I did this on C-USAbbs because my Knights are still in the conference, but I figure I might try my hand at a Big East prediction because very soon, Syracuse and Pittsburgh will be gone. But...here we go, we start with OOC games, then overall:
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USF Bulls - 4-1 (wins: Chattanooga, @Nevada, @Ball State, Florida State --- losses: @Miami)
> The Bulls know better than any current Big East team what it is like to completely lose focus and tank after a strong start. Going undefeated OOC did not phase Pittsburgh, but you have to give the Bulls credit: they played most every game within a score. What we need to see from B.J. Daniel's offense is willpower late in the game. The pass rush must gain a killer instinct like we saw against Notre Dame.
> USF will clean up its schedule and come up short of winning the Big East.
Final record: 8-4 (4-3) *BOWL*
Connecticut Huskies - 3-2 (wins: Massachusetts, @Maryland, Buffalo --- losses: NC State, @Western Michigan)
> UConn knows close games. Heck, the entire Big East knows how gritty competition gets. Since losing Randy Edsall, this Connecticut team has lost vision. They have skilled players without a skilled leader to steer them in a proper direction. I'm wondering if true freshman Casey Cochran can inspire confidence again...
> I don't think this is quite the year where the Huskies get back on track. They'll stick around for games, but disappoint. They take one from Pittsburgh, but nothing else.
Final record: 4-8 (1-6)
Pittsburgh Panthers - 3-2 (wins: Youngstown State, Gardner-Webb, @Buffalo --- losses: Virginia Tech, @Notre Dame)
> Pittsburgh scheduled weak this year. This being their last year as a Big East football member, they are going to heap a ton of pressure on Ray Graham to perform and stay healthy the whole way. Looking at the inconsistencies in the passing game with Tino Sunseri, however, the outlook is not very good for their exit parade.
> The blue and gold will struggle all year long, and won't leave the Big East without first becoming 'black and blue' instead.
Final record: 7-5 (4-3) *BOWL*
Syracuse Orangemen - 4-1 (wins: Northwestern, Stony Brook, @Minnesota, @Missouri --- losses: USC)
> The Orangemen have what some refer to as 'the perfect storm' forming around this particular squad. If we see Ryan Nassib improve to making fewer than 6 interceptions, the 'Cuse will leave the Big East with their heads held high. The offensive line has injury issues that I think will become remedied after we see the USC game played out.
> The Orange plays against the current late and ties USF, Pittsburgh, and Rutgers in the end.
Final record: 8-4 (4-3) *BOWL*
Rutgers Scarlet Knights - 3-2 (wins: @Tulane, Howard, Army --- losses: @Arkansas, Kent State)
> Chas Dodd and Gary Nova are still contending for that starting job, and both appear identical. One problem I foresee with Rutgers is efficiency with passing, especially in the turnover department. If neither of these two prospective QBs can get control over their precision, I don't see a good season like the Rutgers faithful foresee.
> Rutgers will win against teams they should, but will not shine bright enough to pull out the title.
Final record: 7-5 (4-3) *BOWL*
Temple Owls - 1-3 (wins: Villanova --- losses: Maryland, @Penn State, @Army)
> Bernard Pierce, Temple's leading rusher from last season, led Temple to its first bowl victory and first bowl game in 32 years. Pierce is now with the Baltmore Ravens, and without him, the Temple offense is back to square zero.
> Without a consistent QB under center, I have one thing to say to Temple: welcome to the Big East!
Final record: 2-9 (1-6)
Louisville Cardinals - 3-2 (wins: Kentucky, Missouri State, North Carolina --- losses: @FIU, @Southern Miss)
> Louisville brings in a ton of senior talent in the secondary, and with most of their OOC opponents relying heavily on the pass (Kentucky, UNC, Southern Miss), I think Louisville will manage to put together a good season.
> Teddy Bridgewater stepped into a leadership role early, getting his shoes wet, and really made the most of his first season, and I think the progress continues with a 2nd straight bowl appearance.
Final record: 6-6 (3-4) *BOWL*
Cincinnati Bearcats - 5-0 (wins: Delaware State, Virginia Tech, Miami (OH), Fordham, @Toledo)
> Remember this name: Brendon Kay. If he is 100% and ready to go all the way through the summer and can keep up with Munchie Legaux, he may just become a household name in the annals of UC football history. Start him. He is someone this entire squad can get behind.
> With Brendon Kay under center, and a team packed with junior talent that will carry over into next season, Cincinnati will once again stand atop the Big East, alone.
Final record: 12-0 (7-0) *BOWL - SUGAR BOWL*
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Final Standings:
1. Cincinnati*** - (12-0) (7-0)
2. Pittsburgh* - (7-5) (4-3)
3. Rutgers* - (7-5) (4-3)
4. USF* - (8-4) (4-3)
5. Syracuse* (8-4) (4-3)
6. Louisville* (6-6) (3-4)
7. Temple (2-9) (1-6)
8. Connecticut (4-8) (1-6)
*** - Sugar Bowl v. SEC
* - bowl berths
ENJOY!