(courtsey of NY Times)
The Quad Countdown: No. 65 Hawaii
Location: Honolulu.
Nickname: Warriors. The team shortened its name from the Rainbow Warriors prior to the 2000 season, though a number of the university’s teams still refer to themselves with the original nickname.
Quick facts: June Jones is gone – opting for another reclamation project at S.M.U. over maintaining the program he built in Honolulu – but his decision to leave is not merely the normal case of a money-grabbing, mercenary coach; blame must lie with the athletic department, then under the guidance of Herman Frazier, since fired for his improper handling of a myriad of athletic issues. Frazier was unable to (or decided not to) provide the university’s athletic teams with even adequate facilities (see Colt Brennan’s comments last spring), and his lackluster support of the football program – a major money maker – eventually wore upon Jones, who repeatedly stated his desire to finish his career at Hawaii. This seems an inexcusable reason for losing the best coach in program history: every F.B.S. program should have proper facilities for its athletes, and Frazier’s inability to deliver on this most basic need should define his tenure at Hawaii. Though nearly every Hawaiian, from Gov. Linda Lingle down to the guy serving plate lunch at L&L Drive-In, wanted Jones to stay, the melancholy majority have turned the page on the illustrious Jones era (76-41, two WAC championships) and welcomed with open arms the former defensive coordinator Greg McMackin, the 21st coach in team history. His assignment? To reload, not rebuild, and keep Hawaii in the upper-echelon of the WAC.
Tidbit: The 2007 Warriors broke or tied 15 N.C.A.A., 18 WAC and 47 team records. Leading the way was quarterback Brennan, whose 11 N.C.A.A. records include most touchdown passes (131), highest completion percentage (70.4), yards per game (387.9) and consecutive 200-yard passing games (34).
Team Information
Conference: Western Athletic.
Head coach: Greg McMackin (’69 Southern Oregon), entering his first season as the coach of the Warriors. McMackin had an impressive return to Hawaii as defensive coordinator last fall, improving the defense from 93rd nationally in total defense to 34th. While this is McMackin’s first head coaching job on the F.B.S. level, he has the resume to justify Hawaii’s faith. In addition to two separate stints at U.H. (1999 and 2007), McMackin has served as defensive coordinator at Utah, Navy, Texas Tech and Miami, and has been the associate head coach for the Seattle Seahawks (1995-98) and San Francisco 49ers (2003-5), both times under his good friend Dennis Erickson. It is likely no coincidence that “Coach Mack” has been involved in the two greatest seasons in Hawaii’s history (the nine-game turnaround in 1999, and last fall’s run). Though he has a monumental task ahead of him in replacing Jones, Hawaii seems to have chosen the right man for the job. Most importantly, players, fans and U.H. supporters have almost universally lauded the hiring, an integral step in the program moving forward after a difficult divorce from his predecessor.
2007 record: 12-1 (8-0). An unforgettable season: six close, hard-fought games, the program’s first outright WAC championship and a trip to the Sugar Bowl to take on the SEC’s mighty Georgia Bulldogs. Hawaii finished the season 19th in the A.P. poll and 17th in the U.S.A. Today poll, the highest final rankings in team history. Hawaii fans were able to experience the tremendous play of Brennan, the dynamic play-calling of Jones and a surprisingly stingy and opportunistic defense. While the offense garnered the acclaim – and deservedly so – McMackin’s defense was fifth nationally in tackles for loss, ninth in sacks and 11th in interceptions; they also recorded five defensive touchdowns. Even if the new offensive coordinator Ron Lee, a long-time Hawaii assistant, cannot maintain the high play of the Warriors offense, the defense will be good enough in 2008 to keep Hawaii in games.
High point: Many highlights, but the Countdown has a three high points limit. At Louisiana Tech in the second week of the season, the senior kicker Pat Kelly – a first-team all-WAC pick – drilled a 49-yard field goal to send the game to overtime, and the Warriors stopped a 2-point conversion to escape with a 45-44 victory. After sneaking past Fresno State (37-30) and Nevada (28-26), Hawaii rolled up 574 yards of total offense in beating Boise State, 39-27, to clinch the WAC. Hawaii still had to get past Washington to get into the B.C.S., and it did, defeating the Huskies, 35-28, on a rain-soaked first night of December. The final pair are two of the most unforgettable games in Hawaii’s history.
Low point: The only defeat, a 41-10 loss at the hands of a faster, more athletic Georgia team in the B.C.S. Sugar Bowl. It was a disappointing end to the season, but shouldn’t detract from the Warriors’ spectacular play throughout the year.
Returning starters: 8 (4 offense, 4 defense).
Key losses:
On offense there are so many. The biggest is Brennan, a Heisman finalist each of the past two season (he finished third last fall) and, as we noted above, a multiple-N.C.A.A. record holder. Hampered by injuries in 2007, Brennan’s numbers – 4,343 yards, 38 touchdowns – fell short of his amazing junior season, when he threw for 5,549 yards and 58 scores. However, looking at the big picture, Brennan is one of the great quarterbacks in recent college football history, and will forever be associated with this glowing era of U.H. football. He was the lone Warrior taken in the draft, selected by the Redskins in the sixth round. While many pundits have questioned his pro potential (the Countdown thinks that though he has landed in a good situation in Washington, though a lack of size and arm strength will limit his chances), his time in the N.F.L. can never detract from his record-breaking collegiate career. The leading four receivers from last year are gone, two through graduation – Jason Rivers and C.J. Hawthorn – and two through early entry into the draft – Davone Bess and Ryan Grice-Mullen. Bess (108 receptions, 1,266 yards), Rivers (92 for 1,174), and Grice-Mullen (106, 1,372) each reached 1,000 yards in 2007, making them the second receiving trio (2003 Texas Tech) to reach that mark. Not to be forgotten, C.J. Hawthorn finished fourth on the team with 61 receptions for 859 yards. All four went undrafted, though Bess (Dolphins), Rivers (Titans) and Grice-Mullen (Texans) all inked free-agent deals. The biggest loss up front is the all-conference guard Hercules Satele, who started 27 games for the Warriors. Satele signed a free-agent deal with Cardinals shortly after the draft.
On defense, the Warriors lost seven starters off its strong 2007 defense, but the unit will still be strong. Among the three starters lost of the line is end Amani Purcell, a transfer from Penn State, and tackle Michael Lafaele, a first-team all-WAC performer. The Warriors will also be without three starters from its secondary: safety Jacob Patek (third on the team with 77 tackles) and corners Myron Newberry (tied for the team lead with four interceptions) and Gerard Lewis (51 tackles, 2 picks).
Players to watch: The Warriors return three starting offensive linemen: the junior center John Estes and the seniors Keith AhSoon (left tackle) and Keoni Steinhoff (right tackle). Estes has started 27 straight games since his freshman season. Keep an eye on the sophomore Kealoha Pilares, who the coaching staff moved from running back to wide receiver to help replace some of the departed quartet’s production. Another wideout expected to step up is the junior Malcolm Lane, who has shown flashes in the receiving game (14 catches for 270 yards last year) but excels as a return man, returning two kicks for touchdowns in 2007. Though the running game is secondary to the air attack, Hawaii has a capable, explosive back in the junior Leon Wright-Jackson, a transfer from Nebraska. The leaders on defense are the senior linebackers Adam Leonard and Solomon Elimimian, both of whom received first-team all-WAC honors in 2007. Elimimian led the team, and was 14th nationally, with 141 tackles (12 for loss), while Leonard finished with his second consecutive 100-tackle season (105) and added 4 interceptions, 2 of which he returned for touchdowns.
Position battle to watch: Who will replace Brennan? The most logical answer is the senior Tyler Graunke, who has served as an understudy the last three seasons. Graunke is experienced; he has attempted 236 passes, starting two games last year when Brennan was injured. However, Graunke’s academic issues (he was suspended from the team in the winter and came back No. 3 on the depth chart) have the allowed the junior Inoke Funaki, the third-string quarterback in 2007, to make his push for the starting job. With more mobility, Funaki may give opponents a different look to think about. Still, Graunke’s numbers when starting in place of Brennan last fall bode well for the continuity of the Hawaii offense: 90 of 137 (65.7 percent completion percentage), 1,234 yards and 10 touchdowns. It should be his job.
2008 schedule:
Aug. 30 @ Florida
Sept. 6 Weber State
Sept. 13 @ Oregon State
Sept. 27 San Jose State
Oct. 4 @ Fresno State
Oct. 11 Louisiana Tech
Oct. 17 @ Boise State
Oct. 25 Nevada
Nov. 1 @ Utah State
Nov. 8 @ New Mexico State
Nov. 22 Idaho
Nov. 29 Washington State
Dec. 6 Cincinnati
Game(s) to watch: Despite all the losses, Hawaii still has hopes for the WAC crown; therefore, the games to watch are at Fresno State and Boise State, both within a three-week span in October. U.H. shouldn’t sleep on Nevada, which will be greatly improved over 2007.
Season breakdown & prediction: The first team from the final A.P. Top 25 to crack the Countdown, Hawaii is bound to take a step back after a magical 2007 season. This is due to a perfect storm of obstacles: replacing a legendary coach and the meat of a talented roster in the same off-season. However, there is no reason to predict a complete drop-off in success, for the following reasons:
1. Despite losing Brennan and his receivers, Hawaii will still be able to move the ball (albeit less so than in 2007).
2. The defense will be strong enough to mask most offensive deficiencies, and will keep Hawaii in games.
3. Hawaii still plays in the WAC, and even with its losses, will be more talented than at least half of its conference brethren.
4. The Warriors are extremely difficult to beat at home; they have lost only 10 regular-season games in Honolulu since 2001, half of which came against out-of-conference opponents.
While I think Hawaii will struggle, it is still a bowl-caliber team. I predict an 8-5 finish, good for fourth in the WAC. Worse than 2007, for sure, but making a bowl appearance in the first year under McMackin would be a good omen for the direction of the program.
Dream season: Hawaii, while not nearly as good as a year ago, doesn’t experience the slide many are predicting. A nine-win season, especially with a tough non-conference schedule, would be tremendous for the program.
Nightmare season: The Warriors struggle without Jones at the helm, stumbling through a 5-8 season – their third losing season since 1999.
6.25.2008
6.17.2008
Face of the Program
ESPN has started a feature naming each D1-A football's "Face of the Program", the person who best represented the school and is first thought of when mentioning the program. ESPN chose former coach Sid Gilman as the recipient:
"Gillman, who is best known as the father of the West Coast offense, led the Bearcats to their most successful period from 1949-1954. His Cincinnati teams had a 50-13-1 record, won three Mid-American Conference championships and played in two bowl games. The Bearcats had a 16-game win streak during his tenure, and his last three teams lost only five games combined. After leaving Cincinnati, Gillman really made his mark during a 31-year career in pro football. He coached the Los Angeles Rams and later became coach and general manager of the L.A./San Diego Chargers when the AFL was formed in 1960. He is the only coach to be inducted into the college football and pro football hall of fame. -- Mark Schlabach"
Expert Opinion
A few BIG EAST predictions for you on a slow college football week. The first set of predictions come from Bearcat beat writer Bill Koch from the Cincinnati Enquirer.
1. West Virginia
2. USF
3. UC
4. Pitt
5. UConn
6. Rutgers
7. Louisville
8. Syracuse
Having picked UC third, I have to say that I think any of those top four teams could win it, maybe even the top five, considering that defending co-champ UConn returns nine starters on offense and eight on defense. I picked the Huskies sixth because I don’t think they were as good last year as their record would indicate. UC pounded them, 27-3, as did West Virginia, 66-21.
The Mountaineers could be vulnerable without head coach Rich Rodriguez and running back Steve Slaton, but they still have quarterback Pat White and talented sophomore running back Noel Devine. USF has to replace five defensive starters but still has the best defensive player in the league in end George Selvie and a lot of talent on offense.
I probably would have picked UC to finish second if it weren’t for the uncertainty at quarterback. Six weeks before the start of practice, Ben Mauk is still waiting for his final hearing before the NCAA regarding his eligibility. I’m told that hearing might, with the emphasis on might, happen this week. Without Mauk, there’s Dustin Grutza, redshirt freshman Chazz Anderson and Notre Dame transfer Demetrius Jones, who showed during spring practice that he still has a long way to go. If the Bearcats resolve their quarterback issues, they have just as good a chance as anyone to win this league and, dare I say it, go to a BCS bowl game.
The second list comes from Phil Steele's 2008 College Football Preview Magazine.
1. WVU
2. USF
3. Pittsburgh
4. Rutgers
4. Louisville
4. Cincinnati
7. Connecticut
8. Syracuse
It's still very early for me to even thing about putting together a forecast on the BIG EAST race, but I know a lot of fans will be high on UC this year, so much so that they are realistically believing a BCS birth could be in the future. I on the other hand wouldn't be so optimistic on UC's season. Although, I do see a third consecutive bowl appearance, there are too many troubling aspects concerning UC that stop me from putting them at the top of the conference.
Some of my concerns:
1. Without a proven starter at QB, which by all accounts is the most important position in Brian Kelly's spread offense, look for UC not to score as many points as last season.
2. The turnover differential last season was + 16, one of the best in the country. It's hard to count on creating that many turnovers on a yearly basis.
3. Penalties, I've posted this before, but Cincinnati was the most penalized team in the league last year and racked up almost 100 yards to the next most penalized team.
PENALTIES G No Yds Avg/G
1. Connecticut......... 13 79 594 45.7
2. West Virginia....... 13 71 686 52.8
3. Syracuse............ 12 85 707 58.9
4. Rutgers............. 13 94 775 59.6
5. Pittsburgh.......... 12 87 762 63.5
6. Louisville.......... 12 93 818 68.2
7. USF................. 13 112 937 72.1
8. Cincinnati.......... 13 122 1028 79.1
You can't be a consistent winner if your team makes this many mistakes. It helped that our offense put up program records for points, yards and first downs; but those numbers should be considerably down until UC can find a reliable signal caller. Also, look for our turnover differential to be down as well with the losses of Nakumura and Hoke.
We'll dive deeper into the upcoming season closer to the start of the CFB season, but for now share your thoughts on how you feel the 2008 BIG EAST race will play out.
1. West Virginia
2. USF
3. UC
4. Pitt
5. UConn
6. Rutgers
7. Louisville
8. Syracuse
Having picked UC third, I have to say that I think any of those top four teams could win it, maybe even the top five, considering that defending co-champ UConn returns nine starters on offense and eight on defense. I picked the Huskies sixth because I don’t think they were as good last year as their record would indicate. UC pounded them, 27-3, as did West Virginia, 66-21.
The Mountaineers could be vulnerable without head coach Rich Rodriguez and running back Steve Slaton, but they still have quarterback Pat White and talented sophomore running back Noel Devine. USF has to replace five defensive starters but still has the best defensive player in the league in end George Selvie and a lot of talent on offense.
I probably would have picked UC to finish second if it weren’t for the uncertainty at quarterback. Six weeks before the start of practice, Ben Mauk is still waiting for his final hearing before the NCAA regarding his eligibility. I’m told that hearing might, with the emphasis on might, happen this week. Without Mauk, there’s Dustin Grutza, redshirt freshman Chazz Anderson and Notre Dame transfer Demetrius Jones, who showed during spring practice that he still has a long way to go. If the Bearcats resolve their quarterback issues, they have just as good a chance as anyone to win this league and, dare I say it, go to a BCS bowl game.
The second list comes from Phil Steele's 2008 College Football Preview Magazine.
1. WVU
2. USF
3. Pittsburgh
4. Rutgers
4. Louisville
4. Cincinnati
7. Connecticut
8. Syracuse
It's still very early for me to even thing about putting together a forecast on the BIG EAST race, but I know a lot of fans will be high on UC this year, so much so that they are realistically believing a BCS birth could be in the future. I on the other hand wouldn't be so optimistic on UC's season. Although, I do see a third consecutive bowl appearance, there are too many troubling aspects concerning UC that stop me from putting them at the top of the conference.
Some of my concerns:
1. Without a proven starter at QB, which by all accounts is the most important position in Brian Kelly's spread offense, look for UC not to score as many points as last season.
2. The turnover differential last season was + 16, one of the best in the country. It's hard to count on creating that many turnovers on a yearly basis.
3. Penalties, I've posted this before, but Cincinnati was the most penalized team in the league last year and racked up almost 100 yards to the next most penalized team.
PENALTIES G No Yds Avg/G
1. Connecticut......... 13 79 594 45.7
2. West Virginia....... 13 71 686 52.8
3. Syracuse............ 12 85 707 58.9
4. Rutgers............. 13 94 775 59.6
5. Pittsburgh.......... 12 87 762 63.5
6. Louisville.......... 12 93 818 68.2
7. USF................. 13 112 937 72.1
8. Cincinnati.......... 13 122 1028 79.1
You can't be a consistent winner if your team makes this many mistakes. It helped that our offense put up program records for points, yards and first downs; but those numbers should be considerably down until UC can find a reliable signal caller. Also, look for our turnover differential to be down as well with the losses of Nakumura and Hoke.
We'll dive deeper into the upcoming season closer to the start of the CFB season, but for now share your thoughts on how you feel the 2008 BIG EAST race will play out.
6.13.2008
Mike Mickens Named to the Playboy All-American Team
Mike Mickens, a 2007 Football Writers Association All-American, helped the Bearcats to a school-record 10-wins and a victory in the Papajohns.com Bowl. Mickens finished 2007 tied for third in the BIG EAST and 18th in the country with 12 passes defended (6 interceptions, 6 pass breakups) and is currently fourth in Cincinnati history with 10 career interceptions. The three-year starter returned two pickoffs for touchdowns last year, including a 79-yard dash at USF. Mickens captured first-team all-BIG EAST honors for his efforts in 2007 after two years as a second-team all-league member.
Last Year's Preseason Playboy All-American Team
6.11.2008
2009 NCAA Football
NCAA '09 comes out in just a few days and here is a sneak peak at the visuals from Nippert Stadium. I wasn't sure if EA would be able to update UC's new uniforms but fortunately they were able to. They rank UC as an 84 overall which is somewhere rankings wise around the top 21-25.CFN Preview of Connecticut
CFN previews Connecticut:
What to watch for on offense: CB Darius Butler’s role in the offense. In dire need of a spark in the passing game, the Huskies have acquiesced to Butler’s pleas to line up at wide receiver this year as well as covering them. He’s a naturally gifted athlete with terrific ball skills, but how many snaps a game he gets will depend on his impact. While the coaches don’t want to wear out one their premier players, if he can help move the chains, Butler should get a handful of appearances on offense every game.
What to watch for on defense: A much greater emphasis on speed. Rewind the tape of last November’s 66-21 loss to West Virginia and you’ll understand why the Huskies have become downright obsessed with getting faster. The program realizes it’s a must if it has any hope of reaching a new plateau in the Big East. The need for speed is the primary reason why LB Scott Lutrus has been shifted inside former S Dahna Deleston was moved to strongside linebacker.
The team will be far better if… QB Tyler Lorenzen gives defenses a reason to reconsider putting eight men in the box. Although this will never be a pass-happy program, Connecticut needs more from an attack that produced just 185 yards a game through the air. Lorenzen is capable of upping his role, but he can’t get it done on his own. Last year’s leading receiver, Terence Jeffers, is seeking greener pastures elsewhere, leaving a sea of mediocrity in his wake. While Brad Kanuch and D.J. Hernandez can pass as possession targets, the Huskies are still looking for someone who can stretch a secondary.
The Schedule: It's not bad. Virginia's good, but if the Huskies plan on having a good season, they need to win the interesting early non-conference date. Do that and there should be a 4-0 start before jumping into Big East play with a road trip to Louisville. There's a tougher-than-it-looks trip to North Carolina as the second of three straight road games, and then comes a must-win homestand against Cincinnati and West Virginia before a week off, road games at Syracuse and South Florida, and another week off before hosting Pitt.
Best offensive player: RB Andre Dixon. Dixon was a revelation for the Huskies, at times outplaying the more publicized Donald Brown en route to 828 yards and three touchdowns on 167 carries. A hard-charging slasher who doesn’t shy away from contact, he was also fifth on the team with 24 catches for 280 yards and another score. Beyond his ability to spark the ground game, Dixon also lit a fire under Brown, who was languishing in the early part of the season.
Best defensive player: DE Cody Brown. The only thing to slow down Brown in the last two years was a broken arm midway through the 2006 season. Over his last 19 games, he racked up 24 tackles for loss and a dozen sacks, routinely getting penetration and disrupting the flow of a play. At only 6-3 and 246 pounds, he’s not only a ferocious edge rusher but also a sound run defender, leading Husky linemen with 50 tackles a year ago.
Key player to a successful season: LB Scott Lutrus. He’s moving to middle linebacker to make more of an impact replacing the ultra-consistent Danny Lansanah. Lutrus needs to build on his Freshman All-American debut by becoming a force in run defense and a capable cover guy on passing downs. He’s got the speed, natural instincts, and nose for the ball to excel on the inside, freeing up the coaches to get a little more speed at the outside positions.
The season will be a success if ... the Huskies play a 13th game. Yes, the Huskies were tied atop the Big East last year, but that shouldn’t artificially inflate expectations for the upcoming season. This is still a program that can use December bowl games as building blocks for the future and sound bites on recruiting trips. If Connecticut finishes ahead of Rutgers, South Florida, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh for a second straight year, go ahead and label the season as wildly successful.
Key game: Nov. 1 vs. West Virginia. After getting spanked so thoroughly against the Mountaineers last fall, the Huskies desperately need to put forth a better showing, especially in front of the home crowd. Even after winning nine games a year ago, the team did little to earn national respect or reduce its legions of skeptics. A strong performance here, even in a losing cause, would do wonders for the ego and image
What to watch for on offense: CB Darius Butler’s role in the offense. In dire need of a spark in the passing game, the Huskies have acquiesced to Butler’s pleas to line up at wide receiver this year as well as covering them. He’s a naturally gifted athlete with terrific ball skills, but how many snaps a game he gets will depend on his impact. While the coaches don’t want to wear out one their premier players, if he can help move the chains, Butler should get a handful of appearances on offense every game.
What to watch for on defense: A much greater emphasis on speed. Rewind the tape of last November’s 66-21 loss to West Virginia and you’ll understand why the Huskies have become downright obsessed with getting faster. The program realizes it’s a must if it has any hope of reaching a new plateau in the Big East. The need for speed is the primary reason why LB Scott Lutrus has been shifted inside former S Dahna Deleston was moved to strongside linebacker.
The team will be far better if… QB Tyler Lorenzen gives defenses a reason to reconsider putting eight men in the box. Although this will never be a pass-happy program, Connecticut needs more from an attack that produced just 185 yards a game through the air. Lorenzen is capable of upping his role, but he can’t get it done on his own. Last year’s leading receiver, Terence Jeffers, is seeking greener pastures elsewhere, leaving a sea of mediocrity in his wake. While Brad Kanuch and D.J. Hernandez can pass as possession targets, the Huskies are still looking for someone who can stretch a secondary.
The Schedule: It's not bad. Virginia's good, but if the Huskies plan on having a good season, they need to win the interesting early non-conference date. Do that and there should be a 4-0 start before jumping into Big East play with a road trip to Louisville. There's a tougher-than-it-looks trip to North Carolina as the second of three straight road games, and then comes a must-win homestand against Cincinnati and West Virginia before a week off, road games at Syracuse and South Florida, and another week off before hosting Pitt.
Best offensive player: RB Andre Dixon. Dixon was a revelation for the Huskies, at times outplaying the more publicized Donald Brown en route to 828 yards and three touchdowns on 167 carries. A hard-charging slasher who doesn’t shy away from contact, he was also fifth on the team with 24 catches for 280 yards and another score. Beyond his ability to spark the ground game, Dixon also lit a fire under Brown, who was languishing in the early part of the season.
Best defensive player: DE Cody Brown. The only thing to slow down Brown in the last two years was a broken arm midway through the 2006 season. Over his last 19 games, he racked up 24 tackles for loss and a dozen sacks, routinely getting penetration and disrupting the flow of a play. At only 6-3 and 246 pounds, he’s not only a ferocious edge rusher but also a sound run defender, leading Husky linemen with 50 tackles a year ago.
Key player to a successful season: LB Scott Lutrus. He’s moving to middle linebacker to make more of an impact replacing the ultra-consistent Danny Lansanah. Lutrus needs to build on his Freshman All-American debut by becoming a force in run defense and a capable cover guy on passing downs. He’s got the speed, natural instincts, and nose for the ball to excel on the inside, freeing up the coaches to get a little more speed at the outside positions.
The season will be a success if ... the Huskies play a 13th game. Yes, the Huskies were tied atop the Big East last year, but that shouldn’t artificially inflate expectations for the upcoming season. This is still a program that can use December bowl games as building blocks for the future and sound bites on recruiting trips. If Connecticut finishes ahead of Rutgers, South Florida, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh for a second straight year, go ahead and label the season as wildly successful.
Key game: Nov. 1 vs. West Virginia. After getting spanked so thoroughly against the Mountaineers last fall, the Huskies desperately need to put forth a better showing, especially in front of the home crowd. Even after winning nine games a year ago, the team did little to earn national respect or reduce its legions of skeptics. A strong performance here, even in a losing cause, would do wonders for the ego and image
6.10.2008
CFN Preview of Rutgers
CFN previews Rutgers:
What to watch for on offense: The receivers. After relying so much on Ray Rice to carry the offense, now Rutgers could have both first team All-Big East receiving slots occupied by Tiquan Underwood and Kenny Britt. It’s not like the offense will stop running the ball, but the bread will now be buttered with the passing game. With these two targets to work with, there’s no reason to go with anything else in tight games.
What to watch for on defense: Pressure in the backfield. There might be a slew of problems stopping the run early on, and the linebacking corps might be a bit suspect, but there should be no issues when it comes to getting to the quarterback and making plays behind the line. Greg Schiano’s defenses are great at attacking, and even though this is a relatively young, inexperienced group overall, the dogs will be sent early and often to try and be disruptive. Jamaal Westerman has Big East Defensive Player of the Year potential.
The team will be far better if… Teel is as productive in league games as he is against non-conference pushovers. Teel’s 2007 numbers look respectable overall, but more than half of his 20 touchdowns came against Buffalo, Navy, Norfolk State, and Ball State, while disappearing acts versus the Big East were too common. Part of the reason was the reliance on Ray Rice and the running game, but if the team is to regain its 2006 momentum, it needs Teel to be the main man and the reason why the offense works. More importantly, Teel now needs to rise to the occasion against the tougher teams on the schedule.
The Schedule: Picking up a loaded Fresno State at the last moment in the season-opener will show just how good the Scarlet Knights are from the start. Playing North Carolina and at Navy aren't going to be easy, and then there's October with the Big East schedule kicking off with three road games in four weeks playing at West Virginia, Cincinnati and Pitt. The other conference road game is at South Florida in November; hardly a breather. Fortunately there are two off weeks in November and three home games in the final four.
Best offensive player: WR Kenny Britt. Britt gave a hint of his potential as a freshman before erupting as a sophomore. A fluid, 6-4 target with a long stride, he abused Big East defensive backs for 62 receptions, a school-record 1,232 yards, and eight touchdowns. Often looking like a man among boys, Britt teamed up with Tiquan Underwood to form the most dynamic receiving duo in team history.
Best defensive player: S Courtney Greene. He covers. He fills the lanes and delivers punishment in run defense. He intimidates opposing receivers. Greene does a little bit of everything for the Knight D, including putting off the NFL Draft and returning for his senior season. A durable and complete defender who’s capable of playing free safety or strong safety, he led the team with 101 tackles.
Players to a successful season: The running backs. Rutgers won’t be shy about turning loose the passing attack, but any Big East team with championship aspirations knows it needs to run the ball. No single back is going to replace Rice’s production, so it’ll be up to multiple runners to pick up the slack. Kordell Young is the heir apparent, but he first needs to prove that his surgically repaired knee is healthy. Keep an eye on Mason Robinson, a Young clone, and Jourdan Brooks, a 255-pound pile driver.
The season will be a success if ... the Scarlet Knights return to that small group of Big East contenders right behind West Virginia. While going 8-5 and winning a second straight bowl game is respectable, falling behind Connecticut and Cincinnati in the league standings isn’t. The coaching staff believes Rutgers is the biggest threat to the Mountaineers, but now it must go out and prove it in tough road trips to Morgantown, Cincinnati, Tampa, and Pittsburgh.
Key game: Oct. 4 at West Virginia. It won’t take very long to learn if the Scarlet Knights are going to be Big East pretenders or contenders. It’s the Big East opener and a chance to pull off the program’s first win over the Mountaineers for the first time since 1994.
What to watch for on offense: The receivers. After relying so much on Ray Rice to carry the offense, now Rutgers could have both first team All-Big East receiving slots occupied by Tiquan Underwood and Kenny Britt. It’s not like the offense will stop running the ball, but the bread will now be buttered with the passing game. With these two targets to work with, there’s no reason to go with anything else in tight games.
What to watch for on defense: Pressure in the backfield. There might be a slew of problems stopping the run early on, and the linebacking corps might be a bit suspect, but there should be no issues when it comes to getting to the quarterback and making plays behind the line. Greg Schiano’s defenses are great at attacking, and even though this is a relatively young, inexperienced group overall, the dogs will be sent early and often to try and be disruptive. Jamaal Westerman has Big East Defensive Player of the Year potential.
The team will be far better if… Teel is as productive in league games as he is against non-conference pushovers. Teel’s 2007 numbers look respectable overall, but more than half of his 20 touchdowns came against Buffalo, Navy, Norfolk State, and Ball State, while disappearing acts versus the Big East were too common. Part of the reason was the reliance on Ray Rice and the running game, but if the team is to regain its 2006 momentum, it needs Teel to be the main man and the reason why the offense works. More importantly, Teel now needs to rise to the occasion against the tougher teams on the schedule.
The Schedule: Picking up a loaded Fresno State at the last moment in the season-opener will show just how good the Scarlet Knights are from the start. Playing North Carolina and at Navy aren't going to be easy, and then there's October with the Big East schedule kicking off with three road games in four weeks playing at West Virginia, Cincinnati and Pitt. The other conference road game is at South Florida in November; hardly a breather. Fortunately there are two off weeks in November and three home games in the final four.
Best offensive player: WR Kenny Britt. Britt gave a hint of his potential as a freshman before erupting as a sophomore. A fluid, 6-4 target with a long stride, he abused Big East defensive backs for 62 receptions, a school-record 1,232 yards, and eight touchdowns. Often looking like a man among boys, Britt teamed up with Tiquan Underwood to form the most dynamic receiving duo in team history.
Best defensive player: S Courtney Greene. He covers. He fills the lanes and delivers punishment in run defense. He intimidates opposing receivers. Greene does a little bit of everything for the Knight D, including putting off the NFL Draft and returning for his senior season. A durable and complete defender who’s capable of playing free safety or strong safety, he led the team with 101 tackles.
Players to a successful season: The running backs. Rutgers won’t be shy about turning loose the passing attack, but any Big East team with championship aspirations knows it needs to run the ball. No single back is going to replace Rice’s production, so it’ll be up to multiple runners to pick up the slack. Kordell Young is the heir apparent, but he first needs to prove that his surgically repaired knee is healthy. Keep an eye on Mason Robinson, a Young clone, and Jourdan Brooks, a 255-pound pile driver.
The season will be a success if ... the Scarlet Knights return to that small group of Big East contenders right behind West Virginia. While going 8-5 and winning a second straight bowl game is respectable, falling behind Connecticut and Cincinnati in the league standings isn’t. The coaching staff believes Rutgers is the biggest threat to the Mountaineers, but now it must go out and prove it in tough road trips to Morgantown, Cincinnati, Tampa, and Pittsburgh.
Key game: Oct. 4 at West Virginia. It won’t take very long to learn if the Scarlet Knights are going to be Big East pretenders or contenders. It’s the Big East opener and a chance to pull off the program’s first win over the Mountaineers for the first time since 1994.
6.09.2008
CFN Preview of Louisville
CFN previews Louisville:
What to watch for on offense: Sophomore RB Bilal Powell. The veteran line can run block. The backfield has been depleted by transfers, suspensions, and relocations. In other words, Powell is about to see a dramatic spike in his production. Sure, he’ll share touches with Brock Bolen, but there’ll be enough work to keep everyone happy. When the season was spinning out of control last November, Powell provided an unexpected spark, running with intensity and a blend of speed and power that gave a glimmer of hope about the future.The future is now for one of Louisville’s most exciting offensive weapons.
What to watch for on defense: The linebackers. On a defense filled with concerns, this is Kragthorpe’s biggest heading into the season. Not only have last year’s three starters left the program, but many of this year’s key replacements spent the spring sidelined with an injury. A lot will be expected from senior James Bryant, a hard-hitting import from Miami, and Chris Campa, a junior college transfer who’s trying to get right after undergoing surgery on a torn labrum in his shoulder.
The team will be far better if… new coordinator Ron English can get the defense to overachieve. Louisville has never wanted for quality athletes, but it’ll be up to English and his rookie assistants to get this group to play with better overall fundamentals. There were too many blown assignments and missed tackles last season, which will be unacceptable on a unit that has so many holes to fill at linebacker and in the secondary. Players, such as CB Woodny Turenne and LB James Bryant, a Miami transfer, have upside. English’s objective is to be sure they reach it.
The Schedule: You want a bounce-back season Cardinal fans? You have the schedule to do it. There are only four road games and two are against Memphis and Syracuse. The other two will be tough, but playing at Pitt and Rutgers isn't like going to West Virginia or South Florida. Non-conference games against Kentucky and Kansas State might be tough, but those both come at home. If things weren't easy enough, there's a week off at the end of November before facing the Scarlet Knights. It would've been nice to get the break before facing West Virginia, but there's an extra day off before facing the Mountaineers.
Best offensive player: Senior C Eric Wood. Now that all of the skill position talent is seeking jobs in the NFL, Wood may actually start getting more of the national recognition he deserves. The reigning First Team All-Big East center has started 37 consecutive games dating back to his freshman year and is the leader of the Cardinal offensive line. Lightning quick on the snap and strong enough to move defensive tackles off the ball, he’ll be on the Rimington Trophy short list for the third straight year.
Best defensive player: Senior DT Earl Heyman. It would be easy to lump every Cardinal into last year’s defensive mess, but that would do a disservice to Heyman, a tackle with next-level skills. At 6-3 and 285 pounds, he has got the quickness of an end, a major concern for most guards and centers. Heyman laid the foundation for a breakthrough senior year notching 40 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, and three fumble recoveries.
Key player to a successful season: Senior QB Hunter Cantwell. While the defense won’t be transformed overnight, the offense still has a chance to keep Louisville competitive in most games. Cantwell has been well hidden in Brian Brohm’s shadow, but he’s a 6-5, 236-pound veteran with a rocket arm and 18 games of experience. If the senior is able to keep his own defense off the field while elevating the play of the young kids around him, the Cardinals won’t be out of many games.
The season will be a success if ... Louisville wins seven games. Although the Cards might appear shockingly far from being back in the Big East title hunt, they schedule is conducive to a winning season. Eight games are at Papa John’s, and the first troubling road trip doesn’t happen until a Nov. 8 visit to Pittsburgh. The keys for Kragthorpe are to get beyond last season and create something positive early on. Seven wins and a December bowl game will accomplish both of those modest goals.
Key game: Aug. 31 vs. Kentucky. After last season’s meltdown in Lexington, the Cardinals and Kragthorpe can ill-afford a second straight loss to rival Kentucky. As much as any program in the country, Louisville needs a fast start, and a win in the opener could be the spark needed to get to 6-0 before South Florida visits on Oct. 25. The only first half game away from Papa John’s is a trip to Memphis after two weeks rest.
One thing I noticed that bodes well for UC is they get to play Louisville in the middle of games at Pittsburgh and home versus West Virginia. That's the definition of a sandwich game for Louisville and one that UC should do well in.
What to watch for on offense: Sophomore RB Bilal Powell. The veteran line can run block. The backfield has been depleted by transfers, suspensions, and relocations. In other words, Powell is about to see a dramatic spike in his production. Sure, he’ll share touches with Brock Bolen, but there’ll be enough work to keep everyone happy. When the season was spinning out of control last November, Powell provided an unexpected spark, running with intensity and a blend of speed and power that gave a glimmer of hope about the future.The future is now for one of Louisville’s most exciting offensive weapons.
What to watch for on defense: The linebackers. On a defense filled with concerns, this is Kragthorpe’s biggest heading into the season. Not only have last year’s three starters left the program, but many of this year’s key replacements spent the spring sidelined with an injury. A lot will be expected from senior James Bryant, a hard-hitting import from Miami, and Chris Campa, a junior college transfer who’s trying to get right after undergoing surgery on a torn labrum in his shoulder.
The team will be far better if… new coordinator Ron English can get the defense to overachieve. Louisville has never wanted for quality athletes, but it’ll be up to English and his rookie assistants to get this group to play with better overall fundamentals. There were too many blown assignments and missed tackles last season, which will be unacceptable on a unit that has so many holes to fill at linebacker and in the secondary. Players, such as CB Woodny Turenne and LB James Bryant, a Miami transfer, have upside. English’s objective is to be sure they reach it.
The Schedule: You want a bounce-back season Cardinal fans? You have the schedule to do it. There are only four road games and two are against Memphis and Syracuse. The other two will be tough, but playing at Pitt and Rutgers isn't like going to West Virginia or South Florida. Non-conference games against Kentucky and Kansas State might be tough, but those both come at home. If things weren't easy enough, there's a week off at the end of November before facing the Scarlet Knights. It would've been nice to get the break before facing West Virginia, but there's an extra day off before facing the Mountaineers.
Best offensive player: Senior C Eric Wood. Now that all of the skill position talent is seeking jobs in the NFL, Wood may actually start getting more of the national recognition he deserves. The reigning First Team All-Big East center has started 37 consecutive games dating back to his freshman year and is the leader of the Cardinal offensive line. Lightning quick on the snap and strong enough to move defensive tackles off the ball, he’ll be on the Rimington Trophy short list for the third straight year.
Best defensive player: Senior DT Earl Heyman. It would be easy to lump every Cardinal into last year’s defensive mess, but that would do a disservice to Heyman, a tackle with next-level skills. At 6-3 and 285 pounds, he has got the quickness of an end, a major concern for most guards and centers. Heyman laid the foundation for a breakthrough senior year notching 40 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, and three fumble recoveries.
Key player to a successful season: Senior QB Hunter Cantwell. While the defense won’t be transformed overnight, the offense still has a chance to keep Louisville competitive in most games. Cantwell has been well hidden in Brian Brohm’s shadow, but he’s a 6-5, 236-pound veteran with a rocket arm and 18 games of experience. If the senior is able to keep his own defense off the field while elevating the play of the young kids around him, the Cardinals won’t be out of many games.
The season will be a success if ... Louisville wins seven games. Although the Cards might appear shockingly far from being back in the Big East title hunt, they schedule is conducive to a winning season. Eight games are at Papa John’s, and the first troubling road trip doesn’t happen until a Nov. 8 visit to Pittsburgh. The keys for Kragthorpe are to get beyond last season and create something positive early on. Seven wins and a December bowl game will accomplish both of those modest goals.
Key game: Aug. 31 vs. Kentucky. After last season’s meltdown in Lexington, the Cardinals and Kragthorpe can ill-afford a second straight loss to rival Kentucky. As much as any program in the country, Louisville needs a fast start, and a win in the opener could be the spark needed to get to 6-0 before South Florida visits on Oct. 25. The only first half game away from Papa John’s is a trip to Memphis after two weeks rest.
One thing I noticed that bodes well for UC is they get to play Louisville in the middle of games at Pittsburgh and home versus West Virginia. That's the definition of a sandwich game for Louisville and one that UC should do well in.
6.08.2008
Odds to Win 2009 BCS Championship
Alabama:40/1
Arizona:125/1
Arizona State: 80/1
Arkansas: 100/1
Auburn: 40/1
Boise State: 100/1
Boston College: 100/1
California: 80/1
Cincinnati: 100/1
Clemson: 22/1
Florida: 6/1
Florida State: 50/1
Georgia: 6/1
Georgia Tech: 100/1
Illinois: 50/1
Iowa: 100/1
Kansas: 65/1
Kansas State: 125/1
Kentucky: 100/1
Louisville: 100/1
LSU: 12/1
Maryland: 100/1
Miami Florida: 35/1
Michigan: 30/1
Michigan State: 100/1
Missouri: 14/1
Nebraska: 80/1
North Carolina: 100/1
North Carolina State: 100/1
Notre Dame: 55/1
Ohio State: 6/1
Oklahoma: 6/1
Oklahoma State: 125/1
Oregon: 100/1
Oregon State: 100/1
Penn State: 50/1
Rutgers: 50/1
South Carolina: 100/1
South Florida: 100/1
Tennessee: 75/1
Texas: 30/1
Texas A&M: 100/1
Texas Tech: 80/1
UCLA: 35/1
USC: 3/1
Virginia: 100/1
Virginia Tech: 40/1
Wake Forest: 125/1
Washington: 100/1
West Virginia: 25/1
Wisconsin: 80/1
Field (Any Other Team): 25/1
Any thoughts on who you like and why? Leave a Comment.
Huber Tabbed as Preseason All-American
Phil Steele announced his All-American teams for the upcoming 2008 season and named Kevin Huber as his First team punter. In 2007, Huber racked up 2,672 yards on 57 punts, averaging an NCAA best 46.88 yards per punt. Also listed is CB Mike Mickens, who was placed on the third team.
In total eight players were selected from the BIG EAST:
2 : Cincinnati (P Kevin Huber, CB Mike Mickens)
2 : USF (DE George Selvie, OLB Tyrone McKenzie)
1 : West Virginia (QB Pat White)
1 : Syracuse (KR Max Suter)
1 : Rutgers (FS Courtney Greene)
1 : Louisville (C Eric Wood)
6.06.2008
Josh Harrison picked by Cubs
From GoBearcats.com:
CINCINNATI - University of Cincinnati second baseman and 2008 BIG EAST Co-Player of the Year Josh Harrison (Cincinnati, Ohio/Princeton) was selected in the sixth round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Chicago Cubs with the 191st pick overall.
Harrison is the 36th player in UC history to be selected in the draft since Billy Wolff was taken in the third round in 1965. He is also the highest Bearcats' pick since Kevin Youkilis, a member of the UC Hall of Fame, was taken in the eighth round of the 2001 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox.
"We are very proud of Josh," said UC head baseball coach Brian Cleary. "He is an example of how we envision our program. In a city filled with such great baseball talent, we hope the very best players decide to stay at home and play at UC in the state-of-the-art Marge Schott Stadium. Here, they can hone their skills, have great careers, and earn the opportunity to move on to play at higher levels. Through his hard work and dedication, Josh earned that chance."
In his three years at UC, the junior second baseman has already earned a place among the very best in Cincinnati history ranking among the career Top 10 in batting average (4th, .358), runs (3rd, 192), hits (4th, 246), doubles (4th, 53), RBI (5th, 153), total bases (5th, 366), and stolen bases (2nd, 63). His career culminated this season as Harrison helped UC finish second in the BIG EAST during the regular season with a school-record 39 wins. In 59 games, he led the team with a .378 batting average, 90 hits and 22 doubles to earn second-team all-America honors from Collegiate Baseball.
The Major League Baseball Draft continues tomorrow with rounds seven through 50 taking place beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET.
CINCINNATI - University of Cincinnati second baseman and 2008 BIG EAST Co-Player of the Year Josh Harrison (Cincinnati, Ohio/Princeton) was selected in the sixth round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Chicago Cubs with the 191st pick overall.
Harrison is the 36th player in UC history to be selected in the draft since Billy Wolff was taken in the third round in 1965. He is also the highest Bearcats' pick since Kevin Youkilis, a member of the UC Hall of Fame, was taken in the eighth round of the 2001 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox.
"We are very proud of Josh," said UC head baseball coach Brian Cleary. "He is an example of how we envision our program. In a city filled with such great baseball talent, we hope the very best players decide to stay at home and play at UC in the state-of-the-art Marge Schott Stadium. Here, they can hone their skills, have great careers, and earn the opportunity to move on to play at higher levels. Through his hard work and dedication, Josh earned that chance."
In his three years at UC, the junior second baseman has already earned a place among the very best in Cincinnati history ranking among the career Top 10 in batting average (4th, .358), runs (3rd, 192), hits (4th, 246), doubles (4th, 53), RBI (5th, 153), total bases (5th, 366), and stolen bases (2nd, 63). His career culminated this season as Harrison helped UC finish second in the BIG EAST during the regular season with a school-record 39 wins. In 59 games, he led the team with a .378 batting average, 90 hits and 22 doubles to earn second-team all-America honors from Collegiate Baseball.
The Major League Baseball Draft continues tomorrow with rounds seven through 50 taking place beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET.
6.05.2008
Phil Steele's 2008 BIG EAST All Conference Teams
Phil Steele announced his All-Conference teams earlier this month and UC players DT Terrill Byrd, CB's Mike Mickens and DeAngelo Smith and P Kevin Huber all were tabbed with First Team honors. Other named were WR/KR Dominick Goodman, WR Marcus Barnett, OT Jeff Linkenbach, WR/PR Marshwan Gilyard, DT Adam Hoppel. 
Also, Steele released his Toughest Schedule's of the 2008 season. Thanks to games against 2007 BCS opponents West Virginia, Oklahoma and Hawaii' the Bearcats slate ranks as the 17th hardest in the nation and second hardest in the conference behind Syracuse (11th hardest).BIG EAST teams strength of schedule:
11 -Syracuse
17 -Cincinnati
27 -Pittsburgh
35 -West Virginia
45 -Connecticut
55 -Louisville
58 -Rutgers
60 -USF
BIG EAST previews and WR mishaps
CFN does a good job previewing some of the conference teams.
USF, Pitt, Syracuse, and WVU are up as of today.
In other news around college football:
Syracuse's top recieving threat last season Mike Williams (60 catches, 837 yards, and 10 TD's, Second team All-BE) has been suspended from the University due to an academic issue. Last season Williams as UC fans will remember had his most prolific game as a WR catching 9 balls for 160 yards and a score. This does not bode well for current Syracuse coach Greg Robinson and his 7-28 record in four season at the helm.
Pittsburgh WR Maurice Williams (5 catches, 100 yards, 1 TD in 2007) will be academically ineligable for the 2008 season and plans on redshirting this season. Williams' was to be Pitt's top deep threat this season.
USF, Pitt, Syracuse, and WVU are up as of today.
In other news around college football:
Syracuse's top recieving threat last season Mike Williams (60 catches, 837 yards, and 10 TD's, Second team All-BE) has been suspended from the University due to an academic issue. Last season Williams as UC fans will remember had his most prolific game as a WR catching 9 balls for 160 yards and a score. This does not bode well for current Syracuse coach Greg Robinson and his 7-28 record in four season at the helm.
Pittsburgh WR Maurice Williams (5 catches, 100 yards, 1 TD in 2007) will be academically ineligable for the 2008 season and plans on redshirting this season. Williams' was to be Pitt's top deep threat this season.
6.04.2008
122
One of the biggest concerns that I see with this team is the number 122, which was the total amount of penalties that UC amassed in the 2007 season. Many of those came from false start penalties that comes with the instillation of Brian Kelly's spread offense. I can understand a lineman not feeling as comfortable with a snap count when the quarterback is lined up in the shotgun.
The concern I have is that mark was the largest number of penalties in the history of the UC program. It was often hidden because one, we had such a prolific offense that could compensate for the mistakes and two, the defense accounted for 42 takeaways. Each of those categories should be down in the upcoming year, which makes me wonder if penalties will play a bigger role in the 2008 campaign.
The concern I have is that mark was the largest number of penalties in the history of the UC program. It was often hidden because one, we had such a prolific offense that could compensate for the mistakes and two, the defense accounted for 42 takeaways. Each of those categories should be down in the upcoming year, which makes me wonder if penalties will play a bigger role in the 2008 campaign.
SI's Stewart Mandel on the 2008 BIG EAST race
Do you think Pitt has a chance to knock West Virginia out as the Big East champs this year? I see LeSean "Shady" McCoy having a huge year now that there may be an offense around him. Last year, teams were lining up eight and nine guys in the box because there was no passing game and he still ran for 1,300+ yards and 14 TDs.-- Pete Spence, Elizabeth, Pa.
Here's where we get into an ever-dicey subject, which is, what is the definition of a preseason poll? Most people seem to treat them as "predictions" -- i.e., this is what the final poll will look like come Jan. 8. Personally, I treat my preseason poll as a "starting point," based on how the teams finished last season and who they have coming back. What happens from there is up to them.
With that in mind, West Virginia is the highest-ranked Big East team in my preseason poll because, quite simply, the Mountaineers deserve it. They've won 11 games for three straight seasons and they return the most explosive quarterback-tailback tandem in the country in Pat White and Noel Devine. They lost too many other key players, particularly on defense, to start in the top 10, but top 15 is perfectly justified.
That said, if you were to ask me, "Who do you predict will win the Big East," I would say ... probably not West Virginia. Much of that is based on my aforementioned lack of faith in the Bill Stewart regime and the entirely realistic possibility of that program suffering a Louisville-type implosion (though that would more likely come next year), but it's also because there are a whole bunch of other Big East teams sitting on the verge of a breakthrough. I'm just not sure which one it will be.
Pittsburgh is certainly one of those teams. As inexplicable as the then-4-7 Panthers' Championship Saturday upset in Morgantown seemed at the time, the result wasn't entirely fluky. (Remember, Pitt also beat 10-3 Cincinnati prior to that.) The Panthers' defense was tremendous all season, finishing No. 5 nationally in yards allowed, and anyone who's watched McCoy knows he's an All-America-caliber back. The problem, as Pete noted above, was the absolute lack of a passing game. It's no guarantee, but the return of last year's opening-day QB Bill Stull and All-Big East WR Derek Kinder from injuries could help solve that.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati is not going away, and in fact should field a better overall team than it did last year if former starting QB Dustin Grutza can adjust to Brian Kelly's spread offense. Connecticut returns 17 starters from a team that very quietly shared the Big East title with West Virginia last season. Rutgers will not be going away just because Ray Rice did. And South Florida, if it can ever maintain any level of consistency, has shown it can play with just about anyone.
So the short answer to Pat's short question is, the Big East is wide open.
Here's where we get into an ever-dicey subject, which is, what is the definition of a preseason poll? Most people seem to treat them as "predictions" -- i.e., this is what the final poll will look like come Jan. 8. Personally, I treat my preseason poll as a "starting point," based on how the teams finished last season and who they have coming back. What happens from there is up to them.
With that in mind, West Virginia is the highest-ranked Big East team in my preseason poll because, quite simply, the Mountaineers deserve it. They've won 11 games for three straight seasons and they return the most explosive quarterback-tailback tandem in the country in Pat White and Noel Devine. They lost too many other key players, particularly on defense, to start in the top 10, but top 15 is perfectly justified.
That said, if you were to ask me, "Who do you predict will win the Big East," I would say ... probably not West Virginia. Much of that is based on my aforementioned lack of faith in the Bill Stewart regime and the entirely realistic possibility of that program suffering a Louisville-type implosion (though that would more likely come next year), but it's also because there are a whole bunch of other Big East teams sitting on the verge of a breakthrough. I'm just not sure which one it will be.
Pittsburgh is certainly one of those teams. As inexplicable as the then-4-7 Panthers' Championship Saturday upset in Morgantown seemed at the time, the result wasn't entirely fluky. (Remember, Pitt also beat 10-3 Cincinnati prior to that.) The Panthers' defense was tremendous all season, finishing No. 5 nationally in yards allowed, and anyone who's watched McCoy knows he's an All-America-caliber back. The problem, as Pete noted above, was the absolute lack of a passing game. It's no guarantee, but the return of last year's opening-day QB Bill Stull and All-Big East WR Derek Kinder from injuries could help solve that.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati is not going away, and in fact should field a better overall team than it did last year if former starting QB Dustin Grutza can adjust to Brian Kelly's spread offense. Connecticut returns 17 starters from a team that very quietly shared the Big East title with West Virginia last season. Rutgers will not be going away just because Ray Rice did. And South Florida, if it can ever maintain any level of consistency, has shown it can play with just about anyone.
So the short answer to Pat's short question is, the Big East is wide open.
Cincinnati Preview
Collegefootballnews.com previews the 2008 Bearcats.
Cincinnati is coming off its first 10-win season since 1951 and finished with a rare spot in the final Top 25, but don’t count on the program getting fat, dumb, and happy anytime soon. The job of keeping the Bearcats from becoming content belongs to Brian Kelly, the second-year head coach who believes this program is destined for bigger and better things in the Big East, and has the potential to break out and become a national player, much like Louisville was able to do in the Bobby Petrino days.
What to watch for on offense: Was it the system or the quarterback which was responsible for Mauk, a journeyman before 2007, delivering one of the best seasons in school history. Each of the three contenders at quarterback has a steep hurdle to clear before approaching Mauk’s 31 touchdown passes and sterling passer efficiency rating. Grutza has underwhelmed in past opportunities. Jones is coming off shoulder surgery. Anderson is a freshman, but impressed enough this spring to be the likely starter if he comes up with a big fall. Cincy fans better hope it’s the system because the program is a little light on proven talent heading into the season.
What to watch for on defense: More blitzes from the linebackers and safeties. What happens when your strength is at cornerback and your weakness is a lack of proven pass rushers? You take more chances in order to get in the face of the quarterback. Cincinnati already likes playing an aggressive brand of defense that flies all over the field and causes turnovers. This season, it might become a necessity if adequate replacements for ends Anthony Hoke and Angelo Craig can’t be found. As long as Mike Mickens and DeAngelo Smith are the corners, the Bearcats will be able to leave them on an island and turn a linebacker or safety loose on a blitz.
The team will be far better if… the offense gets more production from the running backs. The ground game disappeared late last year, a big concern considering the uncertainty behind center. The best friend of the new quarterback will be a back or two who can keep defenses honest, while providing an element of balance to the Cincy attack. Both the pressure and the opportunity rest with junior Jacob Ramsey, the veteran in a backfield that lost three seniors to graduation. He showed flashes in 2007, rushing for 362 yards and three scores on 96 carries, and is coming off a solid offseason.
The Schedule: There's an almost certain loss at Oklahoma in early September, but that's it as far as the first part of the non-conference schedule getting Eastern Kentucky, Miami University, at Akron and at Marshall before league play kicks in. The Bearcats will be good enough to go bowling, but getting to go to Hawaii in early December will still be a nice perk. The Big East schedule is more than manageable outside of a six-day early November test against West Virginia and Louisville, but there's an off-week before the key dates. South Florida and Rutgers have to come to Cincy.
Best offensive player: WR Marcus Barnett. Along with Mauk, the biggest beneficiary from the arrival of Kelly, Barnett exploded as a freshman for 62 catches for 862 yards and 13 touchdowns. A bona fide homerun hitter on the outside, he got better in his debut season before breaking his leg in the PapaJohns.com Bowl. His ability to stretch a defense helps loosen things up underneath for TE Kazeem Alli and receivers Charley Howard and Dominick Goodman.
Best defensive player: DT Terrill Byrd. Byrd gets the nod for his ability to blow up opposing running games, although CB Mike Mickens could easily be here as well. Byrd has been named First Team All-Big East in back-to-back years, using his leverage and quickness off the snap to dominate centers and command double teams. One of those linemen who makes everyone around him better, he’s the biggest reason Cincinnati was No. 19 nationally in run defense.
Key player to a successful season: Whomever wins the quarterback job (if Mauk is still ineligible). Whether it’s Jones, Grutza, or Anderson, it’s imperative that the Bearcats develop a quarterback who can run Kelly’s system and get the ball in the hands of the playmakers. Physically and emotionally, Mauk was a monumental part of last year’s 10-win season. Adequately replacing him will be the key to success in 2008.
The season will be a success if ... the Bearcats win nine games and find their quarterback of the future. This year is all about building on Kelly’s debut and bringing Cincinnati closer to being a perennial contender for a Big East championship. If it’s Grutza, a senior, who helps keep the momentum going, that’s fine. If it’s Jones or Anderson, however, who have a few years of eligibility left, that’s even better in the grand scheme of things.
Key game: Oct. 30 vs. South Florida. The Bearcats have had the Bulls by the horns the last two seasons, winning a wild one in Tampa last season, 38-33. This will be one of those Big East elimination games that thins out the crowd of teams aspiring to dethrone West Virginia. Plus, it’s a nationally televised Thursday night affair, giving Cincinnati a wider audience than normal to showcase its recent renovations since Kelly arrived.
Cincinnati is coming off its first 10-win season since 1951 and finished with a rare spot in the final Top 25, but don’t count on the program getting fat, dumb, and happy anytime soon. The job of keeping the Bearcats from becoming content belongs to Brian Kelly, the second-year head coach who believes this program is destined for bigger and better things in the Big East, and has the potential to break out and become a national player, much like Louisville was able to do in the Bobby Petrino days.
What to watch for on offense: Was it the system or the quarterback which was responsible for Mauk, a journeyman before 2007, delivering one of the best seasons in school history. Each of the three contenders at quarterback has a steep hurdle to clear before approaching Mauk’s 31 touchdown passes and sterling passer efficiency rating. Grutza has underwhelmed in past opportunities. Jones is coming off shoulder surgery. Anderson is a freshman, but impressed enough this spring to be the likely starter if he comes up with a big fall. Cincy fans better hope it’s the system because the program is a little light on proven talent heading into the season.
What to watch for on defense: More blitzes from the linebackers and safeties. What happens when your strength is at cornerback and your weakness is a lack of proven pass rushers? You take more chances in order to get in the face of the quarterback. Cincinnati already likes playing an aggressive brand of defense that flies all over the field and causes turnovers. This season, it might become a necessity if adequate replacements for ends Anthony Hoke and Angelo Craig can’t be found. As long as Mike Mickens and DeAngelo Smith are the corners, the Bearcats will be able to leave them on an island and turn a linebacker or safety loose on a blitz.
The team will be far better if… the offense gets more production from the running backs. The ground game disappeared late last year, a big concern considering the uncertainty behind center. The best friend of the new quarterback will be a back or two who can keep defenses honest, while providing an element of balance to the Cincy attack. Both the pressure and the opportunity rest with junior Jacob Ramsey, the veteran in a backfield that lost three seniors to graduation. He showed flashes in 2007, rushing for 362 yards and three scores on 96 carries, and is coming off a solid offseason.
The Schedule: There's an almost certain loss at Oklahoma in early September, but that's it as far as the first part of the non-conference schedule getting Eastern Kentucky, Miami University, at Akron and at Marshall before league play kicks in. The Bearcats will be good enough to go bowling, but getting to go to Hawaii in early December will still be a nice perk. The Big East schedule is more than manageable outside of a six-day early November test against West Virginia and Louisville, but there's an off-week before the key dates. South Florida and Rutgers have to come to Cincy.
Best offensive player: WR Marcus Barnett. Along with Mauk, the biggest beneficiary from the arrival of Kelly, Barnett exploded as a freshman for 62 catches for 862 yards and 13 touchdowns. A bona fide homerun hitter on the outside, he got better in his debut season before breaking his leg in the PapaJohns.com Bowl. His ability to stretch a defense helps loosen things up underneath for TE Kazeem Alli and receivers Charley Howard and Dominick Goodman.
Best defensive player: DT Terrill Byrd. Byrd gets the nod for his ability to blow up opposing running games, although CB Mike Mickens could easily be here as well. Byrd has been named First Team All-Big East in back-to-back years, using his leverage and quickness off the snap to dominate centers and command double teams. One of those linemen who makes everyone around him better, he’s the biggest reason Cincinnati was No. 19 nationally in run defense.
Key player to a successful season: Whomever wins the quarterback job (if Mauk is still ineligible). Whether it’s Jones, Grutza, or Anderson, it’s imperative that the Bearcats develop a quarterback who can run Kelly’s system and get the ball in the hands of the playmakers. Physically and emotionally, Mauk was a monumental part of last year’s 10-win season. Adequately replacing him will be the key to success in 2008.
The season will be a success if ... the Bearcats win nine games and find their quarterback of the future. This year is all about building on Kelly’s debut and bringing Cincinnati closer to being a perennial contender for a Big East championship. If it’s Grutza, a senior, who helps keep the momentum going, that’s fine. If it’s Jones or Anderson, however, who have a few years of eligibility left, that’s even better in the grand scheme of things.
Key game: Oct. 30 vs. South Florida. The Bearcats have had the Bulls by the horns the last two seasons, winning a wild one in Tampa last season, 38-33. This will be one of those Big East elimination games that thins out the crowd of teams aspiring to dethrone West Virginia. Plus, it’s a nationally televised Thursday night affair, giving Cincinnati a wider audience than normal to showcase its recent renovations since Kelly arrived.
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