2008 Big East Football Preview

Rich Rodriguez may not be the most popular man in Morgantown these days, but there's no denying what Rodriguez accomplished there: Specifically, he turned the program into a powerhouse. The only question now is whether new coach Bill Stewart can maintain what Rodriguez built. This season, at least, he's got a great shot. West Virginia returns both quarterback Pat White and tailback Noel Devine, so there's no question these guys are going to score. The defense is a question mark, but at least middle linebacker Reed Williams (107 tackles last season) returns. If the 'Eers can survive non-conference tests against Colorado and Auburn, they may well make another run at the national title. A BCS berth, at least, seems certain.

Prediction: 10-2

Led by versatile quarterback Matt Grothe (2,670 passing yards, 872 rushing yards in 2007), South Florida is the only Big East team with enough talent to challenge West Virginia. The roster is full of Florida kids, so if you believe in "Southern speed," the Bulls have it (even 220-pound tailback Mike Ford can fly). The only question is whether they're disciplined enough to avoid letdowns (the Bulls turned it over eight times in a loss to Cincinnati last year). Even Grothe was maddeningly inconsistent, throwing as many picks (14) as touchdowns. The defense, led by All-American end George Selvie, should keep South Florida in every game they play. If Grothe and the offense can hold onto the ball, this team could win 10 games.

Prediction: 9-3

In his first year as coach of the Cincinnati Bearcats, Brian Kelly made a real statement in southern Ohio: He won ten games and saw his team end the season ranked in the Top 20. Can he do it again? It's not impossible. Though the Bearcats will certainly miss quarterback Ben Mauk, there is talent most everywhere else. The receivers (especially Dominick Goodman and Marcus Burnett) are the best in the conference and the defense has all-Big East talent along the line (Terrill Byrd), at linebacker (Corey Smith) and defensive back (Mike Mickens, DeAngelo Smith). Will this team win 10 games again in 2008? That might be a stretch. But 8 or 9 are certainly within reach.

Prediction: 8-4

Given the praise heaped on Rutgers coach Greg Schiano of late, it's easy to forget 2007 was hardly a banner year for the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers finished 3-4 in the Big East and 8-5 overall, wrapping up the campaign with a win over Ball State in the International Bowl -- hardly their desired destination. This year should be better, though it may be a bit much to expect this team to land back in the Top 20. Quarterback Mike Teel (3,147 yards, 20 touchdowns in 2007) is a good one, and he has a great crew of wideouts, led by Kenny Britt and Tiquan Underwood, to throw to. The defense is strong on both the line and in the defensive backfield. Even still, the Knights aren't on West Virginia's level. Not this year, at least.

Prediction: 8-4

Randy Edsall has actually turned UConn into a legitimate Big East contender. This is a team that finished 5-2 in the conference in 2007 and shared the league championship with West Virginia, though nobody seems to remember that. Given the fact that this team returns 16 starters for 2008, one has to give Edsall at least some chance of doing it again (though it must also be pointed out that the Huskies were one blown call from losing to Temple last year). The offense boasts talented quarterback Tyler Lorenzen (2,367 passing yards, 13 touchdowns in 2007) and tailback Donald Brown (821 yards, 15 touchdowns), while the somewhat inexperienced defense is anchored by defensive ends Cody Brown and Julius Williams.

Prediction: 7-5

Pitt continues to ride a wave of good publicity following its season-ending upset of West Virginia last year. In fact, some experts have the Panthers pegged as a Top 25 team. Certainly, this squad should be better than it was in 2007 (they finished 5-7), and the offense is a big reason why. Tailback Lesean McCoy (1,328 yards, 14 touchdowns in 2007) is one of the nation's best and the return of talented wideout Derek Kinder, who missed all of 2007 due to injury, is a huge lift. The defense, led by All-American middle linebacker Scott McKillop, is good enough to rank in the Top 10 nationally. Then again, coach Dave Wannstedt has had good talent ever since he arrived at Pitt. He just hasn't won much yet.

Prediction: 7-5

Can a second-year coach really be on the hot seat? The answer, at least in Louisville, is a resounding "Yes." Steve Kragthorpe didn't endear himself to Cards fans in 2007, leading his team to a disappointing 6-6 season that included a stunning upset loss to lowly Syracuse. Louisville also missed out on a bowl bid. Things don't figure to improve in 2008. Quarterback Hunter Cantwell should be OK, though he doesn't have any proven wideouts to throw to. The defense, meanwhile, is mess: There are holes pretty much everywhere. Kragthorpe has a major rebuilding job on his hands here.

Prediction: 5-7

Somehow, someway, Greg Robinson has coached Syracuse right into the Big East basement. That's where they're likely to stay. The Orange were 2-10 last year and show few signs of improvement. Recruiting has been slow (one has to wonder how many players who once would have chosen 'Cuse are now heading to UConn or Rutgers), so it's not like a crop of talented freshman are going to bail Robinson out. It will be the same guys who couldn't win last year. Quarterback Andrew Robinson is actually pretty good, but he has no receivers, questionable running backs and a ragtag offensive line. The defense is good enough to keep some games close. Just not enough of them to get this team to .500, much less a bowl game.

Prediction: 3-9