BIG EAST 2003
PITT PANTHERS O:8 D:6 (9-4)
If there was ever a year the Panthers looked to enter the national spotlight, it’s now!!! The Panthers return a very veteran unit that’s improved every season for the L/3 years, and is coming off a very convincing Bowl win over a good Oregon state squad. Their offense is loaded with talent, and is lead by stud SR QB Rod Rutherford who had himself a break out season in ’02. He threw for 2783 yards with a 22-12 TD/INT ratio, and rushed for another 740 yards. He grew up big time last year, and thrived in his second season of running HC Harris’ pro-style attack. Bama transfer RB Brandon Miree nearly gained 1000 yards last season, and should probably eclipse the grand mark this year. The O-line loses 2 NFL DC’s from a year ago, but underachieved as a whole & I expect a better output in ’03. QB Rutherford has one of the best go to guys in the country in WR Larry Fitzgerald. He simply amazed last year as a true freshman, and will definitely put up even better numbers this time around. I also expect TE Kris Wilson to snag a ton of passes as well, and be a huge contributor in short yardage situations. This offense is loaded with athleticism, speed, and talent. It could be one of the best in the country if the O-line comes together quickly, but will still be potent nonetheless. 1st TM Big East SR DE Claude Harriott anchors the defensive front wall, which is clearly the strength of the defense. The LB core loses some talent & experience, but should be consistent throughout the season. The secondary looks solid even with the loss of both CB’s from last season. Safeties Gilliard & Morris are proven heavy hitters that will have opposing WR’s looking over their shoulders at all times. This defense should become a force once conference play begins. They’re sound in the kicking game, and should move up in the special teams rankings this year. I really can’t express how much I love the way this season is set up for the Panthers. Scheduling 3 games with the up and coming MAC conference will only help bolster their confidence heading into College Station to take on the Aggies. Then they get a bye before hosting the Irish at Heinz Field. Their conference schedule is set up perfectly for them to take it all. They get every big dog at home, and play the rest of the cream puffs on the road. This is the year for HC Harris to get Pitt back into the national spotlight. Hopefully the weather will play a factor for these guys this season against VTECH & Miami. Pitt will get better with every game they play, & I see no reason why Pitt can’t win every game this year.
-- Pitt is a pathetic 14-19 ATS as a favorite under HC Harris, but a tremendous 25-18 ATS as a dawg.
VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES O:7 D:9 (10-4)
The Hokies had 2 seasons in 1 in 2002. They rolled out of the gates to the tune of an 8-0 record before losing 4 of their next 5 to the better teams in the Big East. One of their “Untouchables” tore his hamstring, which made him very touchable, and their defense got rolled up and smoked. I believe last year was just a glimpse of what we might get this year. They’re clearly not as powerful on the offensive side of the ball, but they’ll still be very potent. QB Bryan Randall has to gain more confidence, and show he can be less erratic or else he’ll be riding the pine. Michael Vick’s brother’s is waiting in the wings, and the Blacksburg faithful will quickly voice their opinion if he stumbles out of the gate. RB Kevin Jones is back, and he gets a very veteran wall to pave his way. They’re a very deep line that has loads of talent, and are the best in the conference in my opinion. The WR core looks very solid with just about everyone returning, and they’ve added some players with blazing fast speed. Look out for the trio of Wilford, Johnson, and Lee. SR Keith Willis is also the fastest TE in Hokie history, and will also play a major role. VT clearly has a solid offense, but its output all depends on their QB. It’d be a shame if noone shows the ability to run it. The defense is what’s going to butter the Hokies bread this season. They return 9 from last season’s squad that looks to erase the memories of letting Syracuse & Miami hang 50+ on them last November. Their entire front 7 returns intact, and they look to avoid the injury bug, which hampered their performance down the stretch in ’02. The D-line is loaded with depth and talent, and will have opposing QB’s running for their lives. The LB core returns 3 starters from a year ago, but has too remain healthy to be a force. The secondary boasts one of the best lock-down corners in the nation, and the rest of the guys have tons of speed. This is one of the best cover units in the country, and will only add to an already nasty defense. We all know about VT’s special teams, and this year’s version shouldn’t disappoint with the return of everyone. The Hokies are not only a contender for the Big East championship, but a major player in the National Championship race as well. They’re schedule looks to be very manageable as they host Miami, Syracuse, and BC. They’re toughest roady will be at Pitt, but they have the horses to get it done. I really like the talent on this squad, and I also love the fact that HC Beamer’s crew has been in the championship race before. That alone might give them a leg up on their competition, but they have to perform on the field as well. This could be an enormous year for Blacksburg if their Hokies can avoid the injury bug, and take care of business on the field.
-- The Hokies are 7-3 SU the L/10 vs. Pitt, but 1-6 ATS the L/7 (@ PITT 11/8)
MIAMI HURRICANES O:6 D:7 (12-1)
Miami has been one of the best programs the L/3 year’s compiling a total record of 35-2. HC Larry Coker has only lost 1 game in his 2 year’s as the headman, but that lone loss was to Ohio State in the National Championship game last year. Every Miami backer will tell you they were cheated out of back-to-back championships, but the record book’s still have them installed as the loser regardless. This year’s team loses a bunch of faces from the L/3 years, but they still have loads of talent on hand. They return a total of 13 starter’s and will still be a major force in the Big East. The defense returns 7 starter’s from a year ago, but loses its entire D-line. I foresee this as being one of the main reasons for Miami’s tumble this year. They won’t be able to get the amount of pressure on opposing offenses without hanging their secondary out to dry. The LB core is outstanding, and one of the best in the nation. MLB Jonathan Vilma is a fantastic specimen that’s had me hooting and hollering after seeing some of his bone crushing hits. His other 2 compatriots next to him ain’t too shabby either. The secondary was top notch last season, but had the benefit of an extremely aggressive front wall headhunting QB’s all season long. It’ll be interesting to see how well they perform without such a dominating pass rush. This is still a very good defense, but the new guys will have to step up on the line for them to be as dominant as past year’s versions. The offense also has a few new faces in key areas as well. QB Brock Berlin takes over for Heisman trophy finalist Ken Dorsey. He was a prized Florida recruit a few year’s back, but opted to transfer. RB Frank Gore returns after missing the entire 2002 season with a leg injury. He was fantastic his freshman year in 2001, and both he and Clinton Portis ripped apart opposing defenses. The early word on him is that he’s recovered fully, and he should look like the Gore of old if that’s true. The O-line loses 2 key cogs from the line the last few year’s, but still returns plenty of talent. It could actually be stronger than 2002’s unit. The WR core loses a fantastic WR, but is loaded with depth and speed. TE Kellen Winslow Jr. also returns, and will be a valuable asset to QB Berlin whose trying to find his groove. The special teams have great returners, but will need to find both a kicker and a punter. Miami’s program is back in the big time, but this is their first major test since most of the impact player’s from the last few years have departed. Miami gets both VT & Pitt on the road, and they have to go to FSU as well. I foresee them losing at least 2 of those games, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them lose all 3. Miami will definitely go bowling once again this year, but it won’t be in the Sugar Bowl. The Hurricanes will build confidence for their younger guys this season, and be a major force when they enter the ACC in 2004.
-- MIAMI is 3-5 SU & 2-6 ATS the L/8 year’s vs. VTECH (@VT 11/1)
SYRACUSE ORANGEMEN O:7 D:7 (4-8)
HC Paul Pasqualoni and the Orange had their 11-year winning streak snapped in what turned out to be a nightmare of a season. They lost games late, and were killed by injuries and turnovers. This year’s squad returns 7 starters on both sides of the ball, and loses the lowest amount of lettermen in the league. Their defense has to step up once again if they expect to turn things around in ’03. The front wall looks stout, and has plenty of depth returning 7 of 8 from last season’s squad. There doesn’t look to be a stand out rushing end, but DT Gachelin looks to have himself an outstanding senior campaign. The LB core loses some valuable experience, and its still not clear if one of their returning starters will be back this year. The secondary can only get better after finishing close to dead last a year ago. They lose 3 starters from last season, but they have some competent guys filling in. I expect the Orange stop unit to improve drastically upon last year’s numbers’ Syracuse always has a capable defense, and I believe last season was a false impression. The offense will be more potent this year as well with QB RJ Anderson returning for his senior season. This kid looked great in 2001, and he should be a little more fortunate this season since he has a better crop of skilled players around him. The RB core has a solid 1-2 punch with Walter Reyes & Damien Rhodes who combined for over 1600 yards last year. They have a very experienced O-line paving their way as 9 of 10 starters from last year’s squad are back. The O-line paved the way for 4.3 YPC, but did give up 28 sacks. The WR core should come into 2003 very focused as they can be held accountable for many of the offenses struggles last year. I don’t really need to get into it, but they were flat out awful. They return 5 of 6 WR’s from last year, and I expect them to atone for their sins in a big way. Pasqualoni’s squads always seem to field a solid special teams unit, and I expect more of the same in ’03. The Orange really had a tough go at it a year ago, but I expect them to turn it around & go bowling in 2003. They have 3 winnable conference home games as well as 3 non-conference games in the Dome. Their post-season aspirations are in their hands, and I expect them to turn it around in a big way in ’03.
-- Cuse is 8-2 SU & 8-1 ATS their L/10 non-conference home games.
BOSTON COLLEGE EAGLES O:5 D:6 (9-4)
BC has been a team on the rise the last few seasons, but they’ve always come up short against the powerhouses in the Big East. They’ve got the talent and know how to beat the conference weaklings, but have to take it up a notch vs. the Miami, VT, and Pitt. They made progress last year against Pitt & VTECH, but got tattooed in the Orange Bowl by Miami. They closed out last season by winning their L/4 games in blowout fashion, and look to carry that momentum over into 2003. There are a few problems though. They have to replace a 2-year starting QB, there are questions on the O-line, and the secondary looks very green. They have a great RB core headed by SR Derrick Knight who gained over 1400 yards while averaging 5.5 YPC behind a dominating offensive line. He won’t have the luxury of that line in ’03 as the front wall has to replace three 2-year starters, and HC O’Brien has converted defensive linemen to fill the void. The defense is loaded on the line, and looks to be in great shape with DT Doug Goodwin returning for his senior year. The LB core returns a few injured players from last season, and is loaded with depth. WLB Josh Ott leads the trio in what should be a solid group of LB’s. The secondary is very green losing 3 starters from a year ago, and will be a major problem area for the defense until the underclassmen get a bunch of reps in. BC has a shot to make a statement this year as they host both Miami & Pitt at home, but I don’t think they have the horses to get it done. They will get into their 5th straight bowl by the skin of their teeth.
-- The Eagles are 6-2 ATS their L/8 vs. the ACC (Vs. Wake Forest 8/30)
WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS O:5 D:4 (9-4)
Boy were these guys fun to watch last year!!! The 2nd year of the Rich Rodriguez era was clearly a success as the Mounty’s went from a 3-8 record in 2001 to a 9-4 record in 2002.
They only return a total of 9 starters from last season, but this squad still has plenty of punch. JR QB Rasheed Marshall who had himself a break out year in 2002 will once again lead the offense. He passed for over 1600 yards while rushing for another 800. This Iron Mountaineer is an absolute stud, and I expect him to have an even bigger impact in 2003. His O-line isn’t as experienced, but is still solid nonetheless returning 4 guys who logged starts a season ago. Their numbers won’t be as good this time around, but they will still be a solid group. The RB core is still loaded with talent even with the loss of WV’s career rushing leader. RB Quincy Wilson ran for 900 yards last year, and was used primarily in short yardage situations. The kids a gigantic muscle, and will introduce himself to the rest of the college football world in ’03. They also pick up a solid JUCO back named Kay-Jay Harris who will run over a few guys this year. The WR core looks to be in better shape with a few solid newcomers, and hopefully they’ll avoid the injury bug. I expect more balance on offense this season while the O-line adapts, and for the Mounty’s to rack up huge chunks of yardage. The defense takes a major hit from a year ago, but the Mounty’s have the recruits to step in. They lose their entire front wall, and this will be tough for WV to overcome. The LB core only returns 1 starter from a year ago, but its 1st Team Big East SR LB Grant Wiley. This guys an absolute stud, and should help the new guys get in the flow rather quickly. The secondary looks rock solid with the return of both CB’s & FS Jahmile Addae. I think 2003 will be difficult for WV, and I expect them to take a few steps back. I love what HC Rodriguez has done in such a short amount of time, and the Mounty’s will be a much tougher squad down the road. This is the year to give the new guys experience, but they could surprise a few of the big dogs if they’re not careful.
-- WV is 8-3 ATS their L/11 Homecoming games (VS UCF 11/1).
RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS O:7 D:8 (1-11)
This is the 3rd year of HC Greg Schiano’s program, and it has to start baring some fruit. I actually foresee them notching a few wins this year as this team actually has some talent. They by no means have the guns to compete with the big dogs of the Big East, but they can beat a few of the teams on their schedule. Their defense did a pretty good job a year ago, and I expect them to continue making strides with 8 returning starters. The offense has a few playmakers, but has to get consistent play from its O-line to get anything done. The Knights will be running a new offense this season behind Sophomore QB Ryan hart who secured himself the starting job by closing out last season. He’s got a solid cast of WR’s to throw, and I expect this offense to greatly improve on last season’s numbers. This squad had a few of the top dogs sweating a year ago, and they should finally win themselves a few games in 2003. This is a meat and potatoes type of team that has the ability to beat up on teams like Army, Buffalo, & Temple.
-- Rutgers was 6-4 ATS as a dawg last year.
TEMPLE OWLS O:5 D:4 (4-8)
The Owls just have way too many holes to fill this year, and they’ve decided to go the JUCO route to get a quick fix. They lose their high impact player on defense as well as everyone else. They only return 4 on defense, and they will get stomped on in ’03. They had themselves a solid defense the L/3 years, and were only able to win 4 games in all 3 seasons. The offense has a completely new look as the QB, RB, and O-line is completely revamped. The WR core looks solid, but whose going to get them the ball? This is clearly a rebuilding year for the Owl’s, and it’ll be tough for them to stay in the Big East with this effort.
-- Temple is 2-8 ATS the L/5 year’s as double-digit home dawgs.
PITT PANTHERS O:8 D:6 (9-4)
If there was ever a year the Panthers looked to enter the national spotlight, it’s now!!! The Panthers return a very veteran unit that’s improved every season for the L/3 years, and is coming off a very convincing Bowl win over a good Oregon state squad. Their offense is loaded with talent, and is lead by stud SR QB Rod Rutherford who had himself a break out season in ’02. He threw for 2783 yards with a 22-12 TD/INT ratio, and rushed for another 740 yards. He grew up big time last year, and thrived in his second season of running HC Harris’ pro-style attack. Bama transfer RB Brandon Miree nearly gained 1000 yards last season, and should probably eclipse the grand mark this year. The O-line loses 2 NFL DC’s from a year ago, but underachieved as a whole & I expect a better output in ’03. QB Rutherford has one of the best go to guys in the country in WR Larry Fitzgerald. He simply amazed last year as a true freshman, and will definitely put up even better numbers this time around. I also expect TE Kris Wilson to snag a ton of passes as well, and be a huge contributor in short yardage situations. This offense is loaded with athleticism, speed, and talent. It could be one of the best in the country if the O-line comes together quickly, but will still be potent nonetheless. 1st TM Big East SR DE Claude Harriott anchors the defensive front wall, which is clearly the strength of the defense. The LB core loses some talent & experience, but should be consistent throughout the season. The secondary looks solid even with the loss of both CB’s from last season. Safeties Gilliard & Morris are proven heavy hitters that will have opposing WR’s looking over their shoulders at all times. This defense should become a force once conference play begins. They’re sound in the kicking game, and should move up in the special teams rankings this year. I really can’t express how much I love the way this season is set up for the Panthers. Scheduling 3 games with the up and coming MAC conference will only help bolster their confidence heading into College Station to take on the Aggies. Then they get a bye before hosting the Irish at Heinz Field. Their conference schedule is set up perfectly for them to take it all. They get every big dog at home, and play the rest of the cream puffs on the road. This is the year for HC Harris to get Pitt back into the national spotlight. Hopefully the weather will play a factor for these guys this season against VTECH & Miami. Pitt will get better with every game they play, & I see no reason why Pitt can’t win every game this year.
-- Pitt is a pathetic 14-19 ATS as a favorite under HC Harris, but a tremendous 25-18 ATS as a dawg.
VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES O:7 D:9 (10-4)
The Hokies had 2 seasons in 1 in 2002. They rolled out of the gates to the tune of an 8-0 record before losing 4 of their next 5 to the better teams in the Big East. One of their “Untouchables” tore his hamstring, which made him very touchable, and their defense got rolled up and smoked. I believe last year was just a glimpse of what we might get this year. They’re clearly not as powerful on the offensive side of the ball, but they’ll still be very potent. QB Bryan Randall has to gain more confidence, and show he can be less erratic or else he’ll be riding the pine. Michael Vick’s brother’s is waiting in the wings, and the Blacksburg faithful will quickly voice their opinion if he stumbles out of the gate. RB Kevin Jones is back, and he gets a very veteran wall to pave his way. They’re a very deep line that has loads of talent, and are the best in the conference in my opinion. The WR core looks very solid with just about everyone returning, and they’ve added some players with blazing fast speed. Look out for the trio of Wilford, Johnson, and Lee. SR Keith Willis is also the fastest TE in Hokie history, and will also play a major role. VT clearly has a solid offense, but its output all depends on their QB. It’d be a shame if noone shows the ability to run it. The defense is what’s going to butter the Hokies bread this season. They return 9 from last season’s squad that looks to erase the memories of letting Syracuse & Miami hang 50+ on them last November. Their entire front 7 returns intact, and they look to avoid the injury bug, which hampered their performance down the stretch in ’02. The D-line is loaded with depth and talent, and will have opposing QB’s running for their lives. The LB core returns 3 starters from a year ago, but has too remain healthy to be a force. The secondary boasts one of the best lock-down corners in the nation, and the rest of the guys have tons of speed. This is one of the best cover units in the country, and will only add to an already nasty defense. We all know about VT’s special teams, and this year’s version shouldn’t disappoint with the return of everyone. The Hokies are not only a contender for the Big East championship, but a major player in the National Championship race as well. They’re schedule looks to be very manageable as they host Miami, Syracuse, and BC. They’re toughest roady will be at Pitt, but they have the horses to get it done. I really like the talent on this squad, and I also love the fact that HC Beamer’s crew has been in the championship race before. That alone might give them a leg up on their competition, but they have to perform on the field as well. This could be an enormous year for Blacksburg if their Hokies can avoid the injury bug, and take care of business on the field.
-- The Hokies are 7-3 SU the L/10 vs. Pitt, but 1-6 ATS the L/7 (@ PITT 11/8)
MIAMI HURRICANES O:6 D:7 (12-1)
Miami has been one of the best programs the L/3 year’s compiling a total record of 35-2. HC Larry Coker has only lost 1 game in his 2 year’s as the headman, but that lone loss was to Ohio State in the National Championship game last year. Every Miami backer will tell you they were cheated out of back-to-back championships, but the record book’s still have them installed as the loser regardless. This year’s team loses a bunch of faces from the L/3 years, but they still have loads of talent on hand. They return a total of 13 starter’s and will still be a major force in the Big East. The defense returns 7 starter’s from a year ago, but loses its entire D-line. I foresee this as being one of the main reasons for Miami’s tumble this year. They won’t be able to get the amount of pressure on opposing offenses without hanging their secondary out to dry. The LB core is outstanding, and one of the best in the nation. MLB Jonathan Vilma is a fantastic specimen that’s had me hooting and hollering after seeing some of his bone crushing hits. His other 2 compatriots next to him ain’t too shabby either. The secondary was top notch last season, but had the benefit of an extremely aggressive front wall headhunting QB’s all season long. It’ll be interesting to see how well they perform without such a dominating pass rush. This is still a very good defense, but the new guys will have to step up on the line for them to be as dominant as past year’s versions. The offense also has a few new faces in key areas as well. QB Brock Berlin takes over for Heisman trophy finalist Ken Dorsey. He was a prized Florida recruit a few year’s back, but opted to transfer. RB Frank Gore returns after missing the entire 2002 season with a leg injury. He was fantastic his freshman year in 2001, and both he and Clinton Portis ripped apart opposing defenses. The early word on him is that he’s recovered fully, and he should look like the Gore of old if that’s true. The O-line loses 2 key cogs from the line the last few year’s, but still returns plenty of talent. It could actually be stronger than 2002’s unit. The WR core loses a fantastic WR, but is loaded with depth and speed. TE Kellen Winslow Jr. also returns, and will be a valuable asset to QB Berlin whose trying to find his groove. The special teams have great returners, but will need to find both a kicker and a punter. Miami’s program is back in the big time, but this is their first major test since most of the impact player’s from the last few years have departed. Miami gets both VT & Pitt on the road, and they have to go to FSU as well. I foresee them losing at least 2 of those games, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them lose all 3. Miami will definitely go bowling once again this year, but it won’t be in the Sugar Bowl. The Hurricanes will build confidence for their younger guys this season, and be a major force when they enter the ACC in 2004.
-- MIAMI is 3-5 SU & 2-6 ATS the L/8 year’s vs. VTECH (@VT 11/1)
SYRACUSE ORANGEMEN O:7 D:7 (4-8)
HC Paul Pasqualoni and the Orange had their 11-year winning streak snapped in what turned out to be a nightmare of a season. They lost games late, and were killed by injuries and turnovers. This year’s squad returns 7 starters on both sides of the ball, and loses the lowest amount of lettermen in the league. Their defense has to step up once again if they expect to turn things around in ’03. The front wall looks stout, and has plenty of depth returning 7 of 8 from last season’s squad. There doesn’t look to be a stand out rushing end, but DT Gachelin looks to have himself an outstanding senior campaign. The LB core loses some valuable experience, and its still not clear if one of their returning starters will be back this year. The secondary can only get better after finishing close to dead last a year ago. They lose 3 starters from last season, but they have some competent guys filling in. I expect the Orange stop unit to improve drastically upon last year’s numbers’ Syracuse always has a capable defense, and I believe last season was a false impression. The offense will be more potent this year as well with QB RJ Anderson returning for his senior season. This kid looked great in 2001, and he should be a little more fortunate this season since he has a better crop of skilled players around him. The RB core has a solid 1-2 punch with Walter Reyes & Damien Rhodes who combined for over 1600 yards last year. They have a very experienced O-line paving their way as 9 of 10 starters from last year’s squad are back. The O-line paved the way for 4.3 YPC, but did give up 28 sacks. The WR core should come into 2003 very focused as they can be held accountable for many of the offenses struggles last year. I don’t really need to get into it, but they were flat out awful. They return 5 of 6 WR’s from last year, and I expect them to atone for their sins in a big way. Pasqualoni’s squads always seem to field a solid special teams unit, and I expect more of the same in ’03. The Orange really had a tough go at it a year ago, but I expect them to turn it around & go bowling in 2003. They have 3 winnable conference home games as well as 3 non-conference games in the Dome. Their post-season aspirations are in their hands, and I expect them to turn it around in a big way in ’03.
-- Cuse is 8-2 SU & 8-1 ATS their L/10 non-conference home games.
BOSTON COLLEGE EAGLES O:5 D:6 (9-4)
BC has been a team on the rise the last few seasons, but they’ve always come up short against the powerhouses in the Big East. They’ve got the talent and know how to beat the conference weaklings, but have to take it up a notch vs. the Miami, VT, and Pitt. They made progress last year against Pitt & VTECH, but got tattooed in the Orange Bowl by Miami. They closed out last season by winning their L/4 games in blowout fashion, and look to carry that momentum over into 2003. There are a few problems though. They have to replace a 2-year starting QB, there are questions on the O-line, and the secondary looks very green. They have a great RB core headed by SR Derrick Knight who gained over 1400 yards while averaging 5.5 YPC behind a dominating offensive line. He won’t have the luxury of that line in ’03 as the front wall has to replace three 2-year starters, and HC O’Brien has converted defensive linemen to fill the void. The defense is loaded on the line, and looks to be in great shape with DT Doug Goodwin returning for his senior year. The LB core returns a few injured players from last season, and is loaded with depth. WLB Josh Ott leads the trio in what should be a solid group of LB’s. The secondary is very green losing 3 starters from a year ago, and will be a major problem area for the defense until the underclassmen get a bunch of reps in. BC has a shot to make a statement this year as they host both Miami & Pitt at home, but I don’t think they have the horses to get it done. They will get into their 5th straight bowl by the skin of their teeth.
-- The Eagles are 6-2 ATS their L/8 vs. the ACC (Vs. Wake Forest 8/30)
WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS O:5 D:4 (9-4)
Boy were these guys fun to watch last year!!! The 2nd year of the Rich Rodriguez era was clearly a success as the Mounty’s went from a 3-8 record in 2001 to a 9-4 record in 2002.
They only return a total of 9 starters from last season, but this squad still has plenty of punch. JR QB Rasheed Marshall who had himself a break out year in 2002 will once again lead the offense. He passed for over 1600 yards while rushing for another 800. This Iron Mountaineer is an absolute stud, and I expect him to have an even bigger impact in 2003. His O-line isn’t as experienced, but is still solid nonetheless returning 4 guys who logged starts a season ago. Their numbers won’t be as good this time around, but they will still be a solid group. The RB core is still loaded with talent even with the loss of WV’s career rushing leader. RB Quincy Wilson ran for 900 yards last year, and was used primarily in short yardage situations. The kids a gigantic muscle, and will introduce himself to the rest of the college football world in ’03. They also pick up a solid JUCO back named Kay-Jay Harris who will run over a few guys this year. The WR core looks to be in better shape with a few solid newcomers, and hopefully they’ll avoid the injury bug. I expect more balance on offense this season while the O-line adapts, and for the Mounty’s to rack up huge chunks of yardage. The defense takes a major hit from a year ago, but the Mounty’s have the recruits to step in. They lose their entire front wall, and this will be tough for WV to overcome. The LB core only returns 1 starter from a year ago, but its 1st Team Big East SR LB Grant Wiley. This guys an absolute stud, and should help the new guys get in the flow rather quickly. The secondary looks rock solid with the return of both CB’s & FS Jahmile Addae. I think 2003 will be difficult for WV, and I expect them to take a few steps back. I love what HC Rodriguez has done in such a short amount of time, and the Mounty’s will be a much tougher squad down the road. This is the year to give the new guys experience, but they could surprise a few of the big dogs if they’re not careful.
-- WV is 8-3 ATS their L/11 Homecoming games (VS UCF 11/1).
RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS O:7 D:8 (1-11)
This is the 3rd year of HC Greg Schiano’s program, and it has to start baring some fruit. I actually foresee them notching a few wins this year as this team actually has some talent. They by no means have the guns to compete with the big dogs of the Big East, but they can beat a few of the teams on their schedule. Their defense did a pretty good job a year ago, and I expect them to continue making strides with 8 returning starters. The offense has a few playmakers, but has to get consistent play from its O-line to get anything done. The Knights will be running a new offense this season behind Sophomore QB Ryan hart who secured himself the starting job by closing out last season. He’s got a solid cast of WR’s to throw, and I expect this offense to greatly improve on last season’s numbers. This squad had a few of the top dogs sweating a year ago, and they should finally win themselves a few games in 2003. This is a meat and potatoes type of team that has the ability to beat up on teams like Army, Buffalo, & Temple.
-- Rutgers was 6-4 ATS as a dawg last year.
TEMPLE OWLS O:5 D:4 (4-8)
The Owls just have way too many holes to fill this year, and they’ve decided to go the JUCO route to get a quick fix. They lose their high impact player on defense as well as everyone else. They only return 4 on defense, and they will get stomped on in ’03. They had themselves a solid defense the L/3 years, and were only able to win 4 games in all 3 seasons. The offense has a completely new look as the QB, RB, and O-line is completely revamped. The WR core looks solid, but whose going to get them the ball? This is clearly a rebuilding year for the Owl’s, and it’ll be tough for them to stay in the Big East with this effort.
-- Temple is 2-8 ATS the L/5 year’s as double-digit home dawgs.
