Big East Rankings V. 4,0

1. West Virginia (3-1): Let down by the coaching staff once again, with another game on the line. Next Step…Bye Week

2. Syracuse (3-1): No offense to Syracuse, but they shouldn’t be number two in the Big East. Not yet. This league is down! Next Step…Bye Week

3. Cincinnati (1-3): They outplayed Oklahoma, but were let down by mistakes. The Bearcats could be back. Next Step…Bye Week

4. South Florida (2-1): Still under-performing under the Skip Holtz regime. Next Step…Hosting Florida Atlantic.

5. Rutgers (3-1): The defense continues to play well…the offense continues to struggle. Next Step…Hosting Tulane.

6. Connecticut (2-2): Cody Endres taking over at quarterback could be the boost the Huskies need to get back at it. Next Step…Hosting Vanderbilt.

7. Pittsburgh (1-2): Can the Panthers really be this bad? Can they stop getting arrested? Next Step…Hosting Florida International.

8. Louisville (1-2): The Cardinals are looking to build off their good performance at Oregon State. Next Step…A must win on the road at Arkansas State.

A Fantastic Night for a Fantastic Sport

As I watched Boise State beat Virginia Tech last night, I couldn’t help but be reminded of a question that I get asked countless times every fall. It’s a simple question really, one that I have taken in many different directions. Watching this incredible game last night got me thinking about this question once again. The question of why I love college football so much.

It’s easy to hate the sport, especially living in a non-college market. Let's be honest…Maine, and really New England is not a bastion of college football. Maine has an FCS in UMaine. It’s a team that’s usually competitive. But, it’s also a team that gets dwarfed by its big brother UMaine Hockey, as well of the fact that Orono is a few hours away from the Portland Market. Moving away from the state, we find ourselves with Boston College and the University of Connecticut. BC football is essentially an afterthought in the professional sport Mecca of Boston, and UConn will always be a basketball school.

It’s also easy to hate a sport that doesn’t have a true playoff system. The BCS is a joke, which continues to baffle the minds of millions of Americans. The reasons they give us are asinine, and remind us all that universities run too much like Fortune-500 corporations (though, it is hysterical that these universities don’t understand that they could make millions more through a playoff system). Preseason polls are garbage as well. It gives either an advantage or disadvantage to start the year. It’s an awful way to end a season, but maybe there is a brighter future.

So, I’ve lived in a non-college hotbed most of my life, and the BCS is what’s left after a frat party…how on Earth will I sell this sport. Easy…with Boise/V-Tech.

Last night’s game is the epitome of college football. Everything you want in a sport was on stage in our Nation’s capital. Start with the crowd…simply electric. Thousands of rabid Virginia Tech fans made the trip to DC on a school and work night to watch AND be heard. Even more impressive was the amount of Boise fans. There was an outstanding sea of blue that could be heard almost at the same decibel level as their adversaries. This is the beauty of the college game. This isn’t Gillette Stadium in September, when you could hear a pin drop in the third quarter, this is college football…the closest thing America has to the lunacy and pandemonium of European soccer crowds.

The anticipation was incredible as well. Here was a game that people have been waiting for since last January. It was a storyline that played out with incredible fervor. As much as I love the NFL there isn’t a storyline that compares. Take the opener for the NFL. You think anyone really cares about the New Orleans/Minnesota alleged revenge game? No…we just want the NFL to start, because we miss football and the Red Sox are toast.

Last night’s game also gave us a perfect example of the importance in coaching. We tend to use the term “manage” much more than “coach” at the professional level. However, coaches still heavily influence the college game. Take Bud Foster. The Hokie Defensive Coordinator had a big problem early in the game. He realized his defense isn’t very talented. Foster was able to make adjustments to his young unit not only to keep them in the game, but keep Boise at bay for a good portion of the contest. Boise’s Head Coach, Chris Peterson’s idea of fighting fire with fire was genius. He took V-Tech’s special teams out of the game early, with his own brand of aggression. Frank Beamer did a nice job rallying his team early in the game to make sure it wasn’t going to be a Boise blowout. However, this goes both ways. Offensive play-calling for Tech was terrible all night, especially late in the game when Tech ran out of bounds on numerous occasions, as well as having incomplete passes when trying to run out the clock. Peterson screwed up himself early in the first half by giving V-Tech an extra down instead of declining a penalty. The Hokies would go on to score on that drive. Sure, this happens in the NFL, but the professional game is put much more on the players than the coaches.

The drama was certainly there last night as well. There were four lead changes, three blocked kicks, nearly 700 yards in total offense, incredible catches, acrobatic runs, and a scoring drive in the final two minutes. Everything a game needed to be ideal. It also had three turnovers, 18 penalties, costly drops, and missed field goals…that leads me to my next point…embrace imperfection. I know it sounds crazy, but just try it. There’s something refreshing about watching a game where the players are still learning and maturing their craft. We can’t expect 18 to 22 year-old men to be robots. If they were they would be playing on Sunday. A missed kick, bad read, blatant drop, or countless dumb penalties shouldn’t deter you from watching. Understand that this game isn’t perfect…it’s still an education.

Whether it’s anticipation you love, maybe a fanatical atmosphere, or just incredible drama, last night’s game had it all.

Many other games over the weekend brought on these characteristics as well. Ole Miss and Kansas lost to FCS teams. East Carolina won on a Hail Mary. Michigan and Notre Dame silenced critics with big wins. Florida and Oklahoma struggled with lesser opponents. It was a weekend full of shock and awe. But, really that’s nothing new…that’s college football.

Big East Preview, Week 6

An interesting slate of games this week, as midseason approaches. The week is highlighted by a few mid-table programs looking to make a statement in the conference. Pitt is looking to prove the prognosticators right, while UConn looks to keep the surprises coming. A few minor upsets perhaps this week? Here are the picks…

Last Week: 4-0

Overall: 29-4

Bye Week: Cincinnati, South Florida

Texas Southern at Rutgers: The Knights come off a bye with a MONSTER matchup against TSU. I swear this has to be like the fourth FCS team Rutgers has played this year. Not what you would call a touch non-conference schedule for Greg Schiano and the boys in 2009. Rutgers should have few problems moving the ball against a team that is allowing 33 points per game. Also expect the Knights’ defense to make the Tigers even more one-dimensional. Rutgers big in this one.

Prediction: 37-9

Southern Miss at Louisville: Big non-conference game for Louisville and the Big East. The Cardinals certainly don’t want to drop a home game to team from a lesser conference. However, Louisville is the lesser team. The Cardinals have relied on the running game to bail out the problems at quarterback. The problem is Southern Miss has the ability to shut that run down. Louisville needs to throw the football this week. The Golden Eagles have been susceptible to the pass. Look for the Cardinals to connect in the air early to possibly set up the pass. Southern Miss is forced to start a new quarterback this week, after starter Austin Davis injured his foot last week. Martevious Young takes over with not a lot of experience. Look for Louisville to pressure him constantly. The Cardinals are treading water could use a confidence boost. This is a rivalry game, at home, against an inexperienced quarterback. Things point to an upset.

Prediction: 28-27 Louisville

West Virginia at Syracuse: The battle of turnover teams. These two teams combined for a whopping 11 turnovers last week. There seems to be a lack of discipline here folks. The turnovers have really hurt the Mountaineers. Through four games, it’s evident that the biggest opponent WVU has faced is…well WVU. The loss to Auburn was because of turnovers. The close games against ECU and Colorado was because of turnovers. The Mountaineers are averaging close to 500 yards, but it doesn’t mean much when you’re averaging about four turnovers a game as well. Meanwhile, the Orange haven’t exactly dealt with losing the ball either. Syracuse lost a heartbreaker to start the year, after a crucial interception in the endzone in OT. More than likely the turnovers will be even, so this was all just a waste of time. So…on to the pick! It should be a pretty good matchup. Both teams will have success moving the football. West Virginia hasn’t run into a defense that can stop the yard-train. That won’t change this week. ‘Cuse can keep it close if the offensive balance is there, but there is no guarantee of that. The running attack is too inconsistent to this point. Expect a close game early, with WVU pulling away late.

Prediction: 35-24 West Virginia

Game of the Week: UConn at Pitt: Connecticut comes in off a bye, but plenty of momentum. It’s been a very solid start to the year that included a big non-conference victory at Baylor. Meanwhile, Pitt’s defense showed up over the weekend, as the Panthers shut down Louisville in the second half. The Panthers continue to look for a statement win, and it could be this weekend. UConn comes in with the number four defense in the land, and a solid rushing attack. Jordan Toddman and Andre Dixon have solid job taking the reins from Donald Brown. The air assault with Cody Endres is nothing spectacular, but it’s been enough. The Panthers will get a good sense of just how good some of their skilled players are against this solid UConn defense. Dion Lewis is in for a battle on the ground, and Bill Stull will have to be sharp through the air. So far the two have been exceptional and a lot of that falls on the offensive line. But this will be the toughest test so far. Can the o-line hold up? And can Pitt’s defense do enough to slow the Husky attack? UConn has also been successful on the road. A close game all the way, with the Connecticut defense anchoring the mild upset.

Prediction: 24-20 UConn

Big East Preview, Week 5

Conference play is upon us, as the Big East heads into week 5. Two conference games highlight the week, including South Florida looking for a 5-0 start. Also on the slate is a revenge game for West Virginia, and a should-be laugher for the conference’s number one team. Here are the picks.

Last Week: 5-2

Overall: 24-4

Bye Week: Rutgers, UConn

(10) Cincinnati at Miami (OH): This may be the biggest game that has ever happened at Yager Stadium. It was obviously scheduled when Cincinnati still sucked. With the top-10 ranking, the Bearcats will be getting everyone’s A-game…not sure Miami’s matters. The RedHawks are 0-4, and averaging just 11 points a game. Miami has also been shutout twice. And the topper is the loss to Kent State, the armpit of college football. This game has all the signs of a major blowout. Cincinnati already had a trap game, and it was last week against a

much better team in Fresno…and the ‘Cats handled it. Expect a beatdown.

Prediction: 51-7 Cincinnati

Pittsburgh at Louisville: Both teams are coming in with losses, and will be looking for a quick start in conference. This is a key game for Pitt to try to get back on track. The preseason favorite is desperately looking for a defense. The Panthers have been devastated by key injuries, and were finally exposed against a good offense in NC State. The Cardinals continue to search for offensive balance, which is a plus for Pitt. Look for the Panthers’ D to key in on the run, and limit Victor Anderson and Bilal Powell. Louisville QB, Justin Burke is going to have to make plays for the Cards to stay in this one…and that just isn’t likely. Pitt should have success against an inexperienced defense as well. Louisville can’t get into a scoring spree with the Panthers.

Prediction: 31-19 Pitt

Colorado at West Virginia: This is a revenge game for the Mountaineers, having played a forgettable game against the Buffalos last year. It was probably more embarrassing for Bill Stewart than anyone else, considering the game plan was a complete failure. A new year, a new team though, as WVU comes in as the heavy favorite. Colorado is off to a putrid start, including a loss to Toledo, where the Buffs allowed 54 points. It will be a long night defensively if Colorado can’t slow down a West Virginia offense that’s averaging 33 points a game. The Mountaineers have a balanced attack as well, making it more difficult. The Buffalos best chance is to create turnovers. It has been the Achilles’ Heal for WVU. It’s really the only thing that has buried this team. Even if the Mountaineers turn the ball over few times it will still take a major effort from Colorado. The Buffalo defense hasn’t been consistent, and the Mountaineer defense will have a wild, Thursday night crowd behind them in Morgantown.

Prediction: 35-20 West Virginia

Game of the Week: South Florida at Syracuse: This is a chance for both teams to make a prohibitive statement. South Florida is likely ranked with a win. It would make the Bulls 5-0 and 2-0 with new starter B.J. Daniels. A win for Syracuse would mean a 3-2 record, and a marquee win in a conference that is steadily improving. This is a game the Orange has been building for. It’s a chance to prove that the ‘Cuse is back…or at least close. The defense will once again anchor the Bulls. Through four games, USF has allowed just 27 points…an incredible stat. The experienced front should be able to get adequate pressure on Greg Paulus. Syracuse will have to get the ground game going. And Paulus can’t be put into too many 3^rd and long situations. Mistake-free football is very important for the 'Cuse, which did a good job holding onto the ball last week. However, special teams were a disaster against Maine, and need to tighten up the rest of the way. This should be an exciting game if the Orange defense can harass Daniels early. But expect the USF defense to really control the game, and create a few turnovers that will be the difference.

Prediction: 28-17 USF

MAINE HEAD COACH JACK COSGROVE

HEAD COACH JACK COSGROVE TALKS WITH THE PM JAB'S CHRIS SEDENKA ABOUT THE GAME VS SYRACUSE

Big East Blitz

South Florida: Matt Grothe's impressive career is over due to a torn ACL. A sad ending for the senior, who had just broken the Big East total yards record. TBO.com's Brett McMurphy recounts Grothe's final chapter in college football.

Louisville: Hey, at least someone has some optimism for the Cardinals. In all serious, it was a pretty good effort against Kentucky.

Rutgers: According to the pressofatlanticcity.com, Rutgers' QB Tom Savage is okay. Savage was forced out Saturday in the fourth quarter due to a big hit. Greg Schiano doesn't expect him to miss much time.

UConn: Do we now have a quarterback controversy now in UConn? The Hartford Couran't Desmond Conner says slow down...for now.

West Virginia: The Mountaineers had over 500 yards of offense against Auburn. They also turned the ball over five times. Bob Hertzel is asking if WVU needs to go back to the ground game.

Cincinnati: The Bearcats continue to be the only Big East team ranked. They did move up after an impressive road win over Oregon State.

Syracuse and Pitt: Congrats to the Big East award winners...The Orange's Mike Williams(offense) and Ryan Lichtenstein(Special Teams) were two major factors in Doug Marrone's first win. Pitt's Dan Mason wins the defensive award in his very first start.

Big East Preview, Week 3

Major statement weekend for the Big East. Games against the SEC, PAC 10, Big Ten, and Big 12 highlight the schedule. Now is the time for the conference to prove that it’s not as far behind as most say. This could be the best weekend this conference has had in years. Or it could potentially be catastrophic. Here are the picks.

Last Week: 7-0

Overall: 13-1

Charleston Southern @ South Florida: The Bulls continue to play the dregs of society, and this week it's the team made famous by being a 73 point underdog to Florida. Another real tough test for USF. The Buccaneers had only scored 17 points in two games, while allowing 104. That’s a good thing for a South Florida team that has struggled for offensive consistency. Hearty congratulations to Matt Grothe, as he surpassed Pat White for number one on the Big East total yards list. Grothe has been a fantastic player for the Bulls, and looks to keep his senior season unblemished. It will continue...easily.

Prediction: 45-7 USF

Florida International at Rutgers: How many Isaiah Thompson errrr I mean Isaiah Thomas references will be made during this broadcast? The Knights come in with some confidence, and look to keep the wins coming. Tom Savage took the reins at QB last week against Howard and played pretty solid. Expect the freshman to continue his solid play against a Panther team that was decimated by Alabama. Expect Rutgers to have good balance offensively, and pressure the Panthers into too many mistakes.

Prediction: 34-10 Rutgers

Louisville at Kentucky: One of the great rivalries in all of college sports...on the basketball court. These teams have had some good squads on the gridiron recently, just not for the Cardinals. If Louisville wants to continue to improve, then it must rely on tailbacks’ Victor Anderson and Bilal Powell. The two combined for over 160 yards in week one. If the Cards want to beat Kentucky, it starts with controlling the clock with those two. The Wildcats bring a balanced attack into the game, having gone over 200 yards on the ground and in the air in week one. Mike Hartline should have success throwing the football against an inconsistent defense. Look for Jacoby Ford to find some open holes in the secondary. The Cards will struggle to slow Kentucky down, and being on the road doesn't help the cause.

Prediction: 37-24 Kentucky

Northwestern at Syracuse: The Orange may be 0-2, but it's a solid 0-2. An overtime loss to Minnesota and a respectable 21-point loss to heavily-favored Penn State shows that Syracuse is

moving in the right direction. The Big Ten tour continues this week with a match up against Northwestern. The Wildcats have much stronger numbers offensively than the Orange. However, Northwestern has played nobody...and nearly lost to one of those nobody’s. There is no question that the 'Cuse is more battle-tested to this point. Look for the Orange to try to establish the run...something they have struggled with a bit. It could be successful this week against a team allowing over 100 yards per game. This should open up air attack for Greg Paulus. The Duke Assassin is ready to have a bit of a breakout game, and the stars could be aligned this Saturday. Look for Syracuse to take an early lead, control the clock, and shut Mike Kafka down.

Prediction: 24-17 Syracuse

UConn at Baylor: It was a heartbreaker for UConn last week, losing on a holding call in the endzone for a safety. No time for a hangover here, as the Huskies face a Baylor squad that can be very explosive. The Bears are coming off a bye, so will be rested and ready this weekend. The Huskies will have to rely on Greg Lloyd and the defense to try to slow the talented Baylor offense. UConn has had success in slowing the run game down, which could really hurt the Bears' creativity. The bigger issue is going to be the UConn offense. Cody Endres gets the start at QB, but the youngster is battling a stomach virus this week...not good for preparation. This means a big game from Jordan Toddman is a must. This could be difficult against an underrated Baylor defense. Things will just not be in the Huskies favor this weekend. Baylor big.

Prediction: 31-14 Baylor

Navy at Pittsburgh: This will be a good one. The Panthers continue to play well, especially the new tailback in town. Dion Lewis has been sensational, having already racked up 319 yards in just two games. Bill Stull has been efficient with five TD passes, and just one INT...and the offensive line ha been dynamite. But the problem with this one will be the defense. Overall, the Panthers have been electric against stopping the run, but bad news hit the Steel City this week. Starting safety Andrew Taglianetti was lost for the season, after tearing his ACL. This is a big loss for the season...and a huge loss right away, taking on a Navy team that will hit you with the option. Expect the Midshipmen to have success in controlling the clock...but not enough. Navy won't be able to shutdown the Panther offense, as Pitt wins a closer game than most probably think.

Prediction: 38-27 Pitt

West Virginia at Auburn: The Tigers will be looking for revenge from last year's embarrassment in Morgantown. WVU scored 31 unanswered points in the second half to trounce Auburn, and probably seal Tommy Tuberville's fate. Well, this is a new season, with a new coach, and a new attitude surrounds the entire campus as the Tigers are off to a hot start. Auburn will turn to the run against a WVU offense that is a bit beat up (Scooter Berry is questionable) at the front. Meanwhile, the Mountaineers will rely on a rapidly improving passing game that has seen Jarrod Brown light it up so far. But Brown is going up against an upstart secondary, with a lot of confidence. The crowd will be a major factor as well, so WVU will want to get up early. The Mountaineers have a five-game winning streak against the SEC, but it’s coming to an end this weekend. Expect Auburn to control the game on both sides.

Prediction: 27-20 Auburn

Game of the Week: (21) Cincinnati at (24) Oregon State: A huge game for the conference’s only ranked team. The Bearcats are in great form as they head out west to Corvallis. Cincinnati should have success against an Oregon State defense that has some holes. The Bearcats are second in the nation in scoring and Tony Pike 4^th in passing efficiency. There is no doubt Cincy will score, but can they slow down Jacquizz Rodgers and the Beavers? Potentially. The ‘Cats defense has looked very solid, but haven’t truly faced an explosive offense yet. Cincinnati will need to limit the big plays to slow OSU down. On paper this game looks like a shootout. Couldn’t agree more. Look for the Bearcats to continuously attack OSU’s secondary, while doing just enough defensively to win.

Prediction: 38-31 Cincinnati

Big East Preview, Week 2

The season is off and running with few surprises so far. The Big East is finally represented in the top 25 with Cincinnati, and others may join the Bearcats soon. This week is highlighted by an important ACC/ Big East showdown. He are the picks.

Last Week: 6-1

Overall: 6-1

Bye: Louisville

Howard at Rutgers: Well, the Knights are not exactly off to the best start. However, this should be a bounce-back weekend against mighty Howard. Rutgers has plenty of issues to work on, and expect four quarters of work, while never worrying about actually losing. Domenic Natale was downright brutal, and makes one wonder if Tom Savage is now the starting quarterback for the Knights. But Rutgers also needs to find some intensity, a consistent defense, an offensive line that doesn't resemble Swiss cheese...like I said a lot of issues. Too bad the Bison didn't start the season in Jersey...they may have beaten that Rutgers team. That will not be the case this weekend.

Prediction: 34-10 Rutgers

Southeast Missouri State at (23) Cincinnati: Both teams come in off of major blowouts. However, only one of them was a blowout against an FBS opponent. Actually...only one of them was against an NCAA opponent. Newly ranked Cincinnati sent a message Monday by hammering Rutgers in Jersey. The Bearcats already look to have the most dynamic offense in the conference…and defensively, so far so good. The ‘Cats managed to keep Rutgers under 300 yards of total offense, and ended up with three interceptions. Are we talking trap game this week with the monster win over Rutgers, and a feeble opponent coming in? Um...no. The Redhawks did win 72-3 last week...however it was against NAIA foe Quincy. Expect a thrashing.

Prediction: 56-10 Cincinnati

South Florida at Western Kentucky: The Bulls were pretty solid in week one. WKU was hideous. The Hilltoppers managed just 83 total yards against Tennessee. Not good considering South Florida brings a solid defense to the table. The Bulls shutdown Wofford in week one...limiting the Terriers to just 211 total yards. Matt Grothe will once again lead the Bulls offense through the air and on the ground...especially with the suspension to starting tailback Mike Ford. Grothe should have quite a bit of success doing both against a very shaky WKU defense. This game should be over early.

Prediction: 42-9 South Florida

Pittsburgh at Buffalo: When first looking at this matchup one would think it's one-sided. However, looking at how Buffalo has been playing over the last year (as well of the fact that Pitt nearly lost to the Bulls at home last year) this could be a solid football game. Buffalo had a decent road win at UTEP to kick off the year. Meanwhile, Pitt knocked the dust off with a drubbing of Youngstown State. Panther frosh tailback, Dion Lewis was electric in his debut...going for over 120 yards with three total touchdowns. The Bulls will have to slow Lewis down to stay in the game. Expect Pitt's defense to overpower the Buffalo line, and put tons of pressure on Zach Maynard. This game may be close early, but the Panthers will be too balanced for Buffalo to keep up.

Prediction: 29-14 Pitt

Syracuse at (7) Penn State: The Gophers were who Cuse thought they were...and they let them off the hook (slams table and leaves...) Greg Paulus and company had them. They were decent enough on both sides of the ball to bring it home...and also make me look like a genius for picking it...but it was mistakes in the end that killed them. However, a mistake is much better than an ineffective ball club, and the Orange were not ineffective. They will be this week though. Penn State will kill them.

Prediction: 45-10 Penn State

East Carolina at West Virginia: This is a revenge game for the Mountaineers after getting embarrassed by the Pirates last year. Patrick Pinkney and ECU owned West Virginia last year, and look to do it again with an experienced and balanced attack. However, the Pirates have to remember that a college football game is 60 mins, not 30...after nearly blowing a large lead against FCS opponent and noted FBS killer Appalachian State. Too many mistakes nearly led to a monster upset. The Mountaineers slept walk through a win against Liberty. Nothing was too impressive throughout the entire game, with the exception of new kicker Tyler Bitancurt, who was 4-4 for field goals. Field goals aren't enough against ECU, who will have some success against the inconsistent West Virginia defense. Expect more intensity out of WVU this weekend, as they look for sweet revenge. The Mountaineers should take control in the second to remain undefeated in the young season.

Prediction: 31-21 West Virginia

Game of the Week: (19) North Carolina at UConn: This is a very important game for the conference. The Huskies have an opportunity to take down a pretty good ACC team. If UConn wins, expect Carolina to drop from the polls…which could get another Big East team in. It should be a good battle, with both teams looking to establish the ground game early. North Carolina’s Shaun Draughn and UConn’s Jordan Toddman were the stars for their respective teams in week one. However, the Huskies were far from dominant against a weak opponent in Ohio. If UConn is looking to make a statement, it starts with Toddman and ends with a young defense stepping up. However, the experienced ‘Heel offense should have success. The Huskies will have a good team this year, just not good enough to deal with Carolina.

Prediction: 24-19 North Carolina

Big East Preview...Week 1

Here we go folks…another new season, which means another season of trying to earn national respect. It will be difficult this year, with no true powerhouse on paper. Of course that means a very exciting year though…with many potential conference champs. Week 1 is loaded with FCS opponents, and highlighted by a big in-conference showdown. Here are the picks…

Last Year: 48-21

This Year: N/A

Youngstown State at Pittsburgh: A nice opening opponent for the conference favorite. The Panthers need to break in a few new players, and Youngstown shouldn’t pose much of a threat. It will be the debut of frosh tailback Dion Lewis. He has big shoes to fill, but many think he may end up being very special. Bill Stull has won the starting quarterback position, but expect redshirt freshman Tino Sunseri to get some playing time as well. Youngstown shouldn’t pose much of a threat to the Panthers. Expect a blowout.

Prediction: 34-7 Pitt

Wofford at South Florida: The Bulls come in this year looking for better consistency. And any conversation will start with senior quarterback Matt Grothe. He has had an outstanding career, but a Big East championship continues to elude him. He won’t have great running back support to start the year, with starting back Mike Ford suspended for two games. It shouldn’t matter against Wofford though. The Terriers have been strong in the FCS, but not strong enough to slow down Grothe and the passing attack. And expect George Selvie and the defense to shut Wofford down fairly easily.

Prediction: 41-10 South Florida

Liberty at West Virginia: The post-Pat White era begins for the Mountaineers, as Jarrett Brown takes over. The senior is undefeated as a starter, has a very live arm and can also run the football. Seven starters also return to a defense that had a lot of success in 2008. The major question will be the offensive line, which is very green. Liberty was fantastic last year in the FCS, but did lose Rashad Jennings to graduation. The Flames may give WVU a push, but expect too much firepower from the Mountaineers in the end.

Prediction: 44-17 West Virginia

Indiana State at Louisville: It may be a very long season for the Louisville Cardinals, so to start out against a school best known for its basketball team from 1979 is probably a good idea. The Cards will be relying on Victor Anderson all year long. The sophomore tailback was one of the few bright spots last year for the ‘Ville. The Sycamores actually come into the game already having played a game...and losing that game to Div 2 opponent Quincy. Good luck Indy State.

Prediction: 40-10 Louisville

UConn at Ohio: Can somebody please tell the Huskies to stop playing MAC teams on the road. C’mon UConn…you’re better than that! Meanwhile, the Huskies could have a bit of a down year after losing so many key players…though the running game may not slip too much. The two-headed monster of Jordan Toddman and Andrea Dixon are ready to fill the void left from Donald Brown. The defense is going to have struggles this year, and it starts with trying to slow down Ohio’s Boo Jackson. Jackson accounted fro 21 touchdowns last year, but is susceptible to the turnover. This is a bit of a trap game for the Huskies, but if the ground game is on, it will be a Connecticut win.

Prediction: 31-23 UConn

Minnesota at Syracuse: Huge game for the ‘Cuse and first-year coach Doug Marrone to start the year. The point guard gets the start for Marrone’s Orange as Greg Paulus will line up behind center. Paulus is an interesting case study. Does he have anything left from his standout days in high school? Is he really the best QB in Syracuse? Is this a marketing ploy? Whatever the case may be, one thing is for sure…we just don’t know what that is yet for Greg Paulus. Not an easy contest though, against a Minnesota team that continues to improve. Does the young Syracuse defense have enough? This is a huge game for the conference, as the Big East tries to gain some respect early on. Let us be optimistic

Prediction: 24-21 Syracuse

Game of the Week: Cincinnati at Rutgers: Huge conference game to start the year. The 2008 champ against the dark-horse pick to win the Big East. However, Cincinnati lost a ton to graduation and Rutgers hasn’t announced a starting quarterback yet! The Bearcats still have plenty of firepower though, with QB Tony Pike leading the way. Pike is coming off a breakout year, and has Mardy Gilyard back, as well as Juco wideout Jamar Howard. Rutgers will counter with a strong defense, though better against the rush than the pass. Expect a pretty tight first half, with Rutgers trying to control the clock…keeping Pike off the field. However, I don’t have the confidence if the Rutgers offense to score enough to take the Cats down.

Prediction: 27-20 Cincinnati