Sean Higgs

BIG EAST PREVIEW

We feel the Big East is a wide open race.

1. RUTGERS (13 returning starters) - We put Rutgers at the top based on schedule. They get Pitt on a short week and a warm-weather South Florida bunch in November. They also host West Virginia.

2. SOUTH FLORIDA (12 returning starters) - The Bulls bring back the best QB in the Big East with Matt Grothe and a solid RB in Mike Ford. All-American George Selvie also returns. We were high on the Bulls last year. The do travel to Florida State September 26 and get Miami Fla at home Nov. 28. A 10 win season would not suprise us as they have under achieved the past 2 years and may catch someone off guard.

3. PITTSBURGH (15 returning starters) - Panthers bring a very solid D to the table this year. QB Bill Stull needs to better his 9td 10 int ratio for Pitt to take a big step.

4. WEST VIRGINIA (12 returning starters) - HC Bill Stewart enters his 2nd year in Morgantown. Mountaineers have a solid trio at the skill positions. They get 4 Big East road games.

5. CINCINNATI (9 returning starters) - Brian Kelly's 3rd year may be a bit rough. Thought he offense led by QB Tony Pike should put points on the board, the defense with 1 returning starter will be hard pressed to stop offenses.

6. LOUISVILLE (13 returning starters) - HC Steve Kragthorpe enters his 3rd year in Louisville. The QB situation will be key, but the Cards do have playmakers in place at RB with Victor Anderson and WR Doug Beaumont. Even with 9 bowl foes on tap from last year, this team should make a bowl.

7. CONNECTICUT (12 returning starters) - HC Randy Edsall has done some job at Storrs. It gets tricky this year as he replaces his his RB and QB. Huskies aren't on that kind of level to just reload. Look for a .500 season at best.

8. SYRACUSE (14 returning starters) - 1st year HC Doug Marrone named Duke point guard Greg Paulus his starting QB. Man, things are well in Syracuse aren't they. Too many new schemes, patterns, plays and players this year. Marrone will have this team competitive, but it is clearly a rebuilding season.