College Football Rankings (Preseason): Pitt And Big East Left In Cold

So all summer long we've been doing previews it seems, stuffing this page with filthy rankings written by people living in their parents' basements respected journalists. Enough, already.

Well, okay, one more. At least these rankings are actually from an outlet we're familiar with - USA Today and the coaches. Seems college football is just around the corner, and they've released their official preseason poll.

First things first: Other than garnering a few scattered votes, Pitt did not make an appearance. They received a total of three votes, which is probably about how it should be. The team has the potential to do more, but there are just too many unknowns.

In other related news, the Big East is again with a representative. Personally, I would have put West Virginia in the 20-25 range, but since they finished just outside the top 25, hard to argue.

You might remember, this is where we left off. The Big East jokes are sure to come and guess what: They're deserved. Complaining about the Big East serving as the redheaded stepchild is like Pirates fans (myself included) moaning about how they get no respect. Things will get better with the addition of TCU next year, but while expansion is still being discussed, the best thing for the Big East would be for one or two teams to emerge as powerhouses this season to hopefully carry a bit of momentum into next year with TCU's entry.

Don't get me wrong - no chance I'm rooting for the hillbillies from down below to have a good year. Unlike some who openly rooted for West Virginia to make it to the National Championship in '07, I sport no such allegiance. But if WVU put together a two-loss season (and they appear to be in the best position to do that this season, in my opinion), it would be a good thing for the conference.