Big East Breakdown: Pitt, WVU will top Big East

Well the football season started last night, meaning it’s time for the first official Big East Breakdown of this school year. Every Friday, I will break down Big East football — key match-ups, awards, what to watch for and predictions. Today, I will make predictions for the season to come… Well the football season started last night, meaning it’s time for the first official Big East Breakdown of this school year. Every Friday, I will break down Big East football — key match-ups, awards, what to watch for and predictions. Today, I will  make predictions for the season to come.

First up, Big East power rankings.

1. Pittsburgh — This is Pitt’s title to lose. Even if the Panthers stumble in tough nonconference games with Utah, Miami (Fla.) and Notre Dame, they can still win the Big East and gain a BCS Bowl. With a preseason No. 15 ranking, winning every one of these games is not out of the question. However, if they — and the Big East — want to be taken seriously, they need to win at least two of those games. Ten wins and a Big East title is the goal.

2. West Virginia — There should be another great edition of the Backyard Brawl this fall, during which WVU, with running back Noel Devine leading the way, will again prove to be a dangerous opponent. But with the possibility of sanctions by the NCAA on the horizon — the group is investigating allegations that former coach Rich Rodriguez violated NCAA policies concerning practices — the Mountaineers need to stay focused. The season could unravel quickly when they travel to LSU Sept. 25. I can see nine or 10 wins and a challenge at the title.

3. Cincinnati — The Bearcats have the past on their side as the winners of the past two Big East Championships. Yet with a new coach in Butch Jones and the departure of several top playmakers from last year, many questions remain. Their mettle will be tested when they travel to giant-killer Fresno State tomorrow. They could finish anywhere from first to fifth in the Big East. I’m picking an 8-4 record and a third or fourth place finish.

4. Connecticut — There has been a lot of talk about UConn as a sleeper pick in the Big East this year, but a sleeper pick doesn’t warrant power ranking points for me. Do they have talent? Yes. Do they return a lot of players? Yes. Will they win the Big East? No. Challenge, perhaps, but I don’t see a Championship. But that’s why they play the games. I see eight victories.

5. South Florida — New coach, new system, new talent, different result. The Bulls are looking into turning Florida’s Big Three — Miami, Florida State and Florida — to a Big Four, but there is just too much inexperience. Come talk to me next year, but this year their run of Bowl games comes to an end, even with versatile quarterback B.J. Daniels at the helm.

6. Rutgers — The Scarlet Knights will be a stereotypical inconsistent team. You know, the one that nobody prepares for and that beats teams they are not supposed to before losing to teams that people assume they will beat. The Scarlet Knights will give some teams problems, but they’re middle-of-the-pack at best.

7. Syracuse — With nonconference games against Akron, New Hampshire and Colgate and a conference game with Louisville, the Orange can predict four victories for the season. Tops.

8. Louisville — I spy with my little eye … two wins for the Cards — both out of conference. Lucky for ‘Cuse that Louisville is in the Big East. It feels like so long ago that the Cardinals were a power with Brian Brohm, Mario Urrutia and Michael Bush.

Now for my preseason all-conference team.

OFFENSE

Quarterback: Zach Collaros, Cincinnati

Collaros played very well while replacing Tony Pike for several games last season. While he won’t put up the same numbers over a full season, he will still be very good and the best in the Big East.

Running back: Noel Devine, WVU, Dion Lewis, Pitt

These two are no-brainers here — two Heisman candidates who will battle for Big East Offensive Player of the Year.

Wide receiver: Jon Baldwin, Pitt, Armon Binns, Cincinnati

Really not much to discuss here, either.

Tight end: Ben Guidugli, Cincinnati

In a down year for Big East tight ends, Guidugli will make use of a good quarterback and spread offense.

Offensive tackle: Jason Pinkston, Pitt, Don Barclay, WVU

Pinkston is the top lineman in the Big East. Pitt’s Lucas Nix could be in the mix for the second spot.

Guard: Zach Hurd, UConn, Alex Hoffman, Cincinnati

These two are the top of a decent group of Big East guards.

Center: Moe Petrus, UConn

Petrus is the best of three candidates from the Big East for the Rimington Trophy, presented to the top center in the division. .

DEFENSE

Defensive end: Greg Romeus, Pitt, Jonathon Freeny, Rutgers

Romeus is a virtual lock, and Freeny got the nod over Pitt’s Jabaal Sheard and WVU’s Julian Miller.

Defensive tackle: Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati, Myles Caragein, Pitt

Caragein put up great numbers as a backup last year and played very well. He is poised for a breakout season.

Linebacker: Lawrence Wilson, UConn, Derrell Smith, Syracuse, Dan Mason, Pitt

Linebacker is a packed position in the Big East. Wilson had a tremendous season. Smith should bounce back from a major knee injury last season and pick up where he left off. Mason is sitting on a breakout season and will beat out teammate Max Gruder, WVU’s J.T. Thomas, UConn’s Scott Lutrus and Syracuse’s Doug Hogue.

Cornerback: Brandon Hogan, WVU, David Rowe, Rutgers

Cornerback is a weak class in the Big East this year. These two get a shaky nod.

Safety: Robert Sands, WVU, Dom DeCicco, Pitt

Sands is the best defensive back in the conference, and DeCicco is a tough, experienced player who plays both the run and pass well.

Kicker: Dan Hutchins, Pitt

Hutchins narrowly beats out WVU’s Tyler Bitancurt in a battle of two Lou Groza Award watch list nominees.

Punter: Rob Long, Syracuse

Long was All-Big East last season and named team captain by his teammates. Pretty good for a punter.

Now for what you have all been waiting for: The individual awards.

Offensive Player of the Year: Noel Devine, RB, WVU

It will be fun watching Devine and Lewis, two undersized running backs who put up larger than life numbers, battle it out for this award. Last year Lewis won the award, but Devine won the Brawl. I say we trade this year — I’m sure Dion won’t mind. Collaros and Baldwin will also be in the mix for this award.

Defensive Player of the Year: Greg Romeus, DE, Pitt

Last year’s co-Defensive Player of the Year is back and will only be better. He was slowed by an injury in training camp but is good to go now, and when the season heats up nobody will be able to stop this guy. Sands will challenge, as will Connecticut’s Wilson.

Coach of the Year: Randy Edsall, UConn

Edsall was praised for his team’s play last season, especially after the Jasper Howard tragedy. If his team lives up to any bit of the “sleeper hype” they have been getting, you better believe the award is Edsall’s. He may even get it by default if he beats Rich Rodriguez and Michigan.

Well, there they are. Oh, and you don’t need to keep this paper to check how  successful my predictions will be, because they are all going to be right. Like Attorney Edgar Snyder, I guarantee it.