Not the way I predicted but it was the victory I predicted. Hopefully, all the Stewart bashers will at least hold their tongues and pens for a while. The Big East went 4 and 2 in bowl play which is not bad at all. Interestingly, the two highest ranked teams, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, both lost whereas the next four (WV, Rutgers, UConn and South Florida) all won. What does that mean? Well, perhaps it means that the Big East is basically at the top of the “second tier” of college teams. Not top 10, maybe even not top 15 but solidly in the 15 to 25 ranking area. A decent springboard for a “loaded” team to make a run at the top 10 and even the top 5 each year.
What will happen next year? Probably about the same as this year. If such is the case, 2010 could be the year WVU challenges for a spot at the top of the rankings. For now, just sit back and enjoy a good bowl win, a better than average season and, if you want, smile a little bit at Rich Rod’s dismal showing. Four million just doesn’t buy what it used to!