2008 Big East Football
August 2, 2008
The Info Plays team gives their 2008 Big East football predictions ranked from 1st-8th below.
1.) West Virginia Mountaineers
The Mountaineers still have quarterback Pat White to lead this team as the favorite in the Big East. Losing coach Rich Rodriquez is certain to impact this team as he was an excellent motivator. But if White stays healthy, this is a Top-10 team once again.
There’s star power in quarterback Matt Grothe and defensive end George Selvie. Turnovers and overuse of Grothe are still major concerns offensively. The Big East title can be theirs if the Bulls pull it all together.
A star running back in LeSean McCoy and another great recruiting class will have Dave Wannstedt’s team moving up in the conference rankings this year. There’s still uncertainty at quarterback and an underachieving habit that needs broken with the team. The sky is the limit for this team if they get solid QB play.
Veteran QB Mike Teel is back to direct the league’s best passing attack. Replacing Ray Rice and three O-line starters won’t be easy, though. The Scarlet Knights will be bowl-bound again, but a tough schedule will make it a bit of a challenge.
Seventeen starters return from a team that overachieved in a tie for first in the Big East last year. But the Huskies are still relying too heavily on defense because of a vanilla offense. A toughened schedule means tougher times for the Huskies in ‘08.
Hunter Cantwell is the Cardinals’ latest good quarterback. But the departure of Brian Brohme, heavy losses at the skill positions, and a suspect defense will take its toll on this team. An infusion of junior college talent will have the Cards likely bowling again.
CB Mike Mickens and P Kevin Huber are among the nation’s best at their positions. Questions at QB and running back will hold this team back. A significant drop-off from their ‘07 squad is certain, but Cincy still should be competitive.
8.) Syracuse Orange
Well, there’s nowhere to go but up after a record 10-loss season last year. The talent level is still lacking, even if everyone’s healthy. The Orange will be much improved, but .500 is by far the best-case scenario for this squad.
You can voice your opinion and Blog about the Big East here! Cincinnati Bengals QB Carson Palmer feels the Big East is underrated as a whole, with only Syracuse being picked to finish below .500 by most polls.