
South Florida QB Matt Grothe.
After banging relentlessly on the Big East, I have to admit that this year’s crop looks promising if not yet ready for Prime Time again…
Can Rutgers wiggle into the BCS conversation along with WVU and USF???
How will WVU respond without Dick Rod???
by Mike Zimmer, Bull
I drank the Kool Aid last season on South Florida. I liked their team. Tough defense, exciting and speedy special teams and an offense that grinds it out with a tough QB. I drank mostly out of my loathing of WVU too and the need for the Big (L)East to exit the national title talk.
It was clear that WVU was talented and perhaps far and away the best team in that conference last season. USF stole their thunder and for a time after they beat the Mountaineers looked like they could be a serious Cinderella to the National Title. Thus, I sipped of the Surfin’ Berry Punch and the Kool Aid Man appeared by breaking down my living room wall. And then said, “OH NOOOOO!!!!” as USF lost to Rutgers, Cincinnati and UConn in a 3-game slide.
Heading into this year, I will not have to patch up that big hole in my living room, for one I moved and the other is that he’s not coming this year. I think the Big East will be wide open and competitive with Louisville rebounding some, Pitt improved and Cincinnati the wild card that could gunk up the works for everybody. Rutgers may have their best overall team in Schiano’s tenure in New Jersey too. But, this is still about USF and WVU and they won’t play until the final week of the regular season.
1. South Florida Bulls
Location: Tampa, FLA
Head Coach: Jim Leavitt (12th yr.)
Last Season: (9-4, 4-3 Lost to Oregon on the Sun Bowl)
Once again I stand ready to drink the Slammin’ Kiwi-Strawberry punch. But, alas, I won’t. South Florida however is still going to be there knocking on the door this year as a possible national contender. They’ll get their shot too if they can manage a schedule that does include Kansas and playing on the road at Big East Contenders (WVU, UC and L’Ville). If they can pull that all off and avoid the let down game too, they’ll be ranked high and a plausable candidate come BCS time. However, that may be a tall order. Not so tall that they win the Big East, but do it in a fashion that has them talking big time just yet.
The Skinny/Players to watch:
I keep hearing QB Matt Grothe called “the poor man’s Tim Tebow”. It’s a fair description of USF’s top rusher and signal caller. He runs the Bulls grind it out version of the spread and most often takes the game upon himself offensively. That’s good when he’s running because he’s an effective and elusive bull dozer in that department. It however spelled disaster in the passing game and he had 14INT’s to 14TD’s. He needs to improve and use the weapons he has better. That may include his 2-straight seasons of being the Bulls leading rusher end with Soph. Mike Ford carrying the rock more. The real strength of South Florida lies in their tough defense and special teams. HC Jim Leavitt takes pride in these units and they keep USF as a dark horse challenger. With all the Florida speed and skill they are able to garner, would you expect any less? They do have to replace both starting CB’s from a defense that ranked 28th Nationally last year, but most indicators say they’ll be just fine on that side of the ball once again.
Key Games:
Sept. 12th vs. Kansas
Oct. 30th at Cincinnati
Nov. 15th vs. Rutgers
Dec. 6th at West Virginia
Other than Kansas, the non-conference schedule includes light weight material in a Div I-A school, UCF, Florida Int’l and N.C.State. So, that game against a good Big XII team at home is critical. If they can winn that and stay true to last year’s form they could be (8-0) heading into a pay-back game against Cincinnati who beat them at home last year 38-33. They also owe Rutgers back for an upset on the road. And if i’m correct that WVU slips up, this could be the deciding game in the Big East title. That is all a lead up to what I think could be the defacto Big east Title Game in Morgantown against the Mountaineers.

West Virginia QB Pat White.
2. West Virginia Mountaineers
Location: Morgantown, West By God
Head Coach: Bill Stewart (1st yr.)
Last Season: (11-2, 5-2 Beat Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl)
No more Steve Slaton. No more Owen Schmitt. And, of course, no more Dick Rod…er…Rich Rodriguez. However, it’s not like Tricky Dick left the cupboard bare in Morgantown. Whether or not Hillybilly Bill Stewart and his quesitonable prior race insensitivity can harness what is left is a big question though. He’s never been a HC before at this level and he was an emotional hire after he helped lead the Mountaineers to their bowl victory when Dick Rod bolted for Ann Arbor (Who is a whore you know). Pat White, Noel Devine and many other pieces and parts that made WVU a national power are still there and this will be their swan song season for a program that may suffer in years to come in the wake of Dick Rod’s departure.
The Skinny/Players to watch:
Nevermind that the Mountaineers were 114th passing the football nationally last season. They had the 3rd most yards on the ground and it comes from their spread offense lead by Pat White. And that included almost 300-yards of running the ball per game last season. All that the QB did last season was run for 1,423-yards and pass for 1,724-yards. For all the knocking against their passing game, White had a 14-4 TD/Int ratio and was high percentage all season with one exception–that being the USF game. Though they’ve lost Steve Slaton to the NFL, Noel Devine is a super Soph in wait and had 660-yards on his own last year and has blazing speed. Defensively, it’s not so simple. A group that was 7th nationally a season ago returns only 4-starters. Luckily for them it’s the heart of the defense in a pair of talented LB’s. The Mountaineers won’t have the same swagger as they had the last two seasons, but they may be able to outscore teams like they used to and be just as effective.
Key Games:
Sept. 6th at East Carolina
Sept. 18th at Colorado
Nov. 22nd at Louisville
Nov. 29th at Pittsburgh
Dec. 6th vs. South Florida
Normally I would say nevermind that 4 of the 5 games I have listed are on the road. The Mountaineers are typically pretty good on the road. However, these are all interesting match-ups. They beat down East Carolina last season, but it’s an early test for them. As is a game they should win at Colorado. But they better not sleep on those games. The trio of games to close the year are the real interesting ones. They lost at Louisville a few years ago and the games have been tight between them and the Cards. They will have revenge on their minds at Pittsburgh a week later though, another reaon not to sleep on Louisville. And, if they can get out of those games clean, they’ll more than likely be playing for the Big East title at home vs. South Florida to close the year.
3. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Location: New Brunswick, NJ
Head Coach: Greg Schiano (8th yr.)
Last Season: (8-5, 3-4 Beat Ball State in International Bowl)
I really want to think that Rutgers can compete for the Big (L)East title for some reason. However, I think they’re still a step below USF and WVU and have too much to replace after graduation took some key parts to their team. On the upside, they have a proven and now healthy QB in Mike Teel and a solid defense that returns 8 starters after finishing 17th in the country in total defense. They are also going to get their fill of challenges with a tough schedule and figuring out who will fill the shoes of the departed Ray Rice as well as 3-offensive linemen.
The Skinny/Players to watch:
With all-time Rutgers rusher Ray Rice gone, the Scarlet Knights must repace 2,000-yards of running game from a year ago. However, the Rutgers passing game may finally be able to blossom into the force this year with a Sr. QB in Mike Teel and three talented WR’s. Sr. Kenny Britt and Jr. Tiquan Underwood have speed, size and big play ability. Add in speedy litle guy Tim Brown and the passing game will be the best of the conference. They will need to find the runner to replace Rice, but they can rely more heavily on the passing game now. Defensively they’re intact so, they won’t have to panic that’s for sure.
Key Games:
Sept. 1st vs. Fresno State
Oct. 4th at West Virginia
Oct. 11th at Cincinnati
Nov. 15th at South Florida
The Scarlet Knights will get tested right out of the gate with BCS and WAC hopefull Fresno State who is tough. They should win, but, it will be a test. A week later they also play an improve North Carolina team. But, it’s the Big East games on the road that will matter most to Rutgers. Starting League play in Morgantown is a huge mountain to climb. They will then need to avenge a loss to UC the very next week on the road. Late in the year, if they are still in the hunt the Big East could be won or lost when they pay a visit to Tampa to play USF.
4. Cincinnati Bearcats
Head Coach: Brian Kelly (2nd yr.)
Last Season: (10-3, 4-3 beat Southern Miss in Papa Johns Bowl)
There are some questions about UC for sure. Like who is going to play QB and who is the solid starter at RB. Defensively they have some holes to fill too including at DE and in the Secondary. However, I still think they’re ahead of Pittsburgh who’s proven nothing in recent years and Louisville who we’re finding out may be on the decline. HC Brian Kelly is a winner and has brought with him to Cincinnati a swagger. Now, the Bearcats believe they belong and could compete at the highest level of play in the nation.
The Skinny/Players to watch:
Brian Kelly’s hope is that Notre Dame transfer Demetrius Jones can run his version of the up tempo spread option. With an athletic QB in this spot it will open up the running lanes for Junior RB Jacob Ramsey. The rest of the offense is in place to be just as good as last season where they finished 30th nationally. Talent at the WR’s position and a solid offensive line will mean whoever is in the backfield will have an easier time. Even if Jones doesn’t work, the Bearcats have the luxury of having a kid that ran the offense in Dustin Grutza. In fact, you could see both QB’s. Defensively, UC is stout and aggressive with a pair of DT’s that can clog running lanes. Both Terrill Byrd and Adam Hoppel will anchor this unit.
Key Games:
Sept. 6th at Oklahoma
Oct. 11th vs. Rutgers
Oct. 30th vs. South Florida
Dec. 6th at Hawaii
A big test of how close or far away UC is from being a serious national program comes when they must travel to Big XII power Oklahoma. For all the strides made in Cincinnati, they’ve not beaten a big time team in sometime. Key games they must win to hope and compete in the league include hosting Rutgers and South Florida, games they won last year and will have to do again to be better then 4th. A late season booby prize to Hawaii might also be a trap. If their season has faded, this might be the key to bowl security as they’ll need 7-wins on the year with a 13-game schedule.
5. Pittsburgh Panthers
Head Coach: Dave Wannstedt (4th yr.)
Last Season: (5-7, 3-4)
Expectations are high in Steel town, but I don’t get it. They’ve been a monumental disappointment in HC Dave Wannstedt’s 3-years and they gave him an extension. Sure, sure, they fought thru injuries and inexpirience last season but really, what have they accomplished to garner so much attention? Oh, I forgot, they beat West Virginia to wreck the Mountaineers year. Well, that gives them another shot in my book too. Potential is one thing, proving it on the field is another. This to me is a big year for the program and they need to start delivering on the field instead of having so much potential and letting it go to waste.
The Skinny/Players to watch:
Offensively the Panthers were abysmal last season. Granted they were without their expected starting QB Bill Stull for most of the year and Biletnikoff finalist from 2006 Derek Kinder was out all of last season. They run the ball somewhat well with Lesean McCoy toting the rock and scoring often after a 14-TD year in 2007. But, they must be miles better to be truly competitive in the league let alone shoot for a bowl game. I think they can do that but they’ll be helped mostly by a ferocious defense that returns 7-starters. Wannstedt made his name on that side of the ball and he has delivered in that reguard. The Panthers were 5th in the nation in total defense a year ago and look to be just as tough with only the secondary having some serious questions to deal with, with only one of the four spots returning a starter.
Key Games:
Aug. 30th vs. Bowling Green
Sept. 20th vs. Iowa
Oct. 2nd at South Florida
Nov. 1st at Notre Dame
Nov. 28th vs. West Virginia
Pitt better not look past their opener against a good MAC team in BGSU that can score a bunch of points. They may be eye-balling their game with Iowa a couple of weeks later and they can’t look past the Falcons. I don’t know what to make of Iowa though, so that’s a game that could really boost their morale the rest of the way. Another tough assignment comes when they travel to what is expected to be an improve Notre Dame team. Following up their monumental upset of bitter rival WVU in Morgantown last season, the Mountaineers come calling to Heinz Field with payback on their mind. This could be a very big game indeed for both schools once again.
6. Louisville Cardinals
Head Coach: Steve Kragthorpe (2nd yr.)
Last Season: (6-6, 3-4)
Amazingly fast, the wheels fell off the Louisville train last season. First year HC Steve Kragthorpe inherited train wreck of mierable luck, injuries, poor defense and all this after a (12-1) team the year prior with lots of talent coming back. This year, he’s got another problem, the cupboard is BARE. Only 3 starters return on the offense and the defense only returns 4! And both units are significantly weaker than you’d expect. Bobby Petrino was wise to bolt like a thief in the night from Louisville to Atlanta and then to Fayetteville. However, you have to think that perhaps there might still be something to work with at QB with big armed Hunter Cantwell back and much of the offensive coaching staff still in place from a group that ranked 6th nationally last year.
The Skinny/Players to watch:
Hunter Cantwell as stated is a good QB and the Cards will rely on him to carry the offense and break in lots of new skill players. He may not be Brian Brohm, but he did spot an injured Brohm and toss 10-TD’s in 2006. Defensively they are poorous and in this league that’s not a good idea, especially agaist the run. They will have yoman’s work at trying to put humpty dumpty back together again in Louisville this year, but, with a soft schedule, don’t count out a bowl shot.
Key Games:
Aug. 31st vs. Kentucky
Oct. 10th at Memphis
Nov. 8th at Pittsburgh
Nov. 14th vs. Cincinnati
In a doable non-conference schedule, they must take care of business first in-state. Their game against UK in the Govenors Cup is critical for them to get off to a good start and that’s against a team in Lexington that is in a similar situation of rebuilding. Meanwhile, Memphis is improved and that could be a tough game that sets up tough times if they don’t win. Their peers in the league are Pitt and UC and those games might determine if they can get to a bowl.
7. Connecticut Huskies
Location: Storres, CT
Head Coach: Randy Edsall (10th yr.)
Last Season: (9-4, 5-2 Lost to Wake Forrest in Meineke Bowl)
It’s really hard to read up on UConn and pick them this far down. Other than to come to read and think that’s what everybody else thinks will happen too. Perhaps last season was a bit of a fluke, or, maybe people aren’t taking them seriously at all and are seriously mis-judging them. The difference in this team versus last year’s squad might be the lucky or unlucky breaks they get. They were flying high and shared in the Big East last season with upset wins over ranked teams at home. This year, they play all of their toughies on the raod. Even if they finish higher than I expect, they do have the easiest non-conference road with only a toughie on the road against what should be an improved North Carolina team.
The Skinny/Players to watch:
The offense is a bit of a lumbering unit that isn’t particularly explosive and isn’t particularly great at anything. They do have a duo of backs that are back and they are a much better running team than passing one. Their QB is Tyler Lorenzen, ( who for all intents and purposes be the little brother to the Round Mound of Touchdown or The Battleship Lorenen…Giants Back up Jared) a lefty the runs the offense efficiently if not is explosive style. Defensively, they were very good last season finishing 37th nationally, but almost their entire secondary is new and that was a strong point last year.
Key Games:
Sept. 26th at Louisville
Oct. 4th at North Carolina
Oct. 18th at Rutgers
Oct. 25th vs. Cincinnati
Nov. 1st vs. West Virgina
This tough stretch of games in a row is what will make or break their season. It’s a tough stretch that doesn’t even include their late season road game at South Florida. To compete, they must come out of this stretch in good shape and with a winning record. I don’t think it happens.
8. Syracuse Orangemen
Head Coach: Greg Robinson (4th yr.)
Last Season: (2-10, 1-6)
Remember when Syracuse was good? Neither do I. I had to look it up. The last winning season they had was back in 2001 when they were (10-3). They’ve only won 12-games in the past 4-seasons combined. Since Greg Robinson has come on board as HC, they’ve been (7-28) and they’ve been miserable in all phases. Needless to say, the program is in the depths of their lowest period in sometime and this is a critical year for them and the coaching staff.
The Skinny/Players to watch:
Bad on offense last year (114th nationally) and miserable on defense (111th) they are challenged in all phases of the game. With an offensive line that allowed 54 sacks and made it hard to open up holes to run thru, they were averaging only 16-points a game last season. That group is no better with only 2 returning starters and only 6 overall on the offense. The QB Andrew Robinson did toss 13 TD passes and despite taking a beating was at times decent. His main target and as close to a star on this team that you’ll find is JR. Mike Williams who pulled in 10 TD catches. The defense returns only 4 starters and will be bad once again.
Key Games:
Sept. 6th vs. Akron
Sept. 20th vs. Northeastern
These pair of games are the only ones you can point to and say they should win. Akron is going to be bad again and Northeastern is a Division I-AA team. Non-conference wise they are cannon fodder for Penn State, Northwestern and Notre Dame.
BONUS: Independent Military Academy teams
Navy Mid Shipmen
Location: Annapolis, MD
Head Coach: Ken Niumatalolo (1st yr.)
Last Season: (8-5, Lost to Utah in Poinsettia Bowl)
Navy has lead the nation in rushing for three straight seasons and there isn’t any reason to think that perhaps they can’t do it again this year with most of their offensive components coming back. Navy is in the midst of their most successful era of football in decades. Since 2003, they haven’t won no less than 8-games per season and have established themselves as a worthy adversary. Though they have a new coach with Paul Johnson departed for Georgia Tech, this is going to be a very similar product to last year and in recent years. One thing is for sure, they should win the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy for the military academy’s champion.
The Skinny/Players to watch:
Here is the name of my favorite college football player of 2008: Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada. That would be Navy’s dangerous trigger man at QB. He gained 914-yards last year in leading the Middies to 441-yards/game rushing. With Navy running the triple-option attack, they have no shortage of ball carriers and Kaheaku-Enhada directs that circus. This is a group that must score to keep ahead of opponents too as the defense is pretty undersized, slow and out-manned as you might expect. While they’re offense was busy finishing 22nd in the nation (yes, though they were #1 rushing the ball, they were 119th passing it), the defense was giving up an average of 36-points. They will be hard pressed to match or exceed last year’s win total with a tough schedule in line, but they should make it to their 6th straight bowl this year.
Key Games:
Sept. 13th at Duke
Oct. 4th at Air Force
Nov. 15th vs. Notre Dame
Dec. 6th vs. Army
The game against Duke is critical for them as the Blue Devils are expected to be much improved and that’s a game they don’t want to lose. Playing at Air Force this season, this game may be for the winner of the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy that goes to the armed forces champion. Meanwhile, after having the longest losing streak to a single opponent in the nation finally broken against Notre Dame last year (after 43-tries), the Irish will be better this year too. It took 3 OT’s for Navy to win last year in South Bend. And then, of course, their game against Army is for bragging rights and could be their 7th straight win over the Black Knights of the Hudson.
Army Black Knights
Location: West Point, NY
Head Coach: Stan Brock (2nd yr.)
Last Season: (3-9)
While Navy has been enjoying winning and success, the cadets up at West Point have been fighting the good fight but losing. Army has been miserable this decade, last fielding a bowl team in 1996 and struggling mightily just to win a few games a year. Since bottoming outin 2003 when they went (0-13), they’ve made precious little improvement under Bobby Ross and now his successor Stan Brock. Army is all too often out manned and will struggle once again this season. What is perhaps worst of all is, they’ve lost 6-straight to the Middies down in Annapolis. Even worse, they haven’t been close in most of those years.
The Skinny/Players to watch:
Army is trying to change up their offense which was once again very bad. They ranked 116th of 119-teams last year offensively and they struggled to only about 17-points a game. They do have a competant Junior QB back in Carson Williams this season and all four of their top ball carriers from last season though. Defensively they are going to struggle too with only 3 starters back.
Key Games:
Sept. 6th vs. New Hampshire
Sept. 20th vs. Akron
Nov. 1st vs. Air Force
Dec. 6th vs. Navy
With a schedule full of cream puffs, Army still will struggle. But, they will have oppertunities against teams more of their ilk and those include MAC teams that have struggled (Temple, Eastern Michigan and Akron) and of course their brothers at Air Force and Navy. Winning one or both of those games, even if they are the only wins would be just fine by them I bet.