Big East: Week 6 Preview

By CHRISTOPHER MOGOOLLON

West Virginia 30, Syracuse 23

As much as I want to pick the upset here, I just can’t, mainly because of Noel Devine. The Orange are going to upset someone and with a break or two last week, it could have been South Florida. I see Greg Paulus having a bounce back game from his five-interception performance in his last outing and receiver Mike Williams being on top of his game as usual. But as good as the Syracuse run defense has been, Devine won’t be shut down. Plus, the secondary usually gives up a big play or two. Against South Florida it was a 85-yard touchdown bomb that sparked a 20-point run that Jim Boeheim would have been proud of. West Virginia might not have superstar wide outs, but Jock Sanders or Alric Arnett are likely to make at least one big play. Syracuse close, but no cigar.

Pittsburgh 17, Connecticut 10

Both these teams have an array of defensive of talent, especially along the lines. But it will be the freshman running back Dion Lewis that will be the difference maker. This 5' 8" freshman has tremendous ability and is tough to take down. Don’t forget about the Panthers' other freshman runner Ray Graham, who’s also coming along strong. The reason why Pittsburgh wins this game is defense. As much as Connecticut has improved passing the ball, expect their air attack to be minimal and ineffective. Pittsburgh wins a slop fest.

Southern Miss 40, Louisville 26

Another one in the loss column for Louisville. Despite a big game from running back Victor Anderson and quarterback Justin Burke the Cardinals' defense will undoubtedly be beaten more than once through the air. Their pass defense is bad and Southern Miss just so happen to have the fire power to go deep.

Rutgers 41, Texas Southern 10

Isn’t it too late to still be playing these types of games? Rutgers wins big of course. Next week...Pittsburgh comes to town.

Last Week: 4-0, Season: 29-4

Photos Courtesy of WVU Sports Communication

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