Ken Dorsey is poised to make another title run. Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
	1    Miami  2    Boston College  3    Virginia Tech  4    Syracuse  5    Pittsburgh  6    West Virginia  7    Temple  8    Rutgers
	9 Returning Miami players who were either first or second team All-Big East selections last season.
	"It’s always on my mind. It’s the last thing I think about before I go to sleep. That’s why I can’t wait for Sept. 21." -- Boston College QB Brian St. Pierre on last season’s 18-7 home loss to Miami and this season’s game at Miami.

Ah, it’s good to be the ‘Canes.

After convincingly winning a national championship, Miami lost five players to the first round of the NFL draft in April. Yet the stars are still aligned. Heisman Trophy finalist Ken Dorsey is back. Protecting him are All-America candidates Brett Romberg and Sherko Haji-Rasouli. And if standout tailback Frank Gore doesn’t come back from a torn ACL, it’s nice to have Jarrett Payton, Walter’s son, in reserve.

The defensive unit, meanwhile, remains strong. UM boasts six returning starters, including the nation’s best defensive line tandem of Jerome McDougle and William Joseph. Linebacker Jonathan Vilma was the team’s leading tackler last season and fellow LB D.J. Williams is a former high school national player of the year.

If there are concerns in the land of plenty, it is a young secondary and a rugged non-conference schedule that sends the ‘Canes to Florida and Tennessee.

“But Miami,’’ said coach Larry Coker of the tough away games, “was always really good at that in years past.’’

To find a formidable Big East challenger, look to Beantown. Last season, UM had to return a turnover 80 yards with Boston College threatening from the nine to escape with a win. And after back-to-back bowl wins in the Aloha (over Arizona State) and Music City (over Georgia), the Eagles seem poised for the next step.

True, standout tailback William Green has turned into a Cleveland Brown, but strong-armed QB Brian St. Pierre is back -– along with impressive offensive and defensive lines.

“This is the most junior-senior football team we’ve had since I’ve been here,’’ Boston College coach Tom O’Brien said. “They’ve been here through four years of spring practice and offseason workouts and they know what’s expected of them. They had a little taste (of success] the last two years.’’

The Eagles could finish second in the conference by defeating Virginia Tech, which visits Boston this season. The Hokies, however, will bring tailbacks Lee Suggs and Kevin Jones, something akin to having two William Greens.

Tech QB Grant Noel is a concern. Times two. It remains to be seen whether he can overcome a torn ACL as well as keep defenses from loading up on the run. The Hokies have three offensive line starters back, but are thin at wide receiver. Defensively, the secondary should be outstanding. An overhaul of the defensive line and linebackers will be a chore.

The Syracuse Orangemen face a huge rebuilding year. Coach Paul Pasqualoni, who shrugged off critics with last season’s 10-3 record, enters the season without all-world end Dwight Freeney on defense and must replace four offensive linemen and both running backs.

Still, SU may have the Big East’s best defensive player in linebacker Clifton Smith and the team seems to rally around QB R.J. Anderson.

In Morgantown, second-year West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez is sweating after last season’s 3-8 record. He has to hope the dangerous offensive tandem of QB Rasheed Marshall and tailback Avon Cobourne ignite the spread offense.

Temple will try to crack .500 with 17 returning starters and a new spread offense. Rutgers is welcoming some fine recruits, much needed after last season’s 80-7 loss to West Virginia.

Can anyone follow in the footsteps of former Miami tight ends Bubba Franks and Jeremy Shockey? Well, how about a 6-5, 232-pound sophomore who is known for his athleticism, work ethic –- and Hall of Fame father? Kellen Winslow II, who was recruited as a wide receiver, added more than 20 pounds of muscle and is now listed as UM’s starting tight end. Playing behind Shockey last season, Winslow caught just two passes, but played in 11 games, impressing coaches with his catching ability, willingness to switch positions and heart on special teams. He'll assume a large role in the Miami offense this year; the only question is how long he’ll stick around before jumping to the pros.		HOT: Virginia Tech runners Lee Suggs and Kevin Jones Two of the best in the nation –- on the same team. NOT: The Temple Owls football program A reprieve keeps the team in the Big East for now, but recruiting must be tough. HOT: Miami head coach Larry Coker A bald career assistant wins a title in Year One. NOT: West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez A 3-8 season isn’t what Mountaineer fans were expecting.
Greg Schiano left the sunshine and missed a national title for this? After leaving Miami, the Rutgers coach watched his offense set a Big East record for fewest points scored and his defense allow almost 400 yards a game. The Scarlet Knights’ first down total of 145 was their lowest since 1967. They lost by scores of 61-0, 50-0, 80-7 and 42-0. But give Schiano credit. He talked Randy Melvin away from the New England Patriots and into joining the misery.		Miami QB Ken Dorsey The lanky signal-caller won the Maxwell Award. Boston College coach Tom O’Brien Has quietly built the Eagles into a league contender. West Virginia back Avon Cobourne Despite the Mountaineers’ troubles, he’s had three 1,000-yard seasons.
Three games should decide the Big East crown this season. First, check out Boston College’s Oct. 10 home contest with power Virginia Tech. If the Eagles are going to soar, that’s where they have to make a statement. The game will match Brian St. Pierre’s arm against Tech’s running game. There should be plenty of sparks. Also, Miami’s last two games should answer all remaining questions. On Nov. 30, the Hurricanes will visit the Carrier Dome for a matchup with Syracuse, picked to finish third by the league’s writers. Once again, SU’s fortunes will rest with its QB. Will Paul Pasqualoni go with R.J. Anderson, whom the team rallied around, or Troy Nunes, who has always struggled but represented the team on media day in New York? Then the Big East, always seeking drama, slotted Virginia Tech and Miami for the grand finale. This season, the Hokies will fly south for a Dec. 7 matchup. Last season, Miami barely won 26-24.
If Virginia Tech QB Grant Noel stumbles, keep an eye out for Marcus Vick, Michael Vick’s younger brother.… Miami has won 22 straight games and 30 of its last 32.… Rutgers could start the season at 3-0, leading off with games against Division I-AA Villanova, Buffalo and Army.… Syracuse fans weren’t too happy when, at the last minute, Rhode Island replaced East Carolina on the schedule for a Sept. 29 game.… West Virginia has moved to a 3-3 odd stack defense.