Big East football can now say I told you so

[BullAdrian]

WVa, Ul, Pitt were mentioned not USF

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11827678/

[Zonald]

 

Matt Hayes

If only he had it in him. If only Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese weren't such a nice guy, such a polished administrator. If only he were someone who'd call a punk a punk.

So while we're all gushing about the big, bad Big East this week as the most entertaining tournament in sports begins, let us reflect on the real madness: Big East football made a huge statement two months ago. And **** near everyone has forgotten about it.

"I'm just not the kind of guy who says I told you so," Tranghese says.

So I'll say it for him, punks.

OK, there's one eensy-weensy problem. I, too, was among the football-challenged idiots who said Tranghese, the longtime league commissioner, might as well skulk to the corner, curl up in the fetal position and beg for BCS scraps after the ACC had raided the Big East for its three marquee football teams. Now, two years removed from doomsday, the conference could start next season with two teams in the preseason top 10.

And to think Mountain West Conference commissioner Craig Thompson once had the stones to say his conference and the Big East should have a playoff game for the automatic BCS bid.

"It's all about perception," West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez says.

You can have perception; I'll take reality. Two months ago, WVU brought its battered Big East reputation to the Sugar Bowl to play Georgia. Before Uga VI could yelp, it was 28-0 Mountaineers. The Bulldogs were no slouches, either; they had won the SEC, the nation's best conference, a month earlier by humiliating LSU in the title game. And they were playing WVU only 70 miles from the Georgia campus in Athens.

Now WVU is the hot team, the trendy pick to play in the national title game. Now Rodriguez is tutoring various coaching staffs in how to run his multi-threat spread option. Now the 'Eers have two Heisman candidates-quarterback Pat White and tailback Steve Slaton-and college football's complete attention.

But that's not all for the little conference that couldn't. There's another team (Louisville) with top 10 potential that is building momentum. Another team with two Heisman candidates (quarterback Brian Brohm and tailback Michael Bush). Another coach (Bob Petrino) who is teaching other staffs about his intricate passing game.

And I'm not giving up on Pitt. The Panthers have the best facilities in the country, and coach Dave Wannstedt has proved he can recruit with anyone in the Northeast. I still think Wanny will move closer to Pete Carroll than Al Groh on the NFL-to-college list. That's three legitimate championship-caliber programs in an eight-team conference.

I can think of one conference that can boast a better ratio. Yeah, that's right-West Virginia already beat that league's champion in a little bowl game in January.

In case you forgot.

[Grateful Dad]

Great article.  We will be included in a similar one next year.  This year we don't deserve it.  In fact, next year's artiicle will be dropping Pitt and Louisville because we will have beaten both.

[smazza]

why will usf be included next year?

[mulheap]

WVa, Ul, Pitt were mentioned not USF

if we hadn't been humiliated in Charlotte I'd bet he would have mentioned USF in there too.

[JoeB]

You have to admit, Louisville and West Virginia are the face for the new Big East.  If you don't understand that, then you don't understand college football.

[nukebull]

You have to admit, Louisville and West Virginia are the face for the new Big East.  If you don't understand that, then you don't understand college football.

That will change when we beat them consistently. UL can not afford another USF loss or the will not be the face anymore.

[E.T.]

And if you do not see USF has a great future in the Big East ... you need to watch futbol.

8)

It is one guys opinion, last year they would not have mentioned WVU and may not next year.

Who told who  ??? - because of Hayes we just 4get about 2006 season? ...  :

Go BULLS !!!

[bulls96go]

we are a qb short of making some serious noise!

[Rabbi Bull]

we are a qb short of making some serious noise!

very true, our running backs are going to have to step up to fill the void that is left by Hall, but i have faith they will do a good job next year.  QB is the only place that scares me.  we have always been good on defense and should be fine this coming year.  offensive line should be fine as well.  lets just hope somebody steps up as QB that can throw consistantly