Scouting reports: Big East, Mid-American, independents

Big East

How they'll finish

(2001 records in parentheses)

1. Miami (7-0, 12-0): No Shockey, no McKinnie, no DB starters back. No problem.

2. Virginia Tech (4-3, 8-4): I-A's top RB tandem in Kevin Jones, healthy Lee Suggs.

3. Syracuse (6-1, 10-3): OL a concern with four new starters.

4. Boston College (4-3, 8-4): Eagles on upswing; QB Brian St. Pierre returns.

5. Pittsburgh (4-3, 7-5): Hopes hot streak continues after finishing with six consecutive wins.

6. West Virginia (1-6, 3-8): Has no consecutive losing seasons since 1976-79.

7. Temple (2-5, 4-7): Ten returning offensive starters have new spread offense.

8. Rutgers (0-7, 2-9): Fourteen true freshmen played last season, including QB Ryan Cubit.

Players to watch

Boston College: QB Brian St. Pierre (completed 53.4 percent, 2,016 yards)

Miami: QB Ken Dorsey (completed 57.9 percent, 2,652 yards); WR Andre Johnson (18.5 yards per catch, 11 TDs); LB Jonathan Vilma (52 tackles).

Pittsburgh: LB Gerald Hayes (62 tackles, 6-1/2 sacks)

Rutgers: TE L.J. Smith (356 all-purpose yards)

Syracuse: LB Clifton Smith (57 tackles)

Temple: DL Dan Klecko (19.5 tackles for loss, 6-1/2 sacks)

Virginia Tech: RB Lee Suggs (1,207 yards, 27 TDs in 2000)

West Virginia: RB Avon Cobourne (1,298 yards, 9 TDs)

Games to watch

Sunday: LSU at Virginia Tech

Sept. 12: Marshall at Virginia Tech

Sept. 21: Virginia Tech at Texas AM

Sept. 28: Syracuse at Auburn

Oct. 12: Florida State at Miami

Nov. 2: Boston College at Notre Dame

Nov. 9: Miami at Tennessee

Dec. 7: Virginia Tech at Miami.

Quarterback sneaks

The Big East went 4-1 in bowls last year, best in the nation for the second consecutive year.... Miami RB Frank Gore had a sensational freshman season but tore his ACL in the spring; hopes to return by Oct. 1.... Famous relatives: Miami's Kellen Winslow II is the son of the former San Diego Chargers TE. Miami's Jarrett Payton is the son of the late Walter Payton (Chicago Bears); Temple's Dan Klecko is the son of former New York Jet Joe Klecko; Virginia Tech's Marcus Vick is the brother of Atlanta's Michael Vick.

How they'll finish

(2001 records in parentheses)

East

1. Marshall (8-0, 11-2): Defense must rebuild to complement stellar offense.

2. Central Florida (6-5): In first season in conference, has potential to become a MAC powerhouse.

3. Miami (Ohio) (6-2, 7-5): Fast-developing sophomore QB and talented receivers will lead offense.

4. Kent State (5-3, 6-5): Can upward climb continue for team that improved from 1-10 in 2000?

5. Akron (4-4, 4-7): How will struggling defense respond to new coordinator with fresh scheme?

6. Buffalo (1-7, 3-8): Will MAC's most improved defense from 2001 rebound after losing eight starters?

7. Ohio (1-7, 1-10): Last year's struggle with QB puts starting decision in question.

West

1. Bowling Green (5-3, 8-3): Urban Meyer tries to extend his honeymoon.

2. Toledo (5-2, 10-2): Will struggle to repeat as MAC champs after losing 12 starters.

3. Ball State (4-3, 5-6): 10 returning offensive starters include MAC's top returning rusher.

4. Western Michigan (4-4, 5-6): Nonconference games include Michigan and Virginia Tech.

5. Northern Illinois (4-3, 6-5): Title run possible with 16 returning starters after sharing West crown in 2001.

6. Central Michigan (2-6, 3-8): 18 returning starters.

7. Eastern Michigan (1-6, 2-9): Coach Jeff Woodruff will continue rebuilding with four new assistants.

Independents

Players to watch

Connecticut: QB Dan Orlovsky (1,379 yards, 9 TDs)

Navy: G Grant Moody (10-game starter who can play tackle and guard)

Notre Dame: QB Carlyle Holiday (861 yards rushing, 784 yards passing)

South Florida: LB Kawika Mitchell (106 tackles)

Troy State: WR Heyward Skipper (60 receptions, 995 yards, 9 TDs)

Utah State: WR Kevin Curtis (100 receptions for 1,531 yards and Division I-A best 9.1 catches a game).

Quarterback sneaks

Tyrone Willingham has junked the option and installed a West Coast passing attack for a Notre Dame team that had four passing TDs last season.... Irish K Nick Setta was 8 for 8 on field goals from 40 yards or longer.... Utah State will ask junior running back David Fiefia to fill the gap created by Emmett White's graduation (1,361 yards, 13 TDs).