Big East conference play got underway the last couple of nights. As that was happening, a slew of previews came out once more updating things. As you can imagine, injuries — especially to Pitt — were a big theme.

Dixon has enough depth and experience at those position to keep the Panthers competitive in the Big East, as long as they defend the perimeter. We’d be surprised if they didn’t make the NCAA Tournament, although without Fields it will be a lot harder to get back to the Sweet 16.

Pitt’s injuries have been the most prominent, though, several other teams have their own problems.

Pittsburgh lost Mike Cook (knee) for the season and guard Levance Fields (foot) for at least two months. The Panthers will be an interesting case study. Coach Jamie Dixon’s club may go 8-10 or 9-9 in the league, yet still be in the conversation come Selection Sunday.

Syracuse lost last season’s starting backcourt – Eric Devendorf and Andy Rautins – to knee injuries. Padgett was expected to miss the season, then returned for the league opener Tuesday against Cincinnati. The Bearcats lost perhaps their best player, Texas transfer Mike Williams, in the fall with a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Marquette’s Dan Fitzgerald (wrist) and Providence guard Sharaud Curry (foot) also have been hobbled.

Villanova is also without Casiem Drummond who went down with a stress fracture provided vital defense and rebounding inside Pitt’s injuries, however, are still the big story.

The biggest story heading into conference play is the state of the Pittsburgh Panthers (11-1).

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Not only were Jamie Dixon’s Panthers one of the favorites to win the Big East, but with freshman DeJuan Blair stepping in nicely and averaging about 10 rebounds, they had all the pieces necessary to make a Final Four run.

But now, who knows? No loss for Pitt this season will be as big as the two the program has already sustained in the injury column.

So with Pitt down, the question in part is what teams will challenge G-town for the Big East.

Has any team’s fortune changed more in just more than one game’s time? First, the Panthers lost forward Mike Cook for the season in overtime against Duke. After they stole the win on a late Levance Fields 3, they lost Fields for perhaps the rest of the regular season while getting destroyed at Dayton. The Panthers still have one of the best frontcourt tandems in the country with freshman forward DeJuan Blair and junior Sam Young, as well as a lot of grit, but these losses are two big blows any team would struggle to overcome. The loss of Fields might short-circuit Pitt’s conference-title hopes.

Marquette is about the best bet at the moment. Louisville has appeared to falter, but you should never count a Rick Pitino team out this earl. Some think Villanova — of course that was before the loss to DePaul last night.

Personally, and I hate typing this, I think UConn will be back up there. Things seem to be coming together with the talent they have.