The Big East, or not quite ready for prime time players, sees 3 of it's 8 schools change coaches. Will the final standings change in 2010? Here is what to look for:
Brian Kelly leaves CINCINNATI so Butch Jones takes over. Most of his offense returns, only losing 4 starters, but QB Collaros filled in admirably when QB PIke was injured and is now experienced. The problem has been on defense, and that will continue with 6 seniors leaving the starting lineup. The schedule features a trip out west to Fresno, and a game against Oklahoma, plus a visit to West Virginia. Hopes for another undefeated season will rest on the defense, not a good sign.
WEST VIRGINIA also loses their QB, along with two WR's and their RT. RB Devine opted to stay for his senior season, and will have to take over the starring role on offense. The defense loses two starters and some depth. The schedule is doable, with a trip to LSU being the non-con highlite. West Virginia's problem has been consistancy, and questionable coaching. They will have to clear those hurdles to win the Big East this season.
SOUTH FLORIDA mirrors Cincinnati in a lot of ways. They also lose their HC, but gain Skip Holtz, who was very successful at East Carolina. They lose their starting QB, and 3 others on offense, but B.J. Daniels was very successful last season filling in at QB. The defense loses 6 starters and some depth, and will be a major rebuilding project. The Bulls have to overcome mid season slumps that ruin good years. This year, they go to Florida early, and Miami late. Add in trips to Cincinnati and West Virginia, and Holtz has his work cut out for him.
Coach Wanny has a major rebuilding job facing him at PITTSBURGH. QB Stull and 5 other starters are gone from the offense. 5 starters also leave the defense. Both sides of the ball get hit depth wise. The good news is that Pitt has picked it up on the recruting trail. The non-con schedule is tough, with trips to Utah and Notre Dame and a home game against Miami (FL). It is going to be very difficult for Pitt to repeat last year's 10-3 record.
UCONN and coach Edsell battled through adversity last year, won their last 4 games including a game in South Bend, and finished at 8-5. This year the Huskies will depend on an offense that returns all but 2 starters to lead the way. The defense loses 4 starters and some depth, and will have to rebuild their secondary. The Huskies get both Cincinnati and West Virginia at home. They open in the Big House at Michigan. A huge game for both teams.
RUTGERS was a major disappointment last season, and gets hit hard by graduation. 5 seniors leave on each side of the ball. Rutgers will start their 3rd QB in as many seasons. The schedule is brutal, hosting UNC, and going to Cincinnati, West Virginia, South Florida, and Pitt. HC Schiano is going to need all the magic he can muster for this team to finish in the top half of the Big East this season.
Charlie Strong takes over a LOUISVILLE team that was very disappointing in their last three seasons. The good news is that Strong only loses 2 starters on offense. The bad news is that he loses 5 starters on defense, and a lot of depth. All 4 safeties on his two deep are gone, as well as 3 of 6 LB's. The schedule is not real bad, hosting rival Kentucky, as well as Cincinnati, West Virginia, and South Florida. If the Cards want to start the climb back, they will have to improve on an offense that was limited to 14 points or less in half their games last season.
SYRACUSE showed signs of improvment last year, winning 4 games. Unfortunately they still did not win a road game. This year the offense only loses 4 starters, but two are critical in QB Dantley and WR Williams. The defense comes back nearly intact. The schedule offers a couple of non-con softies, but games at Cincinnati, South Florida, and West Virginia. If HC Marrone wants to continue the rebuilding, he must find a new QB-WR combo on offense and improve a very soft defense that gave up 28 or more points in 7 games last season.
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An Early Look. Big East
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