Big East: Butch Jones
Is there such a thing as a Big East coach being hated because he wins too much?
The answer is clearly no when you look at the current group of head coaches. Three of them have never coached in a Big East game. Three are going into their third seasons in the league and are barely above .500. Paul Pasqualoni has a bushel-full of victories, but nearly all of them came at Syracuse two decades ago.
So let us take a dip back into history to find an answer. Here are the all-time winningest coaches in Big East history, by overall percentage. I am using this statistic because many of the biggest winners do not stick around the Big East for long.
The conclusion is an easy one: Much more than one hated coach, Miami was a hated team because of all the wins it racked up while playing in the Big East from 1991-2003. That includes two national championships and seven Big East titles, more than any other school. Coker was never vilified or hated. The man is impossibly nice.
Davis' image took much more of a hit at North Carolina because he left the place in scandal, with two major investigations hanging over the program. While at Miami, he was lauded as the man who saved the program from NCAA sanctions. It is hard to hate a coach who won 10 games only once in his career.
Erickson simply took over for Jimmy Johnson and continued what was started.
But the assignment is to find a coach hated for winning. Let's look at some of the other names on the list. Kelly and Petrino were hated much more for the way they left their programs, as documented earlier in this series. Kelly only coached three years in the Big East; Petrino only two in the Big East. I can't imagine their short stays struck fear into the hearts of opponents, despite all the victories.
So let's turn the focus to Rodriguez. He, more than any of the aforementioned coaches, probably fits the bill. In his final three seasons in Morgantown, Rodriguez won two league championships and had three 11-win seasons. His team went undefeated in league play in 2005, one of only two teams to accomplish the feat in the past seven years. He won with swagger and style, and some of the best athletes in Big East history.
But I used the word probably. Because as great as Rodriguez was, his on-field coaching career in the Big East will be defined by what he didn't do in 2007. West Virginia was ranked No. 2 in the country going into the regular-season finale against Pitt in the always heated Backyard Brawl. Win, and the Mountaineers would be playing for the school's first national title. Pitt was already out of the bowl picture, entering the game at 4-7. West Virginia was a 28 1/2-point favorite.
Slam dunk, right? Well, you guys know what happened. Pitt pulled one of the biggest upsets in the series, and Rodriguez went packing to Michigan. The loss will always follow Rodriguez, despite all of his wins in the league. On the day he needed a win most of all, he failed. But that loss did not make him a villain in Morgantown. Leaving did.
That is why it is hard to anoint any Big East coach as somebody hated for winning.
Current Big East coaches' career records in the league:
The answer is clearly no when you look at the current group of head coaches. Three of them have never coached in a Big East game. Three are going into their third seasons in the league and are barely above .500. Paul Pasqualoni has a bushel-full of victories, but nearly all of them came at Syracuse two decades ago.
So let us take a dip back into history to find an answer. Here are the all-time winningest coaches in Big East history, by overall percentage. I am using this statistic because many of the biggest winners do not stick around the Big East for long.
- Larry Coker, Miami: 35-3 (.921)
- Dennis Erickson, Miami: 42-6 (.875)
- Brian Kelly, Cincinnati: 34-6 (.850)
- Bobby Petrino, Louisville: 21-4 (.840)
- Butch Davis, Miami: 51-20 (.718)
- Bill Stewart, West Virginia: 28-12 (.700)
- Rich Rodriguez, West Virginia: 60-26 (.698)
- Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech: 108-48-1 (.691)
The conclusion is an easy one: Much more than one hated coach, Miami was a hated team because of all the wins it racked up while playing in the Big East from 1991-2003. That includes two national championships and seven Big East titles, more than any other school. Coker was never vilified or hated. The man is impossibly nice.
Davis' image took much more of a hit at North Carolina because he left the place in scandal, with two major investigations hanging over the program. While at Miami, he was lauded as the man who saved the program from NCAA sanctions. It is hard to hate a coach who won 10 games only once in his career.
Erickson simply took over for Jimmy Johnson and continued what was started.
But the assignment is to find a coach hated for winning. Let's look at some of the other names on the list. Kelly and Petrino were hated much more for the way they left their programs, as documented earlier in this series. Kelly only coached three years in the Big East; Petrino only two in the Big East. I can't imagine their short stays struck fear into the hearts of opponents, despite all the victories.
So let's turn the focus to Rodriguez. He, more than any of the aforementioned coaches, probably fits the bill. In his final three seasons in Morgantown, Rodriguez won two league championships and had three 11-win seasons. His team went undefeated in league play in 2005, one of only two teams to accomplish the feat in the past seven years. He won with swagger and style, and some of the best athletes in Big East history.
But I used the word probably. Because as great as Rodriguez was, his on-field coaching career in the Big East will be defined by what he didn't do in 2007. West Virginia was ranked No. 2 in the country going into the regular-season finale against Pitt in the always heated Backyard Brawl. Win, and the Mountaineers would be playing for the school's first national title. Pitt was already out of the bowl picture, entering the game at 4-7. West Virginia was a 28 1/2-point favorite.
Slam dunk, right? Well, you guys know what happened. Pitt pulled one of the biggest upsets in the series, and Rodriguez went packing to Michigan. The loss will always follow Rodriguez, despite all of his wins in the league. On the day he needed a win most of all, he failed. But that loss did not make him a villain in Morgantown. Leaving did.
That is why it is hard to anoint any Big East coach as somebody hated for winning.
Current Big East coaches' career records in the league:
- Paul Pasqualoni, Syracuse and UConn: 112-63-1
- Doug Marrone, Syracuse: 17-20
- Butch Jones, Cincinnati: 14-11
- Charlie Strong, Louisville: 14-12
- Skip Holtz, USF: 13-12
- Steve Addazio, Temple: 0-0
- Paul Chryst, Pitt: 0-0
- Kyle Flood, Rutgers: 0-0
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- Last May, Bill Stewart joined his colleagues at the Big East spring meetings to tackle league business and catch up with old friends.
One of them, Cincinnati coach Butch Jones, was particularly saddened by the news of Stewart's sudden and tragic passing Monday. When Jones took a job as receivers coach at West Virginia in 2005, Stewart was there as quarterbacks coach. The two grew close in the two seasons Jones spent with the Mountaineers. They then had the opportunity to face each other on opposite sidelines as Big East head coaches.
"Just one year ago, he was sitting in the meetings with us and we were sitting on the beach together talking," Jones recalled Tuesday. "Things like this put things into perspective in all aspects."
Here is the way Jones will remember his good friend:
USF coach Skip Holtz also shared his fondest memory of Stewart.
One of them, Cincinnati coach Butch Jones, was particularly saddened by the news of Stewart's sudden and tragic passing Monday. When Jones took a job as receivers coach at West Virginia in 2005, Stewart was there as quarterbacks coach. The two grew close in the two seasons Jones spent with the Mountaineers. They then had the opportunity to face each other on opposite sidelines as Big East head coaches.
"Just one year ago, he was sitting in the meetings with us and we were sitting on the beach together talking," Jones recalled Tuesday. "Things like this put things into perspective in all aspects."
Here is the way Jones will remember his good friend:
You think of Bill Stewart the man and how much his wife Karen and his son Blaine meant to him. The best word that describes him is family man. They were everything to him. That was first. Him and I have been through a lot of wars together on the same team and also competed against each other. He was an individual of high integrity. We had that special bond from the positions we coached, and our friendship really grew. He was one of the guys who took me under his wing. He was a mentor to a lot of people. A father figure but extremely competitive. He had a love and passion for the state of West Virginia and that university. He used to talk about the old blue and gold, so I will always think about the passion and the affinity he had for Morgantown and the people in that community.
USF coach Skip Holtz also shared his fondest memory of Stewart.
He’s one of those guys that when you would have a big win, your phone would ring and it would be Bill Stewart. But the thing that makes Bill so classy is when you had that heartbreaking loss, your phone would ring and it would be Bill Stewart. I have great respect for him not just as a football coach but as a man and the way he handled everything. We lost one of the good people in this business, without a doubt. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the entire West Virginia family because he was a special individual.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- Big East football coaches and athletic directors heard a number of proposals for divisional alignment during spring meetings Tuesday.
Three specifically that got some attention -- a north-south alignment; an east-west alignment; and non-geographic alignments that focused on splitting the Florida schools, the Texas schools, and the West coast schools. There was no consensus in the room, but coaches were intrigued with some of the proposals.
"We’re far from coming up with a preferred format at this time," senior associate commissioner Nick Carparelli said. "A couple concepts that emerged -- (coaches) had a strong desire to protect the ability for fans to see as many of the games as possible. They want to make sure they maximize their value for television, and protected and promoted as many rivalries as possible."
"Who was in each of those divisions was irrelevant at this point. We were looking for conceptually which direction they wanted to head. So the next step is to put models together, we’ll probably put dozens of models together about what their home-away rotations might look like under all those scenarios so they can make a further evaluation."
There had been some early talk that Temple would be in a West Division. Coach Steve Addazio said he would have no problem if that scenario ended up being adopted.
"That’s all yet to be determined," he said. "You know what, honestly? It’s a great opportunity for Temple, and however we can fit this thing in for us, we’re thrilled. That’s really how I feel about it. It all works. I can’t wait to play some of these teams."
Carparelli said further analysis would happen between now and Big East media day in Newport, R.I., at the end of July. The league also will reach out to its television consultants to see what gets the most value for a future TV deal.
A decision must be made before the summer ends.
"The best thing we did is we defined our strengths as a conference. Geographically, that’s one of our strengths to be able to go from the Western portion of the United States to the East Coast. So how can we make the conference work within the geographic boundaries we have?" Cincinnati coach Butch Jones said. "We didn't reach conclusions, but we defined a lot of that."
Three specifically that got some attention -- a north-south alignment; an east-west alignment; and non-geographic alignments that focused on splitting the Florida schools, the Texas schools, and the West coast schools. There was no consensus in the room, but coaches were intrigued with some of the proposals.
"We’re far from coming up with a preferred format at this time," senior associate commissioner Nick Carparelli said. "A couple concepts that emerged -- (coaches) had a strong desire to protect the ability for fans to see as many of the games as possible. They want to make sure they maximize their value for television, and protected and promoted as many rivalries as possible."
"Who was in each of those divisions was irrelevant at this point. We were looking for conceptually which direction they wanted to head. So the next step is to put models together, we’ll probably put dozens of models together about what their home-away rotations might look like under all those scenarios so they can make a further evaluation."
There had been some early talk that Temple would be in a West Division. Coach Steve Addazio said he would have no problem if that scenario ended up being adopted.
"That’s all yet to be determined," he said. "You know what, honestly? It’s a great opportunity for Temple, and however we can fit this thing in for us, we’re thrilled. That’s really how I feel about it. It all works. I can’t wait to play some of these teams."
Carparelli said further analysis would happen between now and Big East media day in Newport, R.I., at the end of July. The league also will reach out to its television consultants to see what gets the most value for a future TV deal.
A decision must be made before the summer ends.
"The best thing we did is we defined our strengths as a conference. Geographically, that’s one of our strengths to be able to go from the Western portion of the United States to the East Coast. So how can we make the conference work within the geographic boundaries we have?" Cincinnati coach Butch Jones said. "We didn't reach conclusions, but we defined a lot of that."
Qualities in the next Big East commissioner?
May, 22, 2012
May 22
3:00
PM ET
By
Andrea Adelson | ESPN.com
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- There are plenty of questions surrounding the Big East headed into the summer. One, of course, is who will be the next commissioner?
I took a quick sampling from a few Big East coaches to see what they want in the next leader of the league. Here are a few responses:
Skip Holtz, USF: Somebody that’s going to have the vision, the leadership, the communication to do what’s in the best interest of this league moving forward. I’m excited. From a selfish standpoint, you’d like to have somebody with a football background … but I don’t think that’s what’s going to be mandated or required. I’m just looking for somebody with the leadership skills and strength to come in and run this league and do what’s in the best interest of the members involved.
Butch Jones, Cincinnati: Leadership. Vision, and also it’s, to be proactive. We have great institutions within the Big East Conference. We have a great philosophy on and off the field, with the institutions involved and where we are with the TV market, it’s a great product. We’re more competitive now than we have ever been. We made great additions to the league. Moving forward, that’s what you see.
Kyle Flood, Rutgers: I think the most important thing to me and to our football program at Rutgers is whoever ultimately ends up in that job becomes a vocal advocate for our conference. So whatever issues we decide in our conference, you want somebody who is going to have strong opinions based on the consensus of the people in the conference. And then have the ability to work with the other commissioners and work with the bowl representatives and the TV executives to get the best deal done for everybody.
I took a quick sampling from a few Big East coaches to see what they want in the next leader of the league. Here are a few responses:
Skip Holtz, USF: Somebody that’s going to have the vision, the leadership, the communication to do what’s in the best interest of this league moving forward. I’m excited. From a selfish standpoint, you’d like to have somebody with a football background … but I don’t think that’s what’s going to be mandated or required. I’m just looking for somebody with the leadership skills and strength to come in and run this league and do what’s in the best interest of the members involved.
Butch Jones, Cincinnati: Leadership. Vision, and also it’s, to be proactive. We have great institutions within the Big East Conference. We have a great philosophy on and off the field, with the institutions involved and where we are with the TV market, it’s a great product. We’re more competitive now than we have ever been. We made great additions to the league. Moving forward, that’s what you see.
Kyle Flood, Rutgers: I think the most important thing to me and to our football program at Rutgers is whoever ultimately ends up in that job becomes a vocal advocate for our conference. So whatever issues we decide in our conference, you want somebody who is going to have strong opinions based on the consensus of the people in the conference. And then have the ability to work with the other commissioners and work with the bowl representatives and the TV executives to get the best deal done for everybody.
Big East coaches give preferred BCS model
May, 21, 2012
May 21
5:15
PM ET
By
Andrea Adelson | ESPN.com
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- One of the big topics discussed during the football coaches meetings at the Big East spring meetings was how they want the future BCS to look.
The consensus from the Big East coaches: They would like to see bowl sites incorporated for the semifinals, have no problem with a neutral-site national championship game, and want preference given to conference champions.
With talk about a four-team playoff growing, and the next BCS meetings scheduled for June, each conference is taking various proposals to their administrators and coaches for further evaluation. Big East athletic directors will weigh in on the future BCS during discussions Tuesday.
"In college football, it’s different than college basketball. We don’t play nearly as many games. Winning your conference should matter," Rutgers coach Kyle Flood said. "It should stand for something. Not that there wouldn’t be a place for a team in an at-large situation. But at the end of the day, winning your conference should have some value."
Added Cincinnati coach Butch Jones: "The first thing is preserving the bowl system. So much of it is a reward to our student-athletes and our universities and to our fans and it’s embedded in college football. But also it's good having a playoff to crown a national champion. So to be able to have the semifinals in the bowl games, that helps solidify that, but also having a neutral site for the national championship game would be extremely healthy for the world of college football."
As for the Big East's place in the future of the BCS, senior associate commissioner Nick Carparelli believes there will be a seat for the league in the future despite talk about the league not being a part of the largest BCS revenue generators.
"Everything that’s being discussed at some level is going to include the performance of the teams in each conference," Carparelli said. "If you look historically at the number of teams we’ve had ranked, revenue-wise, we’ll do fine. Some conference may end up making more revenue than others but it’s probably deserved. And in the end, the pool of money is going to be so much greater this time around, we feel pretty confident we’ll have an increase in revenue we will be getting."
The consensus from the Big East coaches: They would like to see bowl sites incorporated for the semifinals, have no problem with a neutral-site national championship game, and want preference given to conference champions.
With talk about a four-team playoff growing, and the next BCS meetings scheduled for June, each conference is taking various proposals to their administrators and coaches for further evaluation. Big East athletic directors will weigh in on the future BCS during discussions Tuesday.
"In college football, it’s different than college basketball. We don’t play nearly as many games. Winning your conference should matter," Rutgers coach Kyle Flood said. "It should stand for something. Not that there wouldn’t be a place for a team in an at-large situation. But at the end of the day, winning your conference should have some value."
Added Cincinnati coach Butch Jones: "The first thing is preserving the bowl system. So much of it is a reward to our student-athletes and our universities and to our fans and it’s embedded in college football. But also it's good having a playoff to crown a national champion. So to be able to have the semifinals in the bowl games, that helps solidify that, but also having a neutral site for the national championship game would be extremely healthy for the world of college football."
As for the Big East's place in the future of the BCS, senior associate commissioner Nick Carparelli believes there will be a seat for the league in the future despite talk about the league not being a part of the largest BCS revenue generators.
"Everything that’s being discussed at some level is going to include the performance of the teams in each conference," Carparelli said. "If you look historically at the number of teams we’ve had ranked, revenue-wise, we’ll do fine. Some conference may end up making more revenue than others but it’s probably deserved. And in the end, the pool of money is going to be so much greater this time around, we feel pretty confident we’ll have an increase in revenue we will be getting."
Hope everybody has a great weekend. There is one clarification I need to make at the top of the chat.
In early reporting on John Marinatto's resignation, Andy Katz reported the Big East presidents turned down an initial television offer, 12-4. Katz has since clarified the particulars of that rejection in his most recent blog post:
Now let's get to some questions.
Bob in Connecticut writes: Which Big East team has the best chance to open the season 5-0?
Andrea Adelson: I am going to say Louisville. The Cardinals should be favored in each of their first five games -- Kentucky, Missouri State, North Carolina, at FIU, at Southern Miss. Do I think it is actually going to happen? I think the chances are good, but I'm not ready to say it is an absolute.
Michael in Louisville writes: Hey Andrea, Some more info for you on Louisville's spring game. Last year (as you reported at the time) Louisville's attendance was really hurt with poor weather. It was COLD and RAINY. Also it was on a Friday night. People were also very unsure about how the team was going to do with all the youngsters on it. This year people are fired up about this team's potential. Charlie Strong has been working to "change the culture" here at U of L and called for 20,000 to be at the game. I think the attendance numbers were helped dramatically by the fact that the game was moved to Saturday afternoon. It was warm, but it was raining during the game again this year and we still got 15,000! Many people feel that if we had gotten a sunny day we could have made the 20K Charlie was calling for. Still, 15K in the rain at a "basketball school" is a big move in the right direction!
Adelson: Definitely, Michael, and thank you for the context with the attendance numbers. Louisville fans should be excited with what Strong is doing there.
Dave in Charlotte writes: The Pitt-Syracuse exit will happen (with no penalty) when the Big East is confident that Boise and others are staying. And Boise will make that decision after the TV negotiations are settled. Bottom line, nothing will happen until at least this fall. Agree? Disagree?
Adelson: Disagree, Dave. Boise State has to inform the Mountain West of its intentions to withdraw from the conference by June 30. Something has to happen by then.
Josh in Cincinnati writes: Andrea, Great job with the blog. I wasn't a huge fan after the switch from Brian, but you have won me over with your unbiased reporting. Do you really believe that Cincinnati will be 8-4 this year? I see them more in the 10-2/11-1 record range. I feel that they really only have one nonconference challenge in Virginia Tech and I feel their only real challenge in the Big East this year will be Louisville. Cincinnati will be looking to avenge the Rutgers loss from last year and if they can stay undefeated through VT, they will be rolling going into the bulk of the conference schedule. What are your thoughts? Am I just dreaming or will Cincinnati surprise a lot of teams this year? Butch Jones really has started something special in Cincinnati and I see it continuing.
Adelson: Thanks, Josh. It's hard to argue with what Jones has done in Cincinnati. I think he has the program set to do some pretty great things. But I'm just not sure I see 11-1 or 10-2 with some of the major question marks headed into the season. I also think Rutgers, USF and potentially Pitt (season opener) will provide some pretty tough challenges this season. I see more along the lines of an eight to nine win season.
Dan in Mexico writes: Do conferences even care about winning when choosing new teams? I mean the ACC has been worse than the Big East every year, yet they decide to add Pitt and Syracuse, two of the worse Big East teams? Meanwhile Cincy is sitting there as one of the most successful programs of the last 5 years and everyone talks about 7-5 Louisville like they've accomplished something.
Adelson: It's all about what you can bring to the overall big-picture table, Dan. Winning is not even at the top of the list, unless you are Boise State. And even then, of the six automatic qualifying conferences, only the Big East wants the Broncos. There are plenty of factors at play, including TV market, overall sports program, facilities, academics and plain ol' lobbying.
Terry in the 'Burgh writes: Hi AA,Very interesting article about John Marinatto's resignation (and the unenviable job of herding cats that his job entailed). In it, you mentioned that no other FBS conference must deal with the extra hassles of hoops-only schools. Point of order: unless I'm wrong, the Sun Belt Conference still has some hoops only schools: University of Denver, to name one. I'm gonna miss you when Pitt moves to the ACC!
Adelson: Thanks for keeping me on my toes, Terry. You are absolutely right, the Sun Belt does have several non-football members. I should have said "major FBS conference" or "automatic qualifying conference." One other point in that story that needs to be clarified.
SilverSpring Hoya in Silver Spring, Md., writes: Andrea with Marinatto resigning, there has been some discussion here in the DC area that the Big East could have saved itself in 2003 if it added East Carolina and Memphis over Marquette and DePaul or could have saved itself if it added all four. Most recently, there are rumors that the Big East could have been saved if UCF was added as a 10th football member. Knowing all this and the current tension, I am thinking a split will occur before 2013 and there may be some radical changes made. I know a lot of Georgetown fans who are not excited about the likes of SMU and Houston joining and would prefer more regional foes be it a Dayton, Richmond, Xavier or ECU, ODU, and etc. What are your thoughts on this?
Adelson: I still don't see a split happening, unless relations deteriorate and the TV contract cannot be worked out to everybody's advantage. I know that getting SMU and Houston on the schedule instead of Pitt, Syracuse and West Virginia is less than ideal. But it's still the Big East conference, and I truly believe the money and stage are better if everybody stays put.
In early reporting on John Marinatto's resignation, Andy Katz reported the Big East presidents turned down an initial television offer, 12-4. Katz has since clarified the particulars of that rejection in his most recent blog post:
One veteran of the Big East said that the Big East initially approved the ESPN $1.4 billion deal by a 12-4 vote. But while the Big East was going over the final details, ESPN struck a deal with the Pac-12 (a combined $250 million with ESPN and Fox), so the Big East had second thoughts and conducted a new vote. That vote was 16-0 against the deal. ESPN and the Big East have had limited discussions since the Pac-12 deal was announced.
Now let's get to some questions.
Bob in Connecticut writes: Which Big East team has the best chance to open the season 5-0?
Andrea Adelson: I am going to say Louisville. The Cardinals should be favored in each of their first five games -- Kentucky, Missouri State, North Carolina, at FIU, at Southern Miss. Do I think it is actually going to happen? I think the chances are good, but I'm not ready to say it is an absolute.
Michael in Louisville writes: Hey Andrea, Some more info for you on Louisville's spring game. Last year (as you reported at the time) Louisville's attendance was really hurt with poor weather. It was COLD and RAINY. Also it was on a Friday night. People were also very unsure about how the team was going to do with all the youngsters on it. This year people are fired up about this team's potential. Charlie Strong has been working to "change the culture" here at U of L and called for 20,000 to be at the game. I think the attendance numbers were helped dramatically by the fact that the game was moved to Saturday afternoon. It was warm, but it was raining during the game again this year and we still got 15,000! Many people feel that if we had gotten a sunny day we could have made the 20K Charlie was calling for. Still, 15K in the rain at a "basketball school" is a big move in the right direction!
Adelson: Definitely, Michael, and thank you for the context with the attendance numbers. Louisville fans should be excited with what Strong is doing there.
Dave in Charlotte writes: The Pitt-Syracuse exit will happen (with no penalty) when the Big East is confident that Boise and others are staying. And Boise will make that decision after the TV negotiations are settled. Bottom line, nothing will happen until at least this fall. Agree? Disagree?
Adelson: Disagree, Dave. Boise State has to inform the Mountain West of its intentions to withdraw from the conference by June 30. Something has to happen by then.
Josh in Cincinnati writes: Andrea, Great job with the blog. I wasn't a huge fan after the switch from Brian, but you have won me over with your unbiased reporting. Do you really believe that Cincinnati will be 8-4 this year? I see them more in the 10-2/11-1 record range. I feel that they really only have one nonconference challenge in Virginia Tech and I feel their only real challenge in the Big East this year will be Louisville. Cincinnati will be looking to avenge the Rutgers loss from last year and if they can stay undefeated through VT, they will be rolling going into the bulk of the conference schedule. What are your thoughts? Am I just dreaming or will Cincinnati surprise a lot of teams this year? Butch Jones really has started something special in Cincinnati and I see it continuing.
Adelson: Thanks, Josh. It's hard to argue with what Jones has done in Cincinnati. I think he has the program set to do some pretty great things. But I'm just not sure I see 11-1 or 10-2 with some of the major question marks headed into the season. I also think Rutgers, USF and potentially Pitt (season opener) will provide some pretty tough challenges this season. I see more along the lines of an eight to nine win season.
Dan in Mexico writes: Do conferences even care about winning when choosing new teams? I mean the ACC has been worse than the Big East every year, yet they decide to add Pitt and Syracuse, two of the worse Big East teams? Meanwhile Cincy is sitting there as one of the most successful programs of the last 5 years and everyone talks about 7-5 Louisville like they've accomplished something.
Adelson: It's all about what you can bring to the overall big-picture table, Dan. Winning is not even at the top of the list, unless you are Boise State. And even then, of the six automatic qualifying conferences, only the Big East wants the Broncos. There are plenty of factors at play, including TV market, overall sports program, facilities, academics and plain ol' lobbying.
Terry in the 'Burgh writes: Hi AA,Very interesting article about John Marinatto's resignation (and the unenviable job of herding cats that his job entailed). In it, you mentioned that no other FBS conference must deal with the extra hassles of hoops-only schools. Point of order: unless I'm wrong, the Sun Belt Conference still has some hoops only schools: University of Denver, to name one. I'm gonna miss you when Pitt moves to the ACC!
Adelson: Thanks for keeping me on my toes, Terry. You are absolutely right, the Sun Belt does have several non-football members. I should have said "major FBS conference" or "automatic qualifying conference." One other point in that story that needs to be clarified.
SilverSpring Hoya in Silver Spring, Md., writes: Andrea with Marinatto resigning, there has been some discussion here in the DC area that the Big East could have saved itself in 2003 if it added East Carolina and Memphis over Marquette and DePaul or could have saved itself if it added all four. Most recently, there are rumors that the Big East could have been saved if UCF was added as a 10th football member. Knowing all this and the current tension, I am thinking a split will occur before 2013 and there may be some radical changes made. I know a lot of Georgetown fans who are not excited about the likes of SMU and Houston joining and would prefer more regional foes be it a Dayton, Richmond, Xavier or ECU, ODU, and etc. What are your thoughts on this?
Adelson: I still don't see a split happening, unless relations deteriorate and the TV contract cannot be worked out to everybody's advantage. I know that getting SMU and Houston on the schedule instead of Pitt, Syracuse and West Virginia is less than ideal. But it's still the Big East conference, and I truly believe the money and stage are better if everybody stays put.
Hope you enjoy spring wrap day.
- Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany floats more ideas on teams that should make a playoff.
- Andy Katz wishes good luck to the next Big East commissioner.
- Interim commissioner Joe Bailey squashed any ideas that the league is breaking down.
- Matt Hayes comes out with his rankings of every college football coach in America. Cincinnati's Butch Jones is the highest ranked of Big East coaches, at No. 28.
- Changes again on the Rutgers offensive line.
- USF will head back to Vero Beach for training camp in August.
- Is Syracuse on the verge of landing Arkansas transfer receiver Quinta Funderburk?
2011 overall record: 10-3
2011 conference record: 5-2 (T-1)
Returning starters: Offense 4; defense 8; kicker/punter: 2
Key returners
WR Kenbrell Thompkins, QB Munchie Legaux, WR Anthony McClung, DE Walter Stewart, DE Dan Giordano, S Drew Frey, LB Maalik Bomar
Key losses
QB Zach Collaros, RB Isaiah Pead, LB JK Schaffer, DT Derek Wolfe, DT John Hughes, WR D.J. Woods, LT Alex Hoffman, LG Randy Martinez
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Isaiah Pead (1,259 yards)
Passing: Zach Collaros (166-of-272 for 1,940 yards, 15 TDs, 10 INTs)
Receiving: Anthony McClung* (683 yards)
Tackles: JK Schaffer (114)
Sacks: Derek Wolfe (9.5)
Interceptions: Three with three each
Spring answers
1. Middle linebacker: One of the biggest holes for the Bearcats this spring was at middle linebacker, where JK Schaffer had more than 100 tackles in each of the past three seasons. After spring ended, Solomon Tentman was penciled in as the starter, after playing sparingly in his time on campus. The reason -- a major knee injury that threatened to end his career before it really started. But Tentman fought back with hard work and determination and is one of the surprise stories of the spring.
2. Inside presence: Cincinnati lost some major beef in the middle of its line, with the departures of John Hughes and Derek Wolfe, both high NFL draft picks last month. But as expected, Camaron Beard and Jordan Stepp had good springs and leave as the starters at tackle. The hope is that their athleticism will help make up for their smaller size.
3. Walter Stewart emerges as leader: Coach Butch Jones singled Stewart out not only for his exemplary play this spring, but also for his growth as a leader. Cincinnati is definitely going to need the leadership after losing so many key seniors from its Big East championship team.
Fall questions
1. Quarterback: Coach Butch Jones isn't ready to name his starter yet, though Munchie Legaux filled in for an injured Zach Collaros in three starts last season. Jones says Brandon Kay has really pushed Legaux this spring, and wants the competition between them to remain open into the offseason. Legaux has got to work on his accuracy and chemistry with his receivers in order to take the next step.
2. Receiver depth: One of the biggest areas of concern headed into the offseason is at receiver, where Cincinnati is in need of a number of players to step up. Receiver was one position where Cincinnati underachieved last season. Kenbrell Thompkins, Anthony McClung and Alex Chisum all have great potential, and so does the recently-converted Jordan Luallen. But given this offense, Cincinnati needs more than just four receivers to be playmakers.
3. Secondary depth: This has been one area that has been a concern for several years now. While Cincinnati does have several experienced players returning, Jones listed depth at this position as one area he wants to see improved throughout the offseason. Cincinnati had several players sit out spring drills because of injury, so that also was a factor.
2011 conference record: 5-2 (T-1)
Returning starters: Offense 4; defense 8; kicker/punter: 2
Key returners
WR Kenbrell Thompkins, QB Munchie Legaux, WR Anthony McClung, DE Walter Stewart, DE Dan Giordano, S Drew Frey, LB Maalik Bomar
Key losses
QB Zach Collaros, RB Isaiah Pead, LB JK Schaffer, DT Derek Wolfe, DT John Hughes, WR D.J. Woods, LT Alex Hoffman, LG Randy Martinez
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Isaiah Pead (1,259 yards)
Passing: Zach Collaros (166-of-272 for 1,940 yards, 15 TDs, 10 INTs)
Receiving: Anthony McClung* (683 yards)
Tackles: JK Schaffer (114)
Sacks: Derek Wolfe (9.5)
Interceptions: Three with three each
Spring answers
1. Middle linebacker: One of the biggest holes for the Bearcats this spring was at middle linebacker, where JK Schaffer had more than 100 tackles in each of the past three seasons. After spring ended, Solomon Tentman was penciled in as the starter, after playing sparingly in his time on campus. The reason -- a major knee injury that threatened to end his career before it really started. But Tentman fought back with hard work and determination and is one of the surprise stories of the spring.
2. Inside presence: Cincinnati lost some major beef in the middle of its line, with the departures of John Hughes and Derek Wolfe, both high NFL draft picks last month. But as expected, Camaron Beard and Jordan Stepp had good springs and leave as the starters at tackle. The hope is that their athleticism will help make up for their smaller size.
3. Walter Stewart emerges as leader: Coach Butch Jones singled Stewart out not only for his exemplary play this spring, but also for his growth as a leader. Cincinnati is definitely going to need the leadership after losing so many key seniors from its Big East championship team.
Fall questions
1. Quarterback: Coach Butch Jones isn't ready to name his starter yet, though Munchie Legaux filled in for an injured Zach Collaros in three starts last season. Jones says Brandon Kay has really pushed Legaux this spring, and wants the competition between them to remain open into the offseason. Legaux has got to work on his accuracy and chemistry with his receivers in order to take the next step.
2. Receiver depth: One of the biggest areas of concern headed into the offseason is at receiver, where Cincinnati is in need of a number of players to step up. Receiver was one position where Cincinnati underachieved last season. Kenbrell Thompkins, Anthony McClung and Alex Chisum all have great potential, and so does the recently-converted Jordan Luallen. But given this offense, Cincinnati needs more than just four receivers to be playmakers.
3. Secondary depth: This has been one area that has been a concern for several years now. While Cincinnati does have several experienced players returning, Jones listed depth at this position as one area he wants to see improved throughout the offseason. Cincinnati had several players sit out spring drills because of injury, so that also was a factor.
Happy Friday, everyone! Let's get some of your questions answered before we hit the weekend.
Chris in Rutgers Nation writes: Hey Andrea, I just read your post on the best rivalry in the Big East. I wonder what your opinion is on the Rutgers-UConn rivalry. I'm from Connecticut but went to RU. I know the deep hatred that not only the schools, but the states have for each other. The games in the past couple of years have gone back and forth, and despite the mediocre years both schools have had, a lot of people get really pumped for that game!
Andrea Adelson: Chris, you and several other readers have pointed out the growing rivalry between the two schools, so I should have at least mentioned that. Especially after what happened last year between Rutgers and UConn. I don't think fans from either school will ever forget that. You are right that the games have been close and unpredictable. But from an outside perspective, it is hard to get a gauge on how much fans from both schools dislike each other.
Rickey in Lehigh Acres, Fla., writes: Your ultimate road trip should include two games in Week 1. The Friday night game in Philly could be quite interesting. Villanova and Temple don't like each other and I wonder how Villanova feels now that Temple is in the Big East and Nova's football program didn't make the jump. And since it's a Friday game you can still make Kentucky-Louisville on Sunday.
Adelson: There are several weeks where I could make multiple trips because of the mid-week games. But during the season, I usually go to just one game a week if I am on the road. So I am just trying to pick one as well. But you are right, Temple-Nova is definitely an interesting game.
Ty in Cincinnati writes: Andrea, How do you think getting four players drafted into the NFL is going to help UC in recruiting? I know it isn't a lot but solid picks of two second rounds, one third, and one fourth. Last year, we saw two Bearcats step into NFL lineups and immediately contribute in Jason Kelce with Eagles and Connor Barwin with the Texans. Do you foresee coach (Butch) Jones start to get more quality in volume or are we going to get one or two in a class? I know this recent class was the highest rated since they started rating players. Do you think Jones could start getting a reputation of producing NFL ready players?
Adelson: It is a positive any time you lead your league in players drafted, the way Cincinnati did this year. Obviously it takes a little more than a few draft classes to start building a reputation, but certainly Jones and the Bearcats have a lot going for them. Recruiting has been on the upswing, but more than that, I truly believe coaches are defined by what they do with the talent they have around them. Those star-rating systems mean little in the grand scheme. As you mentioned, Cincinnati has not had highly rated classes, yet still produces NFL talent -- just like Boise State does. Jones can sell the NFL to these players who may not be five-stars. Just because they aren't being recruited by the likes of Michigan and Ohio State doesn't mean they will never get to the NFL. He has the proof.
Mike C in Louisville writes: Hi Andrea! I'm hoping your comment about USF having more depth at wide receiver than Louisville was meant to spark conversation! :) I think its pretty obvious that Louisville and Teddy Bridgewater will have more playmakers at WR. We have a couple ESPN four-star wide receivers and several three-star as well. I think DeVante Parker (local product) is a man at his position and should have been a four-star as well. Looking at the rosters, USF's receivers are just not as talented as Louisville's. They may have more depth, but having a few more "non" playmakers won't help B.J. Daniels this year. Thanks for the Blogs!
Adelson: I had a feeling some would dispute my assertion. I think this is actually a pretty good debate to have. I truly believe both groups are supremely talented, but they must take the next step this year. Both groups are looking for talented playmakers to step up. Charlie Strong and Skip Holtz have said as much. Interestingly, two of the better players the teams have -- Eli Rogers for Louisville and Sterling Griffin for USF -- find themselves with the second team on the respective depth charts. Nobody has touted Scott Radcliff to me, yet there he is with the first team. Radcliff had one heck of a spring. But I don't think he's one of the three- or four-star players you mentioned. I think Parker is great. But I also think Andre Davis for USF has as much talent -- he also was a four-star. So was Chris Dunkley, the transfer from Florida who's now eligible. This has given me an idea. Stay tuned for a tale of the tape on the Louisville and USF receivers next week.
Jim C in New Jersey writes: After reading your article about BCS bowls being incorporated in this new potential playoff system my question is, what bowl do you think they would potentially try and promote to a BCS game if they were to try and go that route. Champ Sports because its the most "prestigious" one we're tied into? Pinstripe because it's in NYC? Or would they maybe try and tie us into the Cotton Bowl? It was almost considered as a replacement for the Fiesta Bowl when they got in hot water and we do have teams in Texas now. None of the above? Basically, where COULD they go with this to try and be included?
Adelson: That is a great question, Jim. I don't think any of the Big East bowl tie-ins are going to be promoted to the "BCS" level. I don't even know if they are going to make another "BCS" game. They may just have a place like Jerry World host a semifinal or a final without tabbing it a BCS game. The bottom line is I'm not sure the Big East will end up with a tie-in to a BCS game after all of the issues facing this four-team playoff are resolved. There isn't one now, and AQ status is going away. So I'm not sure why one would be added all of a sudden.
Chris in Rutgers Nation writes: Hey Andrea, I just read your post on the best rivalry in the Big East. I wonder what your opinion is on the Rutgers-UConn rivalry. I'm from Connecticut but went to RU. I know the deep hatred that not only the schools, but the states have for each other. The games in the past couple of years have gone back and forth, and despite the mediocre years both schools have had, a lot of people get really pumped for that game!
Andrea Adelson: Chris, you and several other readers have pointed out the growing rivalry between the two schools, so I should have at least mentioned that. Especially after what happened last year between Rutgers and UConn. I don't think fans from either school will ever forget that. You are right that the games have been close and unpredictable. But from an outside perspective, it is hard to get a gauge on how much fans from both schools dislike each other.
Rickey in Lehigh Acres, Fla., writes: Your ultimate road trip should include two games in Week 1. The Friday night game in Philly could be quite interesting. Villanova and Temple don't like each other and I wonder how Villanova feels now that Temple is in the Big East and Nova's football program didn't make the jump. And since it's a Friday game you can still make Kentucky-Louisville on Sunday.
Adelson: There are several weeks where I could make multiple trips because of the mid-week games. But during the season, I usually go to just one game a week if I am on the road. So I am just trying to pick one as well. But you are right, Temple-Nova is definitely an interesting game.
Ty in Cincinnati writes: Andrea, How do you think getting four players drafted into the NFL is going to help UC in recruiting? I know it isn't a lot but solid picks of two second rounds, one third, and one fourth. Last year, we saw two Bearcats step into NFL lineups and immediately contribute in Jason Kelce with Eagles and Connor Barwin with the Texans. Do you foresee coach (Butch) Jones start to get more quality in volume or are we going to get one or two in a class? I know this recent class was the highest rated since they started rating players. Do you think Jones could start getting a reputation of producing NFL ready players?
Adelson: It is a positive any time you lead your league in players drafted, the way Cincinnati did this year. Obviously it takes a little more than a few draft classes to start building a reputation, but certainly Jones and the Bearcats have a lot going for them. Recruiting has been on the upswing, but more than that, I truly believe coaches are defined by what they do with the talent they have around them. Those star-rating systems mean little in the grand scheme. As you mentioned, Cincinnati has not had highly rated classes, yet still produces NFL talent -- just like Boise State does. Jones can sell the NFL to these players who may not be five-stars. Just because they aren't being recruited by the likes of Michigan and Ohio State doesn't mean they will never get to the NFL. He has the proof.
Mike C in Louisville writes: Hi Andrea! I'm hoping your comment about USF having more depth at wide receiver than Louisville was meant to spark conversation! :) I think its pretty obvious that Louisville and Teddy Bridgewater will have more playmakers at WR. We have a couple ESPN four-star wide receivers and several three-star as well. I think DeVante Parker (local product) is a man at his position and should have been a four-star as well. Looking at the rosters, USF's receivers are just not as talented as Louisville's. They may have more depth, but having a few more "non" playmakers won't help B.J. Daniels this year. Thanks for the Blogs!
Adelson: I had a feeling some would dispute my assertion. I think this is actually a pretty good debate to have. I truly believe both groups are supremely talented, but they must take the next step this year. Both groups are looking for talented playmakers to step up. Charlie Strong and Skip Holtz have said as much. Interestingly, two of the better players the teams have -- Eli Rogers for Louisville and Sterling Griffin for USF -- find themselves with the second team on the respective depth charts. Nobody has touted Scott Radcliff to me, yet there he is with the first team. Radcliff had one heck of a spring. But I don't think he's one of the three- or four-star players you mentioned. I think Parker is great. But I also think Andre Davis for USF has as much talent -- he also was a four-star. So was Chris Dunkley, the transfer from Florida who's now eligible. This has given me an idea. Stay tuned for a tale of the tape on the Louisville and USF receivers next week.
Jim C in New Jersey writes: After reading your article about BCS bowls being incorporated in this new potential playoff system my question is, what bowl do you think they would potentially try and promote to a BCS game if they were to try and go that route. Champ Sports because its the most "prestigious" one we're tied into? Pinstripe because it's in NYC? Or would they maybe try and tie us into the Cotton Bowl? It was almost considered as a replacement for the Fiesta Bowl when they got in hot water and we do have teams in Texas now. None of the above? Basically, where COULD they go with this to try and be included?
Adelson: That is a great question, Jim. I don't think any of the Big East bowl tie-ins are going to be promoted to the "BCS" level. I don't even know if they are going to make another "BCS" game. They may just have a place like Jerry World host a semifinal or a final without tabbing it a BCS game. The bottom line is I'm not sure the Big East will end up with a tie-in to a BCS game after all of the issues facing this four-team playoff are resolved. There isn't one now, and AQ status is going away. So I'm not sure why one would be added all of a sudden.
The best Big East rivalry may never be played again, now that expansion has changed the face of college football.
Pitt and West Virginia had made a living hating each other, a bitter rivalry that really transcended the Big East and became one of the most heated in the entire country. Think of rivalry games, and think of the Backyard Brawl.
No future meetings between the two schools have been scheduled, with West Virginia beginning play in the Big 12 in 2012 and Pitt on its way out to the ACC. So what does that leave the Big East in terms of true league rivalries?
The longest running one remaining is Pitt-Syracuse. The two schools first met in 1916 and have played 67 times, including every year since 1955. But alas, those two schools are on their way out of the Big East.
So turn your attention to Cincinnati-Louisville. These two schools first played in 1922 and have met 52 times, with the rivalry starting back up in 1996 after a three-year hiatus. Cincinnati leads the series 30-21-1 and has won the last four.
But that could very well change in 2012.
While there may not be much national cache to the rivalry game between the two programs, all the ingredients are there for the intensity to ratchet up another notch between the two.
While it is true that both schools have other rivals (Louisville has Kentucky; Cincinnati has Miami (Ohio) and Pitt), nobody says rivalries have to be exclusive. Michigan has Michigan State and Ohio State; Florida has Tennessee, Florida State and Georgia; Florida State has Florida and Miami; Oklahoma has Texas and Oklahoma State; Texas has Oklahoma and Texas A&M.
In the cases of all those rivalries, the greater the stakes, the greater the intensity, the greater the scrutiny. Florida State-Miami has lost a bit of its luster, compared to the 1980s and 1990s. If Cincinnati and Louisville are competing for Big East and national championships every year, the game will grow in national stature.
Here are a few other potential rivalry games in the new Big East:
USF vs. UCF: The War on I-4 has been played four times, with USF winning all meetings. Bulls fans will say this is not a rivalry because they have dominated the series, last played in 2008. There is no question the hatred is there, one of the key components to any good rivalry. USF fans look down at UCF as being a whiny little brother; UCF fans think USF fans are entitled for no apparent reason. Let the rivalry resume!
Temple vs. Rutgers: Having the schools in close proximity to one another certainly helps, along with the natural rivalry between New Jersey and Philadelphia. Rutgers fans will tell you a rivalry can't exist until Temple is on the same playing level. But Temple fans will tell you the Owls are already there, with three straight winning seasons. Watch out for some major recruiting clashes between the two as well.
Navy vs. SMU: There already is a trophy for the winner in this game. It is named after Frank Gansz, who played at Navy and later served on the coaching staffs at SMU and Navy. The trophy was established in 2009, and Navy has won it three times. The two are set to become conference rivals in 2015.
Pitt and West Virginia had made a living hating each other, a bitter rivalry that really transcended the Big East and became one of the most heated in the entire country. Think of rivalry games, and think of the Backyard Brawl.
No future meetings between the two schools have been scheduled, with West Virginia beginning play in the Big 12 in 2012 and Pitt on its way out to the ACC. So what does that leave the Big East in terms of true league rivalries?
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Frank Victores/US PRESSWIREIs the battle for the Keg of Nails the Big East's best rivalry now?
Frank Victores/US PRESSWIREIs the battle for the Keg of Nails the Big East's best rivalry now?So turn your attention to Cincinnati-Louisville. These two schools first played in 1922 and have met 52 times, with the rivalry starting back up in 1996 after a three-year hiatus. Cincinnati leads the series 30-21-1 and has won the last four.
But that could very well change in 2012.
While there may not be much national cache to the rivalry game between the two programs, all the ingredients are there for the intensity to ratchet up another notch between the two.
- The game already has a nifty trophy. The "Keg of Nails" has been handed out to the winner of this game since 1929, when fraternity chapters on both campuses decided the victorious players were tough as nails. The trophy is a replica of a keg that was used to ship nails and features the logos of both schools and the scores of every game. This rivalry is not merely contained to the Big East, either. The two were also Missouri Valley and Conference USA rivals.
- They are virtually neighbors. In the newly far-flung Big East, that counts for something. The two schools are a mere 106 miles away from each other.
- The two programs are on the rise, with coaches on the rise. Both Louisville coach Charlie Strong and Cincinnati coach Butch Jones head into their third seasons as Big East champions, and it seems pretty clear that neither one is going to stop at one, either. Louisville is expected to contend for the Big East championship this season; Cincinnati may have lost a bunch of starters but there is plenty of talent on the roster. Both coaches have become "hot" names in coaching circles because of their successes, and both have pledged their commitment to their respective programs. You can definitely see this game having pivotal implications in the race for the conference championship in the years to come.
While it is true that both schools have other rivals (Louisville has Kentucky; Cincinnati has Miami (Ohio) and Pitt), nobody says rivalries have to be exclusive. Michigan has Michigan State and Ohio State; Florida has Tennessee, Florida State and Georgia; Florida State has Florida and Miami; Oklahoma has Texas and Oklahoma State; Texas has Oklahoma and Texas A&M.
In the cases of all those rivalries, the greater the stakes, the greater the intensity, the greater the scrutiny. Florida State-Miami has lost a bit of its luster, compared to the 1980s and 1990s. If Cincinnati and Louisville are competing for Big East and national championships every year, the game will grow in national stature.
Here are a few other potential rivalry games in the new Big East:
USF vs. UCF: The War on I-4 has been played four times, with USF winning all meetings. Bulls fans will say this is not a rivalry because they have dominated the series, last played in 2008. There is no question the hatred is there, one of the key components to any good rivalry. USF fans look down at UCF as being a whiny little brother; UCF fans think USF fans are entitled for no apparent reason. Let the rivalry resume!
Temple vs. Rutgers: Having the schools in close proximity to one another certainly helps, along with the natural rivalry between New Jersey and Philadelphia. Rutgers fans will tell you a rivalry can't exist until Temple is on the same playing level. But Temple fans will tell you the Owls are already there, with three straight winning seasons. Watch out for some major recruiting clashes between the two as well.
Navy vs. SMU: There already is a trophy for the winner in this game. It is named after Frank Gansz, who played at Navy and later served on the coaching staffs at SMU and Navy. The trophy was established in 2009, and Navy has won it three times. The two are set to become conference rivals in 2015.
Two players who arrived at their respective teams as quarterbacks are set to make a bigger impact this season at a different position.
It is time to get to know Syracuse athlete Ashton Broyld and Cincinnati athlete Jordan Luallen. Both players spent the spring making the move to a more hybrid Wildcat/receiver/running back post.
The goal is clear. Both players are too good to keep tied to the bench behind somebody else. Their athleticism must be used for big plays.
"He’s a big, strong, fast, physical athlete," Syracuse coach Doug Marrone said of Broyld after the spring game. "We’re very fortunate to have him. I think he is going to be a great asset to us offensively. We just have to keep bringing him along, because he’s someone who can make a lot of plays."
"He’s one of the best athletes we have on our football team," Cincinnati coach Butch Jones said of Luallen earlier this spring. "We’ve got to find a way to get him on the football field."
Luallen has actual game experience, having played last season when quarterback Zach Collaros got hurt. Jones decided he would play both Munchie Legaux and Luallen at quarterback. Both can run with the football, but Luallen's knack for making big plays was clear. He rarely threw the ball, but had 135 yards on 22 carries. He should have had two touchdowns on runs that ended at the 1 against Syracuse, but alas the turf monster struck. That is probably how most Big East fans remember him.
But Cincinnati coaches just remember his ability to make plays. That led to the decision to move him to receiver, where he is listed right behind Anthony McClung on the second team. Cincinnati struggled at receiver last season, and the Bearcats could no doubt use some big-play ability at the position, particularly because depth remains a concern.
But Luallen won't be limited to just receiver. Watch for him to still be able to run a few plays out of the Wildcat to keep teams off balance, at least. Particularly because the offense is going to have a new look with Isaiah Pead and Collaros gone.
As for Broyld, he arrived as an early enrollee this spring after spending last year at Milford Academy. Though Syracuse closed practices, much has been made about the role Broyld could have in the offense because of his versatility.
Broyld is listed as the No. 3 running back on the post-spring depth chart, but he played receiver and running back in the spring game.
He had some of the only offensive highlights in that game, as the offense fizzled for the most part. He could also be used as a Wildcat quarterback, in addition to his other roles. Syracuse has lacked a big-time playmaker the last several seasons. In fact, the offense has been somewhat predictable. Broyld gives the Orange something they have lacked for quite some time. Syracuse receivers averaged 10.5 yards per catch last season -- second-worst in the Big East behind Pitt (10.4).
That is just a little glimpse of their potential. Now we wait and see what these "slash" players can do.
Tale of the tape
Ashton Broyld, Syracuse
Height: 6-4
Weight: 229
Stats: Threw for 427 yards on 31-of-56 passing and six touchdowns, and ran for 259 yards on 39 carries and six touchdowns in 2011 at Milford Academy. ... Was the 2010 New York State Class AA Player of the Year after leading Rush-Henrietta High to the Class AA State Championship and a 13-0 record. Passed for 1,961 yards and 24 touchdowns and rushed for 1,540 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Jordan Luallen, Cincinnati
Height: 6-3
Weight: 215
Stats: Went 2-for-4 for 10 yards, and rushed for 135 yards on 22 carries last season in a backup role with the Bearcats. He was forced to sit out 2010 after transferring in from Georgia Tech, where he redshirted as a true freshman in 2009. ... Rated the No. 22 quarterback recruit out of high school. Also won a state championship in 2008, Went 46-for-85 for 941 yards, two interceptions, and 14 touchdowns and rushed for 622 yards on 84 carries in the Wing-T offense as a senior.
It is time to get to know Syracuse athlete Ashton Broyld and Cincinnati athlete Jordan Luallen. Both players spent the spring making the move to a more hybrid Wildcat/receiver/running back post.
The goal is clear. Both players are too good to keep tied to the bench behind somebody else. Their athleticism must be used for big plays.
"He’s a big, strong, fast, physical athlete," Syracuse coach Doug Marrone said of Broyld after the spring game. "We’re very fortunate to have him. I think he is going to be a great asset to us offensively. We just have to keep bringing him along, because he’s someone who can make a lot of plays."
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Richard Mackson/US PresswireRecruited as a quarterback, Jordan Luallen will see time at multiple positions this season as the Bearcats try to exploit his athleticism.
Richard Mackson/US PresswireRecruited as a quarterback, Jordan Luallen will see time at multiple positions this season as the Bearcats try to exploit his athleticism.Luallen has actual game experience, having played last season when quarterback Zach Collaros got hurt. Jones decided he would play both Munchie Legaux and Luallen at quarterback. Both can run with the football, but Luallen's knack for making big plays was clear. He rarely threw the ball, but had 135 yards on 22 carries. He should have had two touchdowns on runs that ended at the 1 against Syracuse, but alas the turf monster struck. That is probably how most Big East fans remember him.
But Cincinnati coaches just remember his ability to make plays. That led to the decision to move him to receiver, where he is listed right behind Anthony McClung on the second team. Cincinnati struggled at receiver last season, and the Bearcats could no doubt use some big-play ability at the position, particularly because depth remains a concern.
But Luallen won't be limited to just receiver. Watch for him to still be able to run a few plays out of the Wildcat to keep teams off balance, at least. Particularly because the offense is going to have a new look with Isaiah Pead and Collaros gone.
As for Broyld, he arrived as an early enrollee this spring after spending last year at Milford Academy. Though Syracuse closed practices, much has been made about the role Broyld could have in the offense because of his versatility.
Broyld is listed as the No. 3 running back on the post-spring depth chart, but he played receiver and running back in the spring game.
He had some of the only offensive highlights in that game, as the offense fizzled for the most part. He could also be used as a Wildcat quarterback, in addition to his other roles. Syracuse has lacked a big-time playmaker the last several seasons. In fact, the offense has been somewhat predictable. Broyld gives the Orange something they have lacked for quite some time. Syracuse receivers averaged 10.5 yards per catch last season -- second-worst in the Big East behind Pitt (10.4).
That is just a little glimpse of their potential. Now we wait and see what these "slash" players can do.
Tale of the tape
Ashton Broyld, Syracuse
Height: 6-4
Weight: 229
Stats: Threw for 427 yards on 31-of-56 passing and six touchdowns, and ran for 259 yards on 39 carries and six touchdowns in 2011 at Milford Academy. ... Was the 2010 New York State Class AA Player of the Year after leading Rush-Henrietta High to the Class AA State Championship and a 13-0 record. Passed for 1,961 yards and 24 touchdowns and rushed for 1,540 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Jordan Luallen, Cincinnati
Height: 6-3
Weight: 215
Stats: Went 2-for-4 for 10 yards, and rushed for 135 yards on 22 carries last season in a backup role with the Bearcats. He was forced to sit out 2010 after transferring in from Georgia Tech, where he redshirted as a true freshman in 2009. ... Rated the No. 22 quarterback recruit out of high school. Also won a state championship in 2008, Went 46-for-85 for 941 yards, two interceptions, and 14 touchdowns and rushed for 622 yards on 84 carries in the Wing-T offense as a senior.
During the spring, Cincinnati coach Butch Jones posed a question to his team.
"Anybody who averaged 35 plays or more last season, stand up," he said.
Nine players got up.
All his quarterbacks remained seated. All his tight ends remained seated. All his running backs remained seated. Go ahead and guess the nine players who stood up, just for fun. The answer key will be down below.
What the exercise stresses is just how young a football team the Bearcats will have headed into 2012. We already knew Cincinnati was losing some pretty important senior contributors, but realizing only nine players averaged 35 plays or more last year really puts the youth movement into context.
Cincinnati is going from being one of the most experienced teams in the Big East to one of the least.
That is why Cincinnati spent so much time this spring not only working on developing new team leaders to replace guys like Zach Collaros, Isaiah Pead, Derek Wolfe and JK Schaffer. Jones said he did more team 11-on-11 drills than he has done previously. Of particular emphasis were team passing drills, where Munchie Legaux and Brendon Kay are competing to replace Collaros at quarterback.
"So many times when you do seven-on-seven drills, that is like going to the driving range," Jones said in a recent phone interview. "I wanted to put as much game-speed reps in, have them slide in the pocket, practice awkward throws, find throwing lanes and windows. We did more than that than we ever had, and that accelerated both their development throughout the course of spring."
The development is particularly important, because Cincinnati is the only team in the Big East that much replace both its starting quarterback and starting running back. That starting running back was Big East Offensive Player of the Year and just went in the second round of the NFL draft. Cincinnati does have guys with playing experience to step in -- Legaux started several games when Collaros got hurt, and George Winn is a senior who had a great game against Vanderbilt in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
But they do not nearly have the same game experience as the guys they are replacing. Neither does Kay. He did not attempt a pass last season.
"Great quarterback play is a lot like being a great point guard in basketball, knowing how to distribute the ball, identifying matchups and taking care of the football," Jones said. "It's the small details. As a quarterback, you have to have great poise under pressure. They've both shown that, and we simulated as many game-like possessions as possible, so I feel they both worked extremely hard and I'm very excited to see how they show up the first day of training camp."
Though the Cincinnati defense lost some of its key players in JK Schaffer, Derek Wolfe and John Hughes (both linemen were NFL draft picks), the Bearcats do return more starters than the offense. Still, what Jones really wants to see is the leadership developed this offseason. Defensive end Walter Stewart could be the new force on the line.
Now here is the answer to the quiz up at the top. Name the nine players who averaged more than 35 plays last year:
Austen Bujnoch, offensive guard
Maalik Bomar, linebacker
Cam Cheatham, cornerback
Deven Drane, cornerback
Drew Frey, safety
Dan Giordano, defensive end
Anthony McClung, receiver
Kenbrell Thompkins, receiver
Walter Stewart, defensive end
"Anybody who averaged 35 plays or more last season, stand up," he said.
Nine players got up.
All his quarterbacks remained seated. All his tight ends remained seated. All his running backs remained seated. Go ahead and guess the nine players who stood up, just for fun. The answer key will be down below.
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Tony Tribble/US PresswireSophomore quarterback Munchie Legaux is one of many young players vying for a starting spot on Cincinnati's roster.
Tony Tribble/US PresswireSophomore quarterback Munchie Legaux is one of many young players vying for a starting spot on Cincinnati's roster.Cincinnati is going from being one of the most experienced teams in the Big East to one of the least.
That is why Cincinnati spent so much time this spring not only working on developing new team leaders to replace guys like Zach Collaros, Isaiah Pead, Derek Wolfe and JK Schaffer. Jones said he did more team 11-on-11 drills than he has done previously. Of particular emphasis were team passing drills, where Munchie Legaux and Brendon Kay are competing to replace Collaros at quarterback.
"So many times when you do seven-on-seven drills, that is like going to the driving range," Jones said in a recent phone interview. "I wanted to put as much game-speed reps in, have them slide in the pocket, practice awkward throws, find throwing lanes and windows. We did more than that than we ever had, and that accelerated both their development throughout the course of spring."
The development is particularly important, because Cincinnati is the only team in the Big East that much replace both its starting quarterback and starting running back. That starting running back was Big East Offensive Player of the Year and just went in the second round of the NFL draft. Cincinnati does have guys with playing experience to step in -- Legaux started several games when Collaros got hurt, and George Winn is a senior who had a great game against Vanderbilt in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
But they do not nearly have the same game experience as the guys they are replacing. Neither does Kay. He did not attempt a pass last season.
"Great quarterback play is a lot like being a great point guard in basketball, knowing how to distribute the ball, identifying matchups and taking care of the football," Jones said. "It's the small details. As a quarterback, you have to have great poise under pressure. They've both shown that, and we simulated as many game-like possessions as possible, so I feel they both worked extremely hard and I'm very excited to see how they show up the first day of training camp."
Though the Cincinnati defense lost some of its key players in JK Schaffer, Derek Wolfe and John Hughes (both linemen were NFL draft picks), the Bearcats do return more starters than the offense. Still, what Jones really wants to see is the leadership developed this offseason. Defensive end Walter Stewart could be the new force on the line.
Now here is the answer to the quiz up at the top. Name the nine players who averaged more than 35 plays last year:
Austen Bujnoch, offensive guard
Maalik Bomar, linebacker
Cam Cheatham, cornerback
Deven Drane, cornerback
Drew Frey, safety
Dan Giordano, defensive end
Anthony McClung, receiver
Kenbrell Thompkins, receiver
Walter Stewart, defensive end
Football in the Big East has officially ended for the spring.
- Butch Jones reiterated his commitment to the Bearcats, telling Paul Daugherty of The Cincinnati Enquirer that he turned down a higher-paying job last December to remain head coach at Cincinnati.
- UConn had one player drafted.
- Louisville defensive end Greg Scruggs was in hot demand. Louisville has a lot to lose in the new BCS format, writes Rick Bozich in the Courier-Journal.
- Undrafted Pitt players find new homes.
- Five story lines for Rutgers headed into training camp.
- Six USF players sign free-agent deals.
- Catch up with all of Syracuse's free-agent signings.
- Another banner year for Temple's signees.
NFL draft begins tonight. If only the Dolphins could get RG3.
- Cincinnati coach Butch Jones is in favor of keeping the bowl system. Derek Wolfe is set to become the first player ever drafted from his high school.
- For UConn defensive tackle Kendall Reyes, getting to the next level is all that matters.
- Former Louisville receiver Deion Branch is running to raise money for his foundation, which helps children with special needs like his son.
- Paul Zeise gives you an update on Pitt recruiting.
- Experts weigh in on whether Rutgers is a title contender with Greg Schiano gone.
- Will USF have a player picked in the draft?
- The draft will be a family affair for Chandler Jones. Marcus Sales leads the Syracuse receivers.
- Temple running back Bernard Pierce awaits his fate. The game between Temple and Army will kick off at noon.
With nearly every Big East team having wrapped up spring practice, one constant remains -- open quarterback competitions.
Unless coach Kyle Flood makes a last-second decision following the Rutgers spring game Saturday, four schools will go into the summer without a starter at perhaps the most important position on a team. Here is a quick look at how those competitions stack up:
Cincinnati. Munchie Legaux and Brendon Kay are the top two players vying for the job. Coach Butch Jones has decided not to name a starter, but all indications point to Legaux as winning the job once the fall rolls around. Legaux said during an interview this spring he had been taking most of the reps with the first team.
UConn. Five players remain in the competition -- Junior college transfer Chandler Whitmer, freshman Casey Cochran, Michael Nebrich, Scott McCummings and Johnny McEntee. Nobody distinguished himself through the spring or in the spring game, though Whitmer had the "best" performance of the three. Don't be surprised if Whitmer is the starter, Cochran is redshirted and McCummings continues in his role as Wildcat quarterback.
Pitt. Coach Paul Chryst has not named his starter, either, but he has indicated that incumbent Tino Sunseri has separated himself from Mark Myers and Trey Anderson. Now we'll see what happens when true freshman Chad Voytik enters the mix when he arrives in the summer.
Rutgers. Chas Dodd and Gary Nova went back and forth at quarterback last season for the Scarlet Knights, and neither one has really stood out this spring. Defense has dominated the scrimmages so far. Flood has said he would not make a decision until one player stood head and shoulders above the rest, but would like a starter in place a week to 10 days before the start of the season.
Unless coach Kyle Flood makes a last-second decision following the Rutgers spring game Saturday, four schools will go into the summer without a starter at perhaps the most important position on a team. Here is a quick look at how those competitions stack up:
Cincinnati. Munchie Legaux and Brendon Kay are the top two players vying for the job. Coach Butch Jones has decided not to name a starter, but all indications point to Legaux as winning the job once the fall rolls around. Legaux said during an interview this spring he had been taking most of the reps with the first team.
UConn. Five players remain in the competition -- Junior college transfer Chandler Whitmer, freshman Casey Cochran, Michael Nebrich, Scott McCummings and Johnny McEntee. Nobody distinguished himself through the spring or in the spring game, though Whitmer had the "best" performance of the three. Don't be surprised if Whitmer is the starter, Cochran is redshirted and McCummings continues in his role as Wildcat quarterback.
Pitt. Coach Paul Chryst has not named his starter, either, but he has indicated that incumbent Tino Sunseri has separated himself from Mark Myers and Trey Anderson. Now we'll see what happens when true freshman Chad Voytik enters the mix when he arrives in the summer.
Rutgers. Chas Dodd and Gary Nova went back and forth at quarterback last season for the Scarlet Knights, and neither one has really stood out this spring. Defense has dominated the scrimmages so far. Flood has said he would not make a decision until one player stood head and shoulders above the rest, but would like a starter in place a week to 10 days before the start of the season.ABOUT THIS BLOG
Andrea Adelson
Adelson joined ESPN.com in 2010 after spending time as a college football columnist at The Orlando Sentinel. She has covered college football since her days as a University of Florida student, and lives in Orlando, Fla.
