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 Power Rankings, Week 5

1. Cincinnati (5-0, 1-0 in conference): Slept walk through a win over Miami of Ohio, and now solidly in the Top-10. Next Step...Bye Week.

2. South Florida (5-0, 1-0): Another fantastic defensive performance for the Bulls, as USF handled a feisty Syracuse squad. Next Step...Bye Week.

3. Pittsburgh (4-1, 1-0): The defense is back and Bill Stull continues to impress. Next Step...Hosting Connecticut.

4. West Virginia (3-1, 0-0): Tried to beat themselves once again after turning the ball over constantly in a win over Colorado. Next Step...Road trip to Syracuse.

5. Connecticut (3-1, 0-0): Looking to keep the momentum going following a bye week. Next Step...On to the 'Burgh to take on the Panthers.

6. Rutgers (3-1, 0-1): The mystery team of the Big East gets back in action after a bye week. Next Step...Should-be laugher over Texas Southern.

7. Syracuse (2-3, 0-1): Tough to win games when you aren't very good, and turn the ball over. Next Step...Battle of turnover teams as they host WVU.

8. Louisville (1-2, 0-1): Still trying to figure out a way to play 60 minutes of football. Next Step...hosting Southern Miss

Big East Power Rankings, Week 4

1. Cincinnati (4-0, 1-0 in conference): Survived a trap game against Fresno, and continues to move up the polls. Next Step...Strange road game at Miami of Ohio.

2. South Florida (4-0, 0-0): So far so good for new QB B.J. Daniels. It was quite a performance against his childhood team, FSU. Next Step...Trap game at Syracuse.

3. Pittsburgh (3-1, 0-0): Ugly second half, in a bad loss to NC State. Next Step...Trying to find a defense before Friday night's game at Louisville.

4. West Virginia (2-1, 0-0): Amazingly the Mountaineers didn't turn the ball over this past weekend. Though it did help that it was a bye week. Next Step...Revenge game against Colorado Thursday night.

5. UConn (3-1, 0-0): Got the job done against a poor Rhode Island team. Next Step...Bye Week

6. Rutgers (3-1, 0-1): Blew out Maryland, after breaking out the offense in the second half. The Knights seem to be heating up. Next Step...Bye Week

7. Syracuse (2-2, 0-0): Less than impressive in a win over Maine. Special Teams a bit of a concern. Next Step...Big home game against South Florida.

8. Louisville (1-3, 0-0): Respectable loss at Utah, but still no end of the doldrums in sight. Next Step...Hosting Pitt Friday night.

Big East Preview, Week 4

The conference is coming off a solid weekend of football, which included wins over the Pac 10, Big 12, and Big Ten…plus a pair of tough road losses to the SEC. It doesn’t get an easier, with more early-season statement games this weekend. Will there be a collective letdown? Or does the drive for respect continue? To the picks…

Last Week: 6-1

Overall: 19-2

Bye Week: West Virginia

Rhode Island at UConn: The Huskies come in on a major high following an upset at Baylor last weekend. Connecticut’s defense continues to be the major story, as the Huskies did a nice job slowing down the Bears’ high-powered offense. The two-back system has also been successful. Jordan Toddman and Andre Dixon have combined for nearly six hundred yards on the ground, in just three games. With injured QB’s and mediocre wideouts, it is pivotal that the defense and running game remain consistent. It should definitely this weekend, as the Huskies host a Rhode Island team that allowed nearly 200 rushing yards in a loss to UMass last week. UConn will control this game from the opening kick till the starters come out.

Prediction: 41-10 UConn

Maine at Syracuse: Greg Paulus showed why he was a high school star last week. The Duke Assassin lit up the Carrier Dome skies against Northwestern…as ‘Cuse picked up win number one this year. Win number two should come Saturday as the Orange take on a Maine team that is still looking for an offensive identity. The Black Bears are also in for a rude awaking in trying to slowdown a suddenly effective Orange offense. Look for Mike Williams to find a lot of open space in the secondary, while Delone Carter does damage on the ground. This game looked shaky in the summer, but Syracuse has come out playing some legit football under Marrone.

Prediction: 38-7 Syracuse

Fresno State at (14) Cincinnati: The Bearcats are quickly becoming America’s darkhourse National Championship pick. Yes, we are only heading into week four, but the ‘Cats are proving to be a very balanced team. The surprise is the fact that so many first-year players have stepped in to get the job done. Cincinnati is also number one in scoring, and should continue this weekend, considering Fresno The Bulldogs will have some offensive success, but can’t keep pace with the Cincy’s dynamic attack. Fresno’s best bet is a letdown weekend for the ‘Nati…just don’t see it happening. couldn’t stop a high school team from scoring.

Prediction: 38-23 Cincinnati

Rutgers at Maryland: Nothing like a solid battle between underachieving teams. Rutgers has been sleepwalking all season, and Maryland just lost to Middle Tennessee State. This is a game you won’t want to miss! Assuming Tom Savage is healthy, the Knights should be able to move the ball. Savage has been efficient this year, and could rip apart a struggling Terp defense. Maryland is just looking to find some consistency…both offensively and defensively. This game will come down to Maryland’s defense…which isn’t a good thing for the home team. Look for the Knights to get an early lead and try to control the pace.

Prediction: 17-14 Rutgers

South Florida at (18) Florida State: This game looked much more intriguing a week ago. That was before Matt Grothe tore his ACL. Now the Bulls are going to have to find a way to beat a very hot Florida State team with a new man under center. B.J. Daniels will take over for USF. The redshirt freshmen threw well last week, but didn’t face Florida State. The youngster will be pressured early and often by an aggressive Seminole defense. Speaking of defense, the Bulls have only allowed 20 points in three games (granted two of those were against FCS opponents) and will rely on the Mean Green to slow Christian Ponder down. This is a tough spot for USF with the loss of Grothe. Expect USF to be unstable offensively, while FSU scores enough for a comfortable win.

Prediction: 24-14 Florida State

Louisville at Utah: The Cardinals played a pretty damn good football last weekend, having a shot late to beat Kentucky. Sadly, mistakes continue to haunt this team. Now they travel to Mormon Country to take on a pissed-off Utah The Utes are coming off its first loss in a long, long time…and will certainly look to puncture Louisville. The Cardinals’ defense could be in for a long day. Utah brings a balanced attack…and should be able to control the majority of the game. This means Louisville will have to strike when given the chance, and that’s where the inexperience will show. Expect Utah to have this game in-hand by the half. team.

Prediction: 30-17 Utah

Game of the Week: Pittsburgh at NC State: Expect the Panthers to be ranked with a win. So, it’s a pretty big game for Pitt, and the conference. The Panthers will no test the NC State front seven early. The Wolfpack have done a solid job stopping the run, so it should be a good battle. As for the Pitt defense, the depth has proven to be concrete. The Panthers continue to stop teams even with significant injuries. It’s hard to gage where NC State is, considering two-straight easy wins over FCS opponents. The defense has been legit, but the offense still hasn’t proven anything this year. Expect this game to come down to how Pitt handles Russell Wilson and the Pack attack. Defense should get Pitt ranked this weekend.

Prediction: 22-19 Pittsburgh

Big East Power Rankings, Week 4

1. Cincinnati (3-0, 1-0): Fantastic weekend for the Bearcats, beating a tough Oregon State team in Corvallis. Next Step…A home game against a gutsy Fresno State team.

2. Pittsburgh (2-1, 0-0): Dealt nicely with key defensive injuries, and handled Navy’s option. Next Step…A tough road trip to Raleigh.

3. West Virginia (2-1, 0-0): 500 yards of offense…and a loss? Turnovers are haunting the Mountaineers. Next Step…Bye Week

4. UConn (2-1, 0-0): Huge victory on the road at Baylor. The Husky defense may be the most underrated in the country. Next Step…Hosting Rhode Island.

5. South Florida (3-0, 0-0): The Bulls won this weekend, but lost four-year starting QB Matt Grothe to a torn ACL. The season is now potentially on the brink. Next Step…An instate road game at FSU.

6. Rutgers (2-1, 0-0): Struggled a bit against an FIU team they should have whacked. Next Step…On the road to face a bad Maryland team.

7. Syracuse (1-2, 0-0): The offense has come together, as the Orange win for the first time this season. Next Step…A should-be win against UMaine.

8. Louisville (1-1, 0-0): Not a bad weekend, but mistakes continue to be a storyline. Next Step…Tough road game at Utah.

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 Power Rankings, Week 3

1. Cincinnati (2-0, 1-0): The class of the conference continues to roll early. Next Step…A statement game at Oregon State

2. Pittsburgh (2-0, 0-0): A textbook weekend win over Buffalo was unfortunately overshadowed by injuries. Next Step…Stopping the Navy rushing attack.

3. West Virginia (2-0, 0-0): Sweet revenge against ECU has the Mountaineers flying high. Next Step…Not letting Auburn gain sweet revenge this weekend.

4. South Florida (2-0, 0-0): The easy, early schedule has been no problem for the Bulls. Next Step…another laugher, this time against Charleston Southern.

5. UConn (1-1, 0-0): Terrible weekend for the Huskies, losing on a safety, and losing the starting QB. Next Step…On the road against a tough Baylor team.

6. Rutgers (1-1, 0-0): A nice bounce-back weekend for the dark horse of the conference. Next Step…hosting FIU

7. Syracuse (0-2, 0-0): This team is ready to start winning some football games. Next Step…a winnable game against Northwestern

8. Louisville (1-0, 0-0): They may have a better record than Syracuse, but haven’t impressed yet. Next Step…a tough rivalry game against Kentucky

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