Big East Fantasy QB Rankings

1.Pat White, West Virginia (SR)
Even with Rich Rodriguez departing to Michigan, White remains a strong fantasy option. The senior quarterback posted career numbers in passing and rushing yards last season, while totaling 28 touchdowns. New offensive coordinator Jeff Mullen won’t change much of the Mountaineer offensive philosophy, but is expected to ask White to throw a little more in 2008. Expect White to top 1,000 yards on the ground, while posting career best numbers through the air.

2.Matt Grothe, South Florida (JR)
Grothe enters his junior year poised for his best statistical season. The junior quarterback improved upon his passing and rushing yardage last season, but must cut down on his interceptions to put the Bulls in a better position to win games in 2008. Fantasy owners should expect Grothe to total 25-30 touchdowns, while improving upon his yardage once again – especially with a solid set of skill players returning in 2008.

3.Mike Teel, Rutgers (SR)
With Ray Rice gone to the NFL, the Scarlet Knight offense is expected to rely more on Teel’s right arm. The senior quarterback has progressed nicely throughout his career, which includes a 20 passing touchdown season in 2007. Led by Kenny Britt and Tiquan Underwood, Teel has one of the best receiving corps in the nation, which should make this senior one of the top 30 fantasy quarterbacks.

4.Hunter Cantwell, Louisville (SR)
After spending the last three seasons backing up Brian Brohm, Cantwell is ready for his opportunity to start. The senior has plenty of experience, including a start in the 2006 Gator Bowl against Virginia Tech. The Cardinals were a disappointment last season, but with Cantwell under center, the offense figures to be potent once again. Consider Cantwell a top 40 fantasy quarterback in 2008, with potential to move up the list if a new cast of receivers develops.

5.Tyler Lorenzen, Connecticut (SR)
Lorenzen began his career as a wide receiver at Iowa State, but his desire to play quarterback led him to the junior college ranks and then eventually to his latest stop in Connecticut. In his first season as a starter, Lorenzen threw for 2,367 yards and 13 touchdowns, while totaling just over 300 yards on the ground. The senior quarterback isn’t a flashy player, but gives the Huskies stability at the position. Look for Lorenzen to be a spot start option in fantasy leagues.

6.Dustin Grutza, Cincinnati (SR)
Grutza heads into fall practice with a slight lead on the Bearcat starting quarterback spot – but he doesn’t appear to have the complete backing of head coach Brian Kelly. Grutza has thrown 24 touchdowns and interceptions in his career, but has started 23 games in his career. Give Grutza the slight edge over Demetrius Jones and Chazz Anderson, but this is a job that could change hands before the season begins.

7.Demetrius Jones, Cincinnati (SO)
Jones opened 2007 as the starting quarterback at Notre Dame, but a dismal performance in the opener against Georgia Tech and a subsequent benching led him to transfer to Cincinnati. The sophomore is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, but was able to participate in spring practice. Assuming Jones is 100 percent in fall practice, he has an excellent chance to win the starting job and emerge as a top 50 fantasy quarterback in an offense that fits his style.

8.Andrew Robinson, Syracuse (JR)
Considering Syracuse is coming off a 2-10 season, it’s easy to overlook Robinson. The junior quarterback threw for 2,192 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, while tossing seven interceptions. Although those numbers aren’t overwhelming, Robinson performed well considering the lackluster play of his offensive line. The Orange have lost top receiver Mike Williams for the rest of the year due to academics and the rest of the receiving corps is relatively thin. Needless to say, this junior quarterback will likely struggle to top last season’s numbers.

9.Bill Stull, Pittsburgh (JR)
If the Panthers want to take the next step to contend for a Big East title, getting consistent quarterback play will be crucial. Stull suffered a thumb injury in the 2007 season opener, which forced him to sit out the remainder of the season. The Panthers will lean on the rushing attack to win games, but Stull should see plenty of opportunities to take chances downfield – especially with the return of receiver Derek Kinder. Stull doesn’t have the starting job locked down and even if he’s the starter, consider him only for a spot start.

10.Chazz Anderson, Cincinnati (FR)
Demetrius Jones and Dustin Grutza hold the top two spots on the Bearcat depth chart, but Anderson is a player who has emerged as a contender in spring practice. Anderson redshirted in 2007, but head coach Brian Kelly is intrigued with his dual-threat ability – which is a good fit in the Bearcat offense. Fantasy owners should watch this quarterback battle closely, as the winner will be a fantasy option in all league formats.

11.Jarrett Brown, West Virginia (JR)
12.Greg Cross, Pitt (JR)
13.Zach Frazer, UConn (SO)
14.Pat Bostick, Pitt (SO)
15.Jabu Lovelace, Rutgers (JR)
16.Zach Collaros, Cincinnati (FR)
17.Matt Simms, Louisville (FR)
18.Tino Sunseri, Pitt (FR)
19.Coley White, West Virginia (FR)
20.D.C. Jefferson, Rutgers (FR)