the momentum going as West Virginia that has been on the brink of a national title the last few years. There is still lots of talent for the Mountaineers and the recruiting class remained intact. West Virginia should win the Big East title.
South Florida Bulls
2007 record 9-4 (Lost to Oregon 56-21 in the Sun Bowl)
At mid-season, South Florida was the #2 team in the country but the Bulls had peaked too soon and lost 3 straight. It was still a milestone year for the Bulls.
Things To Like About South Florida:
Matt Grothe: He is a dynamic talent who lead the Bulls in rushing last year. If it wasn’t for Tim Tebow playing in the same state, Grothe would get more attention as a dual threat. Grothe has become the identity of the South Florida football program.
Defensive Line: They are underappreciated and have been the cornerstone of the rise of the Bulls program. Quarterbacks beware with All-American George Selvie coming off the end. Selvie is a great talent.
Things Not To Like About South Florida:
Secondary: Big losses at cornerback where Mike Jenkins and Trea Williams have moved on. They could cover any one and that aspect will be missed.
Find a running back: Matt Grothe can’t keep leading the team in rushing or he might end up in the hospital. Mike Ford emerged at the end of the season and will need to shoulder the rushing load.
Know Bull: One thing about South Florida, their defense will be fast and fundamentally sound. USF will challenge for the Big East title but to win it, they will have to beat West Virginia in Morgantown on December 6th. A Florida team playing up north in December is never a good thing. A BCS bowl is possible for the Bulls.
Pittsburgh Panthers
2007 record 5-7
Pitt’s win over West Virginia at the end of the 2007 season provided to perfect momentum heading into 2008.
Things To Like About Pitt:
Running game: LaSean McCoy and LaRod Stephens – Howling are La Good. They provide a nice 1-2 punch for the Panthers.
Defensive Line: Active group that will create havoc in the opponents backfield. Might become the best in the Big East
Things Not To Like About Pitt:
Offensive Line: Pitt lost its starting offensive tackles from 2007. This group must develop to protect the quarterback and open holes for Pitt’s talented running backs.
Quarterback: Pitt must decide on 3 QB’s, Bill Stull, Pat Bostick or JUCO transfer Greg Cross. That decision will determine what kind of season Pitt will have.
Pitt Stop: It’s up to the offense as to if Pitt turns the corner this year. The defense is damn good. Dave Wannstedt has had 2 great recruiting classes and has Pitt poised to becoming the class of the Big East.
Cincinnati Bearcats
2007 record 10-3 (Defeated Southern Miss 31-21 in the Papa John’s.com Bowl)
First 10 win season for Cincinnati since 1951.
Things To Like About Cincinnati:
Shutdown corners on defense: Cornerbacks Mike Mickens and DeAngelo Smith are that good. This pair can be left on an island in one-on-one coverage while the rest of the Cincinnati defense pressures the QB. Mickens and Smith combined for 14 interceptions last year.
Marcus Bennett: The type of stretch the field wide receiver that can bring the opposition to its knees.
Things Not To Like About Cincinnati:
Quarterbacks: Ben Mauk lost his appeal on a 6th year from the NCAA but received a temporary injunction from an Ohio judge. Mauk could suit up and practice with the Bearcats while his lawsuit is being heard but should he lose in court, in might cost Cincinnati the season and revenue. Therefore UC will have to rely on inexperience QB’s. One is Demetrius Jones who started in the season opener last year for Notre Dame against Georgia Tech, then transferred to Cincinnati.
Running Backs: Cincinnati did not have much of a ground attack last season. The backs they had last year are gone. Junior Jacob Ramsey will have the pressure to produce out of the backfield.
It Ain’t the Bengals, It’s the Bearcats: Brian Kelly is a winner and he’s working his magic in the Queen City. Cincinnati might take some steps back this year with the uncertainty of the offense but in the big picture, Coach Kelly has this program moving forward.
Louisville Cardinals
2007 record 6-6
Louisville thought the had the horses for a national title but then lost to Kentucky then SYRACUSE in September of 07 killing any hopes. Then the Cardinals flew in the wrong direction and didn’t go bowling.
Things To Like About Louisville:
Offense: Hunter Cantwell takes over at quarterback for the departed Brian Broh
m and the production won’t fall off that much. He’s got some receivers to throw to, in particular Scott Long. Brock Bolen and Bilal Powell will handle things running the ball. The offense should be fine.Schedule: It sets up perfect for a program looking to bounce back. The Cardinals only have 4 games on the road this season and 2 are at Memphis and at Syracuse. There are some tough road games but Louisville should thank their schedule maker for a job well done.
Things Not To Like About Louisville:
Defense: To quote Bill Walton, they were horrible. Louisville ranked near the bottom of every defensive category last season. After that performance the defensive coaching staff was shown the door. Enter new defensive coordinator Ron English who built defenses at Michigan. English has his work cut out for him with this unit.
Redbird Report: Steve Kragthrope had a miserable debut season at Louisville. His honeymoon ended when Louisville lost to Syracuse in September. If the defense stops somebody, Louisville might win some games and go to a good bowl. It will be a tough year but not an embarrassment this year.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
2007 8-5 (Defeated Ball State 52-30 in the International Bowl)
Things To Like About Rutgers:
Defense Attack!!!: Rutgers’ defense could be downright scary this season. They might be young up front but they will attack and attack and attack and will be creating chaos in the opposition’s backfield.
Great defensive backfield: Last season the Scarlet Knights were the nation’s 5th best pass defense and were lead by the McCourty twins, Jason and Devin, who are great playing the corner. The star of the Rutgers “D” is safety Courtney Green, who led Rutgers with 101 tackles last season. He can intimidate receivers, cover the pass, fill lanes and deliver the wood on run defense. Green could have gone to the NFL but instead returned to New Jersey to scare the hell out of the Big East.
Things Not To Like About Rutgers:
Who can replace Ray Rice: Rutgers can’t, Rice carried the offense last year. Not QB Mike Teel will be asked to serve that role. Kordell Young will be carrying the rock out of the backfield for the Scarlet Knights.
Offensive Line: Rutgers lost 3 starters from the O-line.
Knight Side: Greg Schiano has raised expectations at Rutgers that an 8 win season is considered a disappointment. Rutgers might not flirt with a BCS bowl this year but look out on down the line. Remember, Coach Schiano is stockpiling talent in New Jersey plus, he won’t let this team take steps back, or you’re going for a ride.
Connecticut Huskies
2007 record 9-4 (Lost to Wake Forest 24-10 in the Meineke Car Care Bowl)
Things To Like About Connecticut:
Great Running Backs: Andre Dixon and Donald Brown are the best running back duo in the Big East. Last year each gained over 800 yards and should improve on those numbers this year.
A Husky Defense: They are fundamentally sound. Head Coach Randy Edsell is obsessed with making his defense faster. Some moves this year may have accomplished that.
Things Not To Like About Connecticut:
Offensive Firepower: Can the offense make a big play when needed. Connecticut’s receivers are just OK and has no one that can stretch the defense. Thus UConn might be facing a lot of 8 man fronts.
Huskie Hotline: The Defense looks solid and can make plays. While the offense has a great running game, unless Tyler Lorenzen and his receiving corps can hook up on some big plays, Dixon and Brown might be running into walls. Getting to a bowl game will be a great accomplishment this year at UConn.
Syracuse Orange
2007 record 2-10
Things To Like About Syracuse:
Running Backs: If Curtis Brinkley and Delonte Carter can stay off of crutches and stay on their 2 legs this year, then the Orange have a pair of backs that will elevate the offense. Brinkley and Carter must carry the ‘Cuse offense.
Things Not To Like About Syracuse:
In the trenches: The offensive line lacks talent and depth and so does the defensive line.
Losing Mike Williams: He was a stud receiver but he didn’t go to class which is a requirement in school so his tardiness has cost the team his talents. The Orange receiver corps will struggle plus loses a big weapon.
Orange Crushed: It will be a long year again at Syracuse. Greg Robinson might want to update his resume.
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