While we still try to wrap our head around how Randy Edsall did a better overall coaching job this season than Doug Marrone, we can't forget that the guys actually playing the game got honors as well. Syracuse had seven players named to the All-Big East squads and Doug Hogue led the way as the Orange's lone first-teamer.
Hogue joined UConn's Lawrence Wilson and WVU's J.T. Thomas as the league's top linebackers. Hogue was second on the team with 89 tackles, 57 solo tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks and two interceptions.
The rest of the honored Orange are on the second-team. They include RB Delone Carter, OT Justin Pugh, K Ross Krautman, DL Chandler Jones, LB Derrell Smith and P Rob Long. For Smith, it's his second-straight 2nd-team honor. Long was a first-teamer last year, though SU fans probably like the idea that their punter wasn't "first-team-worthy" in a way.
Connecticut running back Jordan Todman and Pittsburgh defensive end Jabaal Sheard were named offensive and defensive players of the year. South Florida wide receiver Lindsey Lamar was named special teams player of the year, and Louisville safety Hakeem Smith was named rookie of the year.
Ryan Bartholomew received a 2nd- team nod last year but didn't get one this year. Still, I think that's probably justified.
Surprised to see Mike Holmes come up empty. He received multiple Big East Player of the Week nods this year. His honors were split between Defense and Special Teams, which may have split the vote on him.