2010 CFBZ Prediction: 2nd Place in Big East
2010 Actual Finish: Tied for 1st Place in Big East (9-4, 5-2)
West Virginia has now gone 9-4 for three consecutive seasons. That's not bad, but when you compare it to RichRod's tenure (which I know West Virginia fans won't like reading) it just doesn't stack up. West Virginia has also lost 2 consecutive bowl games to ACC teams. The Mountaineers lost to a good ranked LSU team by 6 points early in the season but what has to stick in the craw of WVU fans is the back-to-back losses to Syracuse and then UConn in what were both very winnable games. The administration is obviously not happy as they have gone out and landed the high profile Offensive Coordinator from Okie State, Dana Holgerson, to be their OC next year and their coach the year after. To get a better perspective on the Mountaineers we sought out John Radcliff of Eers To You to find out his thoughts on this past season.
In our Pre-Season Preview you said that anything short of a Conference Championship and a BCS bid would be a disappointment this year. Now that the season is over, how do you feel now?
It has to be a failure. As bad as I thought the Big East would be this year, I had no idea it would be this bad. It was a free trip to a BCS bowl for West Virginia if they took care of business. All they had to do was make a good showing at LSU, which they did, and win every other game.
But too many times this year, they barely beat or lost to teams they should have smoked. Like Marshall, Syracuse, and UConn. If this year's team had an MO, it was self inflicted failure. And that's 100% on the coaches. More specifically, the offensive coaches. Seriously, having Noel Devine, Jock Sanders, and Tavon Austin on your team should be worth at least 21 points a game.
It really is a shame, because this was one of the best defensive units WVU has ever had. At least statistically. You could argue that WVU didn't face too many top offenses this year, and I wouldn't deny that. But holding every team they faced under 21 points says a lot about the consistency of the defense. When you consider that they got almost no help from the offense, it looks that much more impressive.
Which players were the biggest surprises of the season?
CB Keith Tandy has taken a lot of grief at WVU for being burned on big plays. But he really stepped up this year almost doubling the number of tackles and his six interceptions. He was really the only question mark on defense and he ended up being a star. You also have to look at rush end Bruce Irvin. The Juco Junior led the Big East in sacks with 12. And when he wasn't sacking someone, he had them running for their life. Like Tandy, he turned out to be a real asset we weren't counting on.
How do you feel about the hiring of "Coach In Waiting" Dana Holgerson from Oklahoma State? What do you think he will bring to West Virginia?
I'm extremely excited about "The Dude" coming to WVU! He's someone with a proven track record. But I don't see him as someone that is going to be around any longer than it takes for him to have some success. I don't have a problem with that as much as most Mountaineer fans. I knew RichRod wasn't going to stick around. He was just such a jerk about the way he left.
If Holgerson comes in and does what he has done everywhere else and gets a new job in three years, I'm cool with that. WVU is the kind of place that you only expect WVU grads to call their dream job. We're going to have to get used to that idea and be very particular about who we hire in the future. So yeah, hiring Bill Stewart in a hotel bar at 3 am probably wasn't such a good idea.
Which player are you most excited about for next season?
Geno Smith is going to be coached by a guy that has done great things with quarterbacks at every stop. Even with the loss of Jock Sanders, he's still going to have a very competent group of receivers. If the offensive line can make any improvements at all (there is literally no where to go but up for the offensive line), Smith should have a shot at some of the single season passing records at WVU.
What does West Virginia need to improve the most going into next season?
Offensive line play has to improve. We've beat Stewart and fired OC Jeff Mullen over the head for the lack of production on offense. With all the skill players at their disposal, it was mostly deserved. But you have to look at the offensive line as well. The holes you need to open for Noel Devine to be effective are not that big. But he and his draft stock really suffered this year because of the offensive line play.
Defensively we are losing a lot. Defensive Coordinator Jeff Casteel has done wonders in the past when he didn't have a lot of experienced players. We're going to need him to do that again.
Showing posts with label West Virginia Mountaineers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label West Virginia Mountaineers. Show all posts
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Big East Preview
2009 Standings
Cincinnati 12-1 (7-0)
Pittsburgh 10-3 (5-2)
West Virginia 9-4 (5-2)
Rutgers 9-4 (3-4)
Connecticut 8-5 (3-4)
South Florida (8-5 (3-4)
Louisville 4-8 (1-6)
Syracuse 4-8 (1-6)
Returning Leaders: Passing
Tom Savage, Rutgers, Soph (149 of 285 for 2211 yds, 14 TD, 7 INT)
B.J. Daniels, USF, Soph (122 of 227 for 1983, 14 TD, 9 INT)
Zach Collaros, Cincy, Jr (93 of 124 for 1434, 10 TD, 2 INT)
Returning Leaders: Rushing
Dion Lewis, Pitt, Soph (325 carries for 1799 yds, 17 TD, 5.5 ypc)
Noel Devine, WVU, Sr (241 carries for 1465 yds, 13 TD, 6.0 ypc)
Jordan Todman, UConn, Jr (235 carries for 1188 yds, 14 TD, 5.0 ypc)
Delone Carter, Syracuse, Sr (236 carries for 1021 yds, 11 TD, 4.3 ypc)
Joe Martinek, Rutgers, Jr (206 carries for 967 yds, 4.6 ypc)
Returning Leaders: Receiving
Jock Sanders, WVU, Sr (72 rec for 688 yds, 3 TD, 5.5 rec/game)
Armon Binns, Cincy, Sr (61 rec for 888 yds, 11 TD, 4.7 rec/game)
Jonathan Baldwin, Pitt, Jr (57 rec for 1111 yds, 8 TD, 4.4 rec/game)
D.J. Woods, Cincy, Jr (51 rec for 640 yds, 4 TD, 4.3 rec/game)
Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers, Soph (51 Rec for 639 yds, 3 TD, 3.9 rec/game)
Returning Leaders: Tackles
Lawrence Wilson, UConn, Sr, LB (140 total, 10.77 tackles/game)
J.K. Schaffer, Cincy, Jr, LB (100 total, 7.69 tackles/game)
Max Gruder, Pitt, Jr, LB (91 total, 7.00 tackles/game)
Greg Lloyd, UConn, Sr, LB (91 total, 8.27 tackles/game)
Dom DeCicco, Pitt, Sr, DB (88 total, 6.7 tackles/game)
Returning Leaders: Sacks
Doug Hogue, Syracuse, Sr, LB (9.5 sacks)
Jonathan Freeny, Rutgers, Sr, DL (9.5)
Julian Miller, WVU, Jr, DL (8.0)
Greg Romeus, Pitt, Sr, DL (8.0)
Returning Leaders: Interceptions
Robert Sands, WVU, Jr, DB (5 interceptions)
Elijah Fields, Pitt, Sr, DB (3)
Michael Holmes, Syracuse, Sr, DB (3)
J.K. Schaffer, Cincy, Jr, LB (3)
Keith Tandy, WVU, Jr, DB (3)
Jarred Holley, Pitt, Soph, DB (3)
Dom DeCicco, Pitt, Sr, DB (3)
Around the Blogosphere
Who is your pick to win the Big East?
Brian Harrison of the Syracuse based blog Orange 44:
I’m picking Pittsburgh.
What could hurt Pitt is their losses on the offensive line. As much as Pitt likes to pound the ball, they will have to recover. They will have another solid offensive year, with new QB sophomore Tino Sunseri behind center. Pitt likes to run the ball more though and they have some great running backs in Dion Lewis, who despite not starting, earned 1,799 yards. Pitt’s fullback, Henry Hynoski, is a straight beast and will give defensive lines and linebackers some nightmares. He doesn’t carry the ball that often, but what he does do is plow the road for running backs. The defense meanwhile has a strong nuclease around Greg Romeus, Greg Williams and Dom Decicco, and should be just fine in stopping both the run and the pass fairly effectively this coming season. They are my pick to win the league.
USF Blogger The Bull Gator:
I'll go with Pitt for the 2010 conference title. This isn't an easy year to pick at all, but I have to go with the Panthers. Louisville and USF challenging for a title is a year or two away and Cincy could take a step back with a new coach. I think the Big East is Pitt's to lose in 2010.
West Virginia Blogger John Radcliff of Eers To You:
I really do think it's WVU's to lose. With 18/19 starters returning, there's no reason this shouldn't be a much more consistent team. Yes, the QB position is still an unknown. But I think this offensive line is going to be much improved and the running backs are going to have a field day with anyone that doesn't put 8 or nine in the box.
There are going to be a lot of good teams in the Big East this year. Good enough that one or two losses in conference might be good enough to win the conference. In my mind, the winner of the WVU-Pitt game will win the Big East.
What is the pivotal game this year?
Brian Harrison of the Syracuse based blog Orange 44:
West Virginia v. Pittsburgh
While UConn thinks they have a great chance to win the league this year, I just don’t see them doing better than really talented Pittsburgh and the always dangerous West Virginia. While Bill Stewart seems like a country buffoon (and he may be), he’s still winning games. He’s 19-8 at WVU and while they have a new QB in the works, they still have running back Noel Devine. For Pittsburgh they have a solid replacement coming out of spring in Tino Sunseri. He’s athletic and has a good arm. I think they have the most talent currently and this game, the “Backyard Brawl”, should decide the outcome of the season for the Big East.
USF Blogger The Bull Gator:
Any game Pitt plays. There are 4 or 5 teams that could win the Big East and if I'm going with Pitt then every game they play is the most pivotal. It's hard to predict the Big East any year. This year is no different. Pitt could lose it any weekend. A two-game losing streak and suddenly someone else is the favorite.
CFBZ Players of the Year
1. Noel Devine, Sr, RB, West Virgina
2. Dion Lewis, Soph, RB, Pittsburgh
3. Zach Collaros, Jr, QB, Cincinnati
4. BJ Daniels, Soph, QB, USF
5. Tom Savage, Soph, QB, Rutgers
Also receiving votes: Greg Romeus/Pitt, Jordan Todman/UConn, Delone Carter/Syracuse, Jonathan Baldwin/Pitt
Breaking Down The Big East
Cincinnati Bearcats
Chris (Prediction: #3): While only returning 12 starters, we're talking about returning 12 starters from a team that was an Alabama or Texas loss away from playing in the National Championship. This team is not just going to drop off of a cliff one year later. Brian Kelly did a fantastic job in his time there, and his players were so well coached that I don't expect it to just wear off under the new regime. With second and third leading receivers back (Armon Binns and D.J. Woods) from an ABSOLUTELY LOADED receiving core (how many 2nd wide receivers do you know that have an 888-yard 11-TD season?), and adding another difference maker in Vidal Hazelton, a USC transfer, to the mix, the Bearcats should be sufficiently reloaded to keep opponents from exploiting their defense. They will play in shootout games, but they will have the offensive firepower to win them. Isaiah Pead will surprise people at running back, and should definitely be considered another weapon on a stocked skill position team. Also, anyone who doesn't have complete faith in Zach Collaros, who calmly stepped in to replace Tony Pike for four games during the middle of an undefeated season, wasn't paying attention. This kid was so efficient that the coaches were forced to consider benching their 5th-year senior quarterback on an undefeated team for the sophomore. That's moxie. He didn't just win, he did so efficiently...while etching his name into the school annals for yards in a game...efficiently. Truth be told, this team is a true sleeper and could end up in a BCS bowl representing the Big East at the end of the year...they can be that good.
Ross (Prediction: #1): Sure, they lost Brian Kelly, Tony Pike, and Mardy Gilyard. Butch Jones already replaced Brian Kelly once -- and in a conference that's only marginally easier than the Big East (I kid, I kid...). Zach Collaros looked tremendous as Pike's fill-in a year ago -- and he's precisely the sort of mobile QB that Jones worked wonders with at Central Michigan (see: LeFevour, Dan). Gilyard will be tricky to replace, but still. The Big East is an utter crapshoot; there's no hugely compelling reason why Cincy couldn't win it for the third straight year.
Connecticut Huskies
Chris (Prediction: #5): Returning 16 starters from an 8-5 which won its last four games in convincing fashion should merit more than 5th place in a middle of the road conference, no? Despite their hot streak at the end of '09, I'm not sold on their QB Zach Frazer, especially with a completely new receiving core. My bet is that while they will be going bowling, the Huskies won't do anything to stand out from the pack in the Big East.
Ross (Prediction: #2): UConn's been on the cusp of Big East greatness for a few years, and as a team fairly loaded with returning starters and one of the most hard luck outfits around in 2009 (they lost five games by a combined 15 points), I figure they might just be due a good run here. Plus, I trust Randy Edsall a hell of a lot more than I do the Wannstache.
Louisville Cardinals
Chris (Prediction: #8): Oh how things have changed at Louisville since the days of defect-o-matic Bobby Petrino. The good news for the Cardinals is that there is always 2011!
Louisville (Prediction: #7): Charlie Strong can't be any worse than Steve Kragthorpe... but it's going to take some time to get some talent in that program.
Pittsburgh Panthers
Chris (Prediction: #2): Despite the fact that the Panthers return one of the nation's leading rushers and budding receivers in Dion Lewis and Jonathan Baldwin, nothing about the rest of this team resembles championship (and I meant Big East). So why am I not buying the Panthers' Kool-Aid? First off Dave Wannstedt is one of the most underwhelming coaches I have ever seen. I have never seen a coach closer to a Butch Davis clone. Secondly, Dion Lewis is vastly overrated. Despite the fact he walked over some pretty bad defenses last year, pundits went gaga over the diminutive back, proclaiming him the best freshman back in the county. I've got news for you guys...Lewis would be lucky to be the fourth best in that group (comfortably behind Trent Richardson, Ryan Williams and LaMichael James in that order). And I'm not sold on a quarterback who as a rising sophomore has thrown only 17 passes. You don't hand championship teams to sophomores with that kind of experience and have it stay that way. I may be wrong, but Pitt could end up as far down as 5 if things turn south with the QB situation, or if the upperclassmen slated to replace big holes on defense don't live up.
Ross (Prediction: #3): there's talent here; as always, the biggest question is whether or not their continued exposure to the Wannstache will doom them yet again. They had the Big East title in their grasp against Cincinnati a year ago, only to collapse in spectacular fashion. That sort of thing just seems to happen to Wannstedt-coached teams, which is why it's difficult to put much faith in them. Also, I'm half-convinced that Wannstedt is going to kill Dion Lewis with his workload this year.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Chris (Prediction: #4): The Scarlet Knights should not be taken lightly in 2010. Greg Schiano has built a VERY solid program at Rutgers, and despite falling a little in the last couple of years in the national limelight, Schiano's team is another team capable of capturing the Big East crown. It is unlikely however that it will be this year, but with a playmaker like Mohamed Sanu at the dispense of QB Tom Savage (Both sophomores...so yeah, watch out Big East) it is impossible to count them out. Also, Rutgers returns one of the nations' top defenses pretty well intact. The Scarlet Knights are probably a year away, but you have been given notice Big East...sweat them.
Ross (Prediction: #5): Keep chopping that wood, Rutgers. They feel like a team that's about a year away.
South Florida Bulls
Chris (Prediction: #6): This was a hard call, because between spots 1-6 in the Big East, there is not going to be much separation. It will be a competitive league until the very end of the season. I love what B.J. Daniels brings, but talk to me in a year or two before I really start to sing the Bulls' praises.
Ross (Prediction: #6): Skip Holtz will be successful there... just not right away. The Leavitt mess is going to need some time to settle.
Syracuse Orange
Chris (Prediction: #7): The only reason that I am able to separate the degrees of bad between the 'Cuse and the Cardinals is that the Orange return 10 starters on an experienced defense. The D will have to be really good to make up for the 2 starters that return on O. If not, they will be the Big East cellar dweller.
Ross (Prediction: #8): Someone send Doug Marrone a life preserver.
West Virginia Mountaineers
Chris (Prediction: #1): Despite my obvious objections (hello, I'm a Virginia Tech fan and the Tech-WVU rivalry is still VERY much alive no matter what any school official will lead you to believe), the Mountaineers have a veteran defense that will keep them in every game this season. Then the Mountaineers will just be content to hand the ball off to Noel Devine, college football's closest Dexter McCluster this season (although Devine is actually a more talented running back than McCluster strictly speaking). It doesn't matter that the Mountaineers find themselves in the same quarterback quandary as do the Panthers, because for him the pressure is off. Good defense, and the guy who will be the best playmaker every time they take the field this season. Just hand the ball to him as much as you can and things should take care of themselves. But, if for some reason Devine goes down, I'd expect to see Cincy or Rutgers to be hoisting the Big East trophy in the Mountaineers stead. I have nothing personally against Pitt, but they are a solid team and no more. Cincy and Rutgers both have the ability to be Big East middle-of-the-road and something special.
Ross (Prediction: #4): They have the most electrifying player in the Big East (Noel Devine), but they also have one of its most baffling head coaches (Bill Stewart). That's not often a recipe for success.
CFBZ Predicted Big East Finish
1. Pittsburgh Panthers
2. West Virginia Mountaineers
3 (tie). Cincinnati Bearcats
3 (tie). UConn Huskies
5. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
6. South Florida Bulls
7. Louisville Cardinals
8. Syracuse Orange
note: out of 5 people voting West Virginia received the most first place votes (2) but they also received 2 4th place votes. Cincy, UConn and Pitt all received 1 first place vote. The Big East should be wide open and fun this year.
Cincinnati 12-1 (7-0)
Pittsburgh 10-3 (5-2)
West Virginia 9-4 (5-2)
Rutgers 9-4 (3-4)
Connecticut 8-5 (3-4)
South Florida (8-5 (3-4)
Louisville 4-8 (1-6)
Syracuse 4-8 (1-6)
Returning Leaders: Passing
Tom Savage, Rutgers, Soph (149 of 285 for 2211 yds, 14 TD, 7 INT)
B.J. Daniels, USF, Soph (122 of 227 for 1983, 14 TD, 9 INT)
Zach Collaros, Cincy, Jr (93 of 124 for 1434, 10 TD, 2 INT)
Returning Leaders: Rushing
Dion Lewis, Pitt, Soph (325 carries for 1799 yds, 17 TD, 5.5 ypc)
Noel Devine, WVU, Sr (241 carries for 1465 yds, 13 TD, 6.0 ypc)
Jordan Todman, UConn, Jr (235 carries for 1188 yds, 14 TD, 5.0 ypc)
Delone Carter, Syracuse, Sr (236 carries for 1021 yds, 11 TD, 4.3 ypc)
Joe Martinek, Rutgers, Jr (206 carries for 967 yds, 4.6 ypc)
Returning Leaders: Receiving
Jock Sanders, WVU, Sr (72 rec for 688 yds, 3 TD, 5.5 rec/game)
Armon Binns, Cincy, Sr (61 rec for 888 yds, 11 TD, 4.7 rec/game)
Jonathan Baldwin, Pitt, Jr (57 rec for 1111 yds, 8 TD, 4.4 rec/game)
D.J. Woods, Cincy, Jr (51 rec for 640 yds, 4 TD, 4.3 rec/game)
Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers, Soph (51 Rec for 639 yds, 3 TD, 3.9 rec/game)
Returning Leaders: Tackles
Lawrence Wilson, UConn, Sr, LB (140 total, 10.77 tackles/game)
J.K. Schaffer, Cincy, Jr, LB (100 total, 7.69 tackles/game)
Max Gruder, Pitt, Jr, LB (91 total, 7.00 tackles/game)
Greg Lloyd, UConn, Sr, LB (91 total, 8.27 tackles/game)
Dom DeCicco, Pitt, Sr, DB (88 total, 6.7 tackles/game)
Returning Leaders: Sacks
Doug Hogue, Syracuse, Sr, LB (9.5 sacks)
Jonathan Freeny, Rutgers, Sr, DL (9.5)
Julian Miller, WVU, Jr, DL (8.0)
Greg Romeus, Pitt, Sr, DL (8.0)
Returning Leaders: Interceptions
Robert Sands, WVU, Jr, DB (5 interceptions)
Elijah Fields, Pitt, Sr, DB (3)
Michael Holmes, Syracuse, Sr, DB (3)
J.K. Schaffer, Cincy, Jr, LB (3)
Keith Tandy, WVU, Jr, DB (3)
Jarred Holley, Pitt, Soph, DB (3)
Dom DeCicco, Pitt, Sr, DB (3)
Around the Blogosphere
Who is your pick to win the Big East?
Brian Harrison of the Syracuse based blog Orange 44:
I’m picking Pittsburgh.
What could hurt Pitt is their losses on the offensive line. As much as Pitt likes to pound the ball, they will have to recover. They will have another solid offensive year, with new QB sophomore Tino Sunseri behind center. Pitt likes to run the ball more though and they have some great running backs in Dion Lewis, who despite not starting, earned 1,799 yards. Pitt’s fullback, Henry Hynoski, is a straight beast and will give defensive lines and linebackers some nightmares. He doesn’t carry the ball that often, but what he does do is plow the road for running backs. The defense meanwhile has a strong nuclease around Greg Romeus, Greg Williams and Dom Decicco, and should be just fine in stopping both the run and the pass fairly effectively this coming season. They are my pick to win the league.
USF Blogger The Bull Gator:
I'll go with Pitt for the 2010 conference title. This isn't an easy year to pick at all, but I have to go with the Panthers. Louisville and USF challenging for a title is a year or two away and Cincy could take a step back with a new coach. I think the Big East is Pitt's to lose in 2010.
West Virginia Blogger John Radcliff of Eers To You:
I really do think it's WVU's to lose. With 18/19 starters returning, there's no reason this shouldn't be a much more consistent team. Yes, the QB position is still an unknown. But I think this offensive line is going to be much improved and the running backs are going to have a field day with anyone that doesn't put 8 or nine in the box.
There are going to be a lot of good teams in the Big East this year. Good enough that one or two losses in conference might be good enough to win the conference. In my mind, the winner of the WVU-Pitt game will win the Big East.
What is the pivotal game this year?
Brian Harrison of the Syracuse based blog Orange 44:
West Virginia v. Pittsburgh
While UConn thinks they have a great chance to win the league this year, I just don’t see them doing better than really talented Pittsburgh and the always dangerous West Virginia. While Bill Stewart seems like a country buffoon (and he may be), he’s still winning games. He’s 19-8 at WVU and while they have a new QB in the works, they still have running back Noel Devine. For Pittsburgh they have a solid replacement coming out of spring in Tino Sunseri. He’s athletic and has a good arm. I think they have the most talent currently and this game, the “Backyard Brawl”, should decide the outcome of the season for the Big East.
USF Blogger The Bull Gator:
Any game Pitt plays. There are 4 or 5 teams that could win the Big East and if I'm going with Pitt then every game they play is the most pivotal. It's hard to predict the Big East any year. This year is no different. Pitt could lose it any weekend. A two-game losing streak and suddenly someone else is the favorite.
CFBZ Players of the Year
1. Noel Devine, Sr, RB, West Virgina
2. Dion Lewis, Soph, RB, Pittsburgh
3. Zach Collaros, Jr, QB, Cincinnati
4. BJ Daniels, Soph, QB, USF
5. Tom Savage, Soph, QB, Rutgers
Also receiving votes: Greg Romeus/Pitt, Jordan Todman/UConn, Delone Carter/Syracuse, Jonathan Baldwin/Pitt
Breaking Down The Big East
Cincinnati Bearcats
Chris (Prediction: #3): While only returning 12 starters, we're talking about returning 12 starters from a team that was an Alabama or Texas loss away from playing in the National Championship. This team is not just going to drop off of a cliff one year later. Brian Kelly did a fantastic job in his time there, and his players were so well coached that I don't expect it to just wear off under the new regime. With second and third leading receivers back (Armon Binns and D.J. Woods) from an ABSOLUTELY LOADED receiving core (how many 2nd wide receivers do you know that have an 888-yard 11-TD season?), and adding another difference maker in Vidal Hazelton, a USC transfer, to the mix, the Bearcats should be sufficiently reloaded to keep opponents from exploiting their defense. They will play in shootout games, but they will have the offensive firepower to win them. Isaiah Pead will surprise people at running back, and should definitely be considered another weapon on a stocked skill position team. Also, anyone who doesn't have complete faith in Zach Collaros, who calmly stepped in to replace Tony Pike for four games during the middle of an undefeated season, wasn't paying attention. This kid was so efficient that the coaches were forced to consider benching their 5th-year senior quarterback on an undefeated team for the sophomore. That's moxie. He didn't just win, he did so efficiently...while etching his name into the school annals for yards in a game...efficiently. Truth be told, this team is a true sleeper and could end up in a BCS bowl representing the Big East at the end of the year...they can be that good.
Ross (Prediction: #1): Sure, they lost Brian Kelly, Tony Pike, and Mardy Gilyard. Butch Jones already replaced Brian Kelly once -- and in a conference that's only marginally easier than the Big East (I kid, I kid...). Zach Collaros looked tremendous as Pike's fill-in a year ago -- and he's precisely the sort of mobile QB that Jones worked wonders with at Central Michigan (see: LeFevour, Dan). Gilyard will be tricky to replace, but still. The Big East is an utter crapshoot; there's no hugely compelling reason why Cincy couldn't win it for the third straight year.
Connecticut Huskies
Chris (Prediction: #5): Returning 16 starters from an 8-5 which won its last four games in convincing fashion should merit more than 5th place in a middle of the road conference, no? Despite their hot streak at the end of '09, I'm not sold on their QB Zach Frazer, especially with a completely new receiving core. My bet is that while they will be going bowling, the Huskies won't do anything to stand out from the pack in the Big East.
Ross (Prediction: #2): UConn's been on the cusp of Big East greatness for a few years, and as a team fairly loaded with returning starters and one of the most hard luck outfits around in 2009 (they lost five games by a combined 15 points), I figure they might just be due a good run here. Plus, I trust Randy Edsall a hell of a lot more than I do the Wannstache.
Louisville Cardinals
Chris (Prediction: #8): Oh how things have changed at Louisville since the days of defect-o-matic Bobby Petrino. The good news for the Cardinals is that there is always 2011!
Louisville (Prediction: #7): Charlie Strong can't be any worse than Steve Kragthorpe... but it's going to take some time to get some talent in that program.
Pittsburgh Panthers
Chris (Prediction: #2): Despite the fact that the Panthers return one of the nation's leading rushers and budding receivers in Dion Lewis and Jonathan Baldwin, nothing about the rest of this team resembles championship (and I meant Big East). So why am I not buying the Panthers' Kool-Aid? First off Dave Wannstedt is one of the most underwhelming coaches I have ever seen. I have never seen a coach closer to a Butch Davis clone. Secondly, Dion Lewis is vastly overrated. Despite the fact he walked over some pretty bad defenses last year, pundits went gaga over the diminutive back, proclaiming him the best freshman back in the county. I've got news for you guys...Lewis would be lucky to be the fourth best in that group (comfortably behind Trent Richardson, Ryan Williams and LaMichael James in that order). And I'm not sold on a quarterback who as a rising sophomore has thrown only 17 passes. You don't hand championship teams to sophomores with that kind of experience and have it stay that way. I may be wrong, but Pitt could end up as far down as 5 if things turn south with the QB situation, or if the upperclassmen slated to replace big holes on defense don't live up.
Ross (Prediction: #3): there's talent here; as always, the biggest question is whether or not their continued exposure to the Wannstache will doom them yet again. They had the Big East title in their grasp against Cincinnati a year ago, only to collapse in spectacular fashion. That sort of thing just seems to happen to Wannstedt-coached teams, which is why it's difficult to put much faith in them. Also, I'm half-convinced that Wannstedt is going to kill Dion Lewis with his workload this year.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Chris (Prediction: #4): The Scarlet Knights should not be taken lightly in 2010. Greg Schiano has built a VERY solid program at Rutgers, and despite falling a little in the last couple of years in the national limelight, Schiano's team is another team capable of capturing the Big East crown. It is unlikely however that it will be this year, but with a playmaker like Mohamed Sanu at the dispense of QB Tom Savage (Both sophomores...so yeah, watch out Big East) it is impossible to count them out. Also, Rutgers returns one of the nations' top defenses pretty well intact. The Scarlet Knights are probably a year away, but you have been given notice Big East...sweat them.
Ross (Prediction: #5): Keep chopping that wood, Rutgers. They feel like a team that's about a year away.
South Florida Bulls
Chris (Prediction: #6): This was a hard call, because between spots 1-6 in the Big East, there is not going to be much separation. It will be a competitive league until the very end of the season. I love what B.J. Daniels brings, but talk to me in a year or two before I really start to sing the Bulls' praises.
Ross (Prediction: #6): Skip Holtz will be successful there... just not right away. The Leavitt mess is going to need some time to settle.
Syracuse Orange
Chris (Prediction: #7): The only reason that I am able to separate the degrees of bad between the 'Cuse and the Cardinals is that the Orange return 10 starters on an experienced defense. The D will have to be really good to make up for the 2 starters that return on O. If not, they will be the Big East cellar dweller.
Ross (Prediction: #8): Someone send Doug Marrone a life preserver.
West Virginia Mountaineers
Chris (Prediction: #1): Despite my obvious objections (hello, I'm a Virginia Tech fan and the Tech-WVU rivalry is still VERY much alive no matter what any school official will lead you to believe), the Mountaineers have a veteran defense that will keep them in every game this season. Then the Mountaineers will just be content to hand the ball off to Noel Devine, college football's closest Dexter McCluster this season (although Devine is actually a more talented running back than McCluster strictly speaking). It doesn't matter that the Mountaineers find themselves in the same quarterback quandary as do the Panthers, because for him the pressure is off. Good defense, and the guy who will be the best playmaker every time they take the field this season. Just hand the ball to him as much as you can and things should take care of themselves. But, if for some reason Devine goes down, I'd expect to see Cincy or Rutgers to be hoisting the Big East trophy in the Mountaineers stead. I have nothing personally against Pitt, but they are a solid team and no more. Cincy and Rutgers both have the ability to be Big East middle-of-the-road and something special.
Ross (Prediction: #4): They have the most electrifying player in the Big East (Noel Devine), but they also have one of its most baffling head coaches (Bill Stewart). That's not often a recipe for success.
CFBZ Predicted Big East Finish
1. Pittsburgh Panthers
2. West Virginia Mountaineers
3 (tie). Cincinnati Bearcats
3 (tie). UConn Huskies
5. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
6. South Florida Bulls
7. Louisville Cardinals
8. Syracuse Orange
note: out of 5 people voting West Virginia received the most first place votes (2) but they also received 2 4th place votes. Cincy, UConn and Pitt all received 1 first place vote. The Big East should be wide open and fun this year.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Pre-Season Preview: West Virginia Mountaineers
2009 Record: 9-4 (5-2- 2nd in Big East)
2009 Bowl:Gator Bowl (lost to Florida State 33 to 21)
Final 2009 BCS Ranking: #16
Head Coach: Bill Stewart (19-8 at West Virginia, 27-33 Overall)
Non-Conference Schedule: Coastal Carolina (Sept 4), at Marshall (Sept 10), Maryland (Sept 18), at LSU (Sept 25), UNLV (Oct 9)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 26.2 points per game (6th in Big East)
Rushing Yards/Game: 186 (1st in Big East)
Passing Yards/Game: 191 (last in Big East)
Total Yards/Game: 377 (4th in Big East)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 21.7 points per game (4th in Big East)
Rushing Yards/Game: 126 (4th in Big East)
Passing Yards/Game: 209 (4th in Big East)
Total Yards/Game: 336 (4th in Big East)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: -0.15 per game (6th in Big East)
Penalties: 44 yards per game (2nd in Big East)
Returning Starters
Offense: 9
Defense: 9
Kicker/Punter: 1
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Geno Smith, Soph (32 of 49, 309 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT)
Rushing: RB Noel Devine, Sr (1,465 yds, 112 ypg, 6 ypc, 13 TD)
Receiving: RB Jock Sanders, Sr (688 yds, 72 rec, 3 TD)
Tackles: LB Pat Lazear, Sr (78)
Sacks: DL Julian Miller, Jr (9)
Interceptions: DB Robert Sands, Jr (5)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Lindy's: #19
Mark Schlabach: Not Ranked
Rivals: Not Ranked
Scout: #21
Sports Illustrated: Not Ranked
According to Wikipedia West Virginia is the winningest Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) team to have never won a national championship. We reached out to John Radcliff of the West Virginia blog Eers To You and he was kind enough to provide us with more insight into the upcoming 2010 West Virginia Mountaineers.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
The strengths as usual start with West Virginia's running game. Everyone knows Noel Devine. He needs 1800 yards to be the all-time leading rusher in WVU history. Joining Devine in the backfield is Ryan Clarke, a 230 lb fb/hb. Clarke emerged in 2009 as a go to short yardage back and exceeded all expectations as a rusher and lead blocker.The Mountaineers also return four of five starters from last year on the offensive line. The defensive line also returns all three starters from a year ago and should be a huge strength for West Virginia.
Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test?
I would say LSU, but the week before that we get our first BCS caliber team, Maryland at home September 18th. It's an old rivalry. The turtles haven't been all that good in the past few years, but they usually give West Virginia a good game. I would at least expect them to be better that the 2-10 record from a year ago.
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
LSU! This is a road game, and although LSU hasn't been the monster they were two or three years ago, they are still a very impressive team. I worry about our young quarterback being put in a situation that he has to win the game. If that happens, it could get ugly real quick. It would also be a signature win for a team that hasn't had many big road wins since Stewart took over as coach.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
First, I would say nose guard Chris Neild. He's been a big contributor the last three years. You have to have someone that can suck up blocks at the NG position in the 3-3-5 defense. He doesn't get a lot of chances to shine because he is almost always being double teamed. But you see it right away when he isn't out there. LB J. T. Thomas is also someone to keep an eye on. He's a bit undersized at 225 lbs, but he reminds you of all the linebackers from Miami's golden age. He's got a nose for the ball and speed to burn. Ryan Clarke should also be mentioned again. He's a rare combination of size and speed that is as comfortable running the ball as he is blocking.
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
Everyone knows Noel Devine and he is the best running back on the team. But I would have to at least mention Jock Sanders. He is just an inch behind Devine as a running back, but he is a dominant slot receiver. He gives you versatility that you don't often have and he makes defenses account for him on every play.
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
This is a tossup between Neild and Thomas. You need Neild in there sucking up blocks to keep the linebackers free. He makes everyone on the defense better with his play. Thomas is the linebacker that you can't run away from and you won't have much better luck running at. He's a strong blitzer and also has the ability to cover backs and tight ends.
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
Quarterback Geno Smith. For his sake and for the sake of the team he needs to come out and play like a senior. There's too much talent out there to accept marginal output from the quarterback position. Also, there's a lot of unproven talent behind him. Brandon Hogan needs to be better than last year at corner back. Not that he was bad last year. But WVU hasn't been solid in pass defense for a while. If they are going to contend for a Big East title, they have to improve in the secondary. And that starts with Hogan.
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
Like I said above, there's some talent coming in at quarterback in Barry Brunetti. I hate to put expectations like that on any freshman, but Brunetti already has some high expectations attached to his name. If things don't go well for Smith, Barry might get a shot to run the team.
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
Will Clarke made a big impression at defensive end this spring. It's a position that WVU is already strong at, but he's 6'6" and he could make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks just by putting his hands in the air.
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
Anything short of a Big East championship and a BCS bid will probably be a disappointment. The Mountaineers return more starters than any other team in the conference, 18. The coaching staff returns all but one coach. Bills Stewart said last year that he expects his team to play for a national title in the next two years. If it's going to happen, you should see it this year. Stewart is a good guy. His gaffs have been well publicized. But it's hard to root against him in a world of coaches like Saban, Meyer, Rodriguez, and so on. It would be nice if just once, the nice guy won. Best case, WVU goes 11-1. Worst case, 8-4.
Next Preview: Pittsburgh Panthers
2009 Bowl:Gator Bowl (lost to Florida State 33 to 21)
Final 2009 BCS Ranking: #16
Head Coach: Bill Stewart (19-8 at West Virginia, 27-33 Overall)
Non-Conference Schedule: Coastal Carolina (Sept 4), at Marshall (Sept 10), Maryland (Sept 18), at LSU (Sept 25), UNLV (Oct 9)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 26.2 points per game (6th in Big East)
Rushing Yards/Game: 186 (1st in Big East)
Passing Yards/Game: 191 (last in Big East)
Total Yards/Game: 377 (4th in Big East)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 21.7 points per game (4th in Big East)
Rushing Yards/Game: 126 (4th in Big East)
Passing Yards/Game: 209 (4th in Big East)
Total Yards/Game: 336 (4th in Big East)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: -0.15 per game (6th in Big East)
Penalties: 44 yards per game (2nd in Big East)
Returning Starters
Offense: 9
Defense: 9
Kicker/Punter: 1
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Geno Smith, Soph (32 of 49, 309 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT)
Rushing: RB Noel Devine, Sr (1,465 yds, 112 ypg, 6 ypc, 13 TD)
Receiving: RB Jock Sanders, Sr (688 yds, 72 rec, 3 TD)
Tackles: LB Pat Lazear, Sr (78)
Sacks: DL Julian Miller, Jr (9)
Interceptions: DB Robert Sands, Jr (5)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Lindy's: #19
Mark Schlabach: Not Ranked
Rivals: Not Ranked
Scout: #21
Sports Illustrated: Not Ranked
According to Wikipedia West Virginia is the winningest Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) team to have never won a national championship. We reached out to John Radcliff of the West Virginia blog Eers To You and he was kind enough to provide us with more insight into the upcoming 2010 West Virginia Mountaineers.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
The strengths as usual start with West Virginia's running game. Everyone knows Noel Devine. He needs 1800 yards to be the all-time leading rusher in WVU history. Joining Devine in the backfield is Ryan Clarke, a 230 lb fb/hb. Clarke emerged in 2009 as a go to short yardage back and exceeded all expectations as a rusher and lead blocker.The Mountaineers also return four of five starters from last year on the offensive line. The defensive line also returns all three starters from a year ago and should be a huge strength for West Virginia.
Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test?
I would say LSU, but the week before that we get our first BCS caliber team, Maryland at home September 18th. It's an old rivalry. The turtles haven't been all that good in the past few years, but they usually give West Virginia a good game. I would at least expect them to be better that the 2-10 record from a year ago.
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
LSU! This is a road game, and although LSU hasn't been the monster they were two or three years ago, they are still a very impressive team. I worry about our young quarterback being put in a situation that he has to win the game. If that happens, it could get ugly real quick. It would also be a signature win for a team that hasn't had many big road wins since Stewart took over as coach.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
First, I would say nose guard Chris Neild. He's been a big contributor the last three years. You have to have someone that can suck up blocks at the NG position in the 3-3-5 defense. He doesn't get a lot of chances to shine because he is almost always being double teamed. But you see it right away when he isn't out there. LB J. T. Thomas is also someone to keep an eye on. He's a bit undersized at 225 lbs, but he reminds you of all the linebackers from Miami's golden age. He's got a nose for the ball and speed to burn. Ryan Clarke should also be mentioned again. He's a rare combination of size and speed that is as comfortable running the ball as he is blocking.
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
Everyone knows Noel Devine and he is the best running back on the team. But I would have to at least mention Jock Sanders. He is just an inch behind Devine as a running back, but he is a dominant slot receiver. He gives you versatility that you don't often have and he makes defenses account for him on every play.
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
This is a tossup between Neild and Thomas. You need Neild in there sucking up blocks to keep the linebackers free. He makes everyone on the defense better with his play. Thomas is the linebacker that you can't run away from and you won't have much better luck running at. He's a strong blitzer and also has the ability to cover backs and tight ends.
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
Quarterback Geno Smith. For his sake and for the sake of the team he needs to come out and play like a senior. There's too much talent out there to accept marginal output from the quarterback position. Also, there's a lot of unproven talent behind him. Brandon Hogan needs to be better than last year at corner back. Not that he was bad last year. But WVU hasn't been solid in pass defense for a while. If they are going to contend for a Big East title, they have to improve in the secondary. And that starts with Hogan.
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
Like I said above, there's some talent coming in at quarterback in Barry Brunetti. I hate to put expectations like that on any freshman, but Brunetti already has some high expectations attached to his name. If things don't go well for Smith, Barry might get a shot to run the team.
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
Will Clarke made a big impression at defensive end this spring. It's a position that WVU is already strong at, but he's 6'6" and he could make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks just by putting his hands in the air.
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
Anything short of a Big East championship and a BCS bid will probably be a disappointment. The Mountaineers return more starters than any other team in the conference, 18. The coaching staff returns all but one coach. Bills Stewart said last year that he expects his team to play for a national title in the next two years. If it's going to happen, you should see it this year. Stewart is a good guy. His gaffs have been well publicized. But it's hard to root against him in a world of coaches like Saban, Meyer, Rodriguez, and so on. It would be nice if just once, the nice guy won. Best case, WVU goes 11-1. Worst case, 8-4.
Next Preview: Pittsburgh Panthers
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