This is how I voted in the Big East’s football media poll. The entire media poll will be revealed by the league on July 29.

No. 2 PITTSBURGH

Pitt instant analysis: Led by RB LeSean McCoy (a Big East freshman record 1,328 yards rushing last year) and LB Scott McKillop (nation’s leading tackler in 2007), the Panthers return 15 starters from last year’s should-have-been better than 5-7 team. Last year Pitt was its own worst enemy. The Panthers had four interceptions returned against them for TDs (including two by USF and another to the 1-yard line). Also, in three games last season, Pitt was inside the opponents’ 10 needing a TD to win – and twice had TDs called back because of penalties. But enough about last year’s woulda-coulda-shoulda season. The Panthers lost starting QB Bill Stull in last year’s opener and the offense never recovered, finishing only ahead of Syracuse in total offense. This year Pitt will be much better offensively – they have to be, right? – and returns seven starters from last year’s defense that was tops in the Big East and No. 5 in the nation. They also have the league’s top kicker in Conor Lee, who hit 18 of 22 field goals last year.

Fun with numbers: In Dave Wannstedt’s three seasons, the Panthers are 4-9 in games decided by 10 points or less, including 2-5 in games decided by four points or less.

If I could attend one Pitt game this season it would be: West Virginia at Pitt, Nov. 28. You gotta love any series nicknamed “The Backyard Brawl.” This is the 101st edition of the Brawl and the Mountaineers will be seeking some serious revenge from last season.

Why I picked Pitt No. 2? Because I’m stupid? Believe me, I’ve heard all the arguments about Pitt – Wannstache’s coaching deficiencies, the Panthers are too highly regarded because of last year’s West Virginia game, etc. However, they have several factors in their favor. Despite one of the nation’s worst passing attacks – i.e. nothing to keep the defense honest – McCoy was a beast last year. Improved play at QB, the return of their top receivers, a solid running attack, a top-notch defense and a money kicker. Not a bad combination.

Pitt will finish better than 2nd if: the Panthers play like they did against West Virginia last year in every game this season. By the way, for those in the WVU choked that game away category, Pitt held WVU to a season-low 183 yards (by comparison, WVU had 437 yards of offense in its loss at USF). Pitt also must pull off an upset at USF and defeat West Virginia for a second consecutive season to win the league.

Pitt will finish worse than 2nd if: what everyone has been telling me comes true – Wannstedt’s coaching, last year’s WVU game was a fluke, Pitt is overrated because of the WVU game, etc. The Panthers also must get another big year from McCoy to take the pressure off the quarterback position. Also, if the defense ranked fifth nationally last year and Pitt only won five games, what happens if the defense slips a few notches this fall? I’ll admit, of all my Big East picks, this is the one that I could be the most wrong about. Enough about No. 2, onto No. 1

No. 1 WEST VIRGINIA

WVU instant analysis: Although he’s still in the news in Morgantown. Every! Single! Day! Coach Rich Rod is long gone to Michigan. Bill Stewart inherits a team with 12 returning starters, most importantly, reigning Big East offensive player of the year Pat White. Just as important is that the Mountaineers return their entire offensive line that rolled up 525 yards and 48 points on Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. The Mountaineers’ must replace seven starters off their defense, which ranked second in the Big East last season.

Fun with numbers: In the last two years, West Virginia is 0-2 against USF – and 22-2 against everyone else whose defense is not coached by Wally Burnham.

If I could attend one WVU game this season it would be: USF at West Virginia, Dec. 6. It’s hard to pass up WVU at Colorado in what is one of the most spectacular settings in college football, but there will be so many storylines for USF-WVU. The Mountaineers will either be closing in on a Big East title and possible BCS national title berth or in full meltdown mode hoping to save their season under Stewart. Also, the Mountaineers may be playing spoiler and disrupting USF’s Big East hopes. But can USF really beat WVU three consecutive times? I doubt it, but if so, Mountaineer fans won’t light their couches on fire – they’ll burn the stadium down.

Why I picked WVU No. 1? Because everyone else in the free world did? Actually, despite the losses on defense and losing Rodriquez and his coaching staff, the Mountaineers’ offense is still so, so dangerous. White is back for his senior year and RB Noel Devine replaces Steve Slaton – quick prediction: if Devine stays out of trouble off the field, he’ll surpass Slaton’s numbers (1,051 yards and 17 TDs) from last year.

WVU will finish worse than 1st if: Burnham starts selling a how to DVD on “How To Stop The Mountaineers” Also, White must remain healthy, something he’s been unable to do the past two years in losses to USF. If the Mountaineers stumble at Colorado or home against Auburn, it could have a lingering effect and carry over into conference play and then WVU fans, still reeling from Rich Rod’s departure, may start questioning if Stewart was the right hire.

This is how I voted in the Big East’s media poll.

1. West Virginia
2. Pittsburgh
3. South Florida
4. Cincinnati
5. Rutgers
6. Louisville
7. UConn
8. Syracuse