As much as I hate to admit it, 2010 should be a great year for the Big East. This is a deep, balanced conference. No team is going to run the table the way Cincinnati did in 2009, but four teams have a very good chance at the league title and Rutgers and South Florida are probably not that far behind that top group. And you have to admire this league’s willingness to play the big boys. There’s games with LSU, Oklahoma, Notre Dame and Miami in the non-conference.
I took the chicken’s way out, predicting a four-way tie for first place with UConn getting its first-ever BCS bowl game with a better overall record (thanks to their weaker schedule.)
1. Connecticut (10-2, 5-2) A solid veteran squad with a very favorable schedule, I think the Huskies win the four-way tie at the top of the Big East by virtue of their 10-win season. Also because I have no idea how a four-team tiebreaker would work. But you have to like what Randy Edsall has done in Storrs. The Huskies return almost their entire offense, including quarterback Zach Fraser. Look for UConn to be this season’s Big East sweetheart as they win their first eight games, including a win at Michigan.
1. Pittsburgh (9-3, 5-2) I think Pitt is probably the most talented team in the Big East and could make national noise, but that schedule is brutal. There are trips to Utah and Notre Dame, a weekday night game with Miami and trips to UConn and Cincinnati. Still Dion Lewis is a great RB and Jonathan Baldwin is a fantastic WR. Can QB Tino Sunseri be effective?
1. West Virginia (9-3, 5-2) Breaking in a new quarterback will be easier with Noel Devine and Jock Sanders returning and a veteran defense. But a trip to LSU early in the season and some difficult league road trips will probably keep the ‘Eers from the elite.
1. Cincinnati (8-3, 5-2) Zach Collaros will easily replace Tony Pike at quarterback, and Isaiah Pead will be a dangerous running back, but this won’t be like last year’s magic carpet ride. You can’t outscore everyone. A difficult non-conference slate will catch up to the Bearcats, who have a favorable Big East schedule.
5. South Florida (7-5, 4-3) Skip Holtz’ first year with the Bulls will likely provide the same kind of crazy ups and downs of the Jim Leavitt era. Is Matt Grothe still there? Cause he’s like 40. No, no, I know it’s B.J. Daniel at QB who helped last year’s upset of Florida State. No such luck this year.
6. Rutgers (7-5, 3-4) The Scarlet Knights have a great young quarterback in Tom Savage and some talent around him on offense. But the loss of Anthony Davis up front and some talented defensive players will hurt the Knights.
7. Syracuse (4-8, 1-6) Some player defections may have an effect on the Orange in Doug Marrone’s second season. The ‘Cuse was much improved though and should continue to make strides. But this conference is too deep.
8. Louisville (3-9, 0-7) Welcome to the Big East, Charlie Strong. Go recruit.
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