Head coach Bill Stewart became former head coach Bill Stewart after the program dismissed him in the wake of an explosive series of articles about the head coach in waiting, Dana Holgorsen. One article purported that Holgorsen was partying his way through the spring, detailing a range of incidents – most of which did not involve police – involving alcohol. Another reported that the West Virginia athletic department was reportedly investigating leaks in its own department, prompted by the first article. There was suspicion that Stewart, or someone related to Stewart, was the leak but it was never proven.

But a few days after the stories broke, Stewart was gone, having resigned from the position.

Holgorsen is now the head coach, a few months ahead of schedule. The Mountaineers are still the Big East favorites, but a season of transition has become more problematic for West Virginia.

Still, Holgorsen and the Mountaineers still have the edge, thanks to QB Geno Smith. The junior had a tremendous campaign in 2010, throwing for 2,763 yards and 24 touchdowns against seven interceptions. Holgorsen helped Oklahoma State QB Brandon Weeden reach another level in 2010, as Weeden threw for more than 4,000 yards. Holgorsen, who will call the plays in Morgantown, could do the same for Smith, who possesses more athleticism than Weeden.

Surrounding Smith is an experienced offense, including LT Don Barclay and C Joe Madsen.

The defense has some question marks. Thankfully, long-time defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel didn’t leave in the shake-up. There are only four returning starters, but one of the backups from last year – DE Bruce Irvin – might as well have been a starter after a 14-sack season in 2010. He’ll soften the blow of losing Scooter Berry and Chris Neild from the front four. MLB Najee Goode is back, along with returning leading tackler Terence Garvin, who plays the “spur” position on the back line of the Mountaineer’s 3-3-5 formation.

If any team has the tools to take advantage of the turbulence in Morgantown its South Florida, which has grown into a steady program in the Big East. The winning hasn’t stopped under second-year head coach Skip Holtz, and the Bulls have won eight or more games five straight years. The Bulls have their own captivating QB, B.J. Daniels, who threw for only 1,685 yards last year but is very mobile and causes problems for opposing defenses. But Daniels has to overcome the lack of experience surrounding him, as the Bulls have only four returning starters on offense.

The defense is a little bit more set, especially on the back line, with five returning starters on the back seven, including returning leading tackler DeDe Lattimore.

Pittsburgh had two new coaches in a matter of days in January, with Todd Graham of Tulsa eventually taking the job. Graham brings his spread offense to Pittsburgh and will need time to install his system. But he has a solid group to work with, including QB Tino Sunseri, WR Mike Shanahan and C Chris Jacobsen. He also inherits a stout defense with eight returning starters.

Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano is the dean of coaches in the conference, but the Scarlet Knights lost their final six games last year after the life-threatening injury to DT Eric LeGrand. Rutgers hopes to draw a little inspiration from LeGrand’s continuing recovery, but they need help on defense, where they ranked 110th in FBS last year and return only five starters. Schiano also must hope that sophomore QB Chas Dodd is up to improving on his 1,677-yard, 11 TD season in 2010.

Butch Jones needs a rebound in his second year as head coach in Cincinnati, as the Bearcats fell from BCS bowl game to eight losses. The Bearcats weren’t expecting such a drop, as Jones still has many of Brian Kelly’s recruits. For starters, QB Zach Collaros threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns. Plus, WR DJ Woods, the leading receiver, is also back. But the Bearcat defense should improve, as it has 10 returning starters, including MLB JK Schaffer, who had 111 tackles last year.

Second-year Louisville coach Charlie Strong had an unexpectedly successful first year, winning seven games in 2010 and winning a bowl game. There are a lot of holes on offense, though. C Mario Benavides is the only returning starter on the line, and Strong must find a new quarterback between Will Stein and Teddy Bridgewater, a high-profile transfer from Miami. But the defense should fill the gaps, thanks to six returning starters, led by SS Hakeem Smith.

Doug Marrone is still looking for some balance in Syracuse, where eight offensive starters are back, including QB Ryan Nassib. New coordinator Nate Hackett has big plans for the offense and has all the tools to get some improvement out of the unit. The defense, one of the Big East’s better units last year, has holes to fill up front and in the secondary. But if they’re filled, the Orange could be a dark horse threat in the league.

Connecticut has a new coach in Paul Pasqualoni and lower expectations after reaching a BCS bowl game for the first time last season. Pasqualoni has to mend the hard feelings left by Randy Edsall’s departure, along with finding new starters at quarterback, middle linebacker and left guard. The Huskies do have 10 returning starters on defense.

Big East Power Rankings
1. West Virginia
2. South Florida
3. Pittsburgh
4. Rutgers
5. Cincinnati
6. Louisville
7. Syracuse
8. Connecticut

Visit PIGSKINU.com for college football news, recruiting and video. It’s the one stop source for team coverage!