LIVE FROM THE DOME: THE BIG EAST PREVIEW (PART III)

BY CHRISTOPHER J. MOGOLLON
BIG EAST INSIDER

11:10 – ESPN2 - West Virginia 1-0 (0-0) @ Marshall 0-1 (0-0) - It Is always great to see a powerhouse like West Virginia visiting the smaller interstate school in a out of conference game (first time since 1915). Edwards Stadium will be rocking for this rivalry game rooting their Herd on against a backfield that features two Heisman candidates. Last week Marshall was very sloppy versus Miami turning the ball over four times and committing eleven penalties. In their 31-3 loss to the ‘Canes, Marshall didn’t really move the ball -- only cumulating 245 total yards, 64 on the ground. Quarterback Bernard Morris is key to making this game a total blowout or semi-competitive. We all know WVU’s weakness is their pass defense and Morris, who has been a bust so far, could have a good game with the home crowed supporting the senior. The Marshall defense is mediocre for the MAC meaning they do not have what it takes to stop White and Slaton. Expect the Mountaineers to have a ton of yards on the ground. This game could be close in the beginning but West Virginia has too much on offense to be upset. Last year when they met Slaton rushed for 203 yards and two touchdowns.

12:00 - ESPN 360 - Grambling State 1-0 (1-0) @ Pittsburgh 1-0 (0-0) - The big story out of Pittsburgh last week was not about the impressive victory over Eastern Michigan but the fact that starting quarterback Bill Stull will be out for the next three to six weeks. There is no better time to break in a quarterback then against a SWAC team at home. Starting running back LaRod Stephen-Howling and backup LeSean McCoy should get a lot carries. Many people doubted the Pitt defense coming into this season but played great last week and should put up the same dominance versus Grambling State. It is important for the Panthers to play well and not look ahead to a huge game next week in East Lansing. Pitt will win but the question is will they play well.

8:05 - Big Ten Network - Syracuse 0-1 (0-0) @ Iowa 1-0 (0-0) - The Orange could not have had a worse performance last week against Washington. Let’s all hope they don’t play as bad in Iowa this week. The Hawkeyes and Orange played a classic last year in the Carrier Dome for a double overtime thriller. Iowa ended up having a very disappointing year, this year many are sleeping on Kirk Ferentz’s team. What is scary to watch in this game is the Iowa front four versus the O-Line of Syracuse. Defensive ends Kenny Iwebema and Bryan Mattison should have at least a sack each -- the Orange line is that bad. If Andrew Robinson gets time to pass, he has to deal with a very good Iowa secondary. One thing that might make this game close is the Syracuse veterans on defense will not allow the team to play as bad as they did in the opener. The front four should play better and in the secondary expect Dowayne Davis and Joe Fields to keep Iowa from making big pass plays. The Orange will not win this game but should play better, it is important for the program not to be annihilated again.