Enough hemming and hawing. It's time for me to reveal my official preseason Big East power rankings, which also serve as my official predicted order of finish. (That's why these rankings differ from my post-spring power rankings, which was where I thought each team was at the time).

I'm taking into account schedule advantages and disadvantages here as well as how strong I think each team will be. Of course, this is an impossible task given the unbelievable parity in the league. If I could, I'd put six teams tied for first (or sixth) and have two tied for last. But I checked with my bosses, and they told me I couldn't.

So here goes (literally) nothing ...

1. Rutgers: Three words: schedule, schedule, schedule. OK, so that's not the only reason I like the Scarlet Knights, as they bring back a stellar offensive line and a sturdy defense. Plus, they seem due. But mostly, it's that schedule.

2. Pittsburgh: Overall, the Panthers have the most talent in the league. I love the defensive line, and the defense as a whole. I'm worried about the quarterback and the running backs. In any other league, that would mean Pitt wouldn't be the preseason media favorite or No. 2 in my rankings. This isn't any other league.

3. West Virginia: The Mountaineers still have some questions, especially on the offensive line. But I love their skill players and think Jarrett Brown is ready to bust out as a star. If they didn't have four road games in conference play, they might be higher than this.

T-4. Cincinnati: I know Brian Kelly is going to put together a good team. I'm less concerned than most people about the massive replacements on defense. But I think the schedule -- the Bearcats' first two league games are at Rutgers and South Florida, and they end at Pitt -- will keep Cincinnati from repeating as champs.

T-4. South Florida: Your guess as to where the Bulls should rank is as good as mine. They've got some serious athletes, but they're also frightfully young at a lot of spots. Given that they're 10-11 in Big East play the past three years, I will remain guarded in my optimism.

6. Connecticut: I agree with Randy Edsall that the Huskies don't get enough respect. And I hate ranking them this low. But somebody has to be sixth, and with all the talent lost to the NFL draft, UConn seems like the logical choice.

7. Syracuse: I predict the Orange will shock one of the top contenders this year. Otherwise, they'll still be irrelevant in the league race.

8. Louisville: After the spring, I thought 0-7 in the Big East was a real possibility. I now think the Cardinals will avoid that fate. But not by much.