Backwards BEAST?

A year ago, there was little doubt the Big East was the nation's best basketball conference. That is not the case this season but it might be just as interesting. Using Brian's bracket projections, here's a quick look at the conference two weeks into conference play.

NATIONAL TITLE CONTENDER: Syracuse - If there's been any fallout from the Bernie Fine fiasco, the Orange are showing no effects. About the only thing missing might be a true go-to guy.

DANCERS:

Louisville - Now 1-3 in conference, Pitino needs to stop the free-for-all ASAP. Can they slide all the way out? I don't think so but depth is an issue.

Georgetown - Was suppose to be a rebuilding year. Smells like a 6-9 seed to me once the season ends.

UConn - Off all the teams in, this one has the potential to go deepest. Also capable of a quick exit. On the 4 line, they have the most ability to bump that.

Marquette - The epitome of the BEAST this year. Playing at home against St. John's, you'd think they'd handle them. Despite that, I could see it going either way. Not a must win by any stretch but it wouldn't be a good loss.

Seton Hall - Hall has the nation's 4th toughest schedule and are 2nd in RPI. Hello, Arturas Karnishovas! Having a great season thus far. Deserve a deeper look later.

West Virginia - As expected

Notre Dame - After losing Abromatis, they could have melted down. Now 11-6, 3-1, they seem to have found their way. Of those 6 losses, two are against Indiana and Gonzaga with other losses against Mizzou and Maryland. All losses are on neutral sites or on the road. With a RPI of 96, if they can continue winning at home in conference, they should get in.

OTHERS:

Pitt - Jamie Dixon is in the throes of one of "those" years great coaches inexplicably have, see Roy Williams 2009-10. At 11-5, they have inexplicable losses to Wagner and DePaul. While Wagner has a RPI of 67, Pitt should beat them. Still plenty of time to rally and I'll bet on Dixon. Maybe they're ACC dreaming.

Villanova - Nova's SOS is 30 but with a RPI of 115, they need to put together a bunch of W's and fast. Jay Wright joins Jamie Dixon in having one of those years. Three years removed from a Final Four, the Wildcats are still searching for an identity.

Cincinnati - 8-1 since the infamous brawl, Cincinnati needs a strong showing through the remainder of the BEAST season. They're off to a nice start (3-1) but a SOS of 212 hangs over their heads as do losses to Presbyterian and Marshall. At least Marshall has a Top 50 RPI.

St. John's - I throw them in here just because they're a young, talented team that has been w/o Steve Lavin for most of the season. I wouldn't cmpletely write them off yet but they have some brutal losses losing at home to Northeastern and at Detroit. Normally a loss to Texas A&M doesn't seem egregious but they have a RPI of 222 and are fighting for most disapointing team of 2012.