Louisville was chosen as the overwhelming favorite to win the 2012 Big East regular season championship in Tuesday's annual preseason media poll. The Cardinals received 24 of 28 possible first place votes.
Despite a 5-7 season in 2011, USF finished second overall and received top billing on the remaining four other ballots.
Louisville returns 17 starters including quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, the reigning Big East rookie of the year. Nine starters are back on defense, including standout safety Hakeem Smith.
The Bulls also return 17 starters, led by quarterback B.J. Daniels and defensive end Ryne Giddins. USF was followed by Rutgers, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh.
Led by linebacker Khaseem Greene the Scarlet Knights could have one of the most stifling defenses in the nation. The Bearcats must replace running Isaiah Pead, the 2011 Big East offensive player of the year and quarterback Zach Collaros. Cincinnati has capable replacements in quarterback Munchie Legaux and running back George Winn. Pitt might have one of the top backfields in FBS in senior running back Ray Graham and freshman Rushel Shell.
Connecticut and Syracuse were selected sixth and seventh, respectively. The Huskies return a pair of All-Big East performers on offense in tight end Ryan Griffin and running back Lyle McCombs. The Orange boast a talented receiving corps in seniors Alec Lemon and Marcus Sales.
Temple was chosen last in its inaugural season in the Big East. The Owls have two talented running backs in senior Matt Brown and Montel Harris, a transfer from Boston College. Temple, however, returns just 10 starters.
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