With Miami and Virginia Tech in position to battle for a national championship, there are… With Miami and Virginia Tech in position to battle for a national championship, there are plenty of teams in the Big East this season that will be looking to play the spoiler role and make a name in the conference.

The 2001 Big East Conference is packed with new coaches, programs on the rise and fall and new stars. Gone are Michael Vick and Santana Moss; taking their place in the spotlight are Lee Suggs and Antonio Bryant.

The following is a preview of the eight Big East schools that will compete for the Big East Championship and an automatic Bowl Championship Series bid. The previews are in order of how the teams were selected in the 2001 Big East preseason media poll.

Miami

Last season Miami went 11-1, losing its only game to Washington State. The team had impressive wins over Florida State, Virginia Tech and Florida in the Sugar Bowl. Miami is ranked No. 2 in the coach