1. West Virginia (3-0): A better performance this week, but still not playing to potential. Next Step…Tough night game at LSU
2. Pittsburgh (1-1): Still looking for a way to get Dion Lews going, and keeping the defense healthy. Next Step…Huge Thursday night game against Miami.
3. South Florida (1-1): Hopefully using the week off to find some receivers. Next Step...A should-be win over Western Kentucky at home.
4. Rutgers (2-0): Used the bye week to hopefully find an offense. Next Step…Big home game against UNC.
5. Syracuse (2-1): Slow start, but a solid finish for the Orange this week in a win over Maine. Next Step…Another FCS showdown against Colgate.
6. Connecticut (1-2): Another dismal performance in a loss to Temple. Next Step…Trying to find a passing game while hosting Buffalo.
7. Cincinnati (1-2): Inconsistent offense, and a weak defense equal pathetic play. Next Step…Getting smacked around at home by Oklahoma.
8. Louisville (1-2): Respectable loss to Oregon State, but still a step below the pack. Next Step…Bye Week.
UMAine faces Syracuse this week for the second time in as many years. The Orange are aiming for a bowl game this year, and are off to pretty good start. Brian Harrison from the great Syracuse blog Orange44 was nice enough to take some time to break down this confident Syracuse team.
1. What’s the overall feeling for the program this year?
It’s a lot of hope and optimism around this program right now. Marrone is a guy that is liked by almost everyone because he’s not only serious about bring success back to the program, and not only is improvement visible in every way, but he’s also one of us. He’s a Syracuse guy. He wants the program to succeed not only because his name is on the door, but because he understands what it means to Syracuse. And with a pretty reasonable schedule and a seemingly open Big East, people are thinking positively. I think, along with most people, Syracuse is just shy of a Bowl this season, but it will be on the horizon for the Orange in the next couple of seasons.
2. Offensive Style...Impact Offensive Players
It’s Delone Carter to start. He’s a power runner than will not shy away from contact and has the ability to find seams and run through them. Carter can break tackles and push people around. Last year against Maine is only ran for 72 yards, but he had 4 total touchdowns. Look for him to be the guy that punches in a score in the red zone, or catches a pass in the flat to muscle it in.
2009 Big East Ranking:1st 2010 Outlook:Butch Jones takes over a team that is still stacked offensively, and should once again compete for the Big East Championship.
Things Looking Up:Jones will keep the offense high-flying, and QB Zach Collaros should be one of the most productive players in the conference.
Things Looking Shaky:The defense has been opportunistic the last few years.Translation…good offenses have the ability to crush them.
Can win the Big East if…Collaros finds a big-play WR, and the defense plays consistently.
2010 Prediction:11-2…1st in Big East
Connecticut
2009 Big East Ranking:Tied for 5th
2010 Outlook:The model of mid-level consistency in the conference is looking to move to the upper echelon of the Big East.
Things Looking Up:Jordan Todman is one of the most productive tailbacks in the country…and is behind a very solid line.
Things Looking Shaky:Having lost some big names over the last few years, can the defense recover?
Can win the Big East if…QB Zach Fraiser plays out of his mind, and the defense finds some playmakers.
2010 Prediction:7-5…4th in Big East
Louisville
2009 Big East Ranking:Tied for 8th
2010 Outlook:A new coach takes over in the ‘Ville.The question though is what exactly is there?
Things Looking Up:Charlie Strong should bring a new level of attitude to a team that has fallen off the radar.
Things Looking Shaky:The defense lost a lot of key members from a unit that wasn’t exactly great to start with.
Can win the Big East if…There is a Nuclear War and the ‘Ville has the only bomb shelter.
2010 Prediction:4-8…8th in Big East
Pittsburgh
2009 Big East Ranking:Tied for 2nd
2010 Outlook:Dion Lewis and co will be the Conference favorites in 2010.
Things Looking Up:Greg Romeus anchors a tight defense, while Jonathan Baldwin and Lewis will make plenty of plays for the offense.
Things Looking Shaky:The quarterback situation is far from solid.Tino Suneri is in for an interesting year.
Can win the Big East if…Sunseri can manage a potentially explosive offense.
2010 Prediction:9-3…3rd in Big East
Rutgers
2009 Big East Ranking:Tied for 5th
2010 Outlook:When you think average, boring, middle of the road, you think Rutgers’ football!
Things Looking Up:The offense has a few playmakers, starting with WR Mohammed Sanu that could be very beneficial.
Things Looking Shaky:QB Tom Savage needs to show consistency, and the defense has to fill some significant holes.
Can win the Big East if…Rutgers finds their inner New Orleans Saints.
2010 Prediction:7-5…6th in Big East
South Florida
2009 Big East Ranking:Tied for 5th
2010 Outlook:Skip Holtz takes over a problem with a lot of talent, but not a ton of direction.
Things Looking Up:BJ Daniels proved last year that he could be one of the premier QB’s in the conference.
Things Looking Shaky:Now Daniels has to prove to himself that he can be on of the premier QB’s in the conference…and the defense has to find a new line.
Can win the Big East if…USF beats WVU and ‘Nati on the road in successive weeks and ole Mr. Momentum to take over.
2010 Prediction:7-5…5th in Big East
Syracuse
2009 Big East Ranking:Tied for 8th
2010 Outlook:The Orange bring back 18 starters, and look to make a bowl for the first time since the Carter Administration.
Things Looking Up:The defense remains mostly intact from last year.Expect some solid improvement.
Things Looking Shaky:Offensively it’s still a crapshoot.With possible suspensions and new players, the unit has some catching up to do.
Can win the Big East if…The Black Plague hits and Syracuse is immune.
2010 Prediction:6-6…7th in Big East.
West Virginia
2009 Big East Ranking:Tied for 2nd
2010 Outlook:The Mountaineers are poised to get back to the top of the conference with an experienced defense and potentially explosive offense.
Things Looking Up:Nine players are back from a stingy defense that will anchor the squad.
Things Looking Shaky:It’s the first time in five years where this is a question about the starting quarterback.
Can win the Big East if…QB Geno Smith plays up to his potential.
Listen, I’m on vacation so here is the abbreviated version of Big East picks. Enjoy the holiday weekend.
Last Week: 1-2 Overall: 49-11
Rutgers at Louisville: Expect the Knights to turn around this week, following the ugly loss to Syracuse. The Cards have been playing better, and will keep this one close. However, just too much pressure from Rutgers offensively for Louisville to keep it close.
Prediction: 28-17
Syracuse at Connecticut: The Orange were fantastic last weekend against Rutgers. Syracuse will have to be even better this time around for any chance to beat a determined UConn team. The Huskies need one win to become bowl eligible, and if the defense shows up it will happen this weekend. Connecticut should control the clock with the running game, and take down a beat-up ‘Cuse squad. Prediction: 31-21 Connecticut
Illinois at (5) Cincinnati: Some say this is a trap game. I don’t buy it. Juice Williams can certainly be a threat, but the Illinois defense will struggle quite a bit against the potent Cincinnati attack. With Tony Pike back, the Bearcats will be hitting on all cylinders. Cincinnati will go into the Pitt game with an undefeated record. Prediction: 34-17 Cincinnati (17) Miami at South Florida: Hilarity will once again ensue for the Bulls, easily the most inconsistent team in the conference. There is truly no predicting how this team will play week-to-week. Considering this is a rivalry game I’ll give the nod to the home team. And USF is normally very solid against instate opponents. Expect a close game, with the Bulls’ defense being the difference. Prediction: 24-20 South Florida
Game of the Week: (9) Pittsburgh at West Virginia: It’s Backyard Brawl time once again. The Panthers are looking to stay in the BCS hunt, while West Virginia looks for a signature win. It won’t happen here. The Panthers should have a lot of success offensively. Look for Bill Stull to have fantastic passing numbers against a brutal Mountaineer secondary. The pass could set up the run as well, which means a potential huge day for Dion Lewis. It’s senior day for WVU and a rivalry game so it could be close. But, the Mountaineers are just not at Pitt’s level. Prediction: 27-21 Pitt
1. Cincinnati (10-0, 6-0 in conference): Another shaky weekend for the title contender. Next Step…Bye Week.
2. Pittsburgh (9-1, 5-0): Solid play once again this week, in a win over Notre Dame. Next Step…Bye Week.
3. West Virginia (7-3, 3-2): Tough luck weekend in what turned into a winnable game at Cincy. Next Step…Bye Week.
4. Rutgers (7-2, 2-2): Fantastic form right now for the Jersey boys. Next Step…Taking a trip up north to face Syracuse.
5. South Florida (6-3, 2-3): Straight embarrassed at Rutgers last week. Next Step…Looking for consistency against Louisville.
6. UConn (4-5, 1-4): A much-needed week off for the Huskies hopefully has this team ready to roll. Next Step…Taking on the Irish in South Bend. 7. Louisville (4-6, 1-4): Out of the seller, following a win against Syracuse. Next Step…Road game at South Florida. 8. Syracuse (3-7, 0-5): What looked like a promising season has turned into a bit of a nightmare for Doug Marrone. But hey, you have to start somewhere. Next Step…Hosting Rutgers.
It’s judgment week for the Big East, with many important matchups. Can South Florida win late in the season? Can Cincinnati hold off the pressure? Can Louisville or Syracuse actually win a conference game? Can Pitt avoid a major trap game? Stay tuned…all of these questions will be answered over the next few days. On to the picks…
Last Week: 3-0
Overall: 45-8
Bye Week: Connecticut
(24) South Florida at Rutgers: This is a crucial Big East matchup. USF is out to finish a season strong. The Bulls can win out if they play up to potential. Meanwhile, the Knights are still looking for a marquee win this season. This could be Rutgers’ best shot. It has the makings of a close game. The Bulls may be back on track after dismantling West Virginia. B.J. Daniels continues to mature, and seems to have regained his confidence. If the Bulls play a disciplined game expect a win. It’s just hard to guarantee a disciplined performance considering it has barely happened this season. Look for a close game early, with Rutgers’ defense being the difference. However, that defense can’t play at a high level for very long. South Florida will take control in the second half, and rely on the defense to bring it home.
Prediction: 24-19 South Florida
(25) West Virginia at (5) Cincinnati: The Bearcats got a major scare last week, and now host a West Virginia team that can be dangerous. Is Cincinnati starting to feel the pressure? Or was the UConn game just a near speed bump? The Bearcats are a better all-around team on paper than WVU, and should win this game handily. Zach Collaros once again will get the start for Cincy. The backup has been remarkably effective. Tony Pike is also back, and should get some snaps. The receivers, led by Mardy Gilyard should have a huge game. The Mountaineer secondary continues to get worse as the year progresses. WVU needs to establish a ground game. Noel Devine has been slowed the last few weeks, and Jarrett Brown continues to make mistakes. If WVU can’t control the ball this game is a blowout. I just don’t see the Mountaineers controlling anything.
Prediction: 34-17 Cincinnati
Syracuse at Louisville: It’s the battle of the beaten’s this week in Louisville. The Cardinals and the Orange are both looking for that first conference win of the season. The Orange continue to be depleted by injury, especially defensively. Syracuse also struggled in stopping the run last week for the first time this season. That’s not a good sign moving forward, considering the Orange secondary is downright tragic. However, Louisville can’t throw the football, so the ‘Cuse can afford to stack the box. The Cards defense really stepped up last week, and should cut Delone Carter and the Orange run game down. Greg Paulus and Ryan Nassib are going to have to win this game. It’s hard to see that happening. An early turnover or two will be the downfall for the Orange.
Prediction: 20-12 Louisville
Game of the Week: Notre Dame at (12) Pittsburgh: No time for a letdown now for Pittsburgh. The Panthers have an opportunity to not only win the conference, but finish as a top five pick. A loss to Notre Dame would take a lot of luster off this season. The Irish are limping, following a loss to Navy. Defensively, Notre Dame is a train wreck, and could be in for a long day. However, the Irish attack is still very dangerous. Jimmy Clausen continues to have an outstanding year, with 20 touchdowns, and just three picks. Not to be outdone is Bill Stull, who is right behind Clausen in efficiency. Both QB’s should have more success this week. Also expect both running games to get going early. This game will be a true shootout. Pitt wants to keep the Notre Dame offense off the field as much as possible. The Panthers should be able to do this with Dion Lewis. Lewis should have a big day. The Irish will score, but Pitt should have enough to keep control through the game.
1. Cincinnati (9-0, 5-0): The title-contender had a scare this week, but continue to score at will. Next Step...at home against West Virgina.
2. Pittsburgh (8-1, 5-0): Buisiness as usual over the weekend, as the Panthers head into deeper waters. Next Step...hosting Notre Dame.
3. South Florida (6-2, 2-2): Coming off a bye, the Bulls look to get back to late-season winning. That's something new to the program. Next Step...TOugh road game at Rutgers.
4. West Virginia (7-2, 3-1): Following an uninspiring performance against Louisville, the Mountainees continue to look for consistency. Next Step...On the road at Cincinnati.
5. Rutgers (6-2, 1-2): The Knights are still looking for that marquee win in 2009. Next Step...Hosting South Florida.
6. Connecticut (4-5, 1-2): More heartbreak again this week for the Huskies, as UConn continues to lose close games. Next Step...A much-needed bye week.
7. Syracuse (3-6, 0-4): Another tough week for the Orange, following two more season-ending injuries. What was once a promising season has turned painful. Next Step...Winnable game at Louisville.
8. Louisville (3-6, 0-4): The Cards were respectable against West Virginia, and look to carry a little momentum into this weekend. Next Step...Hoping for win number one in conference against Syracuse.
A slow week in the Big East, with just three games…and three weak matchups. It’s hard to think there will be an upset this week. But, there’s a reason they play the game. On to the picks…
Last Week: 2-2 Overall: 42-8
Bye Week: Rutgers, South Florida
Louisville at West Virginia: A few years ago this was the premier matchup in the Big East. Now it’s just another game. It’s continues to be a tough year the Cards. Just being competitive against a decent team has been a task. Meanwhile, West Virginia is in the doldrums. The Mountaineers are undisciplined and have no sense of direction. Having said all of that I wonder if anyone is actually going to watch this game? Well…I will. Look for the Mountaineers to have a lot of offensive success. The Cardinals’ defense continues struggle, especially on the road. Expect a big day from Noel Devine, as he continues to be the one bright spot for West Virginia. Defensively, the Mountaineers are a train wreck. It will be interesting to see if Louisville can stay in this game early with the pass. Overall, the Mountaineers will be too much, and the Cards will remain winless on the road.
Prediction: 31-13 West Virginia
Syracuse at (13) Pittsburgh: Tough week for the Orange. It started with Doug Marrone having to passionately defend Greg Paulus. That followed by star receiver Mike Williams quitting the team…and now ends with playing one of the hottest teams in the nation. Pittsburgh is firing on every cylinder known to man. The rushing game is explosive, the pass is efficient, and the defense is holding the fort. The Panther’s do control their own destiny in the conference, and shouldn’t have a lot of problems this week. Expect the balanced Pitt attack to break down the ‘Cuse defense early. Bill Stull should have a good pocket to throw in, and should also slice the secondary up. Dion Lewis will have some room to run the ball as well. There is no slowing this Frosh down. Conversely, the Orange offense will struggle, especially without Williams. This is looking like it’s going t be a long day for Syracuse. At least no Dolphins are playing…yeah I went there.
Prediction: 31-9 Pittsburgh
Game of the Week: UConn at (5) Cincinnati: Hard luck continues to Connecticut. Two straight heartbreaking losses is testing this team’s will. However, there is certainly no quit in Randy Edsell-led team. The Huskies will continue to fight. It’s a tough battle this week though, taking on the conference leader on the road. Connecticut did beat Cincinnati last year, so don’t expect the Huskies to be scared. It will be interesting to see how the Connecticut defense responds from the inconsistent play lately. This was a very stingy group earlier this year. No matter who the Cincy quarterback is, they should have some success. The running game may be slowed, but the passing attack will prevail. The Husky offense is playing much better. However, the Bearcats’ defense is one of the most underrated groups in the nation…having only allowed 103 points in eight games. Expect a spirited effort early from UConn, but Cincinnati is just a much better team…and it will show.
1. Cincinnati (8-0, 4-0 in conference): Another solid performance with the backup QB at the helm. Next Step...Hosting Connecticut.
2. Pittsburgh (7-1, 4-0): The Panthers can't afford a letdown following the bye week. Next Step...Dealing with a struggling Syracuse.
3. South Florida (6-2, 2-2): The Bulls fight is back after dismantling West Virginia. Can the fight stick? Next Step...Bye Week
4. West Virginia (6-2, 2-1): The Mountaineers continue to play undisciplined, and continue to be unimpressive. Next Step...Looking for answers against Louisville.
5. Rutgers (6-2, 1-2): Resilient win at Connecticut gives the Knights win number one in conference. Next Step...Bye Week
6. Connecticut (4-4, 1-3): Heart breaker after heart breaker for the Huskies right now. It's been tough to watch. Next Step...On the road to Cincinnati.
7. Syracuse (3-5, 0-3): Already struggling, the offense now needs to roll without Mike Williams, who quit the team unexpectedly. Next Step...Tough road game at Pitt.
8. Louisville (3-5, 0-3): Hey, Steve Kragthorpe still has a job. Next Step...On the road at West Virginia.
1. Cincinnati (7-0, 3-0 in conference): Pike or no Pike, the 'Cats continue to roll. Next Step...At Syracuse
2. Pittsburgh (7-1, 4-0): A fantastic performance against South Florida, as the offense continues to roll. Next Step...Bye Week
3. West Virginia (6-1, 2-0): A dramatic, emotional win over UConn hid many of the problems WVU is still dealing with. Next Step...Friday night in Tampa.
4. South Florida (5-2, 1-2): The midseason collapse continues for the Bulls, after getting pounded by Pitt. Next Step...Huge home game against West Virginia
5. Connecticut (4-3, 1-2): Fantastic effort in a close loss to WVU. This team will not fold after the loss of Jasper Howard. Next Step...Crucial rivalry game at home against Rutgers.
6. Rutgers (5-2, 0-2): Only a win away from bowl eligibility, but can the Knight's beat a legitimate team? Next Step...Road game against a legitimate team in UConn.
7. Syracuse (3-4, 0-2): Got revenge over Akron without Mike Williams in the lineup. Next Step...Tough home game against Cincinnati
8. Louisville (2-5, 0-3): Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Next Step...Trying not to lose to Arkansas State.
Everybody is in action this week, as the Big East rolls into midseason.A few good matchups are sadly overshadowed by the unfortunate death of UConn corner Jasper Howard.We hear at the cmsb send our thoughts and prayers to his family and the Connecticut program.On to the picks.
Last Week:3-1
Overall:35-6
Bye:None
Rutgers at Army:Trap Game Alert, Trap Game Alert!The Knights travel to take on the…well Knights.Rutgers has to be careful not to get caught early by a much improved Army squad that is thinking bowl game.The West Pointers will look to control the game on the ground, with the 12th ranked rushing attack in the nation.That is not good news for Rutgers.The Jersey Boys have really struggled against the run, including last week’s debacle against Pitt.Rutgers has to do a better a job in contain.Expect the Scarlet Knights to stack the box, and force Army to throw the football.This will probably be the Black Knight’s downfall.Army is dreadful in the passing game, and could be too one-dimension on Friday.Look for Rutgers to have an easy time moving the football, and success slowing down the Army rushing attack.
Prediction:27-14 Rutgers
Akron at Syracuse:The Orange look for revenge from an embarrassing loss last year.The Zips are dreadful, averaging less than 20 points a game.Akron is still also looking for win number one against an FBS team.Meanwhile, Syracuse is coming off a bye week, and looking to get back on track after two-straight losses to conference opponents.A big question remains at quarterback, following Greg Paulus’ sub-par play. He is the starter, but you wonder for how much longer Ryan Nassib is ready to go if there is more failure..Even if Paulus plays well, Nassib should get some time. Look for Syracuse to try to establish a running game that badly needs a solid performance.If the Orange can set up the play-action there’s no way Akron stays in this game.
Prediction:30-10 Syracuse
Louisville at (5) Cincinnati:No word yet if Tony Pike will be starting for Cincinnati, but it won’t matter.The Bearcats can certainly win with backup Zach Collaros.Actually, the ‘Cats already have.Collaros was brilliant in the second half at South Florida, accounting for nearly 200 yards and two touchdowns.He is a dual threat, which can’t be good for Louisville.The Cardinals can’t stop anybody on the ground.Cincinnati’s swarming defense will also be a significant issue.Louisville enjoys turning the ball over, including four times on the road last week at UConn.The Cardinals have given fits to ‘Nati lately, but it just doesn’t add up this year.Nothing jumps out at this matchup and says upset…even with Tony Pike possibly not playing.
Prediction:34-17 Cincinnati
Connecticut at (23) West Virginia:The Huskies come in with heavy hearts, following the murder of cornerback Jasper Howard last Sunday.As hard as this week has been, playing a game may be a welcome distraction.There’s no question UConn will be up for this game.Randy Edsell will make sure of that.West Virginia comes in with some significant storylines as well.Jarrett Brown is questionable for the weekend with a concussion, and two defensive players were arrested this week from separate incidents, affecting the depth chart.WVU will have to rely on the youngsters once again.QB Gino Smith was solid against Marshall, and the defense was even better.Look for a lot of Noel Devine to take some of the pressure off the passing game.UConn will stack the box to counter that.The Huskies should have some success on the ground, but look for the offense to try to exploit the inconsistent WVU secondary.This game may be closer than some expect.UConn should be motivated to play an exceptional game in Jasper’s honor.However, West Virginia just has too much offensively.WVU pulls ahead in the second and won’t look back.
Prediction:31-21 West Virginia
Game of the Week: South Florida at (20) Pittsburgh:The Panthers are off and running…literally.Dion Lewis has been superb in replacing LeSean McCoy.The freshman is now a dark-horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy.QB Bill Stull continues to play efficiently, and the defense has been good enough.Now the Panthers host South Florida that could be in dire straights.It’s about that time of the year where the Bulls shut it down, and coast.This has been the major criticism of Jim Leavitt.Keeping his team motivated after a loss is not his forte.The Bulls need a better defensive performance than last week, if USF wants to stay in the hunt.It will be tough test though, as Pitt brings a balanced attack.That type of attack should slow down the Bull blitz.From the Bulls to stay in the game B.J. Daniels will have to play mistake-free football.That is asking a lot from a freshman quarterback.This game just doesn’t seem to add up for the Bulls.Pitt is on very good form, and should remain undefeated in conference.
1. Cincinnati (6-0, 2-0 in conference):The Bearcats remain at the top, following a fantastic road win at South Florida.Next Step…Getting Tony Pike healthy for Louisville, and the remainder of the year.
2. Pittsburgh (6-1, 3-0):Offense continues to cruise, while the defense is ratcheting up.Next Step…Huge home game against South Florida.
3. South Florida (5-1, 1-1):Disappointing defensive performance against Cincinnati, especially after Tony Pike left the game.Next Step…Tough bounce-back game at Pitt.
4. West Virginia (5-1, 1-0):Quarterback questions after the injury to Jarrett Brown.Next Step…UConn at home.
5. Connecticut (4-2, 1-1):A nice win, followed by tragedy over the weekend.Jasper Howard was taken away from us way too soon.Next Step…Playing with heavy hearts at WVU.
6. Rutgers (4-2, 0-2):Good effort in a loss against a much better Pitt team.Next Step…Trap game at Army.
7. Syracuse (2-4, 0-2):Much-needed bye week, following two losses.Next Step…Revenge game against lowly Akron.
8. Louisville (2-4, 0-2): You wonder how much longer Steve Kragthorpe has a job.Next Step…Trying not to get trounced by Cincinnati.
Showcase time for the conference, as the two monsters of the Big East battle on Thursday night. Sure, there may be some other games this week, but only one matters to the nation as South Florida hosts Cincinnati. At the end of the week we could see a team in the top-5 and as many as four conference members ranked. On to the picks.
Last Week: 3-1
Overall: 32-5
Bye: Syracuse
Marshall at West Virginia: Well it’s rivalry week in the state of West Virginia. The problem is it’s not really a rivalry. Marshall has NEVER beaten the Mountaineers. How can you have a rivalry if it’s so one-sided? But maybe this is the year. The Thundering Herd come in 4-2, probably playing the best football since the rivalry was renewed a few years back. WVU will have to slow down Darius Marshall. The Herd Tailback has been fantastic this year, averaging over six yards per game. Expect the Mountaineers to stack the box, and should be able too, considering Marshall is a one dimensional team. The Herd is averaging less than 180 yards passing. West Virginia has scored over 30 points in every single game this year. That basically means nobody can stop the balanced attack. And now that Jarrett Brown seems comfortable again, expect another big day. Once again what can kill WVU are turnovers, which were a problem last week at Syracuse…again. If the ball is held onto it should be a nice win for WVU.
Prediction: 38-17 West Virginia
Louisville at Connecticut: The Cardinals are looking to make it two-straight as they travel up north to face a team that has to be upset. The Huskies let Pitt off the hook last week, and will look for some answers defensively this weekend. UConn looked susceptible to the run, which bodes well for the ‘Ville. Look for massive use of Victor Anderson to try to control the tempo, and keep the Cards in this game. It may be a bit late for the run to be ultra successful though, considering that is what UConn will be keying in on. The Cards don’t have a solid quarterback to fall back on if the rush is jammed. The Huskies should be able to control the tempo with their two-headed rushing attack. And when a passing play is actually called, Cody Endres will be up to the task. Louisville is just not good enough to stay in this game.
Prediction: 27-17 Connecticut
Pittsburgh at Rutgers: The Panthers are showing why the media had them number one in the conference. With a balanced attack, and what seems to be a new, improved defense, Pitt is playing with very high class. Rutgers is still a mystery. The Knights have spent a lot of time beating up on chumps since opening the season getting blown out by Cincinnati. This is a huge game for Rutgers. The public perception continues to be that the team is middle of the road. A statement win could go a long way for the Jersey Boys. The big question is if the Rutgers defense can contain Pitt. The Knight’s D has been a much better unit since the first week, but hasn’t truly been tested. I just don’t see Rutgers slowing down Dion Lewis and company. Plus, the Pitt defense is in good form, and should handle an inconsistent attack.
Prediction: 28-20 Pittsburgh
(8) Cincinnati at (21) South Florida: This is the first major showcase for the conference this season. The Bearcats will be looking for a statement win to help boast National Title aspirations, as well as Heisman hopes for Tony Pike. South Florida continues the dream season with B.J. Daniels at the helm. All the young quarterback has done is run the offense beautifully, and helped his team win games. The Bulls’ defense continues to be the major story though. George Selvie and company have been lights out this year…and will have to continue the great play to try to slow the Bearcat attack. The Bulls have only allowed two passing touchdowns all season. So look for Cincinnati to try to use a lot playaction. Of course this means the run needs to be successful, and there is no guarantee of that. Look for the USF defense to do enough to keep the Bulls in the game. This means its Daniels to possibly win or lose. Typically USF has a meltdown in the middle of the season. This game could certainly be a catalyst for that. But there is something about Daniels so far that makes me believe this won’t happen. Look for the crowd to motivate the youngster to lead his team to a close victory. Grothe is quickly being forgotten in Tampa.
1. Cincinnati (5-0, 1-0 in conference):Moved up in the polls even without playing.Next Step…Showcase Thursday night, on the road at South Florida
2. South Florida (5-0, 1-0):Looking to continue rapidly moving up the polls.Next Step…Huge conference tilt on the hosting Cincinnati.
3. Pittsburgh (4-1, 2-0):Impressive offensively against a stingy UConn defense last week.Next Step…Friday night at Rutgers
4. West Virginia (4-1, 1-0):Took care of business early last week in the dome.Next Step...Dismantling Marshall in a fake rivalry game.
5. Connecticut (3-2, 0-1): Looking to answer some questions, after the defense was manhandled by a gutsy Pitt team last week.Next Step…Hosting the ‘Ville
6. Rutgers (4-1, 0-1):Rolling through an incredibly easy non-conference schedule.Next Step...Back to the grind, hosting Pitt Friday night.
7. Syracuse (2-4, 0-2):Quarterback controversy at the ‘Cuse?Nassib out performed Paulus in a loss last week.Next Step…Bye Week
8. Louisville (2-3, 0-1):Solid non-conference win over Southern Miss last week.Next Step…Looking for a streak against Connecticut.
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.
