Big East: Charlie Strong
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
Welcome to your mid-week mailblog! Let's get to your questions.
John in Louisville writes: AA, I know you report on the conference as you see it, and you have provided stats that prove that the BE is as good if not better overall than the ACC. So my question is, why do you think that the "perception" in the national sports media is that the BE is not as good? Neither conference has a consistent national player, and we have won more bowls than the ACC, games that seem to carry more weight nationally.
Andrea Adelson: The fact that the Big East has been raided twice in the last 10 years is a huge reason why. Miami was a national power at the time. Virginia Tech has been incredibly successful and so has West Virginia. College football, perhaps more than any other sport, holds onto its history and tradition. People do not look at the facts so much as the teams. Cincinnati? C-USA. Louisville? C-USA. I could go on, but you get my drift. This is still a conference in search of an identity. The ACC has programs that have at least won or played for national titles. That may have been in the way past. Unfortunately, that trumps recent success in the minds of many.
Zain in Tampa writes: Hi Andrea, you wrote a really interesting article recently about a potential on-campus stadium for USF. As a recent grad for USF, I'd like to explain a few things about the situation that we've seen as a USF community. Firstly, we're not likely to build an erector set stadium for $70M dollars. We're a large research school in a major football conference. It wouldn't make any sense whatsoever. That sort of stadium would only be built if we were desperate, much like UCF was when the Citrus Bowl was basically rotting in on itself. Most USF fans I know have pointed to the recently built stadium at the University of Minnesota as an example of a stadium they feel would be a great fit for USF. The downside to such a stadium is the cost. Minnesota spent close to $300M on their facility and they also had state assistance. We are not likely to get anywhere near the type of aid that Minnesota got as a state flagship school. The only money we can expect is an investment fund that invests a certain amount of money per credit hour with the state and is returned every four to five years for on campus projects. The total amount expected from that fund should be between $15 to $20 million. As you can guess, a new stadium is a 10 to 15 year commitment. As much as it would nice to see you reporting from Bulls Stadium, you might be waiting a while for it, Andrea.
Adelson: It is nice to dream, right!
David in Santa Barbara, Calif., writes: Is the new helmet rule nation-wide, or just the ACC?
Adelson: Nationwide. I got the information at the ACC meetings, so I figured I would post it onto the Big East blog for fans to familiarize themselves with these changes. They were also discussed during the Big East meetings in Ponte Vedra Beach.
Rickey in Lehigh Acres, Fla., writes: Andrea! Why did you have to start giving USF some love again? We've shown over and over that we can't deal with these expectations. LOL. I really hope you're right this time.
Adelson: I was really hesitant about moving up the Bulls. But on paper, they have the most starters returning; a four-year starter at quarterback; and a coach going into Year 3. Every single Big East team has major question marks. I thought USF had fewer unknowns, so I moved the Bulls up. Now we see if this is the year.
James in San Antonio writes: Hey Andrea, with news that the Big 12 and SEC will be playing in a bowl, what, if anything is the Big East plus Notre Dame doing to secure an anchor bowl. It looks like the Big East and ACC are the 2 conferences left out. Wouldn't it make sense for the Big East Champ or Notre Dame to play the ACC champ in Orange Bowl? Please tell me that the Big East is working on something, anything, for their main bowl.
Adelson: The Big East can want the partnership. The question is whether the ACC and Orange Bowl would be onboard with that, particularly when you look at recent attendance/TV ratings in matchups between the two leagues in that bowl game. Securing a BCS tie-in and reworking its bowl agreements are priorities for the Big East. But the league is probably not going to be able to do anything until the future BCS system is arranged.
Frank in Philly writes: AA, Any word on Montel Harris? If he comes to Temple, would that get them out of the basement in your preseason rankings?
Adelson: No word, Frank. And I'm afraid his addition will not move Temple out of the basement. I'm more concerned with depth on the lines than the quality skill players for the Owls.
Brad in Louisville writes: Was Louisville's Coach Charlie Strong present at the Big East meetings this week? According to Andy Katz, Rick Pitino was nowhere to be found on the basketball side. I'm interested to know what role, if any, U of L played last week given the rumors that they are moving on to the Big 12.
Adelson: Yes, Strong was here, along with athletic director Tom Jurich. They were actively a part of the meetings as the Big East tries to move forward all together. What you hear are rumors only. Louisville is a member of the Big East.
John in Louisville writes: AA, I know you report on the conference as you see it, and you have provided stats that prove that the BE is as good if not better overall than the ACC. So my question is, why do you think that the "perception" in the national sports media is that the BE is not as good? Neither conference has a consistent national player, and we have won more bowls than the ACC, games that seem to carry more weight nationally.
Andrea Adelson: The fact that the Big East has been raided twice in the last 10 years is a huge reason why. Miami was a national power at the time. Virginia Tech has been incredibly successful and so has West Virginia. College football, perhaps more than any other sport, holds onto its history and tradition. People do not look at the facts so much as the teams. Cincinnati? C-USA. Louisville? C-USA. I could go on, but you get my drift. This is still a conference in search of an identity. The ACC has programs that have at least won or played for national titles. That may have been in the way past. Unfortunately, that trumps recent success in the minds of many.
Zain in Tampa writes: Hi Andrea, you wrote a really interesting article recently about a potential on-campus stadium for USF. As a recent grad for USF, I'd like to explain a few things about the situation that we've seen as a USF community. Firstly, we're not likely to build an erector set stadium for $70M dollars. We're a large research school in a major football conference. It wouldn't make any sense whatsoever. That sort of stadium would only be built if we were desperate, much like UCF was when the Citrus Bowl was basically rotting in on itself. Most USF fans I know have pointed to the recently built stadium at the University of Minnesota as an example of a stadium they feel would be a great fit for USF. The downside to such a stadium is the cost. Minnesota spent close to $300M on their facility and they also had state assistance. We are not likely to get anywhere near the type of aid that Minnesota got as a state flagship school. The only money we can expect is an investment fund that invests a certain amount of money per credit hour with the state and is returned every four to five years for on campus projects. The total amount expected from that fund should be between $15 to $20 million. As you can guess, a new stadium is a 10 to 15 year commitment. As much as it would nice to see you reporting from Bulls Stadium, you might be waiting a while for it, Andrea.
Adelson: It is nice to dream, right!
David in Santa Barbara, Calif., writes: Is the new helmet rule nation-wide, or just the ACC?
Adelson: Nationwide. I got the information at the ACC meetings, so I figured I would post it onto the Big East blog for fans to familiarize themselves with these changes. They were also discussed during the Big East meetings in Ponte Vedra Beach.
Rickey in Lehigh Acres, Fla., writes: Andrea! Why did you have to start giving USF some love again? We've shown over and over that we can't deal with these expectations. LOL. I really hope you're right this time.
Adelson: I was really hesitant about moving up the Bulls. But on paper, they have the most starters returning; a four-year starter at quarterback; and a coach going into Year 3. Every single Big East team has major question marks. I thought USF had fewer unknowns, so I moved the Bulls up. Now we see if this is the year.
James in San Antonio writes: Hey Andrea, with news that the Big 12 and SEC will be playing in a bowl, what, if anything is the Big East plus Notre Dame doing to secure an anchor bowl. It looks like the Big East and ACC are the 2 conferences left out. Wouldn't it make sense for the Big East Champ or Notre Dame to play the ACC champ in Orange Bowl? Please tell me that the Big East is working on something, anything, for their main bowl.
Adelson: The Big East can want the partnership. The question is whether the ACC and Orange Bowl would be onboard with that, particularly when you look at recent attendance/TV ratings in matchups between the two leagues in that bowl game. Securing a BCS tie-in and reworking its bowl agreements are priorities for the Big East. But the league is probably not going to be able to do anything until the future BCS system is arranged.
Frank in Philly writes: AA, Any word on Montel Harris? If he comes to Temple, would that get them out of the basement in your preseason rankings?
Adelson: No word, Frank. And I'm afraid his addition will not move Temple out of the basement. I'm more concerned with depth on the lines than the quality skill players for the Owls.
Brad in Louisville writes: Was Louisville's Coach Charlie Strong present at the Big East meetings this week? According to Andy Katz, Rick Pitino was nowhere to be found on the basketball side. I'm interested to know what role, if any, U of L played last week given the rumors that they are moving on to the Big 12.
Adelson: Yes, Strong was here, along with athletic director Tom Jurich. They were actively a part of the meetings as the Big East tries to move forward all together. What you hear are rumors only. Louisville is a member of the Big East.
Time for my long-awaited post-spring power rankings. I made only a few changes from the pre-spring rankings. Here goes ...
1. Louisville: Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater looked better than ever this spring, giving me renewed confidence the Cardinals are going to be the preseason favorite in the league. The secondary should be exceptionally strong, and the offensive line should be better. Questions remain at running back and with depth in the front seven. But of all the teams in the league, I think the Cardinals have the most stability headed into the season. Plus, it hugely helps to have Charlie Strong entering Year 3.
2. USF: Big jump for the Bulls. I know I said I refused to buy into USF until the Bulls actually do something. But what they have returning is hard to ignore. Generally speaking, teams with 18 returning starters -- many of them seniors -- do really well. So do teams with veteran starting quarterbacks. While USF still has some major question marks on paper -- can B.J. Daniels develop, what happens at running back, where is the depth at linebacker -- the Bulls look like they have a shot.
3. Rutgers: At one time, I had Rutgers as my preseason favorite. But I am a little nervous about the situation at quarterback. I thought there would be a resolution this spring, but neither Chas Dodd nor Gary Nova did much to impress. Mohamed Sanu is gone, there are more shifts on the offensive line, and the running game has to prove something. I think the defense will be the best in the Big East. The offense is scaring me right now, which is why I moved the Scarlet Knights down.
4. Cincinnati: The Bearcats do return talent, and players who saw some significant action last season. But they also lose 21 seniors, including Big East Offensive Player of the Year Isaiah Pead and Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year Derek Wolfe. I don't have any doubts that the Bearcats will have a good season. I just don't know if they will win another championship.
5. Pitt: If there is any team with "ifs" all over the roster, it is the Panthers. They have a new head coach. They are returning Tino Sunseri at quarterback. Nobody knows how Ray Graham is going to do after major knee surgery. The offensive line has to be better. There is not much depth on the defensive line. If all of these come together, the Panthers could be really good. If they don't, they could be really bad.
6. UConn: The Huskies will be good on defense. But what about quarterback? I feel like a broken record saying the same thing over again. Quarterback uncertainty always makes me hesitant to rank a team in the top half of the league. I was hesitant last year, and I am hesitant again this year.
7. Syracuse: I have said this before, but it bears repeating: I think Syracuse is the hardest team to gauge in the Big East. The Orange have to be more consistent on offense. They have to find a running game to help ease some of the burden off quarterback Ryan Nassib. Does Ashton Broyld give them enough to get them more explosive plays? The defense still has depth concerns in the front seven.
8. Temple: I worry about how the Owls will make the transition to the Big East in Year 1. I think Temple has a good team, but the Owls also lost a lot of their best players and have depth concerns on the offensive and defensive lines. That is enough to worry any coach in Year 1 in a major conference.
1. Louisville: Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater looked better than ever this spring, giving me renewed confidence the Cardinals are going to be the preseason favorite in the league. The secondary should be exceptionally strong, and the offensive line should be better. Questions remain at running back and with depth in the front seven. But of all the teams in the league, I think the Cardinals have the most stability headed into the season. Plus, it hugely helps to have Charlie Strong entering Year 3.
2. USF: Big jump for the Bulls. I know I said I refused to buy into USF until the Bulls actually do something. But what they have returning is hard to ignore. Generally speaking, teams with 18 returning starters -- many of them seniors -- do really well. So do teams with veteran starting quarterbacks. While USF still has some major question marks on paper -- can B.J. Daniels develop, what happens at running back, where is the depth at linebacker -- the Bulls look like they have a shot.
3. Rutgers: At one time, I had Rutgers as my preseason favorite. But I am a little nervous about the situation at quarterback. I thought there would be a resolution this spring, but neither Chas Dodd nor Gary Nova did much to impress. Mohamed Sanu is gone, there are more shifts on the offensive line, and the running game has to prove something. I think the defense will be the best in the Big East. The offense is scaring me right now, which is why I moved the Scarlet Knights down.
4. Cincinnati: The Bearcats do return talent, and players who saw some significant action last season. But they also lose 21 seniors, including Big East Offensive Player of the Year Isaiah Pead and Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year Derek Wolfe. I don't have any doubts that the Bearcats will have a good season. I just don't know if they will win another championship.
5. Pitt: If there is any team with "ifs" all over the roster, it is the Panthers. They have a new head coach. They are returning Tino Sunseri at quarterback. Nobody knows how Ray Graham is going to do after major knee surgery. The offensive line has to be better. There is not much depth on the defensive line. If all of these come together, the Panthers could be really good. If they don't, they could be really bad.
6. UConn: The Huskies will be good on defense. But what about quarterback? I feel like a broken record saying the same thing over again. Quarterback uncertainty always makes me hesitant to rank a team in the top half of the league. I was hesitant last year, and I am hesitant again this year.
7. Syracuse: I have said this before, but it bears repeating: I think Syracuse is the hardest team to gauge in the Big East. The Orange have to be more consistent on offense. They have to find a running game to help ease some of the burden off quarterback Ryan Nassib. Does Ashton Broyld give them enough to get them more explosive plays? The defense still has depth concerns in the front seven.
8. Temple: I worry about how the Owls will make the transition to the Big East in Year 1. I think Temple has a good team, but the Owls also lost a lot of their best players and have depth concerns on the offensive and defensive lines. That is enough to worry any coach in Year 1 in a major conference.
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.
Louisville posts best semester under Strong
May, 10, 2012
May 10
5:40
PM ET
By
Andrea Adelson | ESPN.com
Louisville has posted its best academic semester under third-year coach Charlie Strong, the school announced Thursday.
In the recently completed spring semester, 37 players had a grade-point average of 3.0 or better -- two had a perfect 4.0. Seventy-three players earned a 2.5 GPA or higher this spring. The team produced a combined 2.76 GPA for the semester, the highest average under Strong.
The football team owns a cumulative GPA of 2.78, and had a total of 19 players also make the Dean’s List.
Seven football players are to graduate Saturday.
In the recently completed spring semester, 37 players had a grade-point average of 3.0 or better -- two had a perfect 4.0. Seventy-three players earned a 2.5 GPA or higher this spring. The team produced a combined 2.76 GPA for the semester, the highest average under Strong.
The football team owns a cumulative GPA of 2.78, and had a total of 19 players also make the Dean’s List.
Seven football players are to graduate Saturday.
2011 overall record: 7-6
2011 conference record: 5-2 (T-1)
Returning starters
Offense 8; Defense 10; Kicker/punter: 1.
Key returners
QB Teddy Bridgewater RB Dominique Brown, WR DeVante Parker, WR Eli Rogers, C Mario Benavides, CB Adrian Bushell, LB Preston Brown, S Hakeem Smith
Key losses
RB Victor Anderson, DE Greg Scruggs, LB Dexter Heyman, K Chris Philpott, TE Josh Chichester
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Victor Anderson (539 yards)
Passing: Teddy Bridgewater* (191-of-296 for 2,129 yards, 14 TDs, 12 INTs)
Receiving: Michaelee Harris* (455 yards)
Tackles: Dexter Heyman (90)
Sacks: Marcus Smith* (5.5)
Interceptions: Heyman (three)
Spring answers
1. Strong secondary. Louisville should have one of the better secondaries in the Big East with the return of cornerbacks Adrian Bushell and Andrew Johnson, and safeties Hakeem Smith and Calvin Pryor. Highly heralded Gerod Holliman isn't even included in the bunch after sitting out spring with a shoulder injury. Coach Charlie Strong has to be happy with this core group.
2. Preston Brown in the middle. Brown played on the outside last season but has shifted to middle linebacker to replace Dexter Heyman, the team's leading tackler from a year ago. Strong had nothing but praise for the spring Brown had in making the transition. Louisville feels good about having him in there.
3. Bridgewater on the rise. Any time true freshmen have good seasons, the phrase that gets thrown around is "sophomore slump." Therefore, some have wondered whether Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will be as effective in Year 2 as he was as a true freshman. If his spring is any indication, he will be much more effective. Bridgewater had complete command of the offense in the spring and grew as a leader as well. Louisville appears to be in good hands.
Fall questions
1. Running back rotation. Strong's preference is to have one workhorse back, but Louisville may not achieve that for the second straight season. Coming out of spring, Strong said his team would most likely work four running backs into some sort of a rotation -- Dominique Brown, Jeremy Wright, Senorise Perry and Corvin Lamb. Just how that rotation will work and how effective the run game will be remain big questions.
2. Maturity. Strong has talked extensively to his players about being more mature this season, especially with increased expectations for another Big East championship. Though his team is more experienced, it's laden with sophomores and juniors who are still learning as they go. This team has to prove it can handle higher expectations, and big wins. After every big win last year, a letdown followed.
3. Kicker. With the reliable Chris Philpott gone, Louisville now turns to redshirt freshman John Wallace, who leads the way after the spring. Most every Big East game comes down to the wire, which increases the value of having a good kicker. Wallace is going to have to prove he can do it in game action right out of the gate.
2011 conference record: 5-2 (T-1)
Returning starters
Offense 8; Defense 10; Kicker/punter: 1.
Key returners
QB Teddy Bridgewater RB Dominique Brown, WR DeVante Parker, WR Eli Rogers, C Mario Benavides, CB Adrian Bushell, LB Preston Brown, S Hakeem Smith
Key losses
RB Victor Anderson, DE Greg Scruggs, LB Dexter Heyman, K Chris Philpott, TE Josh Chichester
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Victor Anderson (539 yards)
Passing: Teddy Bridgewater* (191-of-296 for 2,129 yards, 14 TDs, 12 INTs)
Receiving: Michaelee Harris* (455 yards)
Tackles: Dexter Heyman (90)
Sacks: Marcus Smith* (5.5)
Interceptions: Heyman (three)
Spring answers
1. Strong secondary. Louisville should have one of the better secondaries in the Big East with the return of cornerbacks Adrian Bushell and Andrew Johnson, and safeties Hakeem Smith and Calvin Pryor. Highly heralded Gerod Holliman isn't even included in the bunch after sitting out spring with a shoulder injury. Coach Charlie Strong has to be happy with this core group.
2. Preston Brown in the middle. Brown played on the outside last season but has shifted to middle linebacker to replace Dexter Heyman, the team's leading tackler from a year ago. Strong had nothing but praise for the spring Brown had in making the transition. Louisville feels good about having him in there.
3. Bridgewater on the rise. Any time true freshmen have good seasons, the phrase that gets thrown around is "sophomore slump." Therefore, some have wondered whether Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will be as effective in Year 2 as he was as a true freshman. If his spring is any indication, he will be much more effective. Bridgewater had complete command of the offense in the spring and grew as a leader as well. Louisville appears to be in good hands.
Fall questions
1. Running back rotation. Strong's preference is to have one workhorse back, but Louisville may not achieve that for the second straight season. Coming out of spring, Strong said his team would most likely work four running backs into some sort of a rotation -- Dominique Brown, Jeremy Wright, Senorise Perry and Corvin Lamb. Just how that rotation will work and how effective the run game will be remain big questions.
2. Maturity. Strong has talked extensively to his players about being more mature this season, especially with increased expectations for another Big East championship. Though his team is more experienced, it's laden with sophomores and juniors who are still learning as they go. This team has to prove it can handle higher expectations, and big wins. After every big win last year, a letdown followed.
3. Kicker. With the reliable Chris Philpott gone, Louisville now turns to redshirt freshman John Wallace, who leads the way after the spring. Most every Big East game comes down to the wire, which increases the value of having a good kicker. Wallace is going to have to prove he can do it in game action right out of the gate.
Time to move along to Week 7 in my ultimate Big East road trip. For those just tuning in, I am selecting the games I would choose to see each and every week this season.
My editors usually do that for me. But if the scheduling were up to me, this is where I would want to go.
Here is the Week 7 schedule:
Why: Not exactly a scintillating Big East slate this week, but it happens from time to time. There are some intriguing story lines for a few of the games -- Steve Addazio goes against his mentor in Paul Pasqualoni when the Owls play at UConn. Then you have the battle for New York between Syracuse and Rutgers, in what could very well be their final game against Big East rivals. Who can forget the turnover-fest that ended in overtime last year?
But I am going with Louisville vs. Pitt for a few reasons. For one, I am projecting that this game is going to have an impact on the Big East race, based on where I expect both teams to be at this point in the season. For another, there is a bit of a revenge factor going in this game. Last season, Louisville had a great opportunity to make some noise in the Big East race headed into its Nov. 12 home game against Pitt. The Cardinals had won three in a row, including a huge victory at West Virginia the previous week. Pitt was struggling with Ray Graham out.
But the Panthers came in and pushed Louisville around -- rushing for 200 yards against one of the best run defenses in the league -- and won 21-14. The following week, Louisville coach Charlie Strong said his players weren't focused for Pitt because they spent too much time playing the video game "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3." I think you all remember cracking wise about that.
Anyway, if Louisville is as good as advertised, the Cardinals should once again be the favorite going into this game. The potential also exists for them to be undefeated. Oh and by the way, this also happens to be Louisville's league opener. I think it is pretty safe to project the stakes to be the highest in this game.
Here are my previous choices:
My editors usually do that for me. But if the scheduling were up to me, this is where I would want to go.
Here is the Week 7 schedule:
- Fordham at Cincinnati
- Temple at UConn
- Louisville at Pitt
- Syracuse at Rutgers
Why: Not exactly a scintillating Big East slate this week, but it happens from time to time. There are some intriguing story lines for a few of the games -- Steve Addazio goes against his mentor in Paul Pasqualoni when the Owls play at UConn. Then you have the battle for New York between Syracuse and Rutgers, in what could very well be their final game against Big East rivals. Who can forget the turnover-fest that ended in overtime last year?
But I am going with Louisville vs. Pitt for a few reasons. For one, I am projecting that this game is going to have an impact on the Big East race, based on where I expect both teams to be at this point in the season. For another, there is a bit of a revenge factor going in this game. Last season, Louisville had a great opportunity to make some noise in the Big East race headed into its Nov. 12 home game against Pitt. The Cardinals had won three in a row, including a huge victory at West Virginia the previous week. Pitt was struggling with Ray Graham out.
But the Panthers came in and pushed Louisville around -- rushing for 200 yards against one of the best run defenses in the league -- and won 21-14. The following week, Louisville coach Charlie Strong said his players weren't focused for Pitt because they spent too much time playing the video game "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3." I think you all remember cracking wise about that.
Anyway, if Louisville is as good as advertised, the Cardinals should once again be the favorite going into this game. The potential also exists for them to be undefeated. Oh and by the way, this also happens to be Louisville's league opener. I think it is pretty safe to project the stakes to be the highest in this game.
Here are my previous choices:
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.
Anybody who has watched the Big East in recent years realizes this a much more defensive league, than offensive league.
Last season, seven of the eight teams ranked in the top half of the nation in total defense. The "worst" defense, Syracuse, ranked No. 64 -- just outside the top half. In 2010, six of eight teams ranked in the top half of the nation in the same category. The "worst" two defenses -- Cincinnati and Rutgers -- were ranked No. 61 and 63, respectively. In 2009, the worst defense, Cincinnati, ranked No. 67 in the nation.
I went back and looked at recent draft history to see how this translated to the next level.
Sure enough, defensive players were selected more than offensive players, and in higher rounds to boot.
In the past two drafts, 21 of the 34 players selected came from the defense. In the recently concluded NFL draft, eight of the 12 Big East players came from the defense. More pronounced, five of the seven players drafted in the first three rounds were defensive, and all played defensive line (Bruce Irvin, Chandler Jones, Derek Wolfe, Kendall Reyes and John Hughes).
Going back to the 2010 draft, 12 of the 16 players taken in the first three rounds were on defense.
We can continue looking a bit deeper to see defensive line has been an incredible strength, not just in the draft this year. In the past four drafts, the Big East has had at least one defensive lineman drafted in the first three rounds. Last year, two of the first four Big East picks were linemen. In 2010, Jason Pierre-Paul of USF went in the first round.
Coaches like Charlie Strong, Greg Schiano, Randy Edsall, Dave Wannstedt, Paul Pasqualoni and Jim Leavitt all have had a hand in the transformation, given their defensive backgrounds.
So will the trend hold for the 2013 draft?
In the super early mock drafts for next season, there are no Big East players listed in the first round. But CBS Sports already has a listing of the top draft prospects, by position. Eleven defensive players are listed among the Top 25 players at their respective positions, compared to five on offense.
However, there are more offensive players ranked among the Top 5 at their positions. Justin Pugh of Syracuse is listed as the No. 4 offensive tackle; Ray Graham of Pitt is listed as the No. 5 running back; and Ryan Griffin of UConn is listed as the No. 5 tight end.
The top-ranked defensive player is Khaseem Greene, at No. 6 among outside linebackers. Sio Moore of UConn also makes that list, at No. 9.
There is obviously an entire season of football to be played, and all these projections will change. But the way the Big East's defensive players have emerged is a trend worth noting.
Last season, seven of the eight teams ranked in the top half of the nation in total defense. The "worst" defense, Syracuse, ranked No. 64 -- just outside the top half. In 2010, six of eight teams ranked in the top half of the nation in the same category. The "worst" two defenses -- Cincinnati and Rutgers -- were ranked No. 61 and 63, respectively. In 2009, the worst defense, Cincinnati, ranked No. 67 in the nation.
I went back and looked at recent draft history to see how this translated to the next level.
[+] Enlarge
Jason O. Watson/US PresswireSyracuse defensive end Chandler Jones was drafted in the first round by New England last month.
Jason O. Watson/US PresswireSyracuse defensive end Chandler Jones was drafted in the first round by New England last month.In the past two drafts, 21 of the 34 players selected came from the defense. In the recently concluded NFL draft, eight of the 12 Big East players came from the defense. More pronounced, five of the seven players drafted in the first three rounds were defensive, and all played defensive line (Bruce Irvin, Chandler Jones, Derek Wolfe, Kendall Reyes and John Hughes).
Going back to the 2010 draft, 12 of the 16 players taken in the first three rounds were on defense.
We can continue looking a bit deeper to see defensive line has been an incredible strength, not just in the draft this year. In the past four drafts, the Big East has had at least one defensive lineman drafted in the first three rounds. Last year, two of the first four Big East picks were linemen. In 2010, Jason Pierre-Paul of USF went in the first round.
Coaches like Charlie Strong, Greg Schiano, Randy Edsall, Dave Wannstedt, Paul Pasqualoni and Jim Leavitt all have had a hand in the transformation, given their defensive backgrounds.
So will the trend hold for the 2013 draft?
In the super early mock drafts for next season, there are no Big East players listed in the first round. But CBS Sports already has a listing of the top draft prospects, by position. Eleven defensive players are listed among the Top 25 players at their respective positions, compared to five on offense.
However, there are more offensive players ranked among the Top 5 at their positions. Justin Pugh of Syracuse is listed as the No. 4 offensive tackle; Ray Graham of Pitt is listed as the No. 5 running back; and Ryan Griffin of UConn is listed as the No. 5 tight end.
The top-ranked defensive player is Khaseem Greene, at No. 6 among outside linebackers. Sio Moore of UConn also makes that list, at No. 9.
There is obviously an entire season of football to be played, and all these projections will change. But the way the Big East's defensive players have emerged is a trend worth noting.
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.
Syracuse, Louisville improving facilities
April, 23, 2012
Apr 23
2:00
PM ET
By
Andrea Adelson | ESPN.com
There is one major way to keep up with the Joneses throughout college football -- improve and/or expand your facilities.
Syracuse and Louisville have recently announced plans to that end, moves that should help the two schools look more attractive to incoming recruits while also offering some of the same state-of-the art upgrades that student-athletes already have at competing institutions.
With the Orange moving on to the ACC, the need to improve facilities took on even more urgency. The $5 million project will upgrade the locker room, student-athlete lounge, cafeteria, Hall of Fame lobby, and team auditorium in the main football facility, which has lagged behind others not only across the Big East but across the country.
“It is time that we do something spectacular for football. We have the Carmelo Anthony Center on one side of the Manley complex and the new football renovated facility, with an obvious entrance, will be the cornerstone on the other side,” athletics director Daryl Gross said. “We will integrate the great history of Syracuse football into the present vision of Coach Doug Marrone's football team, which is vital as we climb back into prominence and eventually transition into the ACC. It is very important that we maintain the highest level of student-athlete welfare for our football program.”
A huge selling point for incoming players could be the Hall of Fame lobby, which rightfully will emphasize the deep history and tradition at Syracuse. The legacy of Jim Brown, John Mackey, Floyd Little, Dwight Freeney, Marvin Harrison and Donovan McNabb will be on prominent display. So will the team's bowl success. Ernie Davis' Heisman Trophy will have its own presentation.
“The renovations to our facility will directly impact the accomplishments of our football program, as well as provide an enormous positive effect on our recruiting endeavors,” Marrone said in a statement.
At Louisville, athletic department officials were recently authorized to start fundraising for a $7.5 million expansion of the football complex, next to the football stadium. Coach Charlie Strong has proposed an 18,000 square-foot addition to the complex, which opened in 1998.
Louisville will raise the money privately to finance more space for the training room and weight room, in addition to upgrades in other areas. State-of-the-art weight rooms have become essential in the world of college football today.
"What we're trying to do is upgrade," Strong said last week. "It's all about just making sure that you stay up to date, you keep moving with everyone else. When you bring in recruits, they look around. They don't know what they're looking for half the time, but it's all about where you're just staying to keep up with every other program."
Syracuse and Louisville have recently announced plans to that end, moves that should help the two schools look more attractive to incoming recruits while also offering some of the same state-of-the art upgrades that student-athletes already have at competing institutions.
With the Orange moving on to the ACC, the need to improve facilities took on even more urgency. The $5 million project will upgrade the locker room, student-athlete lounge, cafeteria, Hall of Fame lobby, and team auditorium in the main football facility, which has lagged behind others not only across the Big East but across the country.
“It is time that we do something spectacular for football. We have the Carmelo Anthony Center on one side of the Manley complex and the new football renovated facility, with an obvious entrance, will be the cornerstone on the other side,” athletics director Daryl Gross said. “We will integrate the great history of Syracuse football into the present vision of Coach Doug Marrone's football team, which is vital as we climb back into prominence and eventually transition into the ACC. It is very important that we maintain the highest level of student-athlete welfare for our football program.”
A huge selling point for incoming players could be the Hall of Fame lobby, which rightfully will emphasize the deep history and tradition at Syracuse. The legacy of Jim Brown, John Mackey, Floyd Little, Dwight Freeney, Marvin Harrison and Donovan McNabb will be on prominent display. So will the team's bowl success. Ernie Davis' Heisman Trophy will have its own presentation.
“The renovations to our facility will directly impact the accomplishments of our football program, as well as provide an enormous positive effect on our recruiting endeavors,” Marrone said in a statement.
At Louisville, athletic department officials were recently authorized to start fundraising for a $7.5 million expansion of the football complex, next to the football stadium. Coach Charlie Strong has proposed an 18,000 square-foot addition to the complex, which opened in 1998.
Louisville will raise the money privately to finance more space for the training room and weight room, in addition to upgrades in other areas. State-of-the-art weight rooms have become essential in the world of college football today.
"What we're trying to do is upgrade," Strong said last week. "It's all about just making sure that you stay up to date, you keep moving with everyone else. When you bring in recruits, they look around. They don't know what they're looking for half the time, but it's all about where you're just staying to keep up with every other program."
Louisville hits offseason with extra baggage
April, 17, 2012
Apr 17
10:30
AM ET
By
Andrea Adelson | ESPN.com
When Charlie Strong arrived in Louisville, many believed the Cardinals would continue to be a league doormat.
They were picked to finish eighth in the 2010 preseason media poll.
The result: a surprising 7-6 record and bowl victory in Year 1. But the success of that season did little to raise expectations around the league, particularly because the Cardinals lost so many seniors.
They were picked to finish seventh in the 2011 preseason media poll.
The result: a surprising 7-6 season that ended with a share of the Big East championship.
Now, the script has been flipped. You can all but guarantee the Cardinals won't be found anywhere near the bottom of the Big East projections headed into 2012.
Indeed, Louisville leaves spring practice with a bit of extra baggage -- that of heightened expectations for a program that has not been to a BCS game since 2006.
"Now it's all about where are we going to take this team?" coach Charlie Strong said after the spring game wrapped this past weekend. "This could be a special group, but it's about work. A lot is going to be said about this team. A lot is going to be written about this team. Now, are we going to mature enough to handle all the writing out there, the publication of what is going to be said? Last year we were picked last, we end up in a three-way tie for first. This year, we're going to be picked first or second, so now we're going to see if we can work and then can we go play each week and be a consistent team every week? We'll see. We have a lot of work to do and we need to improve. We have to go get better."
By all accounts, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has gotten himself better -- a huge key to Louisville's hopes this upcoming season. Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson estimated that Bridgewater completed 70 percent of his passes this spring. Strong notes that Bridgewater has opened himself up to coaching, and is willing to put in the time to make himself better.
While one tailback has not emerged to carry the load, Strong said he was OK with rotating among his four players. But getting that ground game established is going to be paramount if the Cardinals live up to the high expectations most everybody has of them this season.
Defensively, the Cardinals should be even stronger with so many players returning up front and in the secondary. Preston Brown has developed at middle linebacker this season as he replaces Dexter Heyman. Daniel Brown and Deiontrez Mount are projected to start as well, making the linebackers the most unproven group on defense. That is incredible to say, when you consider both Browns are returning starters.
"I just look at this whole football team," Strong said. "We're just a totally different team. Last year, we were trying to get a snap, practices were so bad, (it was) can we just get a snap, run a play? Now we feel we can function as a team. Even going out there (Saturday), it's a breath of fresh air. You're finally beginning to look like a football team."
They were picked to finish eighth in the 2010 preseason media poll.
The result: a surprising 7-6 record and bowl victory in Year 1. But the success of that season did little to raise expectations around the league, particularly because the Cardinals lost so many seniors.
They were picked to finish seventh in the 2011 preseason media poll.
The result: a surprising 7-6 season that ended with a share of the Big East championship.
Now, the script has been flipped. You can all but guarantee the Cardinals won't be found anywhere near the bottom of the Big East projections headed into 2012.
Indeed, Louisville leaves spring practice with a bit of extra baggage -- that of heightened expectations for a program that has not been to a BCS game since 2006.
"Now it's all about where are we going to take this team?" coach Charlie Strong said after the spring game wrapped this past weekend. "This could be a special group, but it's about work. A lot is going to be said about this team. A lot is going to be written about this team. Now, are we going to mature enough to handle all the writing out there, the publication of what is going to be said? Last year we were picked last, we end up in a three-way tie for first. This year, we're going to be picked first or second, so now we're going to see if we can work and then can we go play each week and be a consistent team every week? We'll see. We have a lot of work to do and we need to improve. We have to go get better."
By all accounts, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has gotten himself better -- a huge key to Louisville's hopes this upcoming season. Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson estimated that Bridgewater completed 70 percent of his passes this spring. Strong notes that Bridgewater has opened himself up to coaching, and is willing to put in the time to make himself better.
While one tailback has not emerged to carry the load, Strong said he was OK with rotating among his four players. But getting that ground game established is going to be paramount if the Cardinals live up to the high expectations most everybody has of them this season.
Defensively, the Cardinals should be even stronger with so many players returning up front and in the secondary. Preston Brown has developed at middle linebacker this season as he replaces Dexter Heyman. Daniel Brown and Deiontrez Mount are projected to start as well, making the linebackers the most unproven group on defense. That is incredible to say, when you consider both Browns are returning starters.
"I just look at this whole football team," Strong said. "We're just a totally different team. Last year, we were trying to get a snap, practices were so bad, (it was) can we just get a snap, run a play? Now we feel we can function as a team. Even going out there (Saturday), it's a breath of fresh air. You're finally beginning to look like a football team."
Louisville coach Charlie Strong held his pre-spring game news conference Thursday, and had a bit of explaining to do to the local media after closing down access last week.
Strong basically said he feels his team deserves coverage, regardless of what is happening with the other teams on campus. During March, when the men's basketball team was making its run to the Final Four, there was not as much coverage of the football team.
"We are a BCS program," Strong said. "We are an elite program, and I am passionate about this program, and that's what I want to see in this community."
With that out of the way, Strong discussed his team and the way his players came together this spring. Among the highlights:
Strong basically said he feels his team deserves coverage, regardless of what is happening with the other teams on campus. During March, when the men's basketball team was making its run to the Final Four, there was not as much coverage of the football team.
"We are a BCS program," Strong said. "We are an elite program, and I am passionate about this program, and that's what I want to see in this community."
With that out of the way, Strong discussed his team and the way his players came together this spring. Among the highlights:
- While the Cardinals have not settled on a starter at running back, Strong likes what his top four players bring to the table. Dominique Brown, Jeremy Wright, Senorise Perry and Corvin Lamb all bring their unique styles, which Strong hopes to be able to use to his advantage this season.
- Preston Brown has done very well in his move to middle linebacker, replacing Dexter Heyman. Deiontrez Mount will also play linebacker.
- The strength of the defense could very well be in the secondary, where Andrew Johnson, Adrian Bushell, Hakeem Smith and Calvin Pryor all return. Strong said the experience back there will make him more comfortable playing man coverage.
- As for the defensive line, there might not be one standout, but there are some good players returning. He mentioned Brandon Dunn as having had a "special spring." But there is concern on both the offensive and defensive lines about depth. The starting units are looking good, but having quality guys to go in separates champions. "It's all about taking a puzzle and making sure you have each piece and putting it where it needs to be fitted," Strong said.
- There are two more areas that need development -- who is going to be the playmaker at wide receiver? That would presumably be DeVante Parker, but Strong said nobody has separated himself in that category. Kicker is another area that has to be addressed, with Chris Philpott moving on.
- As for the Arkansas speculation, Strong says he has not been contacted about the open job, and reiterated once again that he is happy at Louisville.
I had a few complaints about all the USF coverage on the blog last week. Just as a quick explainer: When I head out on the road, there will be more posts on the teams I am there to see. So that means you can expect plenty of Temple and Rutgers posts and videos in the coming days. Yes, it tilts the coverage toward one team, but it is only temporary.
Now on to the questions.
Joel in Houston writes: Hi Andrea. With the Big East jumping up to either 12 or 14 members in 2013 (depending on Pitt/Syracuse leaving early), has there been any talk on whether the league will go to a nine-game conference schedule? Also, do you think they will start a Big East championship right away or wait until Navy is on board, as commissioner John Marinatto has said previously.
Andrea Adelson: The league has maintained it would stick with an eight-game schedule. As for a Big East championship game, I think the league would be willing to explore having one once it got up to 12 teams, but there is a lot to resolve. First and foremost is evaluating what would make the game most viable and successful. Does that mean playing at a neutral site in the Northeast, like New York? Or campus sites, which probably make the most logistical sense.
Alex in Syracuse writes: I have a feeling that this could be our year with Ryan Nassib, a senior. I feel like he's going to prove himself as a quarterback. He's shown sparks of greatness, and I know he's going to give it his all to carry the 'Cuse to at least a 7-5 record. Am I dead wrong?
Adelson: If you saw my schedule analysis for Syracuse, I listed its best-case scenario at 8-4, so no, I don't think you are dead wrong. Syracuse is a hard team to gauge right now because of all the question marks. Nassib is not among them, which is good news for Orange fans. But if coach Doug Marrone wants to have this revamped offense featuring more of a rushing quarterback, then how does that affect Nassib or the rhythm of the offense? What will the revamped offense look like? Who are the reliable running backs? How does the defensive line get rebuilt? How about the secondary? There are so many questions up and down. Then look at the nonconference schedule and you see why many believe it will be tough sledding for the Orange this season.
Brian in Fort Myers writes: Andrea, That was right on with where USF sits in the Big Four of Florida college football. I for one am so glad that we are even in the conversation as our program is so new and has had some success which makes me proud. Sometimes we think with Green and Gold, Blue and Orange, Garnet and Gold glasses, but reality sets in and overall the whole state is new to the success/traditions of football. Great time to be a Bull and the success will come with time. Keep up the good work.
Adelson: Thanks, Brian. Having lived in Florida for the majority of my life, I can honestly say keeping tabs on all the football programs here has given me some great joy. It is a definite measure of pride to come from a state with such outstanding tradition and to see young programs like USF and UCF try to work their way up to the top. But perspective is important, so looking at the success while writing the story was truly remarkable. All of this happened in the past 30 years! College football has been played for more than 100. We live in a society where we demand results right now. I understand that. But to see where USF has come in just a few short years should make all Bulls fans really proud.
Aaron H. in RU Land writes: Andrea... Welcome to the great state of NJ!!! Make sure to hit up one of the food trucks on College Ave.!!! Interested to see if you can get a good look at the new offensive line. I like what I am hearing about that group. (granted its only a couple of spring practices). Also, interested to see how (Kyle) Flood manages a practice. (Greg) Schiano was all over the place during practices working on fundamentals and I have always felt like that's the position coaches job not the head coaches!
Adelson: Hi Aaron. It is hard to get a good gauge on the offensive line with a few projected starters out in Kaleb Johnson and Betim Bujari. But I don't think it's an understatement to say Flood is excited about the group he has. There is definite competition going on at center right now, and Taj Alexander looks really huge. I think the big key is going to find guys at the positions that fit them best and keep them there. Flood doesn't want to keep shuffling guys around. As for what Flood does at practice, he definitely delegates more to his assistants. He is much more of an overseer, which is a departure. Not in a bad way.
Chad in Richmond, Ky., writes: Love the blog, AA.Charlie Strong rumors about Arkansas and being upset with lack of local media coverage of spring practice during the Final Four are hot and heavy. What say you AA?
Adelson: You know, Strong was a name I did not see on some of the initial lists. The focus from the Big East perspective has seemed to be on Skip Holtz. Now, obviously Strong played at Central Arkansas and coached in the SEC, so he is quite familiar with the league. But I don't know if that is a situation he would want to step in to. He has maintained he wants to stay at Louisville, even if it upsets him sometimes that football can be overshadowed at times.
Now on to the questions.
Joel in Houston writes: Hi Andrea. With the Big East jumping up to either 12 or 14 members in 2013 (depending on Pitt/Syracuse leaving early), has there been any talk on whether the league will go to a nine-game conference schedule? Also, do you think they will start a Big East championship right away or wait until Navy is on board, as commissioner John Marinatto has said previously.
Andrea Adelson: The league has maintained it would stick with an eight-game schedule. As for a Big East championship game, I think the league would be willing to explore having one once it got up to 12 teams, but there is a lot to resolve. First and foremost is evaluating what would make the game most viable and successful. Does that mean playing at a neutral site in the Northeast, like New York? Or campus sites, which probably make the most logistical sense.
Alex in Syracuse writes: I have a feeling that this could be our year with Ryan Nassib, a senior. I feel like he's going to prove himself as a quarterback. He's shown sparks of greatness, and I know he's going to give it his all to carry the 'Cuse to at least a 7-5 record. Am I dead wrong?
Adelson: If you saw my schedule analysis for Syracuse, I listed its best-case scenario at 8-4, so no, I don't think you are dead wrong. Syracuse is a hard team to gauge right now because of all the question marks. Nassib is not among them, which is good news for Orange fans. But if coach Doug Marrone wants to have this revamped offense featuring more of a rushing quarterback, then how does that affect Nassib or the rhythm of the offense? What will the revamped offense look like? Who are the reliable running backs? How does the defensive line get rebuilt? How about the secondary? There are so many questions up and down. Then look at the nonconference schedule and you see why many believe it will be tough sledding for the Orange this season.
Brian in Fort Myers writes: Andrea, That was right on with where USF sits in the Big Four of Florida college football. I for one am so glad that we are even in the conversation as our program is so new and has had some success which makes me proud. Sometimes we think with Green and Gold, Blue and Orange, Garnet and Gold glasses, but reality sets in and overall the whole state is new to the success/traditions of football. Great time to be a Bull and the success will come with time. Keep up the good work.
Adelson: Thanks, Brian. Having lived in Florida for the majority of my life, I can honestly say keeping tabs on all the football programs here has given me some great joy. It is a definite measure of pride to come from a state with such outstanding tradition and to see young programs like USF and UCF try to work their way up to the top. But perspective is important, so looking at the success while writing the story was truly remarkable. All of this happened in the past 30 years! College football has been played for more than 100. We live in a society where we demand results right now. I understand that. But to see where USF has come in just a few short years should make all Bulls fans really proud.
Aaron H. in RU Land writes: Andrea... Welcome to the great state of NJ!!! Make sure to hit up one of the food trucks on College Ave.!!! Interested to see if you can get a good look at the new offensive line. I like what I am hearing about that group. (granted its only a couple of spring practices). Also, interested to see how (Kyle) Flood manages a practice. (Greg) Schiano was all over the place during practices working on fundamentals and I have always felt like that's the position coaches job not the head coaches!
Adelson: Hi Aaron. It is hard to get a good gauge on the offensive line with a few projected starters out in Kaleb Johnson and Betim Bujari. But I don't think it's an understatement to say Flood is excited about the group he has. There is definite competition going on at center right now, and Taj Alexander looks really huge. I think the big key is going to find guys at the positions that fit them best and keep them there. Flood doesn't want to keep shuffling guys around. As for what Flood does at practice, he definitely delegates more to his assistants. He is much more of an overseer, which is a departure. Not in a bad way.
Chad in Richmond, Ky., writes: Love the blog, AA.Charlie Strong rumors about Arkansas and being upset with lack of local media coverage of spring practice during the Final Four are hot and heavy. What say you AA?
Adelson: You know, Strong was a name I did not see on some of the initial lists. The focus from the Big East perspective has seemed to be on Skip Holtz. Now, obviously Strong played at Central Arkansas and coached in the SEC, so he is quite familiar with the league. But I don't know if that is a situation he would want to step in to. He has maintained he wants to stay at Louisville, even if it upsets him sometimes that football can be overshadowed at times.
Lean on workhorse back or split carries?
April, 2, 2012
Apr 2
2:00
PM ET
By
Andrea Adelson | ESPN.com
To have a workhorse back or to split reps? That is the question.
And it certainly is a question on the minds of Big East coaches around the league. With five starters gone headed into 2012, and Ray Graham coming off ACL surgery, this is a position of intrigue during the spring. The ultimate decision has to be made about whether to rely on one back a lion's share of the time, or whether to get a nice rotation going to provide yourself some depth and versatility.
Two league coaches offered their opinions recently on the matter, and both are in favor of finding a workhorse back. Louisville offensive coordinator Shawn Watson pointed to 2010, when Bilal Powell had 229 carries and 1,405 yards. Victor Anderson had the next-highest carries total with 64. Last season, the Cardinals distributed the ball more evenly among its backs -- Anderson and Dominique Brown each had over 100 carries -- and did not fare as well in the ground game.
But it is important to keep in mind the offensive line had its share of struggles as well.
Still, Watson said he wants to find a go-to guy among the four players competing for the starting running back position. “We need someone to be the war daddy at that position, like Bilal Powell was in (Charlie) Strong’s first season,” said Watson. “Biggest thing we look back at is not having a go-to guy. We have to find a go-to-guy. That creates competition in the room and makes everyone better.”
At UConn, Lyle McCombs returns after putting up 1,000 yards his freshman season, but there is some nice competition at the position this spring with D.J. Shoemate returning from injury, in addition to Joe Williams, Martin Hyppolite and Max DeLorenzo. But coach Paul Pasqualoni wants one go-to guy as well.
“I don’t want a guy that’s got to come out of the game," Pasqualoni told reporters in Connecticut. "I don’t want a guy that’s saying I’m tired, take me out. I don’t want a Jaguar. Do you know what a Jaguar is? The Jaguar is always in the shop, always breaking down so I don’t want a Jaguar. I want a durable guy and if we put him in the game he stays in the game and he stays in the game. We’re trying to develop the depth we have but I’m all for one guy staying out there. Now we’re going to use the talents and ability we have but I want them all to be able to do it if you know what I mean.”
Last season, four running backs had over 200 carries. Had Graham been healthy, that number would have been five. Rutgers and Cincinnati also went with one back primarily. This season, that may not be the case. Rutgers coach Kyle Flood already has talked about the value of having more than one back consistently produce, while coach Butch Jones has talked about trying to get more backs involved to make up for the loss of Big East Offensive Player of the Year Isaiah Pead.
USF had three players with over 100 carries last season. The last time USF had a back with over 200 carries was Andre Hall in 2005, but even then the Bulls had another player with over 100 carries as well.
Pitt coach Paul Chryst has shown a proclivity to get multiple backs involved as well, but some of his offenses at Wisconsin did rely on one workhorse. If Graham returns on schedule, one would expect him to get the majority of the carries, but Isaac Bennett has had a nice spring game, and freshman Rushell Shell arrives in the summer.
As for Temple, the Owls relied on Bernard Pierce in recent years, though Matt Brown got his share of the carries. That load falls to him this season, with the hope that other backs can get involved as well.
And it certainly is a question on the minds of Big East coaches around the league. With five starters gone headed into 2012, and Ray Graham coming off ACL surgery, this is a position of intrigue during the spring. The ultimate decision has to be made about whether to rely on one back a lion's share of the time, or whether to get a nice rotation going to provide yourself some depth and versatility.
Two league coaches offered their opinions recently on the matter, and both are in favor of finding a workhorse back. Louisville offensive coordinator Shawn Watson pointed to 2010, when Bilal Powell had 229 carries and 1,405 yards. Victor Anderson had the next-highest carries total with 64. Last season, the Cardinals distributed the ball more evenly among its backs -- Anderson and Dominique Brown each had over 100 carries -- and did not fare as well in the ground game.
But it is important to keep in mind the offensive line had its share of struggles as well.
[+] Enlarge
Brian Pohorylo/Icon SMILyle McCombs had a strong rookie season, but he'll face competition to be the go-to guy coach Paul Pasqualoni wants.
Brian Pohorylo/Icon SMILyle McCombs had a strong rookie season, but he'll face competition to be the go-to guy coach Paul Pasqualoni wants.At UConn, Lyle McCombs returns after putting up 1,000 yards his freshman season, but there is some nice competition at the position this spring with D.J. Shoemate returning from injury, in addition to Joe Williams, Martin Hyppolite and Max DeLorenzo. But coach Paul Pasqualoni wants one go-to guy as well.
“I don’t want a guy that’s got to come out of the game," Pasqualoni told reporters in Connecticut. "I don’t want a guy that’s saying I’m tired, take me out. I don’t want a Jaguar. Do you know what a Jaguar is? The Jaguar is always in the shop, always breaking down so I don’t want a Jaguar. I want a durable guy and if we put him in the game he stays in the game and he stays in the game. We’re trying to develop the depth we have but I’m all for one guy staying out there. Now we’re going to use the talents and ability we have but I want them all to be able to do it if you know what I mean.”
Last season, four running backs had over 200 carries. Had Graham been healthy, that number would have been five. Rutgers and Cincinnati also went with one back primarily. This season, that may not be the case. Rutgers coach Kyle Flood already has talked about the value of having more than one back consistently produce, while coach Butch Jones has talked about trying to get more backs involved to make up for the loss of Big East Offensive Player of the Year Isaiah Pead.
USF had three players with over 100 carries last season. The last time USF had a back with over 200 carries was Andre Hall in 2005, but even then the Bulls had another player with over 100 carries as well.
Pitt coach Paul Chryst has shown a proclivity to get multiple backs involved as well, but some of his offenses at Wisconsin did rely on one workhorse. If Graham returns on schedule, one would expect him to get the majority of the carries, but Isaac Bennett has had a nice spring game, and freshman Rushell Shell arrives in the summer.
As for Temple, the Owls relied on Bernard Pierce in recent years, though Matt Brown got his share of the carries. That load falls to him this season, with the hope that other backs can get involved as well.
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.
