EVENTS
 Sportsman of the Year
 Heisman Trophy
 Swimsuit 2001

CNNSI.com GROUP
 Sports Illustrated
 Life of Reilly
 Television
 SI Women
 SI for Kids
 Press Room
 TBS/TNT Sports
 CNN Languages

COMMERCE
 SI Customer Service
 SI Media Kits
 Get into College
 Sports Memorabilia
 TeamStore

Reactions: Big East

Miami to rise again

Miami wide receiver Santana Moss caught 50 passes last year for 859 yards and six touchdowns. Jamie Squire/Allsport

CNNSI.com users were asked to share their predictions of what to expect in Big East football during the 2000 season. A sample of the responses we received follows:

The Miami Hurricanes return to the national scene after dominating the FSU Seminoles at home then end the losing streak to VT. Najeh Davenport and James Jackson run through opposing defenses who play deep zones to take away the passing game. The defense shuts everyone down. Miami and Nebraska battle in the Orange Bowl for the national championship. Where the 'Canes' defense stuffs the Huskers' running game for 265 yards and four forced fumbles, and the 'Canes win!
Chris Saccomanno, Coral Gales. Fla.

West Virginia shocks the nation. Upsets Miami and Virginia Tech, goes undefeated and plays for the national title!
Jerry Allen, Charlotte, N.C.

Pitt will shock everyone by finishing second in the conference behind only Miami.
Sammy, Tampa Bay, Fla.

The Big East is loaded with talent. All the hype about last season's star Michael Vick will lead everyone to believe that the Hokies will repeat, but that's not the case. Look for the Miami Hurricanes, led by Santana Moss, and the Syracuse Orangemen to make a run for the Big East title this year. Other teams like Pittsburgh and Boston College are definitely going to shake up the way the Big East title will be won.
Matt Tessier, Dewitt, N.Y.

Miami is back in the picture this year. They have a good shot to win it all. I think that Miami's defense can stop anyone. The offense is going to be unstoppable with Moss as a receiver, and any one of the four running backs they have. They also play their hardest games at home. So if you are a Miami fan you better buy your Orange Bowl tickets now before it is too late!
Miles Wilson, Trenton, N.J.

The Miami Hurricanes will take the division, but it won't be easy. Boston College will be the most surprising team of the year in second place in the Big East. The Eagles will definitely be in the Top 25.
Gene DiMillo, Portland, Maine

Many people predict Nebraska and FSU to be in the title game this year. I don't see it happening at all. Why? Oct 7 FSU loses to Miami and on Sept 9 Nebraska loses to Notre Dame (gulp!). How? Well all those echoes get stirred up and block the game-winning field goal attempt. So Miami wins the BCS and goes all the way.
Mike Smith, Green Oaks, Ill.

I think that this year will be the year that we have some major upsets in college football. As a major college football fan I think that in the Big East the Virginia Tech Hokies, led by exciting Michael Vick will be upset by a Miami Hurricane team with a high-powered offense, led by Santana Moss. Reason being is Michael Vick is one person and he can't carry the Hokies by himself. The defense of the Hokies lost some major players and they seem very weak on defense. Especially on the long ball and if Miami plays to its full potential they can win the Big East. They can throw the deep ball to Santana Moss and win the most important game of the Big East.
JaMea Reed, Norfolk, Va.

Copyright © 2001 CNN/Sports Illustrated An AOL Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines.