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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.

• 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

Syracuse is not at the Big East spring meetings, but I did have a chance to catch up with coach Doug Marrone at the ACC meetings on Amelia Island. One quick note before I get to the Q&A. I asked Marrone for an injury update, and he said he would provide one as fall practice gets closer. So still no answers on when many of his key players will be back. Stay tuned.

We have heard a lot this spring about Ashton Broyld. Describe what makes him so special.

Doug Marrone: He’s an outstanding athlete. In my time there, I haven’t had many players who have possessed that type of talent level. From that standpoint he’s going through his first spring. So we are looking to find ways to get him involved because he’s someone that can make plays and has that ability. We have to do a very good job of finding ways of making sure how we insert him into our offense moving forward. But it’s a good problem, not a bad problem.

He was listed as a running back on the depth chart. Will he stay there or be used in a variety of ways like receiver and quarterback?

DM: We’re open to all those plans, so again a lot of it is based on the type of productivity we can get from him in what areas or what positions or where it may be on the offense and how we progress him and how much he can or cannot handle. It’s a matter of what the other people are able to do at the positions around him to put him where it’s best needed for us to score more points.

One of the problems that has plagued you guys has been inconsistency on offense. How will you be better this season?

DM: We changed a lot of things offensively in what we’re doing and the reason why we’ve done that is to be able to create that type of consistency. When you look at it, we did a very good job in just one area of third down; we led the Big East in third-down conversions. Well why was that successful? Those are the questions we asked ourselves, and then trying to take that philosophy and putting it into what we do offensively to have that type of consistency. We’ve gone forward in looking to make some changes, to become a better football team and that’s what we did this spring.

What was the biggest thing you learned about the way last season went?

DM: I think obviously we’re all disappointed, being in a good position, at 5-2 and not being able to turn that around and creating more wins always leaves a bad taste not only for coaches and fans and administrators but players and everyone involved in the program. For us, it was to go ahead, create a level of expectations for us so we can remain and do a better job during the year. A lot about character is how you respond to that. We have to do a better job, starting with me. Responding to that adversity and being able to move forward.

Ryan Nassib took some steps forward last year. What does he need to do to become an elite quarterback?

DM: I just think we need him to do what we plan on him doing. We don’t need him to go the extra mile and push so hard on himself. He’s a very competitive person. We have to make sure we have the right people in place around him for us to be successful. You look at all the offenses, whether it’s the NFL or college football. There are other people around making plays. For us to succeed offensively, we have to make more plays. We’ve generated more yardage but not at a rate we would probably like to but we haven’t generated more yards per play and that’s what’s keeping us back. We’re hoping with some of the changes we’ve made that we’re able to open it up and do some things where we have from a percentage standpoint the ability to make bigger plays per play. We have to make more plays, whether that’s at the quarterback position, running back position, tight end, receiver. We have to generate more plays.

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. -- Pitt and Syracuse are caught in a bit of no man's land right now. With one foot out of the Big East door and one foot in the ACC door, the two schools had their representatives at the ACC spring meetings this week.

It may seem strange or awkward, but the programs are persona non grata at the Big East, after announcing their defections last September. They will not be at the Big East spring meetings next week, and are trying to move forward with their eyes to the ACC future.

But when that future will begin remains up in the air. Though former Big East commissioner John Marinatto said previously he was hopeful a resolution could be reached to allow Pitt and Syracuse to leave the Big East a year early and join the ACC for the 2013 season, nothing has been determined.

Pitt has grown frustrated with efforts to negotiate, and filed suit against the Big East last week in Pennsylvania in order to be allowed to leave a year earlier than the required 27-month waiting period. Pitt athletic director Steve Pederson declined further comment on the suit while at the ACC meetings.

Syracuse, on the other hand, has not taken any legal action. Athletic director Daryl Gross said Tuesday that he remained hopeful a deal could be arranged without resorting to a lawsuit.

"We’re obviously going to keep all our options open, but I’m still confident that there’s a lot of bright people, sophisticated people that can get together and solve this in a quick fashion," Gross said.

He recently had talks with Marinatto about getting out of the Big East after this season, now that the league has reconstituted itself. But Marinatto has since resigned, and Joe Bailey has been hired as interim commissioner.

"We’ve been collegial throughout this process," Gross said. "It seems they’ve gotten to a point where they have their teams solidified and now it’s time for us to move out of the way. One, they need to move on with their life and set up whatever TV contracts and rights. Two, we need to move on with our life as an institution as well. We still believe we can sit down and negotiate and talk about a graceful departure."

Does he have a timetable for a resolution before taking another step? "I’m confident we can work things out and then we’ll go from there."

Was he surprised Pitt went the legal route: "I’m not surprised because I think there’s an urgency. I think folks have shown patience and we’re getting to a point where we really need to move forward. There should be some urgency with this because folks have been patient. I understand."

For their parts, Syracuse coach Doug Marrone and Pitt coach Paul Chryst have stayed above the fray. When asked about his feelings about being at the ACC meetings, despite having a Big East schedule to play this year, Marrone said, "For us it’s a standpoint of excitement. It’s a great introduction and looking forward to what the future holds for us. My focus is to make sure that our football team, we need to win football games. It just changes, you put yourself in that mode but it’s very exciting to see where we’re going."

Chryst is attending his first spring meetings as a head coach, so this all was a new experience and conference affiliation hardly mattered. He doesn't have an opinion one way or the other about when Pitt should start ACC play.

"Not that you don’t care about it, but really, they’re not asking me," he said. "I have no problem taking what’s in front of you and focusing on those things."

2011 overall record: 5-7
2011 conference record: 1-6 (T-7)

Returning starters: Offense: 5; defense: 6; kicker/punter: 2

Top returners
QB Ryan Nassib, WR Alec Lemon, WR Marcus Sales OT Justin Pugh, LB Marquis Spruill, S Shamarko Thomas

Key losses
DE Chandler Jones, DE Mikhail Marinovich, RB Antwon Bailey, TE Nick Provo, S Phillip Thomas

2011 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Antwon Bailey (1,051 yards)
Passing: Ryan Nassib* (250-of-415 for 2,685 yards, 22 TDs, 9 INTs)
Receiving: Alec Lemon* (834 yards)
Tackles: Phillip Thomas (82)
Sacks: Chandler Jones (4.5)
Interceptions: Phillip Thomas (6)

Spring answers

1. Ryan Nassib at QB: Coach Doug Marrone hinted that he wanted some competition at quarterback, particularly with Ashton Broyld joning the team. But Nassib is the entrenched starter going into the fall. Though the offense didn't play well in the spring game, Syracuse is best served at having its most experienced offensive player taking the snaps. He will have the luxury of Marcus Sales returning. Now he needs some better protection up front.

2. Sales is back: With Lemon on the sideline because of an injury, Sales seized his opportunity to show what he can do after sitting out last season. He is listed as the starter at one of the receiver spots and had a solid spring, hoping to pick up his play from where he left off in the Pinstripe Bowl against Kansas State.

3. Inside presence: One of the more intriguing competitions in the spring was at nose tackle, after Deon Goggins was moved to defensive end in the spring. Cory Boatman is listed ahead of Eric Crume on the post-spring depth chart, although competition is expected to continue into the fall.

Fall questions

1. Injuries: Syracuse had a large number of players, particularly starters, either sit out the spring or get injured during practice. Marrone has not commented much on their availability for the fall. So now we wait and see whether Syracuse will have projected starters Alec Lemon, Justin Pugh, Marquis Spruill and Keon Lyn back in time for the start of practice.

2. Broyld's role: We saw only brief glimpses of how Syracuse plans to use the dynamic athlete during the spring. The bigger question is: What is his role going to be in the fall? He is listed at running back on the post-spring depth chart, but there should be opportunities for him as a Wildcat quarterback or to line up in the slot. Syracuse needs to use his athleticism to help improve its big plays.

3. Defensive line: Several junior college transfers are coming in the fall to help, but building depth and finding good replacements for Chandler Jones and Mikhail Marinovich on the defensive line remain a priority. Syracuse struggled mightily up front last season, an area that should be a point of emphasis this fall.

Two players who arrived at their respective teams as quarterbacks are set to make a bigger impact this season at a different position.

It is time to get to know Syracuse athlete Ashton Broyld and Cincinnati athlete Jordan Luallen. Both players spent the spring making the move to a more hybrid Wildcat/receiver/running back post.

The goal is clear. Both players are too good to keep tied to the bench behind somebody else. Their athleticism must be used for big plays.

"He’s a big, strong, fast, physical athlete," Syracuse coach Doug Marrone said of Broyld after the spring game. "We’re very fortunate to have him. I think he is going to be a great asset to us offensively. We just have to keep bringing him along, because he’s someone who can make a lot of plays."

"He’s one of the best athletes we have on our football team," Cincinnati coach Butch Jones said of Luallen earlier this spring. "We’ve got to find a way to get him on the football field."

Luallen has actual game experience, having played last season when quarterback Zach Collaros got hurt. Jones decided he would play both Munchie Legaux and Luallen at quarterback. Both can run with the football, but Luallen's knack for making big plays was clear. He rarely threw the ball, but had 135 yards on 22 carries. He should have had two touchdowns on runs that ended at the 1 against Syracuse, but alas the turf monster struck. That is probably how most Big East fans remember him.

But Cincinnati coaches just remember his ability to make plays. That led to the decision to move him to receiver, where he is listed right behind Anthony McClung on the second team. Cincinnati struggled at receiver last season, and the Bearcats could no doubt use some big-play ability at the position, particularly because depth remains a concern.

But Luallen won't be limited to just receiver. Watch for him to still be able to run a few plays out of the Wildcat to keep teams off balance, at least. Particularly because the offense is going to have a new look with Isaiah Pead and Collaros gone.

As for Broyld, he arrived as an early enrollee this spring after spending last year at Milford Academy. Though Syracuse closed practices, much has been made about the role Broyld could have in the offense because of his versatility.

Broyld is listed as the No. 3 running back on the post-spring depth chart, but he played receiver and running back in the spring game.

He had some of the only offensive highlights in that game, as the offense fizzled for the most part. He could also be used as a Wildcat quarterback, in addition to his other roles. Syracuse has lacked a big-time playmaker the last several seasons. In fact, the offense has been somewhat predictable. Broyld gives the Orange something they have lacked for quite some time. Syracuse receivers averaged 10.5 yards per catch last season -- second-worst in the Big East behind Pitt (10.4).

That is just a little glimpse of their potential. Now we wait and see what these "slash" players can do.

Tale of the tape

Ashton Broyld, Syracuse

Height: 6-4

Weight: 229

Stats: Threw for 427 yards on 31-of-56 passing and six touchdowns, and ran for 259 yards on 39 carries and six touchdowns in 2011 at Milford Academy. ... Was the 2010 New York State Class AA Player of the Year after leading Rush-Henrietta High to the Class AA State Championship and a 13-0 record. Passed for 1,961 yards and 24 touchdowns and rushed for 1,540 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Jordan Luallen, Cincinnati

Height: 6-3

Weight: 215

Stats: Went 2-for-4 for 10 yards, and rushed for 135 yards on 22 carries last season in a backup role with the Bearcats. He was forced to sit out 2010 after transferring in from Georgia Tech, where he redshirted as a true freshman in 2009. ... Rated the No. 22 quarterback recruit out of high school. Also won a state championship in 2008, Went 46-for-85 for 941 yards, two interceptions, and 14 touchdowns and rushed for 622 yards on 84 carries in the Wing-T offense as a senior.

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."

Three more teams play spring games Saturday. Here is a quick preview of each:

UConn. You can bet all eyes are going to be on the quarterback position, where five players are still competing for the starting job. Junior college transfer Chandler Whitmer, true freshman Casey Cochran, 2011 starter Johnny McEntee, Scott McCummings and Michael Nebrich are all still in the mix, and coach Paul Pasqualoni has yet to indicate the direction he is leaning. This competition could very well stretch into the fall, the way it did last season. On the running back front, the Huskies got some tough news this week when they learned D.J. Shoemate's career was over because of a shoulder injury. That is obviously a tough blow, because hopes were high for the USC transfer. But Max DeLorenzo has had a terrific spring, so watch out for him as a player who can really provide a nice complement to Lyle McCombs.

USF. The Bulls got some tough news this week as well when starting defensive tackle Cory Grissom broke a bone in his ankle. You can bet the inside rotation is going to be something the Bulls will work on in the spring game as they try to get a handle on how to replace Grissom, who should be out for an extended period this season. Luke Sager, Elkino Watson and Todd Chandler form the trio of players who will be relied upon to help out. B.J. Daniels has had a good spring, but a big key is going to be the way he develops chemistry and rhythm with his receivers. USF has got tons of talent, but now they have to put it together and mesh with their starting quarterback. Lindsey Lamar has gotten good reviews since his move to tailback, but what type of role does he have for the season? Secondary is another area where USF hopes to improve -- junior college cornerback Fidel Montgomery has had an outstanding spring.

Syracuse. There has not been much news out of Syracuse this spring because coach Doug Marrone decided to shut down access to coaches and players so they can focus on getting themselves better. There was one open practice in Rochester that did not reveal much. The scrimmage gives fans in Syracuse an opportunity at their only glimpse of the team before the fall. Several reports out of Syracuse indicate that multi-threat quarterback Ashton Broyld could have a bigger role in the offense this season. There are several burning questions for this team, including who is going to emerge at running back, how Marcus Sales fits back into the team, and what the defensive front is going to look like after so many departures.

Four spring games down, four to go.

• Cincinnati picked up a commitment from prep tight end A.J. Branisel. Final spring scrimmage recap.
• UConn spring practice news and notes.
• Louisville football: Underdogs no more. Spring game recap.
• Pitt spring game recap.
• Rutgers nose tackle Ike Holmes is realizing his potential.
• USF's offense dominated the team's second scrimmage.
• Syracuse coach Doug Marrone will now handle the tight ends.
• Temple spring game recap.
• Ranking the top running backs in the Big East.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

No Big East chat today as I travel home from the Northeast. Chin up, everyone!

• UConn spring practice news and notes.
• Cincinnati will feature three running backs.
• Clint Hurtt continues to oversee the development of the Louisville defensive line.
• Pitt players are getting used to new offensive line coach Jim Hueber.
• Rutgers freshman kicker Kyle Federico is set to win the starting job.
• Few surprises on the first USF depth chart.
• Syracuse coach Doug Marrone has gone from friendliest coach in America to virtual recluse.
• Is Skip Holtz a potential replacement for Bobby Petrino at Arkansas?
• Matt Brown prepares for his turn as the Temple starting running back.

Another weekend has arrived, which means one last look into the mailbag.

Rob in NJ All Day writes: Why isn't anyone talking about Jawan Jamison and the Rutgers' run game? Our run game got better as the year went on and Jamison was a stud over the last couple games, including the bowl game. With this unit adding (R.J.) Dill at right tackle and a healthy, much bigger and stronger (Dallas) Hendrickson at center, I think he will be the best running back in the league. Mark my words, AA, and let's check back at the end of next year.

Andrea Adelson: Well, that is a pretty bold statement, considering Ray Graham is coming back to the league. I do believe the run game will be better, and the offensive line will be better. But the truth is, Rutgers was the worst rushing team in the Big East last season and was plagued with inconsistency -- even with some of Jamison's better games. That's why nobody is talking about Jamison. Add Savon Huggins back into the mix, and there is a true competition at running back this spring. I don't think it is set in stone that Jamison is going to be the featured back, despite what he did late in the year. Coach Kyle Flood wants both of them ready.

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Steve in Rome, N.Y., writes: AA, what do you think of Doug Marrone's decision to close practices? On one hand the local media seems to have struck back by writing virtually nothing on the team, so I'm dying for info. On the other hand, it certainly builds the anticipation for the spring game for the true diehards like myself! Anyway, appreciate your thoughts, keep up the great work on the blog, and rememeber that San Diego is east of somewhere!

Adelson: East of Hawaii, indeed! I don't think it is fair to say the local media has struck back by writing nothing on the team. Not only has Marrone closed practice, he, his players and assistants have been unavailable for post-practice comments. So there is not much in the way of information coming out of Syracuse. I don't have a problem with coaches closing practice. Most only allow a 30-minute viewing period for media, anyway. Now this may sound a bit self-serving because I am in the media, but I think it does hurt when you make nobody available for comment. I truly believe it helps the program when you make yourself available for articles, blog posts, and interviews. Especially when the focus has been on basketball. Give your guys some pub, put the Syracuse name out there. Nobody is asking them to reveal state secrets, and I don't think anybody is looking to write anything with a poison pen. I have not written anything myself, because there is nothing to write. If that is the way Marrone prefers it, then so be it.

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Jake in Montreal writes: Tino Sunseri for HEISMAN??????....No, I'm kidding. Who do you think will be the starting quarterback for Pitt under the new pro-style offense?I'm thinking (Mark) Myers. I can't trust Sunseri with the team. You with me?

Adelson: Everything out of Pittsburgh indicates Sunseri is the man headed into fall practice. He's the most experienced of the group, and has actually had a pretty decent camp. Maybe Paul Chryst has already worked his magic.

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Nick G. in Wethersfield, Conn., writes: Andrea, I know a lot of people so far are basing predictions and what not off of last year's teams and players lost. It seems to me that everyone for the most part is down on UConn for 2012. I don't think UConn will be as bad as people say or think we are going to be. The secondary will be much improved not only with Blidi Wreh-Wilson being healthy but because a lot of the guys who had to step in where very, very young. Now they have the experience and playing time. The defensive line lost a couple of guys that where great players, but we got some big ones to replace them that can handle the job just as well (I don't think we'll lose a step on the DL). And the O-line lost a few but got a new center that was a transfer from Penn St. and (Jimmy) Bennett is going to be healthy now. We are much deeper at linebacker now. We have some great players at RB, and more talent at WR than years in the past. Only Concern is at QB, but Johnny McEntee has been doing well this spring but so have the other four guys. They are all really competing for the starting spot with some flashes af great play. I honestly think this team can be top half of the league this year and fighting for the BCS berth with the last 2-3 weeks of the year if they stay away from injuries and all play to their potential, unlike last year.

Adelson: I fully expect UConn to be better, Nick. I think another year in the system is going to help everybody. As I mentioned in my offensive line preview video, I think this group will be improved. But again, any time you have questions at quarterback, you have questions about your entire team. There are no proven playmakers at receiver, either, though I know Shakim Phillips looked good before getting hurt. Linebacker will be strong, but depth along the defensive line is a major question as well. I asked Wreh-Wilson about being overlooked in the Big East, and he basically told me it was the same old story. "We've never been picked high, so we don’t worry about that," he said. If I had to guess right now, I think UConn goes back to a bowl game. Just a little better play at quarterback makes a huge, huge difference.

Syracuse coach Doug Marrone made the last-minute decision to close all his practices to the fans and media, shutting down interview access as well.

But Marrone will briefly lift the veil of secrecy with two open practices -- one this Saturday in Rochester, and the spring game in Syracuse on April 21.

In a video posted on the school's Web site, Marrone explained that he decided to close practices because of changes the team is making on offense, defense and special teams. These changes may or may not be implemented, so Marrone did not want a rush to judgment on his players or the potential new look until he knew for certain he had in front of him.

“The goal going into the spring was to make sure we come out with a two-deep so you feel comfortable with where the players are, the next thing is becoming more physical and having a better understanding of what we are doing schematically and the third is team chemistry,” Marrone said in the video. “Going into spring practice, having made the changes that we have made in all three phases -- offense, defense and special teams -- I wanted to make sure we have a true understanding of it without any distractions from the outside, knowing there may be things we like and want to keep in the system and there may be some that our players aren’t performing at the level we need to win and we take those out. I did not want someone to come in and give a false impression of who we are going to be to everyone on the outside. It has been a very good spring for us. I am extremely happy with the direction we are going.”

Syracuse is coming off a 5-7 season, and Marrone spoke several months ago about wanting to make changes to his team. Perhaps one of them is using more of versatile quarterback Ashton Broyld, who is enrolled this spring. Another has been working on creating more big plays, an issue for this team for the last several years. Defensively, there may be more of an emphasis on pressure, and Marrone wants a much more physical team.

To tie all that together, he felt it important to really make sure team chemistry was there this spring. That may have been an area that was lacking last season.

"That's the one thing you tend to overlook at times, but it's very important for this football team," Marrone said. "I know people say that's a cliche, but it means quite a bit from where we are."

As for those who might take offense to Marrone shutting practice: "We're trying to get this team ready, and I have to make those decisions on a daily basis. Sometimes it may offend people. They might feel they want to know every single thing that's going on ... It's just the way it's going, it's the way I feel. ... I'm extremely happy. This has been for me, the best spring that we've had. I feel comfortable in the direction we're going."

Back in Big East country -- figuratively, at least -- for another day.

Here's what we're cooking up today:

• The performance of running back Savon Huggins headlines Rutgers' big questions entering the spring. New Scarlet Knights coach Kyle Flood is anxious to get practice started.
• TCU's snub of the Big East forced Cincinnati to add a second FCS team on its 2012 schedule.
• Connecticut should get immediate contributions from a group of transfers that includes quarterback Chandler Whitmer.
• Syracuse coach Doug Marrone has ditched his depth chart for the start of spring ball.
• A spring practice primer on South Florida.
• Some nuggets from Louisville's practice Monday. Cardinals coach Charlie Strong and Guy Fieri will be breaking bread together in May.
• Pitt's offense remains a work in progress midway through spring drills. After being shifted back to quarterback, Pitt's Anthony Gonzalez might face another move.

Nearly every Big East team practiced this past weekend. Here are a few notes from each:

UConn: The Huskies had their first practice in pads Saturday, but did not scrimmage; that is planned for this upcoming Saturday. Early reports indicate that both Casey Cochran and Chandler Whitmer have looked good at quarterback. Coach Paul Pasqualoni also commented on the dismissal of backup cornerback Tevrin Brandon.

Louisville: The Cardinals also held their first practice in pads Saturday. One player who already is standing out is redshirt freshman running back Corvin Lamb. Running back Dominique Brown has added 10 pounds and looks much more physical.

Pitt: The Panthers scrimmaged Saturday, and running back Isaac Bennett delivered the highlight -- a 70-yard touchdown run. Bennett has had a nice spring camp, building off the momentum from the end of last season. Bennett will be relied upon to be a contributor this season with Ray Graham coming off a knee injury. Sophomore transfer Ray Vinopal forced a fumble, which Lloyd Carrington returned 60 yards for a score. The Panthers also practiced Sunday and got a visit from former West Virginia coach Bill Stewart.

USF: Coach Skip Holtz told reporters after the first day in pads Saturday that Lindsey Lamar had moved back to running back to help shore up depth at that position. Holtz also talked about the emerging leadership on the team after a few days of practice.

Syracuse: The Orange began practice last week, but practices have been closed until further notice.

Temple: The Owls have already completed seven practices and held their second scrimmage Saturday. There have been a few standouts, but best of all, no major injuries of note. Temple will hold its Cherry and White Spring Game at Lincoln Financial Field, a first for the school. The practice facility -- where the game is usually played -- is currently undergoing a $10 million expansion.

Syracuse coach Doug Marrone deserves credit for putting together the most difficult nonconference schedule in the Big East.

Yup. I said it. Marrone should be applauded.

Rather than schedule a second game against an FCS opponent, Marrone decided he would rather his team hit the road to play Missouri, giving the Orange only five home games. That move also gives the Orange four games against teams from automatic-qualifying conferences -- something that might make most every coach have his head examined.

A quick glance of the schedules for the five other AQ conferences shows only two schools -- Northwestern and Arizona State -- have the majority of their nonleague games against teams from the six major conferences. Of Northwestern's four nonconference games, three are against AQ opponents (Syracuse, Vanderbilt, Boston College). Of Arizona State's three nonconference games, two are against AQ teams (Illinois, Missouri).

For more perspective, the Pac-12 and Big 12 each have four teams with zero games against teams from AQ conferences -- tops in the country. Playing nine league games probably has something to do with that. Three teams from the Big Ten don't have games against teams from AQ conferences, either.

For more perspective than that, even the non-AQ schools average about two AQ opponents on their schedules. Now remember, the Big East has five nonconference games it must fill -- the most of all the AQ schools. Only the WAC has more, with six. But Louisiana Tech is the only WAC school to play more than two nonconference games against AQ opponents -- Texas A&M, Illinois and Virginia.

So that should show you how out of the ordinary it truly is for Syracuse to take on four games against teams from the major conferences. That is why Marrone should be applauded. In an era when most every school is looking for the easy win in order to pad their record and achieve bowl eligibility, Marrone has decided he wants his players to play the best possible opponent.

Could that cost Syracuse a bowl trip? It could. But it could also force the Orange to grow up in a hurry and blossom into an even better team. What's that old adage -- competition makes you better?

Syracuse will get plenty of that in 2012.