2008 Big East Predictions

This small eight-team conference has packed a punch in recent years with teams like West Virginia, South Florida, Louisville, and Rutgers rising to national prominence.  Find out how Jeff Alexander sees thinks shaping up in his 2008 Big East predictions.

1st Place – West Virginia Mountaineers: +175 to win Big East at BetUS.com

Losing head coach Rich Rodriguez is sure to impact this team but likely not right away.  The Mountaineers still have talented QB Pat White and if he can stay healthy, they’ll be a top 10 team again. 

2nd Place – South Florida Bulls: +200 to win Big East at BetUS.com

The Bulls have two of the best players in the country at their respective positions with QB Matt Grothe and defensive end George Selvie.  This team rised as high as No. 2 in the nation in 2007 before losing three straight.  I don’t see another collapse like that happening so the Big East title could come down to a December 6th matchup at West Virginia.

3rd Place – Pittsburgh Panthers: +500 to win Big East at BetUS.com

Pitt has been known somewhat as an underachieving program under Dave Wannstedt, but with star running back LeSean McCoy and another good recruiting class behind him, Pitt should shed that reputation this season.  If they get good QB play, a Big East title is not out of the cards.

4th Place – Rutgers Scarlet Knights: +350 to win Big East at BetUS.com

Rutgers won’t be able to replace star running back Ray Rice, but they should be bowl bound again with the league’s best passing attack led by QB Mike Teel.

5th Place – Connecticut Huskies: +1000 to win Big East at BetUS.com

Seventeen starters return from a team which tied for first in the Big East in 2007.  The reality though is that a tougher schedule will mean tougher times in 2008 as this team still relies too heavily on its defense. 

6th Place – Louisville Cardinals: +1400 to win Big East at BetUS.com

Louisville has a great shot to be bowling again, but no shot at competing for the Big East crown with star QB Brian Brohm moving on to the NFL.  The defense also remains suspect with just four returning starters.  An infusion of juco talent will help Louisville to stay in the black. 

7th Place – Cincinnati Bearcats: +800 to win Big East at BetUS.com

I don’t think oddsmakers are taking into consideration enough how much the loss of QB Ben Mauk will affect this team.  The Cats will still be competitive with a solid defense, but a significant drop off will occur as the offense searches for answers.

8th Place – Syracuse Orangemen: +5000 to win Big East at BetUS.com

There should be no argument about Syracuse being the Big East bottom dweller in 2008.  There’s nowhere to go but up after a 10-loss season, the talent level is still lacking compared to the rest of the league.  In 2007, the offense and defense both ranked among the nation’s worst.

Sign up for an account at BetUS.com to get a great signup bonus today.  There’s no better place to do your college football wagering this season. 

Check out more 2008 Big East Predictions at Bleacherreport.com.

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:

• 2007 BigEast Football Predictions
• 2008 Conference USA Predictions
• 2008 NFC East Predictions
• 2008 MAC Predictions
• 2008 SEC Predictions

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