Video: Louisville offensive lineman Jake Smith defends the Big East

At the team's weekly press conference ahead of the Pittsburgh game, Louisville offensive lineman Jake Smith answered questions about a number of topics. At about the 5:00 mark on the video, Smith is asked about the performance of Big East teams like Rutgers and Cincinnati. He then proceeds to make a rather reasonable defense of the Big East, noting that:

• The Big East consistently puts quality players into the NFL Draft, players that go on to have above average NFL careers.
• West Virginia wasn't considered a top 10 team when they were in the Big East, but they blow out Clemson in the bowl game and are suddenly a top 10 team coming into the season (he also noted Louisville beat West Virginia).
• Big East teams have a fine record in BCS bowl games.
• Big East teams last year had future NFL defensive linemen in Derek Wolfe and John Hughes, Bruce Irvin, Greg Scruggs, among others.