Big East Preview and Predictions
By Corey and Michael Schneid
BIG EAST STANDINGS PREDICTIONS
Big East Expansion:
Replace West Virginia with Temple
This is not exactly what the Big East would have like to do. West Virginia has been one of the conference's top teams for many years now and the Mountaineers sued their way out of the league leaving the Big East scrambling and they found Temple to join immediately. The Owls were in the Big East from 1991-2004 but were essentially kicked out due to the lack of fan interest.
New Coaches:
Kyle Flood, Rutgers
Greg Schiano shocked many people when he announced his intentions to leave Rutgers for the Tampa Bay Bucs. Schiano had been with Rutgers for 11 years and led them to 6 bowl games (won 5). He elevated the program to a level they have never been. But they still have a long way to go. Despite all of Schiano's success, he never won even a share of the Conference title or got to a BCS game. AD Tim Pernetti is hoping former Schiano assistant, Kyle Flood, can continue the momentum and do what Schiano could not do. Flood was Rutgers Offensive Line coach from 2006-2011. He has never even been a coordinator, but Flood did well in saving Rutgers 2012 recruiting class and will be responsible for trying to get Rutgers to that very first BCS game.
Paul Chryst, Pitt
So, technically Pitt has had six coaches in four years. Dave Wannstedt "resigned" after the 2010 season and defensive coordinator Phil Bennett coached the bowl game on an interim basis. Mike Haywood was named the permanent head coach but he was fired after a domestic abuse charge. So Pitt hired Tulsa coach Todd Graham, who left after the 2011 season to coach Arizona State. Defensive coordinator Keith Patterson took over and coached the bowl. On December 22 Pitt hired Paul Chryst and may have finally hit a homerun. Chryst was the Wisconsin Offensive Coordinator from 2005-2011. Like Flood, he has never been a head coach, he has experience as coordinator and position coach. He brings instant credibility to the offense and a hard-noses disciplinary style.
Coach on the Hot Seat entering 2012
Doug Marrone, Syracuse
Marrone did a good job rebuilding the Orange but they failed to make a bowl game in 2011. Syracuse makes the big jump to the ACC in 2013 and if the Orange fail again to make the postseason, Marrone's job may be in jeopardy if the school decides to go in a new direction.
Paul Pasqualoni, UConn
I don't think Pasqualoni is really in trouble but a year after making a BCS game, Uconn failed to even make a bowl in his first season, or name a starting QB at any point. The Huskies need to get back on track in a hurry. They had one of the top defenses in 2011 but the offense must improve and the Huskies must go bowling in year two of the Pasqualoni era.
Notable Transfers:
Bryce McNeal, WR, Clemson to UconnUconn needs as many playmakers on offense as they can find. They struggled badly last year and McNeal should help whoever the quarterback is settle down.
RJ Dill, OL, Maryland to RutgersNew coach Kyle Flood is a former offensive line coach, Rutgers returns only two starters on their line, they want to run more and need to protect the QB. So you do the math that comes out to Dill having an immediate impact on the Rutgers offense.
AWARDS:
Offensive Player of the Year: Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville
Defensive MVP: Walter Stewart, DE, Cincinnati
Coach of the Year: Charlie Strong, Louisville
Comeback Player of the Year: Ray Graham, RB, Pittsburgh
Freshmen of the Year: DL Darius Hamilton, Rutgers
TEAM PREVIEWS:
CINCINNATI BEARCATS
Prediction: 8-4 overall, 4-3 Big East, 3rd place
Returning Starters: 4 Offense, 6 Defense
Players to Watch: WR Anthony McClung, DE Walter Stewart, DE Dan Giordano
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Virginia Tech (9/29)
Burning Question: How will Cincy replace Zach Collaros and Isaiah Pead?
Analysis: If the Bearcats are going to contend for their fourth Big East title in five years, the defense must step up again. Led by Walter Stewart and safety Drew Frey, the Bearcats must continue to force turnovers and limit the opposing team's red-zone opportunities. They will also need Munchie Legaux to emerge as a viable replacement for Collaros. Legaux, a junior, started four games in 2011. Cincy will also need a spark from the running game. RB Isaiah Pead was the Bearcats best offensive player the past couple years and losing him could be hard to overcome. Legaux must improve his passing and must remain calm and poise in the pocket. Pead will be replaced by George Winn.
CONNECTICUT HUSKIES
Prediction: 5-7 overall, 2-5 Big East, 8th place
Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 9 Defense
Players to Watch: TE Ryan Griffin, RB Lyle McCombs, LB Sio Moore
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. NC State (9/8)
Burning Question: Will someone emerge as a threat at QB?
Analysis: The Huskies never found consistency at the QB position, and despite several options none were particularly impressive at any point. Johnny McEntree returns and has some new competition. JUCO transfer Chandler Whitmer is considered the favorite after spring practice and both men will also get compeition from true freshmen Casey Cochran. They will run the same system in 2012 with the hopes that someone can step up. Their offense was far too inconsistent in 2011. They should rely heavily on RB Lyle McCombs to carry the offense. The defense should show improvement in Paul Pasquoloni's second year. But that will not be enough as the offense will continue to struggle and Uconn will miss a bowl game for the second straight year, after a BCS bid in 2010.
LOUISVILLE CARDINALS
Prediction: 9-3 overall, 5-2 Big East, 1st place
Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense
Players to Watch: QB Teddy Bridgewater, S Hakeem Smith, CB Adrian Bushell
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. North Carolina (9/15)
Burning Question: Can the Cardinals live up to their high expectations?
Analysis: When Louisville hired Charlie Strong as their head coach in 2010, it was seen as a great move. People thought Strong could get Louisville back to the BCS. I'm not sure those people expected them to be in position this quickly. Louisville has done a great job recruiting the last few years and their talent shows it. The Cardinals had one of the youngest teams in the country in 2011. 11 true freshmen saw playing time last year. Louisville should win the Big East and BCS bid for the first time since 2006. As long as Teddy Bridgewater does not regress in his sophomore season and the defense continues their improvement, the Cardinals should be in good shape.
PITTSBURGH PANTHERS
Prediction: 6-6 overall, 3-4 Big East, 5th place
Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 5 Defense
Players to Watch: RB Ray Graham, WR Mike Shanahan, S Jarred Holley
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Virginia Tech (9/15)
Burning Question: Can Ray Graham bounce back from a devastating knee injury?
Analysis: Graham tore his ACL on against Uconn last year. Graham is the focus point of the offense, especially with Tino Sunseri playing QB. They will need their running back to return to form quickly to have success in 2012. Like most teams, Pitt's success falls in the hands of their quarterback. Tino Sunseri has faced a lot of adversity and criticism but Paul Cryst may be the guy to maximize Sunseri's talents.
RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS
Prediction: 9-3 overall, 5-2 Big East, 2nd place
Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 8 Defense
Players to Watch: DT Scott Vallone, LB Khaseem Greene, RB Savon Huggins
Best Non-Conference Game: @ Arkansas (9/22)
Burning Question: What happens next now that Greg Schiano is gone?
Analysis: Rutgers will be fine for 2012. Sure, Rutgers had coaches before Greg Schiano, but Rutgers was not relevant until Schiano took over. His recruiting and defensive knowledge helped grow Rutgers and put them on college football's map. Now that he is gone, Kyle Flood takes over. Flood managed to salvage Rutgers recruiting class. They managed to salvage their top 25 recruiting class and with a lot of talent returning on both sides of the ball, Rutgers could be a sleeper pick to win the final Big East BCS bid.
SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS
Prediction: 8-4 overall, 4-3 Big East, 4th place
Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense
Players to Watch: QB BJ Daniels, DE Ryne Giddins, LB DeDe Lattimore
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Florida State (9/29)
Burning Question: Can South Florida avoid a late-season collapse?
Analysis: After going a horrific 1-6 in the Big East in 2011, the only place for the Bulls to go is up. BJ Daniels must play at a consistent level. USF must improve their "crunch-time" play. Third and fourth quarters, second half of the season, and third downs. USF does not handle pressure well and it falls in the hands of coach Skip Holtz to manage expectations and keep his team poised. USF ranked in the top third in total rushing and must maintain that as well as see Daniels improve. If the defense can force turnovers and make plays, USF could be in good shape.
SYRACUSE ORANGE
Prediction: 5-7 overall, 2-5 Big East, 7th place
Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense
Players to Watch: WR Alec Lemon, LB Marquis Spruill, QB Ryan Nassib
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. USC (9/8)
Burning Question: How will the Orange fare in their final Big East season?
Analysis: Fans in Syracuse likely will not be weeping to be getting out. The Orange cannot wait to join the ACC. The only positive from 2011 was a Friday night rout of the eventual Orange Bowl champions. Syracuse struggled to score last year. They finished 84th in scoring and 95th in rushing yards, despite the fact that All-Big East RB Antwon Bailey ran for over 1000 yards. Bailey and TE Nick Provo are gone. QB Ryan Nassib returns but the offensive cub-bard is bare. Their projected running back, Jerome Smith, ran for 134 yards in 2011. In a year where the Big East is as open as ever, Syracuse may need a lot of help to win the BCS bid in their final season. And with non-conference games against USC, Minnesota and Northwestern, the Orange may even struggle to make a bowl for the second straight year.
TEMPLE OWLS
Prediction: 5-6 overall, 3-4 Big East, 6th place
Returning Starters: 2 Offense, 5 Defense
Players to Watch: DT Levi Brown, RB Matt Brown, S Justin Gildea
Best Non-Conference Game: @ Penn State (9/22)
Burning Question: Now part of the Big East, will Temple's attendance increase?
Analysis: Temple will not do so bad in their first year. There must be a learning curve and adjustment period, but with the Big East a fairly mediocre conference, Temple should be able to win a few games. The Owls finished 116th in passing yards but are excited about the future with Chris Coyer. Coyer came on strong at the end of 2011 and as a dual-threat, poses a threat to Big East defenses. They lost their best weapon, RB Bernard Pierce. Coyer ran for over 500 yards and did not throw an INT in his 50 pass attempts. Temple's defense ranked 3rd in points allowed, surrounding just 13.9 ppg. If they can maintain a similar pace and Coyer can bring stability and perhaps some magic to the QB position than Temple may surprise some people in the Big East in 2012.
BIG EAST STANDINGS PREDICTIONS
| TEAM | CONF |
TEAM |
|
Louisville |
5-2 |
9-3 |
|
Rutgers |
5-2 |
9-3 |
|
Cincinnati |
4-3 |
8-4 |
|
South Florida |
4-3 |
8-4 |
|
Pittsburgh |
3-4 |
6-6 |
|
Temple |
3-4 |
5-6 |
|
Syracuse |
2-5 |
5-7 |
|
UConn |
2-5 |
5-7 |
Big East Expansion:
Replace West Virginia with Temple
This is not exactly what the Big East would have like to do. West Virginia has been one of the conference's top teams for many years now and the Mountaineers sued their way out of the league leaving the Big East scrambling and they found Temple to join immediately. The Owls were in the Big East from 1991-2004 but were essentially kicked out due to the lack of fan interest.
New Coaches:
Kyle Flood, Rutgers
Greg Schiano shocked many people when he announced his intentions to leave Rutgers for the Tampa Bay Bucs. Schiano had been with Rutgers for 11 years and led them to 6 bowl games (won 5). He elevated the program to a level they have never been. But they still have a long way to go. Despite all of Schiano's success, he never won even a share of the Conference title or got to a BCS game. AD Tim Pernetti is hoping former Schiano assistant, Kyle Flood, can continue the momentum and do what Schiano could not do. Flood was Rutgers Offensive Line coach from 2006-2011. He has never even been a coordinator, but Flood did well in saving Rutgers 2012 recruiting class and will be responsible for trying to get Rutgers to that very first BCS game.
Paul Chryst, Pitt
So, technically Pitt has had six coaches in four years. Dave Wannstedt "resigned" after the 2010 season and defensive coordinator Phil Bennett coached the bowl game on an interim basis. Mike Haywood was named the permanent head coach but he was fired after a domestic abuse charge. So Pitt hired Tulsa coach Todd Graham, who left after the 2011 season to coach Arizona State. Defensive coordinator Keith Patterson took over and coached the bowl. On December 22 Pitt hired Paul Chryst and may have finally hit a homerun. Chryst was the Wisconsin Offensive Coordinator from 2005-2011. Like Flood, he has never been a head coach, he has experience as coordinator and position coach. He brings instant credibility to the offense and a hard-noses disciplinary style.
Coach on the Hot Seat entering 2012
Doug Marrone, Syracuse
Marrone did a good job rebuilding the Orange but they failed to make a bowl game in 2011. Syracuse makes the big jump to the ACC in 2013 and if the Orange fail again to make the postseason, Marrone's job may be in jeopardy if the school decides to go in a new direction.
Paul Pasqualoni, UConn
I don't think Pasqualoni is really in trouble but a year after making a BCS game, Uconn failed to even make a bowl in his first season, or name a starting QB at any point. The Huskies need to get back on track in a hurry. They had one of the top defenses in 2011 but the offense must improve and the Huskies must go bowling in year two of the Pasqualoni era.
Notable Transfers:
Bryce McNeal, WR, Clemson to UconnUconn needs as many playmakers on offense as they can find. They struggled badly last year and McNeal should help whoever the quarterback is settle down.
RJ Dill, OL, Maryland to RutgersNew coach Kyle Flood is a former offensive line coach, Rutgers returns only two starters on their line, they want to run more and need to protect the QB. So you do the math that comes out to Dill having an immediate impact on the Rutgers offense.
AWARDS:
Offensive Player of the Year: Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville
Defensive MVP: Walter Stewart, DE, Cincinnati
Coach of the Year: Charlie Strong, Louisville
Comeback Player of the Year: Ray Graham, RB, Pittsburgh
Freshmen of the Year: DL Darius Hamilton, Rutgers
TEAM PREVIEWS:
CINCINNATI BEARCATS
Prediction: 8-4 overall, 4-3 Big East, 3rd place
Returning Starters: 4 Offense, 6 Defense
Players to Watch: WR Anthony McClung, DE Walter Stewart, DE Dan Giordano
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Virginia Tech (9/29)
Burning Question: How will Cincy replace Zach Collaros and Isaiah Pead?
Analysis: If the Bearcats are going to contend for their fourth Big East title in five years, the defense must step up again. Led by Walter Stewart and safety Drew Frey, the Bearcats must continue to force turnovers and limit the opposing team's red-zone opportunities. They will also need Munchie Legaux to emerge as a viable replacement for Collaros. Legaux, a junior, started four games in 2011. Cincy will also need a spark from the running game. RB Isaiah Pead was the Bearcats best offensive player the past couple years and losing him could be hard to overcome. Legaux must improve his passing and must remain calm and poise in the pocket. Pead will be replaced by George Winn.
CONNECTICUT HUSKIES
Prediction: 5-7 overall, 2-5 Big East, 8th place
Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 9 Defense
Players to Watch: TE Ryan Griffin, RB Lyle McCombs, LB Sio Moore
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. NC State (9/8)
Burning Question: Will someone emerge as a threat at QB?
Analysis: The Huskies never found consistency at the QB position, and despite several options none were particularly impressive at any point. Johnny McEntree returns and has some new competition. JUCO transfer Chandler Whitmer is considered the favorite after spring practice and both men will also get compeition from true freshmen Casey Cochran. They will run the same system in 2012 with the hopes that someone can step up. Their offense was far too inconsistent in 2011. They should rely heavily on RB Lyle McCombs to carry the offense. The defense should show improvement in Paul Pasquoloni's second year. But that will not be enough as the offense will continue to struggle and Uconn will miss a bowl game for the second straight year, after a BCS bid in 2010.
LOUISVILLE CARDINALS
Prediction: 9-3 overall, 5-2 Big East, 1st place
Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense
Players to Watch: QB Teddy Bridgewater, S Hakeem Smith, CB Adrian Bushell
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. North Carolina (9/15)
Burning Question: Can the Cardinals live up to their high expectations?
Analysis: When Louisville hired Charlie Strong as their head coach in 2010, it was seen as a great move. People thought Strong could get Louisville back to the BCS. I'm not sure those people expected them to be in position this quickly. Louisville has done a great job recruiting the last few years and their talent shows it. The Cardinals had one of the youngest teams in the country in 2011. 11 true freshmen saw playing time last year. Louisville should win the Big East and BCS bid for the first time since 2006. As long as Teddy Bridgewater does not regress in his sophomore season and the defense continues their improvement, the Cardinals should be in good shape.
PITTSBURGH PANTHERS
Prediction: 6-6 overall, 3-4 Big East, 5th place
Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 5 Defense
Players to Watch: RB Ray Graham, WR Mike Shanahan, S Jarred Holley
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Virginia Tech (9/15)
Burning Question: Can Ray Graham bounce back from a devastating knee injury?
Analysis: Graham tore his ACL on against Uconn last year. Graham is the focus point of the offense, especially with Tino Sunseri playing QB. They will need their running back to return to form quickly to have success in 2012. Like most teams, Pitt's success falls in the hands of their quarterback. Tino Sunseri has faced a lot of adversity and criticism but Paul Cryst may be the guy to maximize Sunseri's talents.
RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS
Prediction: 9-3 overall, 5-2 Big East, 2nd place
Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 8 Defense
Players to Watch: DT Scott Vallone, LB Khaseem Greene, RB Savon Huggins
Best Non-Conference Game: @ Arkansas (9/22)
Burning Question: What happens next now that Greg Schiano is gone?
Analysis: Rutgers will be fine for 2012. Sure, Rutgers had coaches before Greg Schiano, but Rutgers was not relevant until Schiano took over. His recruiting and defensive knowledge helped grow Rutgers and put them on college football's map. Now that he is gone, Kyle Flood takes over. Flood managed to salvage Rutgers recruiting class. They managed to salvage their top 25 recruiting class and with a lot of talent returning on both sides of the ball, Rutgers could be a sleeper pick to win the final Big East BCS bid.
SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS
Prediction: 8-4 overall, 4-3 Big East, 4th place
Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense
Players to Watch: QB BJ Daniels, DE Ryne Giddins, LB DeDe Lattimore
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Florida State (9/29)
Burning Question: Can South Florida avoid a late-season collapse?
Analysis: After going a horrific 1-6 in the Big East in 2011, the only place for the Bulls to go is up. BJ Daniels must play at a consistent level. USF must improve their "crunch-time" play. Third and fourth quarters, second half of the season, and third downs. USF does not handle pressure well and it falls in the hands of coach Skip Holtz to manage expectations and keep his team poised. USF ranked in the top third in total rushing and must maintain that as well as see Daniels improve. If the defense can force turnovers and make plays, USF could be in good shape.
SYRACUSE ORANGE
Prediction: 5-7 overall, 2-5 Big East, 7th place
Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense
Players to Watch: WR Alec Lemon, LB Marquis Spruill, QB Ryan Nassib
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. USC (9/8)
Burning Question: How will the Orange fare in their final Big East season?
Analysis: Fans in Syracuse likely will not be weeping to be getting out. The Orange cannot wait to join the ACC. The only positive from 2011 was a Friday night rout of the eventual Orange Bowl champions. Syracuse struggled to score last year. They finished 84th in scoring and 95th in rushing yards, despite the fact that All-Big East RB Antwon Bailey ran for over 1000 yards. Bailey and TE Nick Provo are gone. QB Ryan Nassib returns but the offensive cub-bard is bare. Their projected running back, Jerome Smith, ran for 134 yards in 2011. In a year where the Big East is as open as ever, Syracuse may need a lot of help to win the BCS bid in their final season. And with non-conference games against USC, Minnesota and Northwestern, the Orange may even struggle to make a bowl for the second straight year.
TEMPLE OWLS
Prediction: 5-6 overall, 3-4 Big East, 6th place
Returning Starters: 2 Offense, 5 Defense
Players to Watch: DT Levi Brown, RB Matt Brown, S Justin Gildea
Best Non-Conference Game: @ Penn State (9/22)
Burning Question: Now part of the Big East, will Temple's attendance increase?
Analysis: Temple will not do so bad in their first year. There must be a learning curve and adjustment period, but with the Big East a fairly mediocre conference, Temple should be able to win a few games. The Owls finished 116th in passing yards but are excited about the future with Chris Coyer. Coyer came on strong at the end of 2011 and as a dual-threat, poses a threat to Big East defenses. They lost their best weapon, RB Bernard Pierce. Coyer ran for over 500 yards and did not throw an INT in his 50 pass attempts. Temple's defense ranked 3rd in points allowed, surrounding just 13.9 ppg. If they can maintain a similar pace and Coyer can bring stability and perhaps some magic to the QB position than Temple may surprise some people in the Big East in 2012.
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