Big East: Week 5 Preview

By CHRISTOPHER MOGOLLON - BIG EAST INSIDER

West Virginia 38, Colorado 20

Get ready for a Buffalo beat down. Three weeks ago when Colorado faced Toledo, the Buffaloes could not stop the run or the pass allowing 624 yards in the loss, including two 100-yard rushers. They could not defend the mobile quarterback Aaron Opelt, so don’t expect them to have any less trouble containing Jarrett Brown. Despite coming off of a four-interception game against Auburn, the turnover bug won’t bite the Mountaineers this week. Expect a big game from Brown and look for him to hit receivers Alric Arnett and Jock Sanders for a couple of long pass plays early.

Pittsburgh 26, Louisville 14

Both teams come into this contest off a loss. The Pittsburgh defense has been in shambles, especially the secondary. They gave up a ton of yards through the air last week against NC State and looked overmatched blowing a 14-point lead. However, don’t worry about the unit in this one. Expect cornerback Aaron Berry to have a bounce back game. Defensive end Mick Williams is coming off a performance in which he had 4.5 tackles for a loss, combined with Greg Romeus, gives them a powerful defensive line. The Panther’s D will have their strongest performance yet this Friday under the lights leading the way for the victory.

South Florida 22, Syracuse 14

It’s the prototypical sandwich game. After last week’s inspiring victory over instate goliath Florida State in Tallahassee, the USF Bulls might be looking ahead to their game next week against conference favorite Cincinnati. However, a trip to the Carrier Dome resides between the team’s two biggest games of the early season. From top to bottom, it’s clear Syracuse isn’t as talented as the Bulls, but there are a couple reasons why they’ll hang around. Arthur Jones and brother Chandler Jones have been relentless up front and linebacker Derrell Smith has been a sure tackler and outstanding on run blitzes. Syracuse receiver Mike Williams is a game changer, he’s always in the mix on any Syracuse scoring drive. Williams is tall and has fantastic hands. What makes him even more difficult to defend is how many different routes he can run. He’s not a one trick pony. The problem for the Orange is that none of the names mentioned can help protect the quarterback. If South Florida’s defensive line can dominate in the trenches against a good FSU offensive line what are they going to do against Syracuse? The answer is easy…manhandle them. The crowed may be in favor of the Orange, but the field turf won’t be. Players like Craig Marshall and George Selvie are explosive and will take advantage. They and the rest of the deep defensive line will be in the face of quarterback Greg Paulus all game long. The only way Syracuse pulls off the upset is if their secondary can limit their mistakes and force a couple of key interceptions by freshman B.J. Daniels. But don’t count on it. Bank on Daniels being the leading rusher in the game and South Florida pulling out a fifth straight victory.

Cincinnati 45, Miami (Ohio) 26

It’s the battle for the victory a bell, a rivalry trophy that has not been secured by Miami since 2005 and don’t expect that to change this Saturday. Even though the Bearcats put up a ton of yards against Fresno State last week their offense stalled a bit. Don’t expect that to happen against a Red Hawks defense that has been struggling against the pass. Tony Pike and Cincinnati win in a rout.

Photo Courtesy of WVU Sports Communication

Big East Week Four Review

By CHRISTOPHER MOGOLLON - BIG EAST INSIDER

The Big East went 5-2 this weekend lifting the conference’s season out of conference record to 21-7. Let’s take a look at some of the top individual performances, which include a breakthrough win, as well as a defense that is surprisingly struggling.

South Florida 17, Florida State 7
No Grothe No Problem – South Florida defense leads the Bulls to the biggest of wins

A ton of credit needs to be given to South Florida’s quarterback B.J. Daniels. Anytime a freshman makes his first start on the road at a place like Doak Campbell Stadium and comes out with a victory it’s impressive. He only completed 8-of-21 passes and threw two interceptions, but Daniels displayed scrambling ability, arm strength and relentlessness. On the ground, he rushed for 126 yards on 23 carries and when the Tallahassee native did connect through the air, he made it count. Daniels completed a 77-yard pass to Theo Wilson and a 73-yard touchdown connection to Sterling Griffin. But more than anywhere else, the Bulls won this game because of their defense, specifically the front four. They took down Seminole quarterback Christian Ponder five times and held Florida St. to only 19 yards rushing. The defensive line of South Florida is an extremely deep unit as they mixed in eight different players throughout the game. Defensive ends Craig Marshall and George Selvie led the bull rush. Marshall recorded two sacks and recovered a fumble, while the two-time All-American Selvie was on Ponders’ tail every step of the way. There were a total of four turnovers forced by South Florida—all coming by way of the fumble—including a couple in the red zone. Ultimately, that was the story of the game. Any time FSU would get close to scoring they would turn the ball over, either on a fumble or on downs. A third defensive end, Jason Pierre-Paul, picked the perfect time to have a breakout game. The 6’ 6” junior had three tackles for a loss and had a key forced fumble to seal the deal in fourth quarter earning him Big East defensive player of the week honors.

Cincinnati 28, Fresno State 20
Pike to Gilyard – Bearcats survive upset bid and gain more national attention

Another win for Cincinnati and another big game for wide receiver Marshwan Gilyard. The senior extended his streak to six games with at least one touchdown reception dating back to last year, as he snagged two in the team’s win over Fresno State. His 177 yards and nine receptions leaves him atop the conference leader board in both categories. However, it was fellow receiver D.J. Woods who had the catch of the game bringing down an outstanding one-handed grab. The 6’ 1” sophomore is coming along nicely and developing into a solid number two target, giving the ‘Cats yet another weapon. Despite quarterback Tony Pike’s 300 yards and three touchdowns through the air, the offense stalled a bit after a quick start and needed the defense to survive the upset scare. Linebacker Craig Carey made a key interception that set up a Cincinnati touchdown early in the fourth quarter and on Fresno State’s final drive (which reached the Cincinnati 38-yard line), it was Aaron Webster who broke up a pass on fourth down to clinch the win.

North Carolina St. 38, Pittsburgh 31
What happened to the defense?

Nobody was more disappointing out of the Big East than the Pittsburgh defense in week four. They were supposed to be the strength of the team, but the defense was pushed around in Raleigh and a blew a 31-17 lead allowing three consecutive touchdowns by North Carolina St. late in the game. Wolfpack quarterback Russell Wilson threw for 322 yards and for the third straight game, four touchdowns. NC State gained a total of 530 yards and dominated when it came to moving the chains, converting 27 first downs compared to Pitt’s 11. This isn’t the first time this season the Panthers’ secondary has given up big yards through the air, they allowed 433 against Buffalo. Senior cornerback Aaron Berry was supposed to be the team’s lock down corner and one of the best in the Big East, but he allowed to many big plays and drew too many flags. Wilson showed no hesitation throwing the ball to his side. Cornerback Ricky Gray was also burned two times for long strikes, including a touchdown. Even after the comeback, Pittsburgh was given a great opportunity to force overtime when they recovered a botched snap on the North Carolina State eight-yard line. Four plays and zero yards later they were done. The closest they came to a tie came on a nice third down throw by Bill Stull, but Wolfpack safety Brandan Bishop knocked the potential touchdown out of the hands of tight end Dorin Dickerson. Running back Dion Lewis continues to be a freshman standout rushing for 95 yards and two early touchdowns on the day. The Panthers’ loss prevented a clean sweep of the ACC for the Big East.

Rutgers 34, Maryland 13
Here comes Rutgers..

It hasn’t exactly been against the best competition, but following their season-opening loss, Rutgers finds themselves on a three-game winning streak. The defense forced five turnovers, as linebacker Antonio Lowery had an interception and led the team with eight tackles. The player of the game was tailback Joe Martinek who rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns versus the Terps.

Syracuse 41, Maine 24
Taking care of business

A second-half surge gave the Orange a big win. Delone Carter led the ‘Cuse with four touchdowns, three on the ground and one through the air, while senior quarterback and former Dukie Greg Paulus continues to prove his transition to football was worth it, throwing for 270 yards and two touchdowns.

Connecticut 52, Rhode Island 10
Taking care of business – the sequel

The passing game has usually been a problem for the Huskies, but this week quarterback Cody Endres led the way throwing for 289 yards and two touchdowns.

Utah 30, Louisville 14
Cardinals fail to soar

It didn’t take long for Utah to grab hold, as the Mountain West school jumped out to a 14-0 lead. Louisville could not stop the run allowing a total of 214 yards on the ground, as Utah running back Eddie Wide led all ball carriers with 129 yards. The Cardinals couldn’t run the ball with any success, as star tailback Victor Anderson was held to 22 yards.

Photos Courtesy of USF Athletics Communications & Brian Utesch/NC State

Big East - Week Two Preview

By CHRSTOPHER MOGOLLON - BIG EAST INSIDER

This week’s theme for the Big East is re-matches–four teams are playing out of conference opponents that they played a year ago. For Connecticut, Syracuse and West Virginia it’s an opportunity to avenge losses. Still, with conference play weeks away, the majority of this Saturday’s games will be tune-ups.

West Virginia 32, East Carolina 21: There’s no doubt the Mountaineers will be looking for revenge this week at home after last year‘s beat down at East Carolina. Motivation and Morgantown aside, Noel Devine will be too much for the Pirates defense in the end. East Carolina’s offense, led by senior quarterback Patrick Pinkney, will put up some points…but not another upset.

North Carolina 23, Connecticut 14: It’s no secret that Connecticut has an aggressive rushing attack led by sophomore Jordan Todman. But the Tar Heels will be gearing up to stop the run and force Huskies quarterback Zach Frazer to beat them, and he won’t. North Carolina has some quarterback questions themselves, but their talented defenders will secure victory in East Hartford.

Penn State 36, Syracuse 20: It’s nice to see this rivalry renewed—it’s just too bad it comes during the dark days of Syracuse football. Sure, there were some positives from last week’s loss to Minnesota but the same problems on the offensive line and a lack of offensive skill players leaves them with little chance of seeing the light in Happy Valley. Watch how Syracuse’s defensive line plays against the fifth-ranked team in the country, especially pro prospect Arthur Jones and the new kid on the block, true freshman Brandon Sharpe. If they are able to hang around in this one, it will be the Orange’s defense that allows them to do so.

Pittsburgh 32, Buffalo 14: The match-up between Buffalo wide-out Naaman Roosevelt and Pittsburgh’s Aaron Berry will be more compelling then the actual game. Last season Roosevelt finished with more receptions than Michael Crabtree, more yards than Jeremy Maclin, and more touchdowns than Marshawn Gilyard. This will be a great battle between two pro prospects. Player Spotlight: With Jonathan Baldwin’s size, how can he not have a big game in Buffalo?

South Florida 28, Western Kentucky 7: The Hilltoppers are currently on a nine-game losing streak and haven’t defeated a FBS school since 2007. The Bulls could drop the ball, look ahead, or not show up and still win this week. Freshman Watch: Lindsey Lamar is a speedy all-purpose back who sees action both as a running back and receiver. A breakout game versus Western Kentucky is not out of the question.

Cincinnati 64, SE Missouri State 14: And you thought Cincinnati looked good last week? Yikes, this one will get ugly.

Rutgers 38, Howard 7: This is a good chance for Rutgers to get last week’s loss out of their heads and out of the minds of the Scarlet Knights faithful. A blowout win is always the best way to turn the page. True freshman quarterback Tom Savage makes his debut as a starter.

Last Week’s Record: 7-0 (kind of, I had Cincinnati only winning by three)

Photos Courtesy of WVU Sports Communication

CFI Countdown: #22 Pittsburgh Panthers

2008 Record: 9-4 (Big East: 5-2)
Bowl Game: Lost Sun Bowl to Oregon St. 3-0
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Stadium: Heinz Field (65,050)
Head Coach: Dave Wannstedt
Overall: 25-23 (5th season)
@ Pittsburgh: 25-23 (5th season)
Link to Pitt Football Page

After three very disappointing non-bowl seasons to begin the Dave Wannstedt era, the Panthers made their first bowl since the 2004 season. Now it’s time to win one (last bowl win came in 2002) and who knows…maybe even a conference crown. Pittsburgh has one Big East title (shared in 2004) since joining the conference in 1993 and has not reached double figures in victories since 1981, when they rolled off the third of three straight 11-1 seasons.

When the Panthers Have the Ball

Offensive Coordinator: Frank Cignetti, Jr. (1st season)
Scheme: Pro Style
Starters Returning: Seven
Key Losses: RB LeSean McCoy, WR Derek Kinder, OG C. J. Davis, RB LaRod Stephens-Howling, FB Conredge Collins

Senior Bill Stull and junior Pat Bostick have taken most of the reps at quarterback the past two seasons. Neither has played well, much less taken hold of the job when the opportunity has presented itself. Stull appears to be the starter heading into 2009 and is respected for his leadership and intangibles. Bostick is considered the more physically gifted of the two, but has been shaky in the decision-making department. Regardless of who wins the job, he would be wise to throw the ball up to 6’ 5” sophomore Jonathan Baldwin as much as possible. They also have excellent depth at tight end in seniors Nate Byham and Dorin Dickerson, both capable contributors in the passing game. What the Panthers hope to replicate is the production they received from tailback LeSean “Shady” McCoy. Their most talented runners are a pair of freshmen, Dion Lewis and Chris Burns. Four starters return to what should be a solid offensive line, led by left tackle Jason Pinkston. If the line and the offense as a whole are to take the next step, two highly-touted sophomores will need to step up—Lucas Nix, who is expected to start at right tackle, and Chris Jacobson, who is competing for playing time at guard.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) WR Jonathan Baldwin (SO), 2) TE Nate Byham (SR), 3) OT Jason Pinkston (JR)

When the Other Team Has the Ball

Defensive Coordinator: Phil Bennett (2nd season)
Scheme: Multiple 4-3
Starters Returning: Seven
Key Losses: LB Scott McKillop, FS Eric Thatcher, LB Austin Ransom, DT Rashaad Duncan

It all starts up front for the Panthers defensively. Defensive end Greg Romeus showed flashes as a sophomore and is poised to break out this season using his speed and athleticism to get into the backfield. He also knows how to use his length—he blocked three of Pitt’s 10 blocked kicks. On the opposite side Jabaal Sheard got his hands on seven passes, making his share of impact plays. Keeping defenses honest will be senior tackle Mick Williams who can be a force in his own right. They must replace two starters at the next level, including defensive leader Scott McKillop, but in sophomore SAM Greg Williams, they add another dynamic piece to their front seven. Both starting corners are back, including senior Aaron Berry, who will make opposing quarterbacks think twice about throwing his way. As a unit, the secondary recorded 16 interceptions in 2008 and should be among the best in the country once again.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) DE Greg Romeus (JR), 2) CB Aaron Berry (SR), 3) LB Greg Williams (SO)

The Schedule

With Youngstown St., Buffalo (on the road), and Navy to kick off the schedule, the Panthers face a pair of 2008 bowl teams but should get off to a quick start. A game to circle is their trip to Raleigh to face the Wolfpack—a win there and Pitt could be headed towards a special season. They host Notre Dame in an out of conference game as well. As for the Big East race, they play South Florida and defending champ Cincinnati at home, with visits to Rutgers and border rival West Virginia. They play the Bearcats and Mountaineers in the final two weeks of the season in contests that could decide the conference.

Pivotal Point

It begins and ends with their quarterback play. Last season as a group they combined for 2,356 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, while completing just 55.9 percent of their passes. That inaccuracy would begin to explain how a nine-win team that finished second in their conference was held scoreless in their bowl game. As a freshman in 2007, Bostick was the primary starter but was on shaky ground most of the way, throwing eight touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Stull stepped in last season and was not much better—throwing nine scoring strikes and 10 interceptions (Bostick’s 2008 ratio was one-to-four). Slightly above average play would go a long way.

CFI Final Analysis

Look for the 2009 Panthers to win nine or even 10 games, win the Big East conference, and make their second trip to a BCS Bowl. It will not only be the school’s best season under Coach Wannstedt—an alum who was brought here to bring back the glory days—but maybe their best season in over 25 years. They’re not there yet, but they have turned the corner in Western Pennsylvania.

College Football Insiders Top 25 Countdown:
The Next 25 (26-50) Plus 18 Bowl Teams
#25 West Virginia Mounainteers
#24 Tennessee Volunteers
#23 Clemson Tigers

Contact Daniel Mogollon via email dan@collegefootballinsiders.com

Photo Credit: University of Pittsburgh