Which conference lead the nation the last two years with a strong 8-2 bowl record? The Big XII? The SEC? Maybe the PAC-10? Nope, it was the unheralded and generally underrated Big East.
Despite the common perception that the Big East is one of the ?weaker? BCS conferences, the teams of the big East have been piling up wins against strong OOC foes. BC dumped Georgia and Notre Dame last year, after a rough start Pitt knocked off NCState in their bowl, and even Syracuse got in on the action beating Auburn by 17 and ECU by a pair of TDs. Combined with Miami?s dominance of the college football landscape last year, it is hard to make the case that the Big East is a ?weak? conference.
The in conference race this year looks to be comprised of Miami, Virginia Tech, and the Eagles of Boston College. Syracuse seems destined to hard times this year, and Pitt is riding the nations second longest winning streak (7) (behind Miami?s 22) into a season where they could be a surprise. The lower third of the conference is rounded out by the Mountaineers, Rutgers, and Temple.
Team by Team:
1. Miami
The Hurricanes come in to the 2002 season as the defending national champions and riding a 22 game win streak. The ?Canes were simply dominant last year and they whooped up on opponents to the average tune of 41-8. Further highlights from the season including snapping Florida State?s 54-game home unbeaten streak, and the number one turnover margin in the country (+26).
That said, this year Miami is facing some severe losses. (Only 10 starters return.) And unlike a Florida or Tennessee who also had substantial losses to the NFL, Miami lost a greater number of what can be neatly classified as "difference makers." (Five of the 11 drafted went in the first round.) The greatest of these include LT and offensive line stud Bryant McKinnie (Outland Winner, 0 sacks allowed in career at Miami.), and the tandem of CB Phillip Buchanon and FS Ed Reed. These three were team leaders for the O and D respectively and their loss will definitely have an impact.
When talking losses, the O-Line looks to present Miami with its biggest problems. Gone from this year?s O-Line are the aforementioned McKinnie as well as RT Joaquin Gonzalez and RG Martin Bibla. Hurricane fans are hopeful after the most recent fall scrimmage where the line gave ample running room for the tailback trio of McGahee, Hill, and Geathers. (McGahee 10/105). Nevertheless, don?t look for the ?Canes to repeat the 4 sack performance they allowed all of last year. The new group is comprised of talented athletes, and the two-deep is solid but the team will need a few weeks of game time situations to become a cohesive unit.
As mentioned, the Miami defense also must cope with the loss of its top five DBs. (Entire secondary plus the nickel.) Expect to see playing time from some true freshman here and a general progression as the season moves along. (RS Fr. Kelly Jennings had an impressive spring.) The players getting reps in the spring were often burned by veteran receivers but the did not lack the raw ability to keep up. Help comes to the secondary with the addition of CB Marcus Maxey (6?3, 190lbs) and once the entire secondary gets the feel for the college game, and some experience under their belt, raw athletic ability should keep them out of too much trouble.
After all of the negatives and rebuilding that I?ve noted, I must also tell you that Miami is still the strongest team in the Big East. Virginia Tech and BC both look to challenge, but the ?Canes should repeat as Big East champs. Concerns on the schedule including games at Florida and at Tennessee make a second National Championship unlikely, but I do expect Miami to be in the thick of the BCS picture at the close of the season.
2. Boston College
In a tough pick between BC and VT I?m going to call the Eagles for second place in the conference. The Eagles have their strongest team yet under O?Brien and playing VT and ?Cuse at home should help them in conference. BC outgained foes by about 75 ypg last season, and this year?s O could add to that number.
Though they lost star RB William Green to the draft, Horace Dodd, Derrick Knight, or Brandon Brokaw will step up and become BC?s next 1000 yard rusher. The trio all got reps in the most recent scrimmage with Dodd (15/60) having the best day and Brokaw (11/45) close behind.
At QB, the Eagles rely on Senior QB Brian St. Pierre (26TDs to 10 picks ly) and with the continued development of the receivers, the offense will be difficult to contain this year. Keith Hemmings has ?game-breaker? capacity and the newcomers have unlimited potential. Senior Jamal Burke shined in the fall scrimmage picking up 123 yards on just five receptions.
Defensively, the Eagles return 8 starters to a team that held 9 of last year?s opponents to less than 21 points. The return of DE Anthony Garay (neck injury) will also be a big boost to the team. This unit can play off the confidence gained in last year?s bowl victory over Georgia and is my second highest ranked D in conference.
Finally, BC will get the added benefit of Senior punter Kevin McMyler. Last year McMyler had a punting average of 42.6ypp with a net of 38. That kind of effectiveness gives BC the edge they need in close field position type games.
3. Virginia Tech
Smash-mouth offense and quality defense defines Hokie football. With Kevin Jones reeling off 120 yards in the latest intra-squad scrimmage Coach Beamer could not be more pleased. The backfield is stacked with both Jones and returning star Lee Suggs (3/40 scrimmage) and if any passing threat can emerge the Hokies could easily challenge for the top of the conference.
QB Grant Noel is the starter but doesn?t have as much upside as either of his two under-studies (Randall and Vick.). He will be serviceable nonetheless and though the receiving corps suffered some big losses they should have a decent season. Look for WR Richard Johnson to have an immediate impact (4.37 40 speed) and TE Keith Willis is also a blazer (4.38).
Defensively the Hokies also lost some stars including five lettermen at DT and their top inside backers. Luckily, five lettermen return at DE and Tech has great speed in the secondary. Both Adibi and Colas should provide a handful for opposing O-Lines and with Pile and Hall in the secondary the Hokies should be able to contain most passing attacks.
4. Pitt
After a disappointing first half of the season last year, skipper Walt Harris righted his team and finished 6-0 down the stretch. If this year?s Panther team can build on that progress they will finish in the top half of the conference. The problem is, Pitt has a lot to replace this year. Gone is the QB/WR combo of Priestley and Bryant as well as DE Bryan Knight and FS Walker.
That said, the offensive and defense still look solid this year. Outland trophy candidate Bryan Anderson anchors an impressive O-Line that returns five starters and should be one of the best in the conference. Behind the line Rod Rutherford and Tyler Palko (recent hand injury probably puts him 2nd) battle for starting QB duties while Brandon Miree, Raymond Kirkley, and true frosh Jawan Walker fight for the tailback position.
I like Miree and think he?ll win the job (If his strained knee isn?t a real problem), but Walker (who just qualified academically) made a big impression in fall camp. Regardless of who wins the spot, the O-Line should provide ample running room and the Pitt backs should have a good season.
At receiver, OC JD Brookhart has been pleasantly surprised by the progress of Lamar Slade and Yogi Roth. The tandem have stepped-up and assumed the roles vacated by Bryant and Big East ypg leader RJ English. Though the Panthers may not be as talented as last year at WR, the progress in fall has Pitt fans excited.
All-Star LB Gerald Hayes (104 tackles, 61/2 sacks and 15 tackles for losses) is the most important cog in the defensive wheel and is a legitimate contender for All-American and Butkus award honors. Though he could have left early for the draft, Hayes choose to stick around for another season with the Panthers. Though the D lost star FS Walker, the coverage skills of Cox and Spencer should enable them to play plenty of man-to-man. Overall the defense (6 starters return) will be sound if unspectactular. We assume they will produce at a level above the first half of last season but do not expect them to match the second half?s 9PPG performance.
5. Syracuse
Syracuse goes into this season with heavy losses on both sides of the ball. For this team to contend in the Big East, the Orange must show that their rebuilt OL can gel and that they can pass better than last years horrific showing (98th in the nation).
Junior QB RJ Anderson had a solid spring and the team will likely improve over last year?s numbers, but even with an improved pass game the Orange will need to move the ball on the ground. Problem is, Anderson is also the leading returning rusher. Diamond Ferry looked to take the job but left school due to academics. That leaves Walter Reyes, Barry Baker, Chris Davis, Thump Belton and freshman Damien Rhodes in the mix at running back. Who will win the position remains to be seen but it doesn?t look like Syracuse will be at the top of the Big East in offense.
On D, ?Cuse must also make up for the loss of DE Dwight Freeney and Safety Quentin Harris. They returns 6 starters from a unit that forced turnovers (34) and helped the O immensely in the field position battle. MLB Clifton Smith and DE Josh Thomas will look to pick up the slack and keep the D reliable as the O develops.
Overall, I see the Orange as a middle of the pack team this year in the Big East. A first game road test at offensive powerhouse BYU will give a great insight as to how the team will look this year.
Despite the common perception that the Big East is one of the ?weaker? BCS conferences, the teams of the big East have been piling up wins against strong OOC foes. BC dumped Georgia and Notre Dame last year, after a rough start Pitt knocked off NCState in their bowl, and even Syracuse got in on the action beating Auburn by 17 and ECU by a pair of TDs. Combined with Miami?s dominance of the college football landscape last year, it is hard to make the case that the Big East is a ?weak? conference.
The in conference race this year looks to be comprised of Miami, Virginia Tech, and the Eagles of Boston College. Syracuse seems destined to hard times this year, and Pitt is riding the nations second longest winning streak (7) (behind Miami?s 22) into a season where they could be a surprise. The lower third of the conference is rounded out by the Mountaineers, Rutgers, and Temple.
Team by Team:
1. Miami
The Hurricanes come in to the 2002 season as the defending national champions and riding a 22 game win streak. The ?Canes were simply dominant last year and they whooped up on opponents to the average tune of 41-8. Further highlights from the season including snapping Florida State?s 54-game home unbeaten streak, and the number one turnover margin in the country (+26).
That said, this year Miami is facing some severe losses. (Only 10 starters return.) And unlike a Florida or Tennessee who also had substantial losses to the NFL, Miami lost a greater number of what can be neatly classified as "difference makers." (Five of the 11 drafted went in the first round.) The greatest of these include LT and offensive line stud Bryant McKinnie (Outland Winner, 0 sacks allowed in career at Miami.), and the tandem of CB Phillip Buchanon and FS Ed Reed. These three were team leaders for the O and D respectively and their loss will definitely have an impact.
When talking losses, the O-Line looks to present Miami with its biggest problems. Gone from this year?s O-Line are the aforementioned McKinnie as well as RT Joaquin Gonzalez and RG Martin Bibla. Hurricane fans are hopeful after the most recent fall scrimmage where the line gave ample running room for the tailback trio of McGahee, Hill, and Geathers. (McGahee 10/105). Nevertheless, don?t look for the ?Canes to repeat the 4 sack performance they allowed all of last year. The new group is comprised of talented athletes, and the two-deep is solid but the team will need a few weeks of game time situations to become a cohesive unit.
As mentioned, the Miami defense also must cope with the loss of its top five DBs. (Entire secondary plus the nickel.) Expect to see playing time from some true freshman here and a general progression as the season moves along. (RS Fr. Kelly Jennings had an impressive spring.) The players getting reps in the spring were often burned by veteran receivers but the did not lack the raw ability to keep up. Help comes to the secondary with the addition of CB Marcus Maxey (6?3, 190lbs) and once the entire secondary gets the feel for the college game, and some experience under their belt, raw athletic ability should keep them out of too much trouble.
After all of the negatives and rebuilding that I?ve noted, I must also tell you that Miami is still the strongest team in the Big East. Virginia Tech and BC both look to challenge, but the ?Canes should repeat as Big East champs. Concerns on the schedule including games at Florida and at Tennessee make a second National Championship unlikely, but I do expect Miami to be in the thick of the BCS picture at the close of the season.
2. Boston College
In a tough pick between BC and VT I?m going to call the Eagles for second place in the conference. The Eagles have their strongest team yet under O?Brien and playing VT and ?Cuse at home should help them in conference. BC outgained foes by about 75 ypg last season, and this year?s O could add to that number.
Though they lost star RB William Green to the draft, Horace Dodd, Derrick Knight, or Brandon Brokaw will step up and become BC?s next 1000 yard rusher. The trio all got reps in the most recent scrimmage with Dodd (15/60) having the best day and Brokaw (11/45) close behind.
At QB, the Eagles rely on Senior QB Brian St. Pierre (26TDs to 10 picks ly) and with the continued development of the receivers, the offense will be difficult to contain this year. Keith Hemmings has ?game-breaker? capacity and the newcomers have unlimited potential. Senior Jamal Burke shined in the fall scrimmage picking up 123 yards on just five receptions.
Defensively, the Eagles return 8 starters to a team that held 9 of last year?s opponents to less than 21 points. The return of DE Anthony Garay (neck injury) will also be a big boost to the team. This unit can play off the confidence gained in last year?s bowl victory over Georgia and is my second highest ranked D in conference.
Finally, BC will get the added benefit of Senior punter Kevin McMyler. Last year McMyler had a punting average of 42.6ypp with a net of 38. That kind of effectiveness gives BC the edge they need in close field position type games.
3. Virginia Tech
Smash-mouth offense and quality defense defines Hokie football. With Kevin Jones reeling off 120 yards in the latest intra-squad scrimmage Coach Beamer could not be more pleased. The backfield is stacked with both Jones and returning star Lee Suggs (3/40 scrimmage) and if any passing threat can emerge the Hokies could easily challenge for the top of the conference.
QB Grant Noel is the starter but doesn?t have as much upside as either of his two under-studies (Randall and Vick.). He will be serviceable nonetheless and though the receiving corps suffered some big losses they should have a decent season. Look for WR Richard Johnson to have an immediate impact (4.37 40 speed) and TE Keith Willis is also a blazer (4.38).
Defensively the Hokies also lost some stars including five lettermen at DT and their top inside backers. Luckily, five lettermen return at DE and Tech has great speed in the secondary. Both Adibi and Colas should provide a handful for opposing O-Lines and with Pile and Hall in the secondary the Hokies should be able to contain most passing attacks.
4. Pitt
After a disappointing first half of the season last year, skipper Walt Harris righted his team and finished 6-0 down the stretch. If this year?s Panther team can build on that progress they will finish in the top half of the conference. The problem is, Pitt has a lot to replace this year. Gone is the QB/WR combo of Priestley and Bryant as well as DE Bryan Knight and FS Walker.
That said, the offensive and defense still look solid this year. Outland trophy candidate Bryan Anderson anchors an impressive O-Line that returns five starters and should be one of the best in the conference. Behind the line Rod Rutherford and Tyler Palko (recent hand injury probably puts him 2nd) battle for starting QB duties while Brandon Miree, Raymond Kirkley, and true frosh Jawan Walker fight for the tailback position.
I like Miree and think he?ll win the job (If his strained knee isn?t a real problem), but Walker (who just qualified academically) made a big impression in fall camp. Regardless of who wins the spot, the O-Line should provide ample running room and the Pitt backs should have a good season.
At receiver, OC JD Brookhart has been pleasantly surprised by the progress of Lamar Slade and Yogi Roth. The tandem have stepped-up and assumed the roles vacated by Bryant and Big East ypg leader RJ English. Though the Panthers may not be as talented as last year at WR, the progress in fall has Pitt fans excited.
All-Star LB Gerald Hayes (104 tackles, 61/2 sacks and 15 tackles for losses) is the most important cog in the defensive wheel and is a legitimate contender for All-American and Butkus award honors. Though he could have left early for the draft, Hayes choose to stick around for another season with the Panthers. Though the D lost star FS Walker, the coverage skills of Cox and Spencer should enable them to play plenty of man-to-man. Overall the defense (6 starters return) will be sound if unspectactular. We assume they will produce at a level above the first half of last season but do not expect them to match the second half?s 9PPG performance.
5. Syracuse
Syracuse goes into this season with heavy losses on both sides of the ball. For this team to contend in the Big East, the Orange must show that their rebuilt OL can gel and that they can pass better than last years horrific showing (98th in the nation).
Junior QB RJ Anderson had a solid spring and the team will likely improve over last year?s numbers, but even with an improved pass game the Orange will need to move the ball on the ground. Problem is, Anderson is also the leading returning rusher. Diamond Ferry looked to take the job but left school due to academics. That leaves Walter Reyes, Barry Baker, Chris Davis, Thump Belton and freshman Damien Rhodes in the mix at running back. Who will win the position remains to be seen but it doesn?t look like Syracuse will be at the top of the Big East in offense.
On D, ?Cuse must also make up for the loss of DE Dwight Freeney and Safety Quentin Harris. They returns 6 starters from a unit that forced turnovers (34) and helped the O immensely in the field position battle. MLB Clifton Smith and DE Josh Thomas will look to pick up the slack and keep the D reliable as the O develops.
Overall, I see the Orange as a middle of the pack team this year in the Big East. A first game road test at offensive powerhouse BYU will give a great insight as to how the team will look this year.
