5. SOUTH FLORIDA — Sophomore Ricky Ponton (373 yards, 2 TDs) is the likely candidate to replace departed Big East rushing leader Andre Hall. ... The Bulls return 15 starters from the team went to the Meineke Car Care Bowl in their ninth season of existence, losing to North Carolina State. ... Along with Louisville and Cincinnati, the Bulls are entering their second year in the league.

6. CONNECTICUT — Junior LB Danny Lansanah heads a defense that was the stingiest in the Big East with 297 yards per game. ... The Huskies had three starting QBs last year and their first losing season since becoming a full Division I-A program.. ... UConn recently opened new practice facilities, replacing a small 50-year-old building and a doublewide trailer that acted as a coaches' meeting room.

7. CINCINNATI — Sophomore Dustin Grutzka was fourth among league quarterbacks last season with 1,799 yards passing but tied with two others with a league-worst 11 interceptions. ... Five freshmen started on defense last year when the Bearcats surrendered a league-worst 31 points per game. ... Cincinnati plays seven teams that went to bowls in 2005.

8. SYRACUSE — Under first-year coach Greg Robinson, the Orange suffered the first 10-loss season in 116 years of football. ... Following two defections, Brian White was hired as offensive coordinator, and Phil Earley as the new quarterbacks coach. ... Must replace three of five starters on the offensive line. ... The defense ranked 21st nationally against the pass last season.