Probably the biggest storyline this year from the Big East is the amount of superstars. Brian Brohm, Matt Grothe, Steve Slaton, Pat White, and Ray Rice are in for some huge seasons. But overall, the conference still doesn’t get a whole lot of respect. Will the Big East show that they are for real, top-to-bottom?
5 Burning Big East Questions:
1. Who’s the conference’s biggest superstar?
The Answer: Steve Slaton.
Analysis: Even though Pat White may mean more to the team as a whole, Slaton is probably the most widely recognized athlete. His blend of power and speed make him, maybe outside of Darren McFadden (and it’s really, really close), the best running RB in the nation. You could make a case for the future top 3 pick, Brian Brohm, as well. Matt Grothe is, to borrow a line from Sunday Morning QB, a “Youtube legend.” So, it’s a tough debate, but that honor should go to Slaton.
2. Can Pittsburgh bounce back?
The Answer: Yes.
Analysis: Of course they can, but will they? The recent injury to number one WR, Derek Kinder, hurts, but they also have Oderick Turner who is a budding superstar that seems ready to absolutely break out this year. In the backfield, LaRod Stephens-Howling is a good runner who should see more touches coming his way with the loss of QB Tyler Palko. The defense gets 6 guys back and they were very poor last season. All three of their LBs are gone. It’ll be a tough year on defense, but there is certainly a possibility for them to return to the postseason for the first time under Wannstedts’ reign.
3. What about Rutgers? Will they compete for the Big East title?
The Answer: No.
Analysis: Rutgers was a good team last year, no question, but can the momentum continue? With the Big East catching up to speed and becoming a legit player, I’m not sure if Rutgers can do as well as last season. Expect the Scarlet Knights to lose once more than they did a season ago, mainly because of Louisville and West Virginia being without-a-doubt-elite material.
4. What about South Florida? Will they compete for the Big East title?
Answer: No.
Analysis: See Question #3.
5. Why is West Virginia going to get better defensively?
Answer: Scheme changes, returning starters, and transfers.
Analysis: Coach Rodriguez has done some tinkering around with the defensive unit. He’s changing the scheme a little bit, but will keep the 3-3-5 defense in tact. Eight guys will be coming back and Ryan Mundy, a S transfer from Michigan, should provide instant help for the nation’s 109th ranked pass defense.
BTB All-Big East Team:
QB: Pat White (West Virginia)
RB: Ray Rice (Rutgers)
RB: Steve Slaton (West Virginia)
WR: Harry Douglass (Louisville)
WR: Taj Smith (Syracuse)
TE: Gary Barnidge (Louisville)
OT: Pedro Sosa (Rutgers)
OG: C.J. Davis (Pitt)
C: Eric Wood (Louisville)
OG: Greg Isdaner (West Virginia)
OT: Jeremy Zuttah (Rutgers)
DE: Joe Clermond (Pitt)
DT: Eric Foster (Rutgers)
DT: Kellen Dykes (West Virginia)
DE: Jameel McClain (Syracuse)
LB: Ben Moffitt (USF)
LB: Malik Jackson (Louisville)
LB: Danny Lansanah (UConn)
CB: Trae Williams (USF)
S: Courtney Green (Rutgers)
S: Eric Wicks (West Virginia)
CB: Mike Mickens (Cincinnati)
K: Art Carmody (Louisville)
P: Pat MacAfee (West Virginia)
5 Potential Statement Games (in no particular order):
1. Oct. 13, UConn @ Virginia
UConn will be looking to rebuild somewhat this year even though they could get to a bowl game. The Cavaliers will no doubt be improved from last season’s mediocre 5-7 campaign. There’s always that ACC/Big East comparison because of the “raid” and these two conferences will always be under the microscope when they get on the field. This could go for some big bragging rights if a “lower-tier” Big East team took out a middle-of-the-road ACC school. Watch out for Donald Brown folks! If you haven’t heard of him, keep a lookout for him this year.
2. Sept. 15, Pitt @ Michigan State
In 2006, the Spartans whipped up on Pitt, 38-23. The Spartans will more than likely be 2-0 coming into this game as will Pittsburgh. The Panthers have had a turbulent go-at-it so far with the loss of WR Derek Kinder, Pat Bostick’s sudden leaving and sudden arrival, and ending the 2006 season as cold as a team can be. This will be huge for both teams because they both seem to have that fragile psyche where if they lose one game, they’re in for a downward spiral. The winner is three wins away from a bowl game.
3. Sept. 29, Maryland @ Rutgers
Even though Rutgers had a magical season in 2006, the fact remains, they didn’t beat anyone of note in their non-conference schedule. Over the last two years, their biggest non-conference win has been against mediocre Kansas State in the Texas Bowl. So now, this is their first opportunity on a joke of an out-of-conference schedule (Buffalo, Army, and Norfolk State included). Also, there are those ACC/Big East undertones mentioned earlier.
4. Sept. 6, Oregon State @ Cincinnati
This is a nationally televised event, Thursday night on ESPN. Can you imagine how far this would go for respect concerning the Big East? Cincy has the potential to surprise people considering how vastly underrated they actually are. Oregon State on the other hand is usually predicted around third in the Pac-10, they’re getting a whole lot of love. Brian Kelly should be itching to win a big statement game for his program and this seems to fit the bill.
5. Sept. 8, USF @ Auburn
Man, can you guys wait for this game? USF is, no doubt, headed in the right direction. But, like Rutgers, they can’t distance themselves from that label of, “who have you defeated out of conference?” This could be the game to do just that. Auburn, let’s keep in mind, is the only team last season to defeat two BCS teams (Florida, LSU). USF will be heading into The Jungle and Matt Grothe’s two-dimension style of play has the potential to give Auburn fits. This should turn out to be a great game.
Take These to the Bank (at your own risk!):
1. UConn will be in a bowl game, but they’ll have two conference wins to show for it.
Expect the Huskies to lose a tight one to Virginia, but their OOC (out of conference) schedule is so darn easy. Connecticut gets to take on Duke, Maine, Temple, and Akron. They should win those games. Although let’s not forget that they are capable of upsetting some teams. The game against USF should be a close one because the Bulls have to go into Storrs. They did get the QB situation straightened out with Tyler Lorenzen being the top guy. Danny Lansanah leads the way for an improved defense.
2. South Florida will not do as well as many are predicting.
USF, let’s not forget, was a point away from losing to Florida International, a touchdown from losing to UCF, and they did lose to Kansas. Even though they stunned West Virginia, let’s be a little bit cautious as to which bandwagon we hop upon. USF will get much better down the road and they could potentially hold their own against the “Big 3”, but not right now.
3. Cincinnati will be the “surprise” team of the Big East.
Will they win five games in conference play? Probably not. There’s a good shot that they finish 4-3 just like last year. But make that a very underrated 4-3. The Bearcats’ new head coach, Brian Kelly, will make the offense fly and the defense should remain pretty tough. Just because Dantonio left doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten how to hit hard and play smart which is what they did in 2006. The Big East is much better than many think, so 4-3 won’t be as bad as it is to the naked eye.
4. The loss of Bobby Petrino will hurt more than some realize.
Petrino was an offensive genius and the same can’t necessarily be said about Steve Kragthorpe. Don’t get me wrong, Krags is a good head coach, but he’s not a mad scientist when it comes to devising plays. Even with this said, the Cardinals should continue to move the football because of future-NFL QB, Brian Brohm. He’s equipped with all kinds of weapons in Harry Douglass, Mario Urrutia, Gary Barnidge, Sergio Spencer, and Anthony Allen. The defense is also a little bit underrated although their pass defense can improve. Malik Jackson and Lamar Myles make a devastating LB duo.
5. West Virginia will win the conference.
Who are we kidding? Pat White. Steve Slaton. Noel Devine. Darius Reynaud. Owen Schmitt. Eight guys on defense including Eric Wicks and Kellen Dykes. The infusion of the transfers should help the defense out and if coach Rod and the coaching staff can get the defensive mediocrity fixed, the Mountaineers should be playing for the national title.
Projected Big East Standings (including tiebreakers):
1. West Virginia (7-0)
2. Louisville (5-2)
3. Rutgers (4-3)
3. Cincinnati (4-3)
3. South Florida (4-3)
6. UConn (2-5)
7. Pitt (2-5)
8. Syracuse (0-7)
Eric also writes for the blog, Saturday Sound Offs.
