Big East preseason poll: Louisville picked to win league

Louisville coach Charlie Strong was a little perturbed this spring when the local beat writers spent more time with the basketball team than it did with his football Cardinals. Clearly, Strong believes he has something special brewing.

Louisville was selected in the preseason media poll to win the Big East, receiving 24 of a possible 28 first-place votes. South Florida picked up the other three first-place votes.

Charlie Strong and Louisville are the overwhelming choice to win the Big East. (AP Photo)

With West Virginia now in the Big 12, the path is clearer for Louisville, which won five of its last six regular-season games. Led by standout quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville also has nine starters back on defense, including two-time All-Big East safety Hakeem Smith.

South Florida and QB B.J. Daniels get another shot at a league title. Coach Skip Holtz’s team was 5-7 overall last season, but was terrible in league play, finishing with just one conference victory. Three of the Bulls last four losses were by field goals.

Cincinnati, a favorite of some to win it all, was fourth in the preseason media poll.

1. Louisville

2. USF

3. Rutgers

4. Cincinnati

5. Pittsburgh

6. Connecticut

7. Syracuse

8. Temple

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