ESPN Big East Conference Power Rankings

[Skingraft]

Post-spring Big East power rankings

May, 3, 2010 May 310:00AM ETComment Email Print Share By Brian BennettSpring football is over, and it's time to issue another set of power rankings for the Big East.

I saw seven of the eight teams in person this spring (sorry, Syracuse) and I think I have a pretty good feel for where the teams stand right now. But things can change between now and September, and this league is going to be as competitive as it's ever been from top to bottom. Now, without further ado:

1. Pittsburgh: The Panthers have some questions, notably on the interior offensive line. But they've also got Dion Lewis, Greg Romeus and Jonathan Baldwin and more answers on both sides of the ball than any other Big East squad.

2. Cincinnati: The two-time defending champs probably deserve the top spot until someone knocks them out of it. Still, I have lingering concerns about that defense, though the offense has a chance to be devastatingly good.

3. Connecticut: I liked UConn going into the spring and was even more impressed with the Huskies after seeing them live. Lots of depth and more speed than you think.

4. West Virginia: The Mountaineers could very easily rule the Big East again this year and have more returning starters than anyone else. I need to see Geno Smith get fully healthy and things start to jell more overall before I move them up, however.

5. Rutgers: This is a young but very talented team, especially on defense. The offensive line remains the huge sticking point right now and could be what holds the Scarlet Knights back from serious contention this year.

6. South Florida: Losing A.J. Love at the end of the spring was a big blow for an offense that was light on experienced receivers. The defense is green but gifted. Skip Holtz has plenty to work with, but he may need some more time to get it all pieced together.

7. Syracuse: Delone Carter's suspension at the end of the spring cast a pall over the Orange camp, and quarterback competition could continue into August. Syracuse still should show improvement based simply on having more healthy bodies.

8. Louisville: Incoming players this summer could push for playing time right away, because the Cardinals need more difference-makers, especially on defense. The team got better and tougher this spring under Charlie Strong but still has a long way to go.Tags:Big East, Power rankings, South Florida Bulls, Syracuse Orangemen, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Cincinnati Bearcats, Connecticut Huskies, Louisville Cardinals, West Virginia Mountaineers, Pittsburgh Panthers, May 2010 power rankings

[The Great 8]

Seems off but I cannot identify a team we should be ahead of.

[smazza]

years of incompetence has com home to roost

where are all the supporters of the past administration

i know we are only 12 years old

\we are a new program

only been in big east 4 years

[Triple B]

years of incompetence has com home to roost

where are all the supporters of the past administration

i know we are only 12 years old

\we are a new program

only been in big east 4 years

[usfbullcpa]

What are you going to say?  We have a coach that is new to the school, lost some major defensive players and just lost half of the experienced receiving corp.  Basically, we cannot build any field cred until the cleats are in the turf....This has nothing, NOTHING, to do with the past, or lost expectations, or a hatred for USF, it has to do with all the unknowns.

[tampabull]

What are you going to say?  We have a coach that is new to the school, lost some major defensive players and just lost half of the experienced receiving corp.  Basically, we cannot build any field cred until the cleats are in the turf....This has nothing, NOTHING, to do with the past, or lost expectations, or a hatred for USF, it has to do with all the unknowns.

Exactly, Brian said in earlier mailblogs that usf has the talent to win the big east.  There are just too many unknowns with the young defense and wr's.  I think usf has loads of talent on defense.  It is the WR's that need to step it up.

[nobull.Bulls]

Rankings in May?

Worthless

[dabull80]

Rankings in May?

Worthless

But always fun to read especially if your team is on top.

[Bull-by-Marriage]

But things can change between now and September, and this league is going to be as competitive as it's ever been from top to bottom.

To me, this is the biggest statement of all. He may have us at 6, but with the comment above, he believes that we will be competative. IF LL steps up, IF Mo steps up, IF our interriror Dline steps up..... Much like CPA said

it has to do with all the unknowns.