Once again, the Big East has a couple of powerhouse teams, as Miami and Virginia Tech should both be major players in the national title race. The question is whether the conference can earn some national respect by establishing quality depth behind those programs.
Syracuse is trying to regain its Top 25 form. Pittsburgh, under coach Walt Harris, is on the verge of moving into the elite of the conference. Add Boston College and Temple, who are continually improving.
And that's not even factoring in what new coaches Rich Rodriguez and Greg Schiano bring to the conference at West Virginia and Rutgers, respectively. Rodriguez is bringing the fast break offense he helped develop at Tulane and Clemson with Tommy Bowden while Schiano is taking New Jersey by storm with his infectious positive attitude. So while Miami and Virginia Tech may steal the spotlight on the national scene, this has the makings of a deep and talented conference on the rise.
Game of the Year: Miami at Virginia Tech (Dec. 1). It would be an absolute shock if this game does not produce the conference champion. As was the case last season, the matchup is expected to feature two teams with perfect conference records playing for an automatic BCS bid.
Offensive Player of the Year: Lee Suggs, RB, Virginia Tech. Suggs led the nation in touchdowns last season and should carry even more of the load this year without Michael Vick in the same backfield. Antonio Bryant and Bryant McKinnie are also deserving of mention, but 2001 will belong to Suggs.
Defensive Player of the Year: Edward Reed, SS, Miami. Reed is the leader of a defense that will make the Hurricanes a national title contender. He intercepted eight passes last season, returning two for touchdowns. Also keep an eye on Syracuse DE Dwight Freeney, who showed a world of ability last year.
Brad Edwards is a college football researcher for ESPN.
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