2007 Big East Preview

Big East

Now, the first of the major conferences. You will notice an * by several teams, this denotes that I believe that particular team will make a bowl game in 2007. This may be the most competitive conference as far as the winner, the top 4 teams may only be separated by 2 games. Now, the time is right for the Big East teams to have a strong 2007-and gain a big win in a BCS Bowl, as West Virginia did in the 2006 Sugar Bowl over Georgia.

Who’s New:

Steve Kragthorpe-Louisville Cardinals
Brian Kelly-Cincinnati Bearcats

Who’s on the Hot Seat:

Dave Wannstedt-Pittsburgh Panthers
Randy Edsel-UConn Huskies
Greg Robinson-Syracuse Orange

8. Syracuse Orange. There might be good news for the Orange-the offense should move the chains. The bad news, they will still be the worst team in the Big East. The fall of this program amazes me, despite having a good AD, and a very good (RICH!) alumni, this program should be better. This team has increased win totals under Robinson in all of his years, but his might be the last. The only good thing-Place Kicker Patrick Shadle is back. That’s about it.

7. Connecticut Huskies. Randy Edsel may not be on the hot seat, but things are getting warm. Last season was an abysmal 4-8, and they did it with a young team. The youngsters should be more experienced, and they might get a bowl nod since they have an easy non conference schedule, but this team cannot compete with the top teams, so no bowl game. The Huskies get 14 starters back, and if they stay healthy, can be a team in 2008 that makes noise, but not in 2007

6. Pittsburgh Panthers. Here is the good news for Dave Wannstedt-15 starters are back. The bad news-replace Tyler Palko at QB. If they had a returning starter, Pitt may be in the fold for the Big East race. It will be a growing year, but if this team manages a 6-6 record, the likelihood of Wannstedt returning may be strong-but the last 3 games of the year are the top teams in the conference-Rutgers, S Florida and West Virginia.

5. Cincinnati Bearcats *. New head coach Brian Kelly inherits a very scrappy ball club. Gone is the ball control offense, replaced by the Spread, which means the Bearcats should be a bit more entertaining to watch. The Bearcats are helped by RB Greg Moore and WR Derrick Stewart to make the big plays. On defense, 8 starters return, as does the 4-3 the Bearcats have run the past few years. Brian Kelly has made every program he is at a winner, but to rise to the top of the Big East, he needs a few years.

4. Louisville Cardinals *. I am shocked as you are, but the Cards have a lot of work ahead of them in 2007. Steve Kragthorpe takes over for Bobby Petrino who has a lot of issues with the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL. On offense, the Cards have Brian Brohm, who is forecasted as the top pick of the 2008 NFL Draft back at QB-but no Michael Bush or Colby Smith at RB, but both starters at WR are back. On defense, the Cards must replace 7 departed starters-but as much talent as they have, it should work. Big road games include Kentucky, NC State, and big games in conference with Cincy, West Virginia and South Florida, mean that if the Cards win the conference-it would be a miracle.

3. South Florida Bulls *. Jim Leavitt has built this program from quite literally the ground up. He is the only coach the Bulls have known, and is truly the BMOC. He guided the Bulls to their first ever bowl win last year, and looks to make bigger strides in 2007. The Bulls have QB Matt Grothe back on offense, and as a freshman last year put up impressive numbers-and was the leading rusher, despite setting school records in completion percentage, and passing yards. But Grothe should get a break from being the leading ball carrier as Benjamin Williams is healthy this year. On defense, the Bulls 7 returning starters give them a solid nucleus of players who can contribute. The schedule is favorable-West Virginia and Louisville have to play the Bulls at home.

2. Rutgers Scarlet Knights *. Here is why Rutgers will be good once again-QB Mike Teel and RB Ray Rice are back on offense, and DT Eric Foster and LB Brandon Renkart are back on defense. With 13 starters back, the Scarlet Knights want to prove the 2006 season was no fluke-and they will. Only Louisville will be the lone road challenge in the conference, as the other big shots have to come to Rutgers. The Knights have the talent, and still might pull off a conference title, and make Greg Schiano a giant in the college game.

1. West Virginia Mountaineers *. The Mountaineers have what every team wishes-a crushing RB, a dual threat at QB, and a defense that stuffs the competition. Head coach Rich Rodriguez has brought to Huntington what legendary coach Don Nehlen couldn’t-consistency. If they stay healthy, QB Pat White and Steve Slaton will be up for the Heisman, and the Mountaineers will play a big part in the Big East, but also the national title. One way or another-the Mountaineers will be in New Orleans.