When discussing rising stars amongst Big East coaches, you would be remiss to not discuss South Florida's Jim Leavitt, who has declined offers from Alabama (twice) and Kansas State, and was high on the U's wish list. Each time, Leavitt has turned down the offers to remain at USF and keep building the program

I dont think people in the national media and national thought realize just how soon this is after losing 4 of your members (Miami, VT, BC and Temple). Given the national rise of the teams, the teams the media wants WVU, UL, USF and Rutgers to play don't want to come to these schools. They expect a one-and-done. This isn't the Mountain West and it should not be expected for the conference to bow down. They are as good as any team in the nation.

I think the Big East was foolish for kicking Temple out of the conference. If Rutgers can turn it around, Temple could have as well. They just needed support from the administration. You don't think people in Philly like football, do you?

The star power that WVU currently has didn't start out that way. Steve Slaton and Pat White were not highly coveted recruits. Steve Slaton was let go from Maryland's roster before he got there and Pat White was recruited by the Anaheim Angels. This star power will surely replicate itself in the near future. The Big East is definitely a major football power.

Brohm and Slaton are for certain 2 of the best players in all of college football it is just a shame that they play in a joke conference like the Big EASY.

I've followed ACC football my whole life but I am glad to see the Big East is doing even better after the ACC tried to kill Big East football 4 years ago.

The Big East?? Let me know when the topic turns back to a Divison I conference.

Vasago

Wow..."I told you so" just doesn't seem to do the whole thing justice, does it? Now that we are here, I can safely say that VT, BC, and Miami are NOT MISSED. As a proud Mountaineer, it does my heart good to see the Miami program go down, BC stay mediocre, and VT still choke it up in the end. THE BEast is back!! Now...would some of you "high-end" programs stop avoiding us and start scheduling some games so we can truly show that we've not only arrived, but never left? Keep up the great work Mandel!!!

usf bulls will win the big east and surprise the nation

**Such talk will likely continue again this year what with the league's premier teams playing laughable non-conference schedules.**

I find this comment laughable because your site recently listed their top 25 toughest schedules. You should revisit this article.

All schedules have potential to be good or bad before the season starts. There are no good schedules or bad schedules until the year starts to unfold. Does a no win ND carry more weight than an undefeated Southern Miss?

Bottom line, until the season starts and teams start playing you can only theorize how good or bad schedules are.

Slanton and White and the most exciting tandem in college football - and they were last year as well. But until they and other BE teams show more defensive grit, it's tough to call the conference ELITE.

Anyone ridiculous enough to make the comment "big easy" doesn't deserve a ressponse. Nor does someone who would say that when the topic returns to Division I football let him know... Ask the 5 LOSERS of bowl games to the BEast last year if they think they were playing someone from other than division I. Ask Georgia and Georgia Tech what they think of the BEast. Its the same thing every year and its getting old. Bash the Beast to make your conference look better. I'm glad that VT and Miami and BC have bolted for the ACC (All Criminal Conference.... Right Vick brothers??) So all you "girly-men" who want to bash us but not PLAY us.... either put up or SHUT up....nuff said.

Ohhhh... and the "defensive comment".... Michigan and Ohio State put up over 70 points and its an "offensive showdown"... West Virginia and Louisville put up over 70 and its "where's the defense??"... pure unadulterated HOGWASH.

The Big east top 3 of WVU, Lousiville and Rutgers could of beat the top three of the SEC Florida, Arkansas and LSU. Wait til Sept. SEC fans when a decent, but not quite there South Florida team goes to AUBURN and blows there doors off. Only decent out of conference game anyone in the SEC hand lastyear was Arkansas getting beat down by USC. Mcfadden or not, you would of lost otherwise and CAL does not count as a decent team for TN. SEC fans you need to go over yourself and realize your not all that special. Oh btw the Georgia powerhouse team that got thumped by WVU in the sugar bowl 2 years ago aren't freshmen anymore. Most them guys are Juniors and still the same team, but better now. USC/WVU National Championship, not another team even close.

USF is a quiet storm coming on a hot summer's night....and is sneaking up on those who have their back turned..... !Warning!