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.

Pre-Season Preview: South Florida Bulls

2009 Record: 8-5 (3-4 in Big East)
2009 Bowl: International Bowl (beat Northern Illinois 27-3)
Final 2009 AP Ranking: Not Ranke
Head Coach: Skip Holtz (First Year at USF, 72-50 All-Time)
Non-Conference Schedule: Stony Brook (9/4), Florida (9/11), Western Kentucky (9/25), Florida Atlantic (10/2)

2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 26.5 points per game (5th in Big East)
Rushing Yards/Game: 170 (3rd in Big East)
Passing Yards/Game: 194 (6th in Big East)
Total Yards/Game: 365 (5th in Big East) 

2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 19.8 points per game (2nd in Big East, 19th in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 135 (6th in Big East)
Passing Yards/Game: 186 (1st in Big East)
Total Yards/Game: 321 (3rd in Big East)

2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: 0.00 per game (5th in Big East)
Penalties: 57 yards per game (7th in Big East)

Returning Starters
Offense: 9
Defense: 4
Kicker/Punter: 1

Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB B.J. Daniels, Soph (122 of 227 for 1983 yds, 14 TD, 9 INT, 152 ypg)
Rushing: QB B.J Daniels, Soph (175 carries for 772 yds, 9 TD, 4.4 ypc, 59 ypg)
Receiving: WR Dontavia Bogan, Sr (22 rec, 305 yds, 4 TD, 1.7 rec/game)
Tackles: LB Sabbath Joseph, Sr (48)
Sacks: DE Craig Marshall, Sr (3)
Interceptions:3 tied with 1

2010 Big East Unit Rankings
QB- Athlon Sports #1; Phil Steele #1
RB- Athlon Sports #8 ; Phil Steele #8
WR/TE- Athlon Sports #5; Phil Steele #5
OL- Athlon Sports #3; Phil Steele #2
DL- Athlon Sports #6; Phil Steele #5
LB- Athlon Sports #7; Phil Steele #6
DB- Athlon Sports #4; Phil Steele #3
ST- Phil Steele #7

2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Athlon Sports: #45

Phil Steele: #49
Sporting News: #52

2010 Pre-Season Big East Prediction:
Athlon Sports: #6
Phil Steele: #3 (tied with Cincinnati)

Bowl Prediction:
Phil Steele: St Petersburg Bowl (vs.Southern Miss)


South Florida won their first 5 games by picking off some very easy teams and beating FSU (then ranked #18) 17-7. USF struggled in Big East play as they fell to Cincinnati and Pitt back-to-back after beating Syracuse. USF ended up 3-4 in Big East play before going bowling and beating Northern Illinois. It was on the job training for B.J. Daniels as he had to step in for injured Matt Grothe in the 3rd game of the year and then lead the team for the remainder of the season. USF had some bumps and bruises in the off-season and HC Jim Leavitt (who was the first HC in USF history) was fired in January. Skip Holtz, son of Lou, takes over the reigns after guiding East Carolina to 4 consecutive bowl games. We touched base with The Bull Gator to see how things are looking for USF in 2010.


What are the major strengths and weaknesses of the team?

With a new coach bringing in new schemes, it’s really hard to say. We can look over East Carolina game tape until we’re blue in the face and we still wouldn’t have a perfect idea of what we’ll see in the fall. But based on what we know, USF’s biggest strength may be B.J. Daniels. The talented quarterback has star written all over him and is easily the most important part of the team. As Matt Grothe went the last few seasons, so went the Bulls. When Grothe looked spectacular, USF looked great. When he was throwing the ball up for grabs and trying to win it all on one play, the Bulls crashed to the ground. As Daniels transitions to a new coach, he must keep the mistakes to a minimum. He will carry USF on and off the field.

As for weaknesses, the biggest one is inconsistency. The Bulls could be one of the most frustrating teams in the nation to watch. Over the last few years, they’ve look like world-beaters at times and like downright losers at others. It’s always been hard to know which USF team you were going to get from game to game. The one that starts each season strong? Or the one that finishes each season by throwing itself off a cliff?

Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test and why?

Florida. Last year USF travelled to FSU and came away with a victory. The same thing won’t happen against the Gators, but it’s still a test for a number of reasons. Florida has gone 26-2 over the last two seasons. Heading into The Swamp and coming out with a loss won’t derail the Bulls season, but how they lose will be an indicator of how far away Skip Holtz is from pushing USF to the next step. No one expects too much from Holtz and the Bulls in this game. It will only be his second game as the head coach so even a blowout loss will be forgiven, BUT if USF can make it respectable, it’ll say a lot about where they are as a program. The Gators are breaking in a lot of new parts as well. I don’t see a surprise victory for the Bulls, but how they come out of this game could help shape the season.

What team on the schedule do you fear the most?

Normally I would say Rutgers (no USF fan ever likes playing Rutgers), but the way the schedule is structured this year, I’ll go with West Virginia. By all accounts, the Bulls should enter the game against the Mountaineers at 4-1. That game (and eight days later against Cincinnati) could define the season. Does USF get a win and momentum heading into the second half of the season? Or does the Big East “murderer’s row” knock the Bulls out of conference title contention early?

Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?

I’m going with local boy Ryne Giddins. Giddins was the first recruit to be down to USF and Florida that ended up a Bull. He was also the highest ranked recruit USF had ever pulled in at the time (if you’re not counting Mike Ford since he didn’t technically come straight from high school). Giddins was a huge get for the Bulls, but some may have forgotten about him after a year learning more about the college game. For those that mostly remember the players they’ve actually seen on the field, don’t forget out Giddins. He could be the next USF defensive lineman to have a big impact.

Who is the best offensive player on the team?

B.J. Daniels. The best and, obviously, the most important.

Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?

I’ll answer this one a little differently and say who NEEDS to be the most impactful. The secondary. It’s been a while now since Mike Jenkins and Trae Williams locked down pretty much every receiver they went up against. Then along came Nate Allen and Jerome Murphy and while the two were talented, the unit as a whole was extremely inconsistent. They’d follow up a great play on the ball with a bad pass interference penalty or a missed assignment. Although a lot of it starts with the seven up front, the secondary could make or break this team. Discipline is the key. If they are disciplined, they will be much more impactful than the occasional big play or hard hit.

What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?

I think this is the third time I’ve had this answer, but it’s B.J. Daniels again. Daniels needs to take his game to the next level. Don’t panic when pressured. Don’t try to make the throw when it isn’t there. And use his running ability, but don’t try to do too much with it. A big year from Daniels and the Bulls will be heading in the right direction.

Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?

Bradley Battles. Battles was a 4-star athlete coming out of high school and due to depth issues (Mike Ford and Jamar Taylor are gone and Tiger Powell won’t be coming to USF for another season or two) at running back, he’ll be one of the top backups as a redshirt freshman this season. He’s a speed back who can provide a change of pace for the Bulls and should get valuable carries this season.

Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?

Although tempted to say Giddins again, I’ll go with Terrence Mitchell. Another local product, Mitchell decided to stay home and bring his talents to the Bulls. Mitchell was a big get (just as big as Giddins the previous year) for USF and more importantly for Holtz. It doesn’t hurt that he’s a defensive back. Mitchell should be able to come in a play right away and give the Bulls a playmaker in the secondary from day one.

Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?

Some people think this could be a down year as Holtz “rebuilds” the program (he’s not really rebuilding, just restructuring), but I still think this team has bowl game potential. Looking at the schedule realistically, USF could start 4-1 and finish 1-1. It’s those other five games that are the biggest question marks. There’s no reason the Bulls can’t get through them going 3-2. There’s also a chance they could go 1-4. It’s really anyone’s guess with those five (I’m talking about October 14 to November 20 when the Bulls face West Virginia, Cincinnati, Rutgers, Louisville, and Pittsburgh).

I’ll go on the low side if only because of having a new coach and say 7-5. I’d love to say eight wins is within reach (and it is), but guessing Holtz will be making adjustments throughout the year, it’s hard to imagine USF being able to take a step forward until 2011.

Going back to a bowl makes it a successful season for me. Holtz would be forgiven if the Bulls don’t go bowling, but falling too much makes 2011 and beyond that much harder. If he can get USF a winning season in his first year, 2010 will be marked as a success.

Thanks again to The Bull Gator. Check out his site this year as he covers both the USF Bulls and the Florida Gators. You can also follow him on twitter @TheBullGator


2010 Previews
ACC- Maryland Terrapins
Big 12- Kansas State Wildcats, Missouri Tigers, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Purdue Boilermakers
Conference USA- Houston Cougars, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
MAC- Ball State Cardinals, Bowling Green Falcons, Buffalo Bulls, Temple Owls, Toledo Rockets
Mountain West- Utah Utes
Pac-10- Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
SEC- Auburn Tigers, Kentucky Wildcats, Mississippi Rebels, South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores
Sun Belt- Troy Trojans
WAC- New Mexico State Aggies