Posted by ESPN.com's Brian Bennett

The difference between winning and losing each week in the Big East is often marginal. Sometimes it comes down to just one or two key areas.

So what are the keys to each team's success this season? Glad you asked. Here's a look:


Cincinnati


Key: Defensive cohesion.
The Bearcats are working in 10 new starters on defense, plus a new scheme under a new coordinator. All that needs to come together quickly, because they have early tests at Rutgers, at Oregon State and at home against Fresno State.


Connecticut


Key: Passable passing.
Donald Brown doesn't work here anymore, and the Huskies are trying to bring their offense into the 21st century by incorporating some spread elements in a no-huddle attack. Quarterback Zach Frazer and a fleet of previously underperforming or unproven receivers must prove that change is a good idea.


Louisville


Key: Line play.
The Cardinals have enough playmakers to score points, even without a star-caliber quarterback. Whether the offensive line can allow those playmakers to get free, and if the defensive line can keep from getting bulldozed, will determine Louisville's ability to compete.


Pittsburgh


Key: Competent quarterback play.
Everything seems to be in place for the Panthers, who are stacked at just about every position. Pitt needs somebody, whether that's Bill Stull or Tino Sunseri, to manage the game and complete enough deep passes to keep opposing defenses honest.


Rutgers


Key: Pitching and catching.
A veteran offensive line, hard-hitting defense and decent running game are on hand. The Scarlet Knights won't be as explosive through the air as they were in '08, but they need to settle on a starting quarterback and get production from receivers other than Tim Brown to keep moving the chains.


South Florida


Key: Youth be served.
The Bulls are relying on a large number of newcomers, including true freshmen and junior-college players, to fill key roles on both sides of the ball this year. That could help the team get better as the year goes along for a change, or it could lead to youthful mistakes.


Syracuse


Key: Gimme a break.
Let's face it: Lots of things have to go right for the Orange to have a truly successful season. At the top of the list is health, because the roster is not very deep at all. A few timely turnovers and bounces would help greatly, too. And maybe some momentum for a program that's been heading the wrong way for too long.


West Virginia


Key: Toughness.
Getting tougher has been Bill Stewart's No. 1 priority since the Meineke Car Care Bowl win over North Carolina. The Mountaineers need to run the ball between the tackles better in short yardage situations, and their offensive line needs to develop some nastiness. Combine that with their speed and explosiveness, and you might really have something.