Previewing the Conference: Big East

Courtesy of rushthecourt.net

By Warren Lent
Teams with chances in the Big East

-Pittsburgh- Predicted Chance: 42%-- Returning---Offense: (5 of 11) Defense: (6 of 11)

Offense Impact Players: Dion Lewis RB, Jon Baldwin WR
Defense Impact players: Max Gruder LB, Greg Romeus DE

Why: Dion Lewis is one of the best running backs in the country and proved it last season with over 1,800 yards rushing. His dominance last season could be repeated this year as dependence on him grows greater. It looks like sophomore Tino Sunseri will replace Bill Stull at quarterback, but has Jon Baldwin as a receiver to boot. Both Baldwin and Lewis are top shelf at their position, and darkhorse candidates for the Heisman trophy. Pitt has good returning depth including Greg Romeus (8 sacks) and looks to keep opponents under 20 ppg once again this year. The Panthers will play all of their important conference games in November, but could be tripped up by teams like Rutgers and Louisville in October. The last 3 of 4 games in conference are away when they play @Connecticut, @USF, and @Cincinnati. They also play WVU at home in the backyard brawl. Asking for 4-0 out of those games may be asking too much, but going 3-1 is definitely realistic.

-West Virginia- Predicted Chance: 39%-- Returning--- Offense (7 of 11) Defense (9 of 11)

Offensive Impact Players: Noel Devine RB
Defensive Impact Players: Pat Lazear LB, Julian Miller DE

Why: While WVU doesn't have the receiving playmaker Pittsburgh does, they are almost dead even in every other category. Noel Devine is the most exciting running back in the Big East (Sorry Dion) and can break out for a touchdown any given play. On defense, Julian Miller (9 sacks) will cause havoc on the defensive line as much as he can. With the Mountaineers schedule, they are able to host all other viable BE champs besides Pittsburgh and Connecticut. QB Geno Smith will need to step up and become a game manager if WVU wants to make a trip to the Orange Bowl.

-Cincinnati- Predicted Chance: 19%-- Returning--- Offense (7 of 11) Defense (5 of 11)

Offensive Impact Players: Zach Collaros QB, Armon Binns
Defensive Impact Players: Walter Stewart LB

Why: Tony Pike and Mardy Gilyard are gone on an offense that led the Bearcats to the Sugar Bowl. Depth at quarterback was not an issue last year as Zach Collaros actually made a push to start over Pike. Gilyard was an extremely good wide reciever, but Armon Binns could be a great replacement at the #1 receiving position. The defense only returned one starter in 2009 so they will definitely improve this season.