Trying to find someone to admit that they were a fan of Big East football was difficult, but commenter Sean stepped forward when I asked someone to write up a preview for the conference.  It seems Sean works a whole lot more than any of us, therefore he is not found in the comments section very often.  Had he not spoken up, I was going to be forced to ask my mother to write this since she is the only alum that I know personally.  She didn’t even know that they were called just the Orange.  Anyway, let’s hear from Sean.

The Big East doesn’t get much respect in football crowds and this year is no different.  However, this could be the year the Big East makes the most noise since Miami, Boston College and Virginia Tech defected for greener pastures almost five years ago.  Last year West Virginia was one brawl away from playing for the national title…until Pitt came to town.  Goodbye Rich Rodriguez.  Hello 2008.

Cincinnati

No Ben Mauk…no problem.  The core of the team is back and the offense likely won’t slow much this year.  Cincinnati is up-and-coming (which seems to be a theme for a few Big East teams this year).  After a big season last year, this team should contend again this year for the conference title and probably make the top 25 at some point in the season.  They’re probably the second best football team in the Queen City…behind St. Xavier High School…ahead of at least a few others

Big games – @Oklahoma, USF, @West Virginia

Last Year – 10-3 (PapaJohns.com bowl Win)

Prediction – 8-5

Connecticut

2007 Big East co-champs?  Huh?  Sorry but that was a fluke.  This team is average at best and this year will prove that.  Even though they have lost only a handful of starters, they have no big name players to step up and carry this team.  I’m being generous in suggesting that they can win seven games (mostly because they have a light out-of-conference schedule).  Even Syracuse might be able to surprise them and get an extra win if they are struggling late in the season.

Big games – West Virginia, @USF, Pitt

Last Year – 9-4 (Meineke Car Care Bowl Loss)

Prediction – 7-5

Louisville

Predicted to be the 2007 champs, this team failed miserably.  With Brian Brohm out of the picture, this year isn’t looking much better.  Hunter Cantwell has some big shoes to fill but past experience will help him feel those shoes.  With only three games more than 100 miles away from home, a winning season is inevitable for the Cardinals.  The question is how far about 500 they can get.  A bowl game is not out of the picture if they can beat one of the elite teams of the conference.

Big games – USF, Cincinnati, West Virginia

Last Year – 6-6

Prediction – 8-4

Pittsburgh

What can Pitt do to top their upset of WVU in last year’s finale?  For starters, maybe a winning season?  Well, this year they should do just that.  The big question is: can Dave Wannstedt stay health enough to pace the sidelines in 2008?  LeSean McCoy looks to continue his team-record setting performances of ’07 (points and touchdowns, with 90 and 14, respectively).  Their schedule allows them the opportunity to contend for the conference.  However, with USF and WVU still fielding strong teams, it’s going to take one more year for them to breakout once again.  The defense may

Big games – @USF, @Cincinnati, West Virginia

strong>Last Year – 5-7

Prediction – 7-5

Rutgers

This team hit some all times highs in 2007 climbing through the top-25 and winning the International Bowl.  However, no more Ray Rice means NJ football is back to reality.  2000+ yards (a Big East record) will be impossible to replace – not to mention the 24 touchdowns as well.  Enough about last year, this team has a very tough schedule, playing the elite on the road, so a losing season and “normalcy” is back to stay for the Scarlet Knights.

Big games – @West Virginia, @Pittsburgh, @USF

Last Year – 8-5 (International Bowl Win)

Prediction – 5-6

Syracuse

What can I say here?  The power has switched in the Big East.  This isn’t the late 90s anymore.  Syracuse is struggling in football.  Injuries may have got the best of this team last year but this year will be no different.  North “Shamford’western will set the tone for the season when they take it to the Orange in the opener.  From there, they’ll probably get their two wins from Akron and N’eastern.  The rest of the season is…history.  Even Notre Dame will have their way with Syracuse.  Syracuse fans might as well pack it in and follow see how Donovan McNabb is doing (don’t laugh) come November.  Apologies to cycledan for speaking the troof.

Big games – Penn State, @USF, @Cincinnati

Last Year – 2-10

Prediction – 2-10

USF

South Florida started out the 2007 campaign on fire.  Remember when they were number 2…yes 2…in the country?!?!  They fizzled late in the season behind some tough losses.  However, this year will be different.  “Da Bulls” will get some new fans from Bill Swerksi and crew.  With one slip from WVA (er…WVU…er…WhateVer), this team will be your Big East champions!  The final game of the season against the Mountaineers could very well be the pseudo Big East championship game.  Mark you calendars for a wild finish on December 6^th in Morgantown.

Big games – Pittsburgh, @Cincinnati, @West Virginia

Last Year – 9-4 (Brut Sun Bowl Loss)

Prediction – 10-2

West Virginia

Things were setting up nicely for West Virginia.  Planets aligned and top seeds were dropping like shit from a horse’s ass.  Win at home and play for the NATIONAL title…it’s as simple as…oh…Pitt!!  Well, times have changed.  Richy Rich has moved on to the big time (I guess) and Steve Slaton is gone too.  It’s down to Pat White and his Heisman hope.  I fully expect White to have a Heisman year.  He’s going to have to with the losses abound.  However, South Florida is going to come roaring in to Morgantown and steal the Big East championship from right under their noses. in storage…WVU will not repeat!

Big games – @Connecticut, @Pittsburgh, USF

Last Year – 11-2 (Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Win)

Prediction – 10-3

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