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Big East Preview
By Jeff Zell
Inspin.com
Contributing Writer
Despite West Virginia’s victory over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, the Big East was considered one of the weaker major conferences in college football last season. The Mountaineers are the sportsbook favorites to have another great season and a decent semi-sleeper bet as a potential national champion. Respect for the Big East, however, must be earned in non-conference play.
1. West Virginia (2005 record: 11-1, 7-0 Big East)
Coach: Rich Rodriquez
Key Players Lost: Garin Justice (OT), Ernst Hunter (NT)
2006 Key Players: Steve Slaton (RB), Pat White (QB), Kevin McLee (LB)
Key Games: @Louisville (11/2), @Pitt (11/16)
Summary: The Mountaineers return 15 starters from the Sugar Bowl winning team (eight on offense, seven on defense) and have lofty expectations. Slaton and White make up a scary backfield combo that is the spark behind the no-huddle spread offense that Rodriquez likes to run. The Mountaineers return all their wide receivers as well as three of five offensive linemen. On defense, West Virginia ranked eighth in total defense and 10th in the nation in points per game (16.3). Senior linebacker McLee, who claimed all-Big East honors last year, leads the returning starters.
Prediction (12-0): West Virginia may not be the best team in the country, but it’s a good bet (with its schedule) the Moutaineers will be Tempe, Ariz., playing for the national title. Anything less will label this season unsuccessful. Slaton and White form the fastest backfield combination in the nation, and the defense has 10 upperclassmen tabbed to start. The non-conference schedule is easy (Marshall, E. Washington, Maryland, E. Carolina and Mississippi St.), and the Big East only provides one tough game, Louisville. Survive that game and play for a national title.
2. Louisville (9-3, 5-2)
Coach: Bobby Petrino
Key Players Lost: Joshua Tinch (WR), Elvis Dumervil (DE), Jason Spitz (OL)
2006 Key Players: Brian Brohm (QB), Michael Bush (RB),
Key Games: vs. Miami (9/16), vs. WVU (11/2), @Pitt (11/25)
Summary: Louisville returns two of the three main cogs from the nation's third-most potent scoring offense (45.2 pts. per game) last season. Bush is a scoring machine (24 TDs in 2005) and will have another great season, potentially Heisman-worthy. Brohm is known for his mobility, but that is in question as he is coming off knee surgery. Brohm is an efficient quarterback as he completed 68.8 percent of his passes for nearly 3,000 yards in 2005. Wideout Mario Urrutia caught seven touchdowns in 2005 and will be a viable option. A stud defensive star like Dumervil will be impossible to replace. The Cardinals return all four starters in the secondary and have various starters returning from both the linebackers and defensive line. Junior defensive end Brandon Cox recorded four sacks in the spring game.
Prediction (10-2): Louisville is in charge of garnering respect for the entire Big East conference with a nationally televised showdown with Miami at home. Bush is an offensive stud, but with Brohm coming off knee surgery it will be interesting to see how he bounces back since he uses the ability to scramble better than most (sacked just 17 times in 2005). Getting to host West Virginia, a BCS bowl game is a possible goal in 2006.
3. Pittsburgh (5-6, 4-3)
Coach: Dave Wannstedt
Key Players Lost: Josh Cummings (PK), Greg Lee (WR), Josh Lay (CB)
2006 Key Players: Tyler Palko (QB), Derek Kinder (WR), H.B. Blades (LB)
Key Games: vs. UVA (9/2), vs. Mich State (9/16), vs. WVU (11/16)
Summary: Two-time All-Big East performer Palko returns for his third season as the starting quarterback after throwing nearly 2,400 yards and 17 touchdowns. Tailback LaRod Stephens possesses a speedy, elusive style and will start at tailback as a sophomore. WR Kinder looks to fill the shoes of All-Big East performer Lee. True freshman WR Dorin xxxxerson has playmaking ability and could make an instant impact. Two defensive tackles, a linebacker and a pair of corners are gone from 2005. Middle linebacker Blades is a returning as a two-time first team All Big East selection and will anchor the defense. Cornerback Darelle Revis was a first-team All Big East performer and will try to keep the Panthers as the best pass defense in the Big East like they were in 2005.
Prediction (8-4): Palko’s senior season will decide the fate of the Panthers. Of course, if he was given a little bit of time (30 sacks allowed in 2005), it could be a little easier. Nearly one-third of the Panthers' team will be freshman in 2006, which is not good with their intense schedule. Virginia, Michigan State and Toledo are tough non-conference games, but lucky for Pitt all three of those games along with West Virginia, Louisville and Rutgers are at Heinz Field.
4. Rutgers (7-5, 4-3)
Coach: Greg Schiano
Key Players Lost: Ryan Neill (DE)
2006 Key Players: Brian Leonard (FB), Clark Harris (TE), Courtney Greene (S), Ramel Meekins (DT)
Key Games: @UNC (9/2), @USF (9/29), vs. Louisville (11/9)
Summary: After coming off their first successful season in nearly three decades, Schiano's Scarlet Knights look to take another step in 2006. The defense led the nation in sacks in 2005 but lost stud DE Neill and has little experience at linebacker. Greene is a ball hawk who led the team in tackles in 2005 with 116. Meekins is a veteran performer who sacked opposing quarterbacks nine times last year. Offensively, Leonard and tailback Ray Rice make a good combination, but the Scarlet Knights must get improved and consistent play from QB Mike Teel. Tight end Harris is a big target (6-foot-6) and was named a Lindy’s Preseason All-American after a 38 reception season in 2005.
Prediction (7-5): Back-to-back winning season will mean Schiano has officially turned this program around. With two productive running backs in Rice and Leonard, the quarterback position must not turn the ball over (19 INTs in 2005). The schedule is stronger than a year ago with the addition of North Carolina to open the season. A key three-week road stretch against South Florida, Navy and Pitt will determine the season.
5. South Florida (6-6, 4-3)
Coach: Jim Leavitt
Key Players Lost: Andre Hall (RB)
2006 Key Players: Thed Watson (OT), Stephen Nicholas (LB)
Key Games: @Kansas (9/23), vs. Pitt (11/4)
Summary: In their ninth season of existence the Bulls went to their first bowl game and look to improve once again with 15 starters returning. The offense, which ranked 107th out of 117, must improve. The quarterback situation is up for grabs. Carlton Smith (QB) was tabbed the No. 1 guy before spring drills but academic problems and an arrest in late June helped in Leavitt’s decision to move him to receiver. Pat Julmiste will likely start at quarterback, and if he falters pure passer Matt Grothe will take the reins. Defensively, USF ranked 15th and 17th in points per game and total yards allowed, respectively, in the nation and returns all three linebackers from a year ago. The best of that bunch is Nicholas, who earned second-team All Big East honors and elected to stay for his senior season. The secondary has two of the finest corners in the Big East with returning juniors Mike Jenkins and Trae Williams.
Prediction (7-5): USF returns a lot of defense but loses a lot of offense. Leavitt attended coaching camps at Texas and Missouri in the offseason to basically try anything to jump-start this offense. The Smith situation is not promising, but Julmiste is a hard worker if that is any consolation prize. The Bulls have a tough schedule, playing Kansas, North Carolina, Louisville and West Virginia all on the road. A strong defense should propel them to a winning season.
6. Connecticut (5-6, 2-5)
Coach: Randy Edsall
Key Players Lost: Dan Orlovsky (QB), Deion McPhee (DE)
2006 Key Players: Terry Caulley (RB), Danny Lansannah (LB)
Key Games: @USF (10/7), @Rutgers (10/29)
Summary: Returning 15 starters is good, losing star quarterback Orlovsky is not. The talk of this team in 2005 was the defense being ranked 13th and 21st in the nation in yards per game and points per game, respectively. Linebacker Lansannah along with one of the strongest secondaries in the Big East (Darius Butler, Tyvon Branch, M.J. Estep) should keep the defense strong. Tailback Caulley needs 124 yards to break the Connecticut rushing record. D.J. Hernandez will begin the preseason as the starting quarterback. The offensive line is coming off an injury-plagued season.
Prediction (6-5): Another Big East team with another weak non-conference schedule. Coach Edsall says his team just needs to get out there and play and get game experience. I say the Huskies just need to remain healthy. Realistically, UConn could start out 4-0 and head to a hungry USF team, which UConn defeated 16-10 a year ago.
7. Cincinnati (4-7, 2-5)
Coach: Mark Dantonio
Key Players Lost: Three offensive linemen
2006 Key Players: Dustin Grutza (QB), Brent Celek (TE), Mike Mickens (DB)
Key Games: vs. Pitt (9/8), vs. Rutgers (11/18)
Summary: Sophomore QB Grutza showed leadership as a freshman signal-caller and has senior TE Celek to get the ball to again in 2006. The offensive line graduated three seniors, and there is no standout running back. After starting as many as six freshmen on defense in 2005, the Bearcats will have a defense with experience in 2006. Sophomore Mickens was a second-team All-Big East selection and will have the aid of a pair of seniors to man the secondary. Sophomore LB Smith earned Freshmen All-American honors in 2005 and was third on the team in tackles.
Prediction (4-8): The best thing about starting freshman is the next year they become sophomores. Sixteen starters return for the Bearcats, including 10 on defense. Cincinnati is still a couple years away from becoming a winning team, but with a lot of young talented players this team is promising. The Bearcats have a treacherous non-conference schedule, playing Ohio State and Virginia Tech on the road.
8. Syracuse (1-10, 0-7)
Coach: Greg Robinson
Key Players Lost: Damien Rhodes (RB)
2006 Key Players: Dowayne Davis (SS), Brendan Carney (P), Kelvin Smith (LB)
Key Games: @Illinois (9/16), vs. Conn (11/18)
Summary: Robinson is known for his defensive development, and in his first season with the Orange his defense ranked 21st in the nation in pass defense. Linebacker Smith had a good year, and Robinson thinks he can be a leader on and off the field. The defensive line lost three players to graduation and will be inexperienced in 2005. Offensively, Perry Patterson should start at quarterback. Three sophomores will be battling to fill Rhodes’ shoes.
Prediction (2-10): There have been reports that as many as nine underclassmen could be starting in spots by the end of the season. Offensively, this team is not that good and will have trouble moving the football. Robinson understands he took over a three-to-four year rebuilding operation.
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By Jeff Zell
Inspin.com
Contributing Writer
Despite West Virginia’s victory over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, the Big East was considered one of the weaker major conferences in college football last season. The Mountaineers are the sportsbook favorites to have another great season and a decent semi-sleeper bet as a potential national champion. Respect for the Big East, however, must be earned in non-conference play.
1. West Virginia (2005 record: 11-1, 7-0 Big East)
Coach: Rich Rodriquez
Key Players Lost: Garin Justice (OT), Ernst Hunter (NT)
2006 Key Players: Steve Slaton (RB), Pat White (QB), Kevin McLee (LB)
Key Games: @Louisville (11/2), @Pitt (11/16)
Summary: The Mountaineers return 15 starters from the Sugar Bowl winning team (eight on offense, seven on defense) and have lofty expectations. Slaton and White make up a scary backfield combo that is the spark behind the no-huddle spread offense that Rodriquez likes to run. The Mountaineers return all their wide receivers as well as three of five offensive linemen. On defense, West Virginia ranked eighth in total defense and 10th in the nation in points per game (16.3). Senior linebacker McLee, who claimed all-Big East honors last year, leads the returning starters.
Prediction (12-0): West Virginia may not be the best team in the country, but it’s a good bet (with its schedule) the Moutaineers will be Tempe, Ariz., playing for the national title. Anything less will label this season unsuccessful. Slaton and White form the fastest backfield combination in the nation, and the defense has 10 upperclassmen tabbed to start. The non-conference schedule is easy (Marshall, E. Washington, Maryland, E. Carolina and Mississippi St.), and the Big East only provides one tough game, Louisville. Survive that game and play for a national title.
2. Louisville (9-3, 5-2)
Coach: Bobby Petrino
Key Players Lost: Joshua Tinch (WR), Elvis Dumervil (DE), Jason Spitz (OL)
2006 Key Players: Brian Brohm (QB), Michael Bush (RB),
Key Games: vs. Miami (9/16), vs. WVU (11/2), @Pitt (11/25)
Summary: Louisville returns two of the three main cogs from the nation's third-most potent scoring offense (45.2 pts. per game) last season. Bush is a scoring machine (24 TDs in 2005) and will have another great season, potentially Heisman-worthy. Brohm is known for his mobility, but that is in question as he is coming off knee surgery. Brohm is an efficient quarterback as he completed 68.8 percent of his passes for nearly 3,000 yards in 2005. Wideout Mario Urrutia caught seven touchdowns in 2005 and will be a viable option. A stud defensive star like Dumervil will be impossible to replace. The Cardinals return all four starters in the secondary and have various starters returning from both the linebackers and defensive line. Junior defensive end Brandon Cox recorded four sacks in the spring game.
Prediction (10-2): Louisville is in charge of garnering respect for the entire Big East conference with a nationally televised showdown with Miami at home. Bush is an offensive stud, but with Brohm coming off knee surgery it will be interesting to see how he bounces back since he uses the ability to scramble better than most (sacked just 17 times in 2005). Getting to host West Virginia, a BCS bowl game is a possible goal in 2006.
3. Pittsburgh (5-6, 4-3)
Coach: Dave Wannstedt
Key Players Lost: Josh Cummings (PK), Greg Lee (WR), Josh Lay (CB)
2006 Key Players: Tyler Palko (QB), Derek Kinder (WR), H.B. Blades (LB)
Key Games: vs. UVA (9/2), vs. Mich State (9/16), vs. WVU (11/16)
Summary: Two-time All-Big East performer Palko returns for his third season as the starting quarterback after throwing nearly 2,400 yards and 17 touchdowns. Tailback LaRod Stephens possesses a speedy, elusive style and will start at tailback as a sophomore. WR Kinder looks to fill the shoes of All-Big East performer Lee. True freshman WR Dorin xxxxerson has playmaking ability and could make an instant impact. Two defensive tackles, a linebacker and a pair of corners are gone from 2005. Middle linebacker Blades is a returning as a two-time first team All Big East selection and will anchor the defense. Cornerback Darelle Revis was a first-team All Big East performer and will try to keep the Panthers as the best pass defense in the Big East like they were in 2005.
Prediction (8-4): Palko’s senior season will decide the fate of the Panthers. Of course, if he was given a little bit of time (30 sacks allowed in 2005), it could be a little easier. Nearly one-third of the Panthers' team will be freshman in 2006, which is not good with their intense schedule. Virginia, Michigan State and Toledo are tough non-conference games, but lucky for Pitt all three of those games along with West Virginia, Louisville and Rutgers are at Heinz Field.
4. Rutgers (7-5, 4-3)
Coach: Greg Schiano
Key Players Lost: Ryan Neill (DE)
2006 Key Players: Brian Leonard (FB), Clark Harris (TE), Courtney Greene (S), Ramel Meekins (DT)
Key Games: @UNC (9/2), @USF (9/29), vs. Louisville (11/9)
Summary: After coming off their first successful season in nearly three decades, Schiano's Scarlet Knights look to take another step in 2006. The defense led the nation in sacks in 2005 but lost stud DE Neill and has little experience at linebacker. Greene is a ball hawk who led the team in tackles in 2005 with 116. Meekins is a veteran performer who sacked opposing quarterbacks nine times last year. Offensively, Leonard and tailback Ray Rice make a good combination, but the Scarlet Knights must get improved and consistent play from QB Mike Teel. Tight end Harris is a big target (6-foot-6) and was named a Lindy’s Preseason All-American after a 38 reception season in 2005.
Prediction (7-5): Back-to-back winning season will mean Schiano has officially turned this program around. With two productive running backs in Rice and Leonard, the quarterback position must not turn the ball over (19 INTs in 2005). The schedule is stronger than a year ago with the addition of North Carolina to open the season. A key three-week road stretch against South Florida, Navy and Pitt will determine the season.
5. South Florida (6-6, 4-3)
Coach: Jim Leavitt
Key Players Lost: Andre Hall (RB)
2006 Key Players: Thed Watson (OT), Stephen Nicholas (LB)
Key Games: @Kansas (9/23), vs. Pitt (11/4)
Summary: In their ninth season of existence the Bulls went to their first bowl game and look to improve once again with 15 starters returning. The offense, which ranked 107th out of 117, must improve. The quarterback situation is up for grabs. Carlton Smith (QB) was tabbed the No. 1 guy before spring drills but academic problems and an arrest in late June helped in Leavitt’s decision to move him to receiver. Pat Julmiste will likely start at quarterback, and if he falters pure passer Matt Grothe will take the reins. Defensively, USF ranked 15th and 17th in points per game and total yards allowed, respectively, in the nation and returns all three linebackers from a year ago. The best of that bunch is Nicholas, who earned second-team All Big East honors and elected to stay for his senior season. The secondary has two of the finest corners in the Big East with returning juniors Mike Jenkins and Trae Williams.
Prediction (7-5): USF returns a lot of defense but loses a lot of offense. Leavitt attended coaching camps at Texas and Missouri in the offseason to basically try anything to jump-start this offense. The Smith situation is not promising, but Julmiste is a hard worker if that is any consolation prize. The Bulls have a tough schedule, playing Kansas, North Carolina, Louisville and West Virginia all on the road. A strong defense should propel them to a winning season.
6. Connecticut (5-6, 2-5)
Coach: Randy Edsall
Key Players Lost: Dan Orlovsky (QB), Deion McPhee (DE)
2006 Key Players: Terry Caulley (RB), Danny Lansannah (LB)
Key Games: @USF (10/7), @Rutgers (10/29)
Summary: Returning 15 starters is good, losing star quarterback Orlovsky is not. The talk of this team in 2005 was the defense being ranked 13th and 21st in the nation in yards per game and points per game, respectively. Linebacker Lansannah along with one of the strongest secondaries in the Big East (Darius Butler, Tyvon Branch, M.J. Estep) should keep the defense strong. Tailback Caulley needs 124 yards to break the Connecticut rushing record. D.J. Hernandez will begin the preseason as the starting quarterback. The offensive line is coming off an injury-plagued season.
Prediction (6-5): Another Big East team with another weak non-conference schedule. Coach Edsall says his team just needs to get out there and play and get game experience. I say the Huskies just need to remain healthy. Realistically, UConn could start out 4-0 and head to a hungry USF team, which UConn defeated 16-10 a year ago.
7. Cincinnati (4-7, 2-5)
Coach: Mark Dantonio
Key Players Lost: Three offensive linemen
2006 Key Players: Dustin Grutza (QB), Brent Celek (TE), Mike Mickens (DB)
Key Games: vs. Pitt (9/8), vs. Rutgers (11/18)
Summary: Sophomore QB Grutza showed leadership as a freshman signal-caller and has senior TE Celek to get the ball to again in 2006. The offensive line graduated three seniors, and there is no standout running back. After starting as many as six freshmen on defense in 2005, the Bearcats will have a defense with experience in 2006. Sophomore Mickens was a second-team All-Big East selection and will have the aid of a pair of seniors to man the secondary. Sophomore LB Smith earned Freshmen All-American honors in 2005 and was third on the team in tackles.
Prediction (4-8): The best thing about starting freshman is the next year they become sophomores. Sixteen starters return for the Bearcats, including 10 on defense. Cincinnati is still a couple years away from becoming a winning team, but with a lot of young talented players this team is promising. The Bearcats have a treacherous non-conference schedule, playing Ohio State and Virginia Tech on the road.
8. Syracuse (1-10, 0-7)
Coach: Greg Robinson
Key Players Lost: Damien Rhodes (RB)
2006 Key Players: Dowayne Davis (SS), Brendan Carney (P), Kelvin Smith (LB)
Key Games: @Illinois (9/16), vs. Conn (11/18)
Summary: Robinson is known for his defensive development, and in his first season with the Orange his defense ranked 21st in the nation in pass defense. Linebacker Smith had a good year, and Robinson thinks he can be a leader on and off the field. The defensive line lost three players to graduation and will be inexperienced in 2005. Offensively, Perry Patterson should start at quarterback. Three sophomores will be battling to fill Rhodes’ shoes.
Prediction (2-10): There have been reports that as many as nine underclassmen could be starting in spots by the end of the season. Offensively, this team is not that good and will have trouble moving the football. Robinson understands he took over a three-to-four year rebuilding operation.
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