June 29, 2009

(12:09 p.m.): Since I had to turn in my Big East preseason predictions to the conference last week, I figured I’d release my ballot and tell you my reasoning for picking the way that I did.

1. South Florida: I think this finally might be the year the Bulls don’t screw up their season. Obviously, quarterback Matt Grothe and defensive end George Selvie want to earn that elusive BCS berth, and both of them are good enough to lead USF to that goal. The Bulls offense should be pretty strong and aggressive and though the defense might struggle a bit, this will be Jim Leavitt’s best chance to win a Big East title.

2. UC: Naturally, we’ll talk the Bearcats football program to death these next few months – present and otherwise. The defense will have to replace 10 starters, but I don’t think that dooms UC. The offense is probably the best in the conference, and as long as the defense doesn’t hurt the Bearcats, they’re going to compete for another major bowl game.

3. West Virginia: I’m still not sold on coach Bill Stewart. Seems like a great guy, and he’s a great talker. But is he a good enough coach? Well, he’ll have to be this year without the services of quarterback Pat White, linebacker Monty Ivy and kicker Pat McAfee. Running back Noel Devine will help, but the Mountaineers will have to play at USF and UC this year and that doesn’t help their chances.

4. Pitt: There always seems to be so much promise in the summertime before the Panthers open their season. And somehow, they never live up to expectations. A few years ago, I wrote this story for the Pittsburgh Sports Report, and I think the premise still stands. I don’t think Dave Wannstedt (25-23 in five years at the school) is the right coach for Pitt. While the team’s defense should be fine, the offense is thoroughly untested. That doesn’t bode well for the Panthers.

5. Rutgers: Losing quarterback Mike Teel (believe it or not, the most accomplished quarterback in Scarlet Knights history) and receiver Kenny Britt will hurt, but the defense should be pretty good. Plus, the team has won seven-straight games, and if it continues that momentum, Rutgers could fight for a Big East title. That first game of the season against UC at home is a big one.

6. UConn: Once again, the Huskies will ask their defense to keep them in games. The offense, which will be led by former Notre Dame QB Zach Frazer, has lost some experience and probably will struggle. Watch out for UConn’s linebackers, though. That might be the biggest strength of the entire team.

7. Syracuse: Surprised the Orange aren’t holding down the basement spot in these rankings? I’m a little shocked myself. But with new coach Doug Marrone installing a spread, no-huddle attack and with receiver Mike Williams returning, I think Syracuse can accomplish some positive things this season. The Orange will have to improve their defense, but Marrone seems to have the team excited about the possibilities. Plus, the Orange have dominated Louisville lately.

8. Louisville: Life at Louisville could be brutal this season. Running back Victor Anderson returning for his sophomore season is a positive development, but coach Steve Kragthorpe is working with his third offensive coordinator (himself) and third defensive coordinator in his three seasons with the Cardinals. And if that’s not bad enough, Kragthorpe apparently has a tough time keeping up with his schedule.

So, tell me what you think. Am I wrong about UC? Should I have picked the Bearcats to defend their league title? E-mail me at jkatzo@hotmail.com or send me a message here and/or here.