Georgia Dome in Atlanta

Last eason Alabama used an opening-week thumping of Clemson in the Georgia Dome to vault to a special season. They will have the opportunity to knock off another big-time ACC team this season with the Hokies. Both teams have high hopes not only within their respective conferences, but on the national stage as well, so this game will provide an early measuring stick for both teams. The game might mean more for Virginia Tech, who could use a big win to carry momentum into upcoming games against Nebraska and Miami. Even with a loss, Alabama will likely stay in the top 10-15 and, with the strength of the SEC schedule, could still have a shot at the National Championship game if they win out.

1. USC @ Ohio State, Sept. 12th
The Buckeyes got rolled last season at The Coliseum, 35-3, giving more fuel to the Big 10 haters. Despite OSU’s tendency to get rocked on the national stage, we think this year’s game will be much closer. The Buckeyes have two major factors working in their favor: this year’s game is at The ‘Shoe, and Terrelle Pryor won’t have to watch Todd Boeckman struggle all game long. Add in the fact that USC is breaking in a new QB and a new defense and this is the best chance the Buckeyes have had to start changing their image (and the conference’s) as a team that can’t compete with the top programs from other conferences. Despite everything working in OSU’s favor, they will still be hard-pressed to pull out a win. The Buckeyes have to replace several key pieces on both sides of the ball, and Pete Carroll’s Trojans are as loaded as any team in the nation. The Horseshoe will need to be rockin’ and OSU will have to set the tone early if they hope to hang with the Trojans and avoid another embarrassing performance on national TV. The winner of this game will be sitting pretty with a top 5 ranking and an inside track to the National Championship, while the loser will need to run the table in their own conference and hope for some luck.



There you have it, our top 5 best non-conference games of the 2009 college football season. Disagree with some of our choices? Let us know where we went wrong in our comments section.

Be sure to check back soon for our next entry in a series of “Top 5′s”: our top 5 conference games of 2009.

It’s a 3 team race for the Pac 10 title in 2009. If ever there is a time to knock USC off its perch atop the conference it’s this year. The Trojans have to replace their starting QB and a boatload on defense. The window of opportunity is small though, as Pete Carroll’s USC team always manages to re-load and be among the most talented teams in the country year in and year out. Oregon and Cal are the top challengers for USC’s throne this year; read on to see if we think they have enough to get it done.



T-1st (wins the tiebreaker with USC). Oregon (8-1) Coach: Chip Kelly (1st year) – Jeremiah Masoli had double digit TD’s both on the ground and through the air last season, and ended the season as one of the hottest QB’s in the nation. RB Jeremiah Johnson is gone, but Senior LeGarrette Blount rushed for over 1,000 yards and 17 TD’s last year, as a backup! The only major question on offense is the offensive line; they must replace 3 starters and return only 20 starts combined. The defense loses 3 off the line, but returns a good LB corp and a secondary that should improve over last season’s 111th ranked pass D. The Ducks get Cal, USC and Oregon State all at home, and we think they have enough to knock off the Trojans and earn the Pac 10’s birth in the Rose Bowl.

T-1st (loses tiebreaker with Oregon). USC (8-1) Coach: Pete Carroll (9th year) – The only losses on offense are QB Mark Sanchez and WR Patrick Turner. Aaron Corp is the favorite to win the QB job, but will be challenged by incoming freshman Matt Barkley and Arkansas transfer Mitch Mustain. The backfield returns everybody from a year ago, and will again use a committee approach, rotating Stafon Johnson, Joe McKnight, CJ Gable and others. This group of WR is deep and talented, and the entire offensive line is back. The defense, however, returns just 3 starters. But as we all know, USC doesn’t re-build, they re-load. Safety Taylor Mays is one of the best secondary players in the nation, and the Trojans have blue-chip talent competing to fill in everywhere else. If USC can find a QB who is at least serviceable, the offense will be one of the best in the country. The inexperience on defense might be a concern for some, but there have been heavy losses in the past and Pete Carroll always has his defense among the best in the nation. Despite the talent, the Trojans are prone to at least 1 hiccup each year, and this year we think that comes against the Ducks @ Autzen Stadium, which will be enough for USC to miss out on their first Rose Bowl since 2005.

3rd. Cal (7-2) Coach: Jeff Tedford (8th year) – The Bears return maybe the best back in the country in Jahvid Best. Best averaged a ridiculous 12 yards per carry over the final 3 games last year, and 8.1 YPC for the season. The rest of the offense is a little more unsettled. Kevin Riley is the favorite to start at QB, but Tedford insists its an open job. There are no immediate standouts at WR, but the offensive line should be good enough to keep Best and the rest of the offense going. The defense could be the best in the conference. The entire defensive line returns, as does the entire secondary. The Bears must replace 3 LB’s, but have many talented guys ready to step in and the experience is there for a big season. If Cal can get steady QB play, this team could steal one @ Autzen to close September or shock USC to begin October and make a run towards the Pac 10 title.

4th. Oregon State (5-4) Coach: Mike Riley (9th year) – The offense could be explosive, with pint-sized running back Jacquizz Rodgers and two reliable quarterbacks. Jacquizz’s older brother, James, is the top returning WR and is dangerous both through the air and taking handoffs. The defense loses 8 starters, including the entire secondary. With all of the high powered offenses in the Pac 10, the Beavers will have a hard time stopping opponents, and will need to win some shootouts to stay in the hunt for the league title. Though we think the offense could be near the top of the league, the defense will hold the Beavers back this year and prevent them from another top 3 finish. It’s a testament to Mike Riley’s coaching ability that we are this high on the Beavers considering their schedule and all they lost from last year.

T-5th. Arizona (4-5) Coach: Mike Stoops (6th year) – Record-setting passer Willie Tuitama is gone, and the Wildcats top priority is finding someone to replace him. The race is between Sophomores Matt Scott and Nick Foles, but neither is of Tuitama’s caliber. Beyond the QB situation though, the offense should be deadly. The Wildcats return 1,000 yard rusher Nic Grigsby, top WR’s Terrell Turner and Delashuan Dean, and terrific TE Rob Gronkowski. The starting OT’s must be replaced, but the rest of the o-line is experienced and should be solid. The defense returns 7 starters, including all 4 up front. Brooks Reed had 8 sacks last year in his first year on defense, and Earl Mitchell is a force in the middle. This defense should be the best that Mike Stoops has had, and could end up being one of the best in the conference. If the ‘Cats can find a productive QB, they could improve on last season’s 8-5 record. But the schedule is difficult, including conference road games @ Oregon State, Cal and USC, and will prevent the Wildcats from challenging for a top 3 spot in the conference.

T-5th. UCLA (4-5) Coach: Rick Neuheisel (2nd year) – The Bruins have a ton of questions on offense: Can Kevin Prince be the answer at QB? Can the Bruins find a running game? Can the offensive line protect long enough for the offense to get going? The only place to go on offense is up, as last season UCLA had the 111th ranked offense in the nation. The good news is all the top receivers return. On defense, the Bruins return a good core with DT Brian Price, LB Reggie Carter, FS Rahim Moore and CB Alterraun Verner. The rest of the defense will have to step up and keep the team in games, but the inexperience beyond the starters could be troublesome. Neuheisel is turning in solid recruiting classes and is gaining ground on the juggernaut across town, but it’s still too soon for the Bruins to start challenging the top of the conference.

T-5th. Stanford (4-5) Coach: Jim Harbaugh (3rd year) – Bruising RB Toby Gerhart leads the Cardinal offense in 2009. RS Freshman Andrew Luck should win the QB job, and will need to provide a big enough threat to keep defenses from stacking the box against the running game. The offensive line could be a concern, as every starter is either new to the unit or switching positions. On defense, the secondary will be the primary concern after struggling a year ago. Luckily, the line should be able to get consistent pressure on the quarterback with tackles Ekom Udofia and Sione Fua and ends Erik Lorig and Tom Keiser. The schedule is tough, with 11 games against BCS conference opponents and road dates @ Wake Forest, Oregon State, Arizona and USC. The Cardinal have the potential to win 6 games and reach a bowl, but will need Gerhart to carry the load and steady play from the QB position to get there.



8th. Arizona State (3-6) Coach: Dennis Erickson (3rd year) – QB Rudy Carpenter is gone after 4 years as the starter, but the rest of the offense returns largely intact. Senior Danny Sullivan will get first crack at replacing Carpenter, but will need help from a running game that was putrid last year. The line should be improved from last year, which should help the running game and help keep Sullivan off his back. The Sun Devils, usually known for offense, are building a defense to be reckoned with. DE Dexter Davis is coming off back-to-back double digit sack seasons, and tackle Lawrence Guy is a rock in the middle. The LB group will be good once again, and the secondary has top-of-the-line speed. K/P Thomas Weber is one of the best kickers in the nation. The Devils’ defense could allow them to pick up a win or two they shouldn’t, but the offense will keep this team from being a threat in the Pac 10.

9th. Washington (2-7) Coach: Steve Sarkisian (1st year) – Sarkisian takes over a Huskie team that was winless last year, but has more potential than it showed. QB Jake Locker is talented if he can stay on the field, and WR D’Andre Goodwin is a quality receiver. The line returns 3 starters but will need to vastly improve from a year ago. The same can be said of the running backs. 9 return on defense, where Sarkisian brought in USC defensive coordinator Nick Holt to run the show. DE Daniel Te’o Nesheim is an all-conference type of player, and the linebackers should be a solid group. An entirely new coaching staff means a fresh start for the Huskies, and Locker will lead a team that will add a few games in the win column this year and provide hope for the future.

10th. Washinton State (0-9) Coach: Paul Wulff (2nd year) - The Cougars were next-to-last in the country on offense last year, and don’t look like they will improve much this year. There are question marks at QB, where Kevin Lopina will battle Sophomore Marshall Lobbestael for the starting job. Whoever wins will have a tough task ahead of them, with a line that allowed 43 sacks last year. The running game may actually be the bright spot this year, where 4-year starter Dwight Tardy will be helped by the addition of Cal transfer James Montgomery. The defense will be even worse than the offense. The Cougars were last in the nation in rushing defense last year, and return only 1 starter on the line. The LB corp is equally thin. The secondary returns 3 starters, but they won’t mean much if the Cougars can’t stop the run. This team will have a difficult time even reaching the 2 wins they got last year.

There it is; 2009 is the year USC finally stumbles and misses the Rose Bowl. Don’t think they will be down too long though, as they should be early national title favorites again in 2010. But 2009 will be the year of the Duck, as Oregon will burst onto the BCS scene and likely roll another Big 10 team in the Rose Bowl. The Pac 10 wraps up our conference predictions, but be sure to check back regularly as we talk more college football and NCAA 10.

And as always, don’t forget to let us know YOUR thoughts on the Pac 10 in our comments section.

The ACC is a lot like the Big East in that they lack a true national title threat, but the competition within the conference will be fierce. Now, unlike the Big East, the ACC has several teams worthy of top 25 consideration and a couple that could crack the top 10. But the real competition within the ACC will be in the middle of the pack. We are pretty set on our top 3 and bottom 3, but there are 6 teams that could finish anywhere in the 4th-9th range. Read on for our breakdown of each team.




ATLANTIC

1. Florida State (5-3) Coach: Bobby Bowden (34th year) – All of the news surrounding the Seminoles this offseason has focused on the school’s academic scandal and the possibility that Bobby Bowden will have to surrender up to 14 wins, which would leave him 15 back of Joe Paterno for the most wins all-time (Bowden is currently 1 behind Joe Pa). On the field, however, FSU has some work to do. For a team formerly spoiled by conference titles and BCS bowls, last year’s 9 wins was a welcome improvement from the 7 wins in ’06 and ’07. This year Coach Bowden returns starting QB Christian Ponder, who needs to keep improving or will face heat from former mega-recruit EJ Manuel. The Seminoles return 8 starters total on offense, including the entire offensive line; a unit that still doesn’t have any seniors. Last year’s leading rusher, Antone Smith, is gone, but Sophomore Jermaine Thomas could be better than Smith. The defense loses 6 starters, including All-ACC end Everett Brown and Rhodes Scholar Myron Rolle, but LB Dekoda Watson and CB Patrick Robinson will lead a D that should be good enough to keep the Seminoles near the top of the conference. The strength of the team will the offensive line, and if Ponder can improve the ‘Noles 82nd ranked passing game, FSU could find themselves in Tampa battling for the ACC crown. But the Seminoles have just 6 home games this year, and all 6 road games will be tough, which could delay their return to glory and cause Bowden to fall even further behind Joe Pa.

2. Clemson (5-3) Coach: Dabo Swinney (2nd year) – The story with the Tigers for years has been unfulfilled expectations. They have entered each of the last 3 years with the talent to win the conference, yet have seen their wins drop from 9 to 8 to 7. Expectations are lower this year after the departure of QB Cullen Harper, RB James Davis and WR Aaron Kelly. Star RB CJ Spiller passed up the NFL to return for his senior season, and will pair up with WR Jacoby Ford to form a dynamic offensive threat. The offensive line struggled last year but returns all 5 starters and had great depth this year. Freshman Kyle Parker will battle Sophomore Willy Korn for the QB job, and whoever wins will be given the keys to an offense that is brimming with potential. 8 return from a top 20 defense, and will again be among the best in the conference. Despite the losses suffered on offense, Clemson again has the talent to win the division, and misses both VT and UNC this year. If Dabo Swinney can keep the Tigers focused and playing to their potential this year (something former coach Tommy Bowden was often criticized for), the Tigers could contend for the ACC crown.

T-3. NC State (4-4) Coach: Tom O’Brien (3rd year) – QB Russell Wilson burst on the scene last year to win freshman of the year in the ACC and be named first team All-ACC. Wilson had an outstanding 17/1 TD/INT ratio last season, and is only 21 passes short of the ACC record for consecutive passes without a pick. The Wolfpack returns 6 other offensive starters, including all of Wilson’s top targets in the passing game. The defense also returns 7, including 5 of the front 7. If the defense can play in 2009 the way they did late in ’08 (allowed 18 points per game in the final 4) then the Wolfpack have the potential to shoot to the top of the Atlantic Division. Coach O’Brien’s team gets 8 home games, but the 4 road games (Wake, BC, FSU, VT) are all difficult tests. If Wilson can stay healthy and the skill players can be more dependable this year, and the defense can play at the level they did to close out 2008, the Wolfpack could surprise some people and steal the top spot in the weak Atlantic Division.

T-3. Wake Forest (4-4) Coach: Jim Grobe (9th year) – Coach Jim Grobe has turned Wake Forest from doormat to perennial bowl contender. The Deacons have relied on a stingy defense and tremendous secondary to reach the postseason the last couple of years. But after losing top 5 draft pick Aaron Curry and draftees Alphonso Smith, Stanley Arnoux and Chip Vaughn, Wake will have to rely on an experienced offense to carry the team this year. 4-year starter Riley Skinner returns at QB to lead an offense that loses only 2 starters and returns the entire offensive line. That veteran o-line will be the key to the Deacons’ season this year. Last year they ranked 10th in the league in sacks allowed and 11th in yards per rush. The line needs to give Skinner time to pick apart defenses and open up more holes for the running game. If the line clicks early on, the offense should be much better than the 101st in total yards they were in ’08. We think Wake’s offense will be much improved, but the defense will miss the 7 starters it lost, and Wake will continue to struggle against the top teams in the conference, leading to another average finish.

T-3. Boston College (4-4) Coach: Frank Spaziani (1st year) – The defending division champs are getting no love in the preseason this year. Former coach Jeff Jagodzinski left after interviewing for the New York Jets job, and now former Defensive Coordinator Spaziani is in. The QB situation could be rocky, as early favorite Dominique Davis has been less than impressive in his 3 starts and in spring ball. The Eagles do return a solid running game and 4 starters along the offensive line, so Davis won’t have to carry the offense. On defense, the Eagles return an All-American candidate at LB in Mark Herzlich, but lose the big boys up front (1st round pick BJ Raji and 2nd round pick Ron Brace). We think the loss of those tackles will have a huge impact on what was a top 5 defense last year, but this year the secondary is more experienced and should be able to pick up some of the slack. The Eagles fate in 2009 will depend on 3 things: finding a QB who can be a solid game manager, how the defense replaces the loss of both DT’s, and how well Coach Spaziani can prepare this team to defend the division title.

6. Maryland (3-5) Coach: Ralph Friedgen (9th year) – The Terrapins struggled on offense last year under first year coordinator James Franklin and his West Coast system. This year however, the Terps return starting QB Chris Turner and a deep group of running backs led by All-ACC performer Da’Rel Scott. Despite the loss of 1st round pick Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland will boast one of the deepest and fastest set of WR’s in the conference. Turner and his weapons will need to progress in year 2 of Franklin’s system, because the offensive line will be breaking in 3 new starters and the defense returns just 4. The Terps will make the switch to a 4-3 defense, where DT Travis Ivey and LB Alex Wujciak should be deadly. There is a lot of youth with this team, and Friedgen should have Maryland back challenging for the top of the division soon, just not this year.



COASTAL DIVISION

1. Virginia Tech (7-1) Coach: Frank Beamer (23rd year) – All the Hokies have done since joining the ACC is produce 10-win seasons each year and win a pair of conference titles (falling just short of another). Coach Frank Beamer’s team is again the favorite to win the ACC, with dynamic Junior QB Tyrod Taylor leading an offense that returns 9 players, including all of the skill position guys. Sophomore RB Darren Evans ran for over 1200 yards as a freshman, and the top 4 WR’s are all underclassman. The line does need to replace 2 starters, but returns both tackles and a ton of experience. The defense should again be dominant, led by a secondary that will be one of the best around, even with the departure of Macho Harris. The Hokies have a tough nonconference schedule, with games @ Alabama and ECU and home dates with Marshall and Nebraska. Despite the tough slate, the Hokies should again approach 10 wins and be at the top of the ACC. In fact, if they can somehow go 4-0, or even 3-1 if the loss is the ‘Bama, the Hokies will be a darkhorse for the Nation Championship.

2. Georgia Tech (5-3) Coach: Paul Johnson (2nd year) – Coach Paul Johnson brought his option offense in last fall, and the Yellow Jackets used it to rack up more than 270 yards per game on the ground. This year the Jackets return 9 from that offense, including everyone in the backfield and the top two WR’s. RB Jonathan Dwyer is an All-American candidate, and is complemented by Roddy Jones and QB Josh Nesbitt. Nesbitt is always a threat to run (693 yards last year), but will need to improve his passing as teams adjust to Tech’s offense. The defense returns 6 of the back 7, including All-American safety Morgan Burnett, but must replace 3 on the line. DE Derrick Morgan, the lone returner on the line, is a star in the making and needs to build on a season in which he racked up 7 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss. The fate of Tech’s season in 2009 rests on how well the newcomers on the offensive line can fill in, and if Nesbitt will be ready to improve on his 43% completion rate in case the Jackets need to win a game or two through the air. Despite those who think the ACC defenses will adjust to Johnson’s offense, we see Tech running the ball all over the yard again, and if Nesbitt can provide a legitimate passing threat, the sky is the limit for this team.

3. North Carolina (4-4) Coach: Butch Davis (3rd year) – Butch Davis is building this team in the mold of his Miami teams of the 90’s, and it won’t be long before the ‘Heels are challenging for the ACC championship; it may even be this year. QB T.J. Yates returns, and if he can stay healthy he should be one of the top passers in the conference. The real question for Yates and the offense is how they will fare without top WR’s Hakeem Nicks, Brandon Tate, and Brooks Foster. If Greg Little, Dwight Jones and crew can be dependable as replacements, Yates could be primed for a big season. The real strength of the team in ’09, however, will be the defense. The ‘Heels return 9 starters on D, including the entire line, and safety Deunta Williams is a star in the secondary. With only 6 projected senior starters, this season may just serve as a stepping stone to a big year next year, but expect the Tarheels to make some noise and challenge for the Coastal Division and maybe more if Yates can stay healthy.

4. Miami (4-4) Coach: Randy Shannon (3rd year) – The days when the Hurricanes were perennial nation title contenders seem like ancient history. Coach Randy Shannon brings in new coordinators on both sides of the ball, including the 5th offensive coordinator in as many years, in an attempt to return the ‘Canes to glory. The biggest problem the last few seasons has been the ‘Canes failure to live up to their potential. Miami always has a ton of talent, and that is no different this year. QB Robert Marve transferred out to open the door for Sophomore Jacory Harris, who put up solid numbers last year and has the potential to develop into a top NFL draft pick. Harris will get a lot of help from a deep group of RB’s and WR’s. RB Graig Cooper is a threat in the running game and the passing game, and Javarris James has battle injuries but is great when healthy. The WR position boasts 3 talented sophomores in LaRon Byrd, Aldarius Johnson and Travis Benjamin. The defense returns just one starter on the line from a team that allowed over 150 yards per game on the ground last year. With only 6 returning starters total on defense, new coordinator John Lovett will have to plug in young players and get this defense meshing early if the ‘Canes want to make a splash; the first four games are all against top 25 teams, culminating in a showdown with top 5 Oklahoma. All the tools are in place for Harris and the offense to have a big year, but with so many young starters, especially on defense, Miami may still be a year or two away from returning to the top of the conference.

5. Virginia (2-6) Coach: Al Groh (9th year) – Coach Al Groh survived a rough year last year, but his son and offensive coordinator, Mike Groh, did not. New coordinator Gregg Brandon will replace Virginia’s pro-style offense with his version of the spread. There are reasons for optimism for the Cavs, as former 2-year starter Jameel Sewell returns after sitting a year due to academics. He will be challenged by last year’s starter, Marc Verica, and potentially dynamic defender-turned-quarterback Vic Hall. Whoever ends up starting will be protected by an experienced offensive line that returns 4 stareters. The defense will boast a solid group of lineman and a secondary that has the potential to be great, but loses a lot at linebacker. This team is a bit of a mystery, as there is no telling how the team will adapt to the new spread offense, but either way we don’t see the Cavaliers able to challenge for the top half of the conference this year.

6. Duke (1-7) Coach: David Cutcliffe (2nd year) – The Blue Devils are coming off their best season in five years, but when that season resulted in 4 wins, you know you have some work to do. Coach David Cutcliffe has a no-nonsense attitude, and will give Senior QB Thaddeus Lewis full reign to run the offense this year. Lewis was 2nd-team All-ACC last year, and should only improve as he gains a better grasp of the offense. Lewis will have two young WR’s with big potential in Sophomores Johnny Williams and Donovan Varner. But beyond the passing game and RB Re’quan Boyette, who missed all of last year due to injury, there isn’t much for the Blue Devils to be excited about this year. The offensive line will break in 3 new starters, and the defense loses 6. DT Vince Oghobaase is a force in the middle of the line and LB Vincent Ray racks up tackles, but beyond those two the defense will likely struggle. Duke will flounder at the bottom of the conference yet again, but Cutcliffe is starting to put the pieces in place to be a competitive team in the not so distant future.

Well, there you have it, our 2009 ACC Predictions. We feel Va Tech is far and away the top team in the league and could potentially challenge for the BCS National Championship, but the rest of the conference is wide open. Let us know who YOU think will take the top spot or be the surprise team in our comments section.

Thanks for reading and check back next week for our Pac 10 preview….we might just have a surprise in store!

The Big East is wide open this year. We could see any of the teams we have listed 1-4 winning the conference, and it wouldn’t at all be shocking to see Cincinnati or Connecticut as well. Each team in the conference has some major questions they need to answer, but each team also has bright spots and some great potential. Teams will beat up on each other and there are no gimme games on any team’s conference slate. In the end, we think West Virginia defeats Pitt on Nov. 27th to lock up the conference crown…but be prepared for any of these teams to make a run at the top of the Big East in 2009.


T-1st. West Virginia (5-2) Coach: Bill Stewart – Outstanding RB Noel Devine leads the Mountaineers into ’09, where they will be without Pat White for the first time in 4 years. Senior Jarrett Brown should be solid though, and it will be up to a new offensive line to protect him and open holes for Devine. The loss of kicker/punter Pat McAfee will hurt more than you think, but WV returns 7 starters from a top 20 defense, and if they can manage a tough non-conference schedule that includes games @ECU, @Colorado and against Auburn and Marshall the Mountaineers have a legit shot at a January bowl.

T-1st. Pitt (5-2) Coach: Dave Wannstedt – All-American RB LeSean McCoy bolted early for the NFL, and gone is All Big East WR Derek Kinder. There is no proven replacements for either player, but Coach Wannstedt is finally starting to turn all those top25 recruiting classes into W’s on the field. The D-line, led by DT Mick Williams, should be one of the best in the country. Defense will keep this team in the hunt, but how far they go will be determined by how much QB Bill Stull can improve on his subpar season last year. They get 4 of their last 5 games at home, and a Nov. 27th date @WV could decide the Big East.

T-3rd. USF (4-3) Coach: Jim Leavitt – USF returns arguably the conference’s best offensive and defensive players in QB Matt Grothe and DE George Selvie. Coach Leavitt has had this team in the top 10 in each of the last two years, only to fade in the second half of the season. The Bulls will be breaking in a new offensive line and need to establish a dependable running game, but Grothe returns two top WR’s in DJ Love and Jessie Hester, and if he can limit his mental errors the Bulls can turn a lot of heads. We think Grothe, Selvie, and a nasty D-line will make this team a threat in every game they play, but they will stumble some and finish here.

T-3rd. Rutgers (4-3) Coach: Greg Schiano – The Scarlet Knights lose the prolific passing combo of Mike Teel and Kenny Britt, but all 5 O-lineman return and the top 4 running backs are among the 8 returning offensive starters. LB Ryan D’Imperio leads a defense that loses some key guys but should still be solid and keep Rutgers in games. If Coach Schiano can figure out a way to replace Teel, Rutgers could carry the momentum of 7 straight wins to close out ’08 and parlay that into a conference title.

T-5th Cincinnati (3-4) Coach: Brian Kelly – QB Tony Pike came out of nowhere last year to establish himself as maybe the conference’s best passer. Brian Kelly, 22-6 in 2 years with the Bearcats, is one of the hottest coaches in the nation. But Cincy loses 10 starters on defense, including 4 all-conference picks, and are making the switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4, so who knows how the defense will perform. The Bearcats are one of the hardest teams to predict due to so many questions: Can Tony Pike build on his outstanding year? Can the D keep this team in games? Can Brian Kelly work some more magic and keep Cincy flying high? Just like the 4 teams above them, we could see the Bearcats winning the conference, but we think the new D will take some time to grow, and the Bearcats suffer through their worst season under Kelly.



T-5th UCONN (3-4) Coach: Randy Edsall – The Huskies need to replace probably the best player they have ever had in RB Donald Brown, and have no immediate answer there or at QB. They must also re-build the defensive line, where the departing DE’s combined for 17 sacks in 2008. All that said, the Huskies return a terrific LB corp, 2 talented WR’s, and a back with huge potential in RB Andre Dixon. How far the Huskies go will depend on how quickly the offense clicks, and how they navigate a brutal road schedule that includes games @ Baylor, WV, Pitt, Cincinnati and Notre Dame.

T-7th. Louisville (2-5) Coach: Steve Kragthorpe – This could be a make or break year for Coach Steve Kragthorpe. The Cardinals return a total of 18 starters, including 9 on offense, but lose QB Hunter Cantwell. The Cards return all 3 LB’s but lose a lot from a the D-line from a defense that was horrible down the stretch last year. We think the offense will be good once again, but the defense will prevent this team from reaching the top half of the conference.

T-7th. Syracuse (2-5) Coach: Doug Marrone – Greg Robinson is out and Doug Marrone is in, but Syracuse still has a lot of work that needs to be done. The offense was awful and the defense equally bad last year, but the return of RB Delone Carter and WR Mike Williams will bolster the offense and allow the Orange to steal a game or two at home.

Well, there you have it. We think West Virginia will be the team that rises above the competition and returns to the top of the conference, earning the Big East’s automatic bid to a BCS bowl. However, we can’t stress enough the fact that the Big East is more open than ever in 2009. The title is there for the taking, and any team (except perhaps Syracuse) can get hot and find themselves sitting at the top of the conference come December.

Now that you’ve seen what we think, we want to hear what you think, so sound off in our comments section and let us know who YOU think will win the Big East this year and why. Be sure to check back for our ACC and Pac 10 previews!