Big East Football: Who Will Win Conference In 2012?

Cardiac Hill takes a look at the football in the Big East in 2012. Of course, it's very early, as the article acknowledges, because we don't even know who will be in the conference yet, given the recent upheaval -- I'd bet, for example, that West Virginia will find a way out. But anyway, Cardiac Hill projects West Virginia will finish second and Pitt fifth.

If for some reason West Virginia is still around, though, and not in the Big 12, I like the Mountaineers' chances.

WVU will return 15 starters from 2011, but their defense will lose a bunch of talent and maybe even defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel as well. The offensive side of the ball should be strong, though, with Geno Smith, Tavon Austin, and Stedman Bailey all returning and the line returning four of five starters.

West Virginia's offense should be downright ridiculous next year, with just about every important player returning on what was already a talented squad.

Cardiac Hill picks Louisville to finish first, which seems like a fine choice -- Teddy Bridgewater is an exciting young quarterback, and as the post notes, the Cardinals will get to face their two top competitors, WVU and Cincinnati, at home.

For more on the Big East, check out Big East Coast Bias.