By BRIAN WOODSON
Bluefield Daily Telegraph
July 28, 2009 10:38 pm
—
BLUEFIELD — Since 2001, West Virginia hasn’t finished any lower than second place in the Big East Conference.
Is this the year that changes?
No league in college football’s higher echelon is as wide open as the Big East is in 2009.
West Virginia has won four of the last six Big East championships, and have captured an unprecedented four straight bowl games. However, those four teams had Pat White. This one won’t.
While White is now a member of the Miami Dolphins, the Mountaineers must continue on, banking that Jarrett Brown can manage the offense behind an inexperienced offensive line, and an underrated defense can continue their stingy ways.
Special teams, which were far from special last season in Morgantown, must also improve. So must the coaching. Too often last season, head coach Bill Stewart and offensive coordinator Dave Mullen seemed overmatched.
West Virginia’s primary challengers to win the Big East and claim an Orange Bowl berth appears to be Pittsburgh, South Florida and Rutgers, with defending champion Cincinnati a long shot after rebuilding a defense that lost 10 of its 11 starters.
Only Connecticut, Louisville and Syracuse appear to have no chance to claim the top prize, with the Huskies or Cardinals possibly claiming one of the seven bowl berths that the Big East is eligible to receive.
Syracuse, which has the league’s only new coach in Doug Marrone, will try to avoid its fifth straight losing season.
This could be a year where the league changes from one week to the next, starting with Cincinnati visiting Rutgers during the season’s opening weekend, and continuing until the final games that includes West Virginia at Rutgers, Cincinnati at Pittsburgh and South Florida at Connecticut.
The winner? The guess here — and it’s definitely a guess — is Pittsburgh. The Panthers return 15 starters, with their only real questions being a replacement at tailback for the departed LeSean McCoy, and new specialists, with both kickers having departed.
Pittsburgh will be followed by Rutgers, South Florida, West Virginia and Cincinnati — flip a few coins to figure out the correct order — while Connecticut, Louisville and Syracuse will bring up the rear.
A look at the Big East Conference:
1. Pittsburgh Panthers
2008 Record: 9-4, 5-2 / Sun Bowl, lost to Oregon State 3-0.
Coach: Dave Wannstedt (5th year, 25-23).
Starters returning: 15 / Off: 8, Def: 7.
Top Non-Conference Games: vs. Navy (Sept. 19), at N.C. State (Sept. 26), vs. Notre Dame (Nov. 14).
Key Conference Games: at Rutgers (Oct. 16), vs. South Florida (Oct. 24), at West Virginia (Nov. 27), vs. Cincinnati (Dec. 5).
Offensive standouts: Bill Stull (QB), Nate Byham (TE), Jason Pinkston (OT), Jonathan Baldwin (WR), John Malecki (OG).
Ready to shine: Dorin Dickerson (TE), Shariff Harris (RB).
Defensive standouts: Mick Williams (DT), Greg Romeus (DE), Aaron Berry (CB), Dom DeCicco (SS), Jabaal Sheard (DE).
Ready to shine: Greg Williams (LB), Jovani Chappel (CB).
Must replace: LeSean McCoy (RB), Scott McKillop (LB), Derek Kinder (WR), Connor Lee (PK), LaRod Stephens-Howling (RB).
Strengths: Defense, especially the line, where Romeus and Williams are stout, while three members of the secondary have returned. The offensive line is deep and full of all-league candidates. Tight ends Byham and Dickerson are big play threats.
Biggest Issues: Can Harris or Dion Lewis replace McCoy at running back, while Stull and Brian Bostick both return at quarterback, but neither has been consistent during their careers. Get that from either of them and the Panthers will be the team to beat. Dan Hutchins might have to take over the kicking and punting roles.
Destination: Orange Bowl. Wannstedt can recruit, but can he coach those recruits? If he can, the Panthers will reach a BCS bowl for the first time since the Fiesta Bowl in 2005.
2. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
2008 Record: 8-5, 5-2 / Papajohns.com Bowl, def. N.C. State 29-23.
Coach: Greg Schiano (9th year, 46-51).
Starters returning: 13 / Off: 7; Def: 6.
Top Non-Conference Games: at Maryland (Sept. 26).
Key Conference Games: vs. Cincinnati (Sept. 7), vs. Pittsburgh (Oct. 16), vs. South Florida (Nov. 12), vs. West Virginia (Dec. 5).
Offensive standouts: Anthony Davis (OT), Kordell Young (RB), San San Te (PK), Ryan Blaszcyk (C), Shamar Graves (TE).
Ready to shine: Tim Brown (WR), Jordain Brooks (RB).
Defensive standouts: Ryan D’Imperio (LB), George Johnson (DE), Devin McCourty (CB), Joe Lefeged (SS), Alex Silvestro (LB).
Ready to shine: Damaso Munoz (LB), Manny Abreu (LB).
Must replace: Mike Teel (QB), Kenny Britt (WR), Tiquan Underwood (WR), Kevin Malast (LB), Courtney Greene (S), Jason McCourty (CB).
Strengths: Offensive line, including Davis, a projected first round draft choice. D’Imperio and Johnson are two of the better defensive players in the league. Maryland is their ‘toughest’ non-league opponent. In addition, the Knights have four Big East home games, all against the best the Big East has to offer.
Biggest Issues: Quarterback. The signal-caller duties will come down to Domenic Natale and Jabu Lovelace, a duo that threw 11 passes last season, completing three for 36 yards. Wide receiver. Britt was a first round pick by the Titans. Two years since Ray Rice departed, running backs Young and Brooks, along with Tim Martinek are trying to fill his shoes.
Destination: Sun Bowl. The Knights are the trendy pick to win the Big East and even challenge for a national title because of a woefully weak non-league schedule, but it simply won’t happen. Nor should it.
3. South Florida Bulls
2008 Record: 8-5, 2-5 / St. Petersburg Bowl, def. Memphis 41-14.
Coach: Jim Leavitt (13th year, 60-35).
Starters returning: 12 / Off: 6, Def: 6.
Top Non-Conference Games: at Florida State (Sept. 26), vs. Miami (Nov. 28).
Key Conference Games: vs. Cincinnati (Oct. 15), at Pittsburgh (Oct. 24), vs. West Virginia (Oct. 30), at Rutgers (Nov. 12).
Offensive standouts: Matt Grothe (QB), Mike Ford (RB), Jesse Hester (WR), Carlton Mitchell (WR), Zach Herrmann (OG).
Ready to shine: A.J. Love (WR), Moise Plancher (RB).
Defensive standouts: George Selvie (DE), Jerome Murphy (CB), Nate Allen (FS), Kion Wilson (LB), Terrell McClain (DT).
Ready to shine: Aaron Harris (DT), Jason Pierre-Paul (DE).
Must replace: Taurus Jackson (WR), Tyrone McKenzie (LB), Benjamin Williams (RB), Marc Dile (OT), Carlton Williams (SS).
Strengths: In Grothe, the Bulls have the league’s most experienced signal-caller, while Selvie is one of the nation’s top defensive players. Ford, a transfer from Alabama, and Hester are playmakers, while the defensive line returns three starters, including the disruptive Selvie.
Biggest Issues: The biggest obstacle to a Big East title is an offensive line that returns just one starter. The Bulls have underachieved the last two seasons, starting fast and ending slow. South Florida got its wish to play in-state foes Florida State and Miami, games that could take a lot out of the Bulls.
Destination: Gator Bowl. The Bulls could win the Big East behind Groethe and Selvie, but the Bulls have a reputation for fading down the stretch.
4. West Virginia Mountaineers
2008 Record: 9-4, 5-2 / Meineke Car Care Bowl, def. North Carolina 31-30.
Coach: Bill Stewart (2nd year, 10-4).
Starters returning. 12 / Off: 5, Def: 7
Top Non-Conference Games: vs. East Carolina (Sept. 12), at Auburn (Sept. 19); vs. Colorado (Oct. 1), vs. Marshall (Oct. 17).
Key Conference Games: vs. Connecticut (Oct. 24), at South Florida (Oct. 30), at Cincinnati (Nov. 13), vs. Pittsburgh (Nov. 27), at Rutgers (Dec. 5).
Offensive standouts: Noel Devine (RB), Jock Sanders (WR), Alric Arnett (WR), Selvish Capers (OT), Eric Jobe (C).
Ready to shine: Jarrett Brown (QB), Josh Jenkins (OG).
Defensive standouts: Scooter Berry (DT), Reed Williams (LB), J.T. Thomas (LB), Brandon Hogan (CB), Sidney Glover (SS).
Ready to shine: Julian Miller (DL), Anthony Leonard (LB)
Must replace: Pat White (QB), Ryan Stanchek (OL), Greg Isdaner (OL), Pat McAfee (K), Mortty Ivy (LB), Ellis Lankster (DB), Quinton Andrews (DB).
Strengths: Defense will determine West Virginia’s season. The ‘Eers return seven starters, along with Williams, who missed most of last season with shoulder injuries. Devine is one of the nation’s most exciting players, while the return of Sanders from suspension, along with Arnett and Bradley Starks give the Mountaineers a talented receiver corps.
Biggest Issues: Who replaces the production of White, both with his arm and his legs. The offensive line was depleted by departures, and McAfee did all the kicking for the ‘Eers for the last two years. Depth is also an issue at quarterback and tailback, and Brown is a question mark also, having started just two games in his career. Three of the ‘Eers’ final five games, all Big East tilts, are on the road, including at nemisis South Florida, which is 2-0 against the ‘Eers in Tampa.
Destination: Meinke Car Care Bowl. West Virginia could finish anywhere from first to fourth. Depth issues on offense, and kicking woes could lead to the ‘Eers worse finish since 2001.
5. Cincinnati Bearcats
2008 Record: 11-3, 6-1 / Orange Bowl, lost to Virginia Tech 20-7.
Coach: Brian Kelly (3rd year, 41-22).
Starters returning: 9 / Off: 8, Def: 1.
Top Non-Conference Games: at Oregon State (Sept. 19), vs. Fresno State (Sept. 26), vs. Illinois (Nov. 27).
Key Conference Games: at Rutgers (Sept. 7), at South Florida (Oct. 15), vs. Connecticut (Nov. 7), vs. West Virginia (Nov. 13), at Pittsburgh (Dec. 5).
Offensive standouts: Tony Pike (QB), Mardy Gilyard (WR), John Goebel (RB), Jeff Linkenbach (OT), Ben Guidugli (TE).
Ready to shine: Isaiah Pead (RB), D.J. Woods (WR).
Defensive standouts: Aaron Webster (FS), Drew Frey (SS), Andre Revels (LB), Curtis Young (DE), Derek Wolfe (DT).
Ready to shine: Demetrius Jones (LB), Marcus Barnett (CB).
Must replace: Dominick Goodman (WR), DeAngelo Smith (CB), Mike Mickens (CB), Conner Barwin (DE), Kevin Huber (P), Terrill Byrd DT), Trevor Canfield (OG).
Strengths: Offense. The Bearcats should be able to score, led by Pike and Gilyard. Goebel and Pead are talented backs, as is Jacob Ramsey, who was the ‘Cats leading rusher last season.
Biggest Issues: Defense. Just one player returns from last year’s Orange Bowl squad. Molding that unit will take time, and the ‘Cats start the season with a key Big East game at Rutgers. Huber was one of the nation’s best punters, and he could be replaced by a freshman. Schedule. Three of their four toughest league games will be on the road.
Destination: International Bowl. The Bearcats are loaded on offense, but defense could be an issue. Never count out Brian Kelly, who might be the league’s best coach, but the Bearcats appear destined not to repeat last year’s surprising first place finish.
6. Connecticut Huskies
2008 Record: 8-5, 3-4 / International Bowl, def. Buffalo 38-20.
Coach: Randy Edsall (11th year, 54-53).
Starters returning: 12 / Off: 6, Def: 6.
Top Non-Conference Games: vs. North Carolina (Sept. 12), at Baylor (Sept. 19), at Notre Dame (Nov. 21).
Key Conference Games: at Pittsburgh (Oct. 10), at West Virginia (Oct. 24), vs. Rutgers (Oct. 31), at Cincinnati (Nov. 7), vs. South Florida (Dec. 5).
Offensive standouts: Andre Dixon (RB), Moe Petrus (C), Kashif Moore (WR), Anthony Sherman (WR), Zach Hurd (OG).
Ready to shine: Jordan Todman (RB), Zach Frazer or Cody Endres (QB)
Defensive standouts: Scott Lutrus (LB), Robert Vaughn (FS), Lawrence Wilson (LB), Jasper Howard (CB), Twyon Martin (DT).
Ready to shine: Greg Lloyd (LB), Robert McClain (CB).
Must replace: Donald Brown (RB), Tyler Lorenzen (QB), Darrius Butler (CB), William Beatty (OT), Cody Brown (DE), Julius Williams (DE).
Strengths: Linebackers, Lutrus, Wilson and Lloyd are among the best trios, not only in the Big East, but possibly in the nation. Dixon and Todman are talented, and could provide enough combined yards to offset the loss of Brown. Moore and Brad Kanuch are promising receivers.
Biggest Issues: Losing Brown to the NFL, while Lorenzen was steady behind center. How will the new starters develop under new offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead, who is expected to add inject some energy into what has been a predictable unit.
Destination: Papajohns.com Bowl. A difficult non-conference schedule, and three tough Big East road games could make it tough for the Huskies to qualify for a bowl.
7. Louisville Cardinals
2008 Record: 5-7, 1-6 / no bowl.
Coach: Steve Kragthorpe (3rd year, 40-35).
Starters returning: 13 / Off: 7, Def: 6.
Top Non-Conference Games: at Kentucky (Sept. 19), at Utah (Sept. 26), vs. Southern Mississippi (Oct. 10).
Key Conference Games: vs. Pittsburgh (Oct. 2), at Connecticut (Oct. 17), at West Virginia (Nov. 7), vs. Syracuse (Nov. 14),
Offensive standouts: Victor Anderson (RB), Doug Beaumont (WR), Josh Chichester (WR), Mark Wetterer (OG), Bilal Brown (RB).
Ready to shine: Justin Burke (QB), Scott Long (WR).
Defensive standouts: Jon Dempsey (LB), Johnny Patrick (CB), Dan Covington, (SS), Cory Goettsche (P), L.T. Walker (DT).
Ready to shine: Richard Raglin (FS), Antwon Canady (LB).
Must replace: Hunter Cantwell (QB), Eric Wood (C), George Bussey (OT), Woody Turenne (CB), Bobby Buchanan (SS).
Strengths: Anderson gained more than 1,000 yards as a true freshman, while Louisville’s top five receivers are back. The linebacker trio of Dempsey, Canady and Brandon Heath have returned, as have talented defensive backs Patrick and Covington.
Biggest Issues: Quarterback. Cantrell is gone, finding a replacement will be key. It could be N.C. State transfer Justin Burke. There are returnees back on defense, but is that a good thing? That unit has allowed more than 30 points a game for two straight seasons.
Destination: Home. An aggressive non-league slate, and just three Big East home games means Kragthorpe will be feeling the heat in Louisville.
8. Syracuse Orange
2008 Record: 3-9, 1-6 / no bowl.
Coach: Doug Marrone (1st year, 0-0).
Starters returning: 14 / Off: 7; Def: 7.
Top Non-Conference Games: vs. Minnesota (Sept. 5), at Penn State (Sept. 12), vs. Northwestern (Sept. 19).
Key Conference Games: vs. West Virginia (Oct. 10), at Pittsburgh (Nov. 7), at Louisville (Nov. 14), at Connecticut (Nov. 28).
Offensive standouts: Mike Williams (WR), Delone Carter (RB), Cameron Dantley (QB), Tucker Baumbach (OT), Donte Davis (WR).
Ready to shine: Mike Owen (WR), Ryan Nassib (QB).
Defensive standouts: Arthur Jones (DT), Rob Long (P), Mike Holmes (FS), Derrell Smith (LB), Mike Mele (LB).
Ready to shine: Max Suter (SS), Jared Kimmel (DE).
Must replace: Curtis Brinkley (RB), Jake Flaherty (LB), Ryan Durand (OG), A.J. Brown (SS), Patrick Shadle (PK).
Strengths: The defensive line is solid, led by Jones, while Long is a talented punter, probably because he’s gotten plenty of practice. Carter and Williams are playmakers on offense. Marrone hired Rob Spence as offensive coordinator, a position he’s also held at Clemson and Toledo.
Biggest Issues: Coaching. Marrone has never been a head coach, although he’s been successful as a coordinator at the college and pro levels. There is quarterback controversy brewing, with Dantley receiving a challenge from Ryan Nassib. Syracuse has to make football important again at a school with a great football tradtion.
Destination: Home. The Orange is bound for their fifth straight losing season, but Marrone is a solid choice to lead Syracuse back to respectability. It will just take time.
—Contact Brian Woodson
at bwoodson@bdtonline.com
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.
Photos
Jarrett Brown