Big East preview: One mountain left for WVU

1. W.Va. Mountaineers Team page | Schedule | Roster | SportingNews.com preview

Ranked third in Terry's Preseason Sweet 16

After going 11-1 last year and beating SEC champion Georgia in last season's Sugar Bowl, there isn't much left for West Virginia to do except win a national championship. The problem is that the Mountaineers now have bull's-eyes on their backs and everyone will be gunning for them. Historically, WVU relishes the underdog role so we'll see how it does as the front-runner out of the gate.

WVU's no-huddle, spread offense again will be led by super sophomores Pat White and Steve Slaton at quarterback and running back, respectively. Although the spread offense gives the appearance of a passing formation the Mountaineers' forte is the run. They ranked fourth in the nation on the ground last season. But I believe the key to getting to the big dance is whether West Virginia can add an effective vertical passing game to their play-calling repertoire. This would put incredible pressure on the secondary and make them virtually unstoppable.

As for defense, WVU has five starters back and at the very least should be as good as last season.

2. Louisville Cardinals Team page | Schedule | Roster | SportingNews.com preview

If Louisville didn't play Miami, I would have ranked them just as high as West Virginia. With the Cardinals' own incredible backfield tandem of quarterback Brian Brohm and tailback Michael Bush and a super group of wide receivers, Louisville will be even more explosive on offense than the Mountaineers. The biggest key for Louisville offensively is head coach Bobby Petrino. He is one of the sharpest play-callers in the business as the Cardinals have averaged around 500 yards per game in each of his three seasons.

Defensively, Louisville returns seven starters, with the biggest question mark being a replacement for sack specialist Elvis Dumervil. Even if the pass rush is not as good, there may not be any open receivers for opponents to throw to; the secondary returns intact.

3. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Team page | Schedule | Roster

Last year's 7-5 record gave Rutgers its first winning season since 1992 and its first bowl game in 27 years. More importantly, it changed the attitude of the entire program to that of a winner. Now there's more talent than the Scarlet Knights ever have had on offense for first-year starting quarterback Mike Teel. There also are seven starters back on defense, and although most of the front must be replaced, six of the back seven return to their starting positions.

This winning thing could get habit-forming under head coach Greg Schiano's leadership. Look for the Scarlet Knights to go bowling again this year.

4. Pittsburgh Panthers Team page | Schedule | Roster

Head coach Dave Wannstedt looks to rebound from a disappointing first year at Pittsburgh, but his building job may include one more year of growing pains. Thank goodness Wannstedt had one of the best recruiting classes in years for the Panthers.

One old hand that will play a big part if this year is to be a success is senior quarterback Tyler Palko. Although last year was disappointing for Palko, he has the ability to be one of the best in the country. If Palko catches fire this year a winning record is very obtainable. The defense again will be led by sensational middle linebacker H.B. Blade.

5. South Florida Bulls Team page | Schedule | Roster

Much of the chances for another winning season and bowl trip will come down to consistency at quarterback. Although returning starter Pat Julmiste is most likely to get the call, he will be pushed by redshirt freshman Matt Grothe. Although good depth returns at wideout and the offensive line, a running back will need to step up and take the place of Andre Hall. Defense again should be the Bulls' strength after finishing seventh in the nation last year.

6. Connecticut Huskies Team page | Schedule | Roster

First and foremost Connecticut must decide on a starting quarterback between D J. Hernandez and Matt Bonislawski. Whoever gets the job must bring a more consistent approach to the game than what the Huskies experienced last season. The good news is that senior running back Terry Caulley returns from injury behind four starting offensive linemen. However, it is the defense that is experienced, deep and talented and will be called on to carry UConn until the offense finds itself. A bowl game is within reach this season.

7. Cincinnati Bearcats Team page | Schedule | Roster

Cincinnati had one of the youngest teams in the country last season, and it showed with a 4-7 record. This will be another rebuilding year for third-year coach Mark Dantonio. He still must get better quality athletes into the program. The tough schedule will make it difficult to have a winning season.

8. Syracuse Orange Team page | Schedule | Roster

Last year was a disaster for first-year head coach Greg Robinson. It only can get better for one of the nation's worst offenses. Offensive coordinator Brian White was brought in from Wisconsin to turn things around. Without immediate offensive improvement the defense won't be nearly good enough to improve much on last year's record.