NCAA Football FanHouse http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com NCAA Football FanHouse http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif NCAA Football FanHouse http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Big East Picks: Tough Week for Orangehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/06/big-east-picks-tough-week-for-orange/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/06/big-east-picks-tough-week-for-orange/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/06/big-east-picks-tough-week-for-orange/#commentsFiled under:

Each Friday, FanHouse's Brett McMurphy will preview the Big East and make his weekly predictions.

So how was your week? Much better than Syracuse's, I hope.

Let's quickly recap the past few days for Syracuse.

Saturday afternoon, the Orange lost to Cincinnati 28-7 as the home crowd booed quarterback Greg Paulus.

Sunday morning at 5:30, four players, including star wide receiver Mike Williams, were involved in a car accident.

Monday, Williams quit the team and the other three players were suspended. That day in an emotional press conference, Syracuse coach Doug Marrone, fighting back tears, defends Paulus. The school announces that defensive end Jarred Kimmel will undergo season-ending knee surgery.

Also, the Syracuse Post-Standard reports that cornerback JohnMark Henderson left the team. Henderson was the 21st player to leave the team since Marrone was hired in December.

And then things really got interesting.

Larry Elin, an associate professor at Syracuse, E-mailed the Post-Standard calling Syracuse fans "boorish" and "boobs."

Here's part of Elin's e-mail:

"Can I say something that's obvious to me, and anybody who has ever been a fan elsewhere for another team?

"Orange fans -- not all of them, but the loud ones -- are boorish. I've lived in NYC, LA, San Diego, Denver, Ann Arbor, and now here. I was a fan of USC, UCLA, San Diego Padres, Chargers, Denver Broncos and Nuggets, Colorado Buffalo, and the Big Blue at Michigan. The only place I've ever heard the home crowd boo an opposing team when it entered the stadium is here.

"At other stadiums, they actually politely applaud the opponent, and then watch as their team dismantles them on the field. Here, it's the opposite. After our boobs boo, they pound down beers during the National Anthem, boo the home team if it's losing, stock up on beer at halftime, and leave with four minutes left in the third quarter. I can't stand going to the games because of the fans, not because the team is on a losing streak. I don't want to live next to people like that, why would I want to sit right next to them for three hours?"

Syracuse might be headed for another losing season, but according to Elin, at last beer sales are steady.

Poor Marrone. If he had stayed with the New Orleans Saints, where he was offensive coordinator last season, his biggest worry right now would be if his Saints were ever going to lose a game. Instead, he's now wondering if he'll ever win another game this season - yes, I know Louisville is up next week.

Player defections, his star WR quits, car accidents, his own fans booing the team, a school professor blasting the fans in the local newspaper: Can it get any worse for Marrone?

Actually, yes. The Orange visits smokin' hot Pittsburgh Saturday. Pitt's offense and defense is on a major roll. The Panthers lead the nation in sacks, which doesn't bode well for Paulus. Hopefully SU's offensive line can defend Paulus as well as Marrone.

The chances that Team Turmoil beats Pitt are about as likely as Syracuse's nationally-ranked men's basketball team losing to a Division II team. Oops, bad analogy. Still, Pitt covers the three TDs.
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UConn at Cincinnati: The Huskies have experienced more adversity on and off the field than any team in the country this season. After the tragic death of Jasper Howard, UConn has lost in the past two weeks in the final minutes (against West Virginia) and seconds (against Rutgers). Now, they venture to Cincinnati, where starting QB Tony Pike is expected to return for the first time since injuring his left arm on Oct. 15. Cincinnati also is seeking revenge from last year's 40-16 loss to the Huskies. It would be understandable if the Huskies were emotionally zapped after the past few weeks, but don't underestimate the Huskies. Cincinnati remains undefeated, but UConn keeps it within 17.

Louisville at West Virginia: These days, Cardinals fans are reduced to reminiscing about the good old days when playing West Virginia actually meant something. Like in 2006 when No. 5 Louisville beat No. 3 West Virginia on its way to the Big East title. Back to the reality: UL has lost eight consecutive Big East games and visits the Mountaineers, who have had eight days to stew over another loss to South Florida. Earlier this week, Louisville coach Steve Kragthorpe was in a jovial mood, joking about Jon Gruden, rumored to be the No. 1 candidate to replace Kragthorpe. I don't recall Sean Penn cracking jokes with Susan Sarandon "In Dead Man Walking," but maybe Kragthorpe believes laughter really is the best medicine. Don't laugh: the Cards hang within the 19½ as the Mountaineers peek ahead to next week's game with Cincinnati.

Last Week: 2-2 (straight up); 2-2 (against the spread)
Season: 41-9 (82 percent) (straight up); 17-22-1 (43.6 percent) (against the spread)

Big East Picks: Tough Week for Orange originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>greg paulusGregPaulusjasper howardJasperHowardBrett McMurphyFri, 06 Nov 2009 21:30:00 EST Big East Commish: Old Bowl System Preferable to Playoffhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/04/big-east-commish-doesnt-expect-bcs-to-last-past-2013/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/04/big-east-commish-doesnt-expect-bcs-to-last-past-2013/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/04/big-east-commish-doesnt-expect-bcs-to-last-past-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

John MarrinattoTAMPA, Fla. -- The demand for a college football playoff could break up the BCS after the 2013 season, but instead of adding a playoff, the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) would likely just revert back to the old bowl system, Big East commissioner John Marinatto told FanHouse.

"It [the BCS] is such an entity where there's so many diverse things that come together that make it work," Marinatto said. "I don't know if all that will continue to go on the way it is. If they're pressured to create a playoff, they would simply go back to what the system used to be like and have it as an at-large, free-for-all where people can go [to whichever bowl] they want.

"I don't think the pressure would cause people to create a playoff. I think it would cause them to go back to where we used to be [before the BCS]."

Marinatto also told FanHouse that the Big East has "no intention" of adding a ninth-football member. However, if the Big East was approached by another school that would "add value," the conference would be receptive to adding another member even it grew the basketball league to 17 teams. Marinatto stressed it would not "raid" another league to add a ninth-football member.

Also in Marinatto's interview with FanHouse, he said the BCS wants the coaches to make their ballots public after next season. He said he's optimistic they will and the coaches' poll will remain a part of the BCS formula. Marinatto also said it's possible a one-loss team could get selected over undefeated Cincinnati for a spot in the BCS title game and why the Big East's Yankee Bowl will be a success -- no matter how cold the weather might be in New York in late December/early January.

When will you add a ninth football member?
There is no intention of adding a ninth member at this point. There hasn't even been a discussion.

Do you want a ninth football member?
I understand the reasons why people feel like we could or should have a ninth member and it's primarily for scheduling. Again, we've had this discussion in the room the last five years since we expanded to 16 [schools]. It always comes down to: we'll take a ninth member if that member brings value to the membership.

Even if that means increasing the basketball membership to 17 schools?
Even if that means going to 17. We're structured in such a way that we've provided for that in our bylaws. If a ninth member of value became available tomorrow, we'd expand and go to 17.
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Would you pursue a ninth football member?
Will we raid someone to do it? No. It's not our intention to raid someone to accomplish what we want to accomplish. If under the right set of circumstances ... where someone might be disenfranchised and look for a new home. And if that school brought value, then we would be amenable. The world could change. The costs of travel could become such that an Eastern school that's now in a non-Eastern quote-unquote conference might want to look [and think] 'it makes more sense to be in the Big East.' There could be a shifting around. In that scenario, we would go to 17.

But we're not going to go out there and try and raid someone. That's not our intention.

Do you believe the BCS will continue to exist after the 2013 season?
The contract with ESPN is through [the end of the 2013 season]. There's so much resistance, or seemingly vocal resistance [to the BCS]. It's such an entity where there's so many diverse things that come together that make it work. I don't know if all that will continue to go on the way it is.

If they're pressured to create a playoff, they would simply go back to what the system used to be like and have it as an at-large, free-for-all where people can go to [to whichever bowl] they want. I don't think the pressure would cause people to create a playoff. I think it would cause them to go back to where we used to be.

We like the current system for a lot of reasons. It brings (the) regular season value because of the number of bowls that are available that provide so many students with the experience of being to a bowl game and that's a valuable thing.

The theory is if a playoff is created, the most you could do would be an eight-team playoff and those eight teams are going to be the ones that get to experience a post-season bowl. Whereas today you have probably 68 schools that get that experience, half of them walking away feeling good and winning. From a student-athlete's standpoint, we think the current structure allows for a better overall experience for more student-athletes. And that's really what, in the world of football, it's about: going to a bowl and experiencing that post-season experience.

In the Bowl Subdivision, people really cherish the post-season experiences. Whether it's the Rose Bowl or one of the lower level bowls, to get to a bowl is considered a positive experience. People around our table don't want to lose that.

Is there any scenario in which a one-loss team could be selected over a 12-0 Cincinnati team to play in the BCS title game?
I don't know until it unfolds. There are inherent flaws in the BCS system, it's not perfect. Injustice is possible. It's an attempt simply to get the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the country identified to play each other. Over the years there have been injustices and we know it's not a perfect system. To answer your question, it could happen. It would be hard to see how it could happen, but again, the system is not perfect.

Should the coaches' ballots remain public and if they are not public, would the coaches' poll no longer be a part of the BCS formula?
Yes, transparency is important in a lot of things, but particularly in this at this point. We've talked about this around the room. We think chances are better that it [the coaches' poll] becomes transparent [than dropping the coaches poll from the BCS formula]. I think they understand at some level that it's important. Transparency is important for credibility. Hopefully that will happen; we'll see.

There clearly is a desire on the part of the commissioners around the country to have it transparent. We all feel that's important for a number of reasons, including credibility. I understand the logic of not publishing [the ballots] because of the pressure within certain conferences to help their own schools and a lot of other reasons, friendships and what not. But the reasons for making it transparent are more compelling than the reasons for keeping it secret.

The final [ballot] is the most important one. I would prefer that [all ballots through the season were public] but I don't know if that's a deal-breaker. The most important one is the final one.

Temple was kicked out of the Big East after the 2001-02 school year ...
My understanding, the group [Big East] created standards that they wanted everyone to adhere to and Temple wasn't able to meet the standards. [Marinatto was not with the Big East when the decision was made]

Could the same thing happen to another Big East school for not being competitive enough?
We have standards. In 2000, we created a strategic plan. Within our strategic plan were three elements.

One of the elements is referred to as the program standards for all of our team sports, a minimum number of scholarships you must commit; you also have to meet a certain percentage of the commitment for coaches and a facilities requirement.

When we expanded in 2003, we re-wrote the constitution and bylaws and created the contracts with the five new schools [Cincinnati, DePaul, Louisville, Marquette, South Florida]; an exhibit to the agreement was the strategic plan. We told everyone these are the standards we created, you have to adhere to these if you want to join and make the commitment that you're going to commit to the standards, so it's built into the contracts. It's an overall commitment to excellence. They are not competitive standards.

How close was the league to restructuring the men's basketball tournament and eliminating byes for the top eight seeds?
The way it happened, at our summer meetings, several of our coaches raised the concept of changing the format of the tournament. What I said to them was we've really not talked about this. When we expanded the tournament to 16 [teams], the current structure was the only one they could accept and go to 16 because it protected the best teams.

At the meeting this year, there was a reversal of opinion [because] on the women's side, three of the top four seeds lost, and on the men's side, two of the top four lost [their opening game]. I said to them this is all new.

I had [men's basketball associate commissioner] Danny Gavitt do an analysis. Does it require more class days, etc. Basically it was a neutral effect on all of those things. We could have changed the format. Several of the coaches in the room who were advocating for it, upon reflection, weren't as excited about doing it any longer. I've said we've only done it [this way] for one year, let's just table the idea for a year and if we feel that way next year we can revisit it. For the time being let's keep it the way it is.

I decided to keep it the way it was for another year at which point and time, we'll reevaluate to whether we want to make a change.

Are you in favor of all 16 teams playing in the Big East Tournament or would you rather it be limited to only the top 12 teams?
A year ago, I would have said no [to all 16]. But it seemed to work from a crowd standpoint. We had such good crowds last year. Now ESPN is televising the first day [the first-round wasn't televised last year]. We've got ESPN2 for the first session, ESPNU for the second session. We were afraid we would devalue our tournament by going to 16 and diluting it. That didn't happen last year, so let's see again what happens this year.

The BCS is considering hiring a full-time BCS coordinator. Is former Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese the obvious choice?
We've been talking about [having a coordinator] for a while. People [BCS league commissioners] who are sitting in the chair as the [BCS] coordinator often times feel conflicted wearing two hats because they have a built-in conflict of interest.

We've been talking about how we could potentially eliminate that perception because that person acts as the coordinator and also acts as the spokesperson. Within their own conference when you're the [BCS] coordinator, your own people [from your conference], you're not representing because you're representing the whole group.

We haven't resolved the fact we want to hire an executive director. We're talking about the idea. We haven't identified names. We haven't determined titles. We're not sure what the best scenario is to follow primarily to avoid that perceived conflict of interest.

You took over for Tranghese on July 1 as Big East commissioner. How have your first 100 days gone so far?
In so many ways I feel like we've accomplished so much. We got the Champs Bowl deal done. We got the Yankee [Bowl] deal done. We extended the [Madison Square] Garden contract [to host the Big East Tournament through 2016]. We hired a woman [associate commissioner Danielle Donehew] to take over for [associate commissioner] Donna DeMarco.

On the women's basketball side, we created the SWA [senior woman administrator] initiative for sportsmanship and ethical conduct. There are so many things we've gotten done in a short time, but there are so many things we need to start to deal with. The biggest of the logistical things is simply trying to relocate our office [Brown University bought the building the league's office is located in]. It sounds like a simple thing, but it's so all-consuming. Our intention is to stay in Providence.

The Big East added a bowl game to be played in Yankee Stadium starting next season. How can a bowl game played potentially in sub-freezing weather be a success?
We have three objectives [for our bowl games]: opponent, destination and geography.

Geography we address by being in New York because it's the center of where we are. Destination? New York City, Christmas, holidays. Opponent? Big 12. We have our three criteria met. If [Yankee Stadium] had a cover on the stadium it would be perfect, but it didn't. We had talked about doing this eight years ago. We had announced if the [New York] Jets built a new stadium with a roof we would create the Big Apple Bowl and we would host it. That would be perfect for us. The idea of being able to play this game in New York City on New Year's Day is what where shooting for.

When you go to Times Square and see the ball come down, it was just so appealing. I think that people would want to experience that. When you've watch it on TV since you were a kid, when Guy Lombardo would welcome in the New Year, then Dick Clark and so you grew up watching it. If your team is in New York City playing in Yankee Stadium on New Year's Day, wouldn't you want to go see New York lit up for the holidays and the ball coming down in Times Square?

I think we offset the weather with all those other things. And then as Randy Levine, president of the Yankees, keeps telling me: We're the New York Yankees, don't worry about the weather. The proposed dates are Dec. 29, 30, 31 or Jan. 1, but we're shooting for Jan. 1. That's ideal, you get there for the 31st to watch the ball and next day have the game. A day start would be ideal. The Yankees are in conversations with different networks to televise it, but haven't finalized what they want to do with it.

Big East Commish: Old Bowl System Preferable to Playoff originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>John MarinattoBrett McMurphyWed, 04 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST Rewind: Big East Primed for Big Finishhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/big-east-rewind-two-be-determined/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/big-east-rewind-two-be-determined/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/big-east-rewind-two-be-determined/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

And then there were two.

Cincinnati and Pittsburgh are now the lone undefeated teams in Big East play after last weekend's action.

The No. 4 ranked Bearcats and No. 14 Panthers continue on a collision course for the de facto Big East championship game on Dec. 5 in Pittsburgh. By the way, whatever Nick Carparelli, the Big East's senior associate commissioner for football, is making, he deserves a raise.

Carparelli is in charge of the league's schedule and his philosophy is having the league's top games played later in the year. That's easier said than done, but the Big East could have a pair of Top 10 teams playing for the league title if the Bearcats and Panthers don't stumble.

Stumble is exactly what West Virginia did -- again -- at South Florida. Playing in Tampa, Fla., on a Friday night for the second time in three years, the Mountaineers' league title hopes took a big hit with the 30-19 loss to the Bulls, who had lost their previous two games to Cincinnati and Pittsburgh by a combined margin of 75-31.

At just past the halfway mark in league play, five of the league's eight teams already have two league losses.

Some things we may have actually figured out in the past week

1. They are so ready for basketball to start in Louisville and Syracuse.

Last week's home football games at Louisville and Syracuse drew ridiculously small crowds. Louisville's game against Arkansas State drew a Papa John's Cardinal Stadium crowd of 21,497, the smallest in the stadium's 11-year history. The low attendance was probably a combination of UL fans being fed up with Steve Kragthorpe and the caliber of opponent. However, a top-flight opponent didn't help Syracuse. Only 33,082 showed at the Carrier Dome to see the Orange battle No. 5 Cincinnati. Even with free tickets provided to SU students and $10 tickets available in the upper level, it was smaller than any home crowd during Greg Robinson's past four seasons. Apparently the honeymoon is already over for first-year SU coach Doug Marrone, whose job didn't get any easier when WR Mike Williams quit on Monday.

2. Tim Brown never felt better - or worse - about a victory.

Tim Brown, Rutgers wide receiver, grew up in Miami two houses from UConn's Jasper Howard. Saturday was UConn's first home game since Howard was murdered. Brown had considered flying to Miami for the funeral last Monday, but ended up watching it on the internet. Before the game, he walked onto the field, knelt on one knee, said a short prayer and raised six fingers to the heavens -- for Howard, who wore No. 6. More than three hours later, Brown was racing into the end zone with the winning 81-yard TD catch with 22 seconds remaining. After crossing the goal line, Brown held up six fingers. "I played for him," said Brown, who cried after the game. "I dedicate this win to him and my teammates, for helping me keep my head up and keep me strong."

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3. South Florida has gotten into West Virginia's head.

USF's victory last week against West Virginia was only the third in five all-time meetings between the schools. But has a 3-2 advantage ever appeared so dominating? West Virginia has been favored in all five meetings, but has only won one comfortably. Since winning the first meeting, 28-13 in 2005, West Virginia has been lucky it hasn't lost four in a row to the Bulls. In 2006 USF won at WVU 24-19 as a 21-point underdog; in 2007 USF won 21-13 as a 7-point underdog when WVU was ranked No. 5 and last year USF nearly won again (and probably should have if not for some critical turnovers) in Morgantown in Pat White's final home game, losing 13-7. In last week's 30-19 victory by USF, the Bulls put the clamps on RB Noel Devine the same way they've shut down RB Steve Slaton and White in past seasons.

Re-Tweeting Week 9

Ranking the league from top to bottom and summarizing each team, in 140 characters or less.

1. Cincinnati: Bearcats are nation's only team that has not lost a fumble this season. Did I just jinx a no-hitter?
2. Pitt: After Syracuse this week, Pitt hits a tough closing stretch vs. Notre Dame, West Virginia & Cincinnati, who are combined 20-4
3. USF: Bulls among eight teams with two victories this year against ranked opponents. They'll get a shot for a third vs. Miami on Nov. 28
4. West Virginia: Only Syracuse has allowed more yards passing than Mountaineers. Any chance Noel Devine can also play cornerback?
5. Rutgers: Scarlet Knights rank fourth nationally having forced 25 turnovers in eight games
6. UConn: Déjà vu again. Huskies suffer 28-24 loss for second consecutive week when defense gives up a late big play in crushing loss to RU
7. Syracuse: Will the Orange be looking past Pittsburgh this week to their Nov. 14 Battle of the Basement at Louisville?
8. Louisville: Cards' 21-13 win vs. Arkansas State was UL's first in 13 games under Steve Kragthorpe when scoring less than 24 points

Follow Brett McMurphy on Twitter at twitter.com/BrettmcmurphY

Rewind: Big East Primed for Big Finish originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Brett McMurphyMon, 02 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST Incredible Finish for UConn, Rutgershttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/31/rutgers-player-dedicates-dramatic-victory-to-slain-uconn-player/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/31/rutgers-player-dedicates-dramatic-victory-to-slain-uconn-player/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/31/rutgers-player-dedicates-dramatic-victory-to-slain-uconn-player/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tim BrownEAST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- On a day Connecticut honored slain teammate Jasper Howard, one of his best friends won the game for Rutgers.

Tim Brown, who grew up with Howard in Miami, scored on an 81-yard touchdown pass from Tom Savage with 22 seconds left to give the Scarlet Knights a 28-24 victory over the Huskies in UConn's first home game since Howard was stabbed to death.

"I just went out there and played that game for my friend," Brown said. "He was a special guy to me and I just went out there and dedicated that game to him."

Connecticut (4-4, 2-2 Big East) scored to take a 24-21 lead with under a minute left, and the crowd was roaring, when Brown got behind cornerback Robert McClain, and outraced the entire UConn secondary to the end zone.

Howard, Brown said, might have had the speed to catch him.

"We was ready to play [each other]," he said "It would have been a great game for me if I'd had my other friend on the other side."

Howard was killed outside a school dance on Oct. 18. Since the Huskies have played twice and taken two tough losses.


There were numerous tributes to Howard before the game and fans lined up three-deep to greet the Huskies as they made their way into the stadium wearing T-shirts with his number "6" on it.

Last week, UConn lost 28-24 at West Virginia when Noel Devine broke a 56-yard touchdown run with 2:10 left in the game. The Huskies' four losses are by a total of 13 points.

"Could we be [undefeated]? Yeah, but the reality of it is that we're 4-4," coach Randy Edsall said. "And the reality of it is, we've got to understand how to finish these games off and make the plays at the end in order to win."

Savage, the freshman quarterback, threw for 234 yards and three touchdowns for Rutgers (6-2, 1-2) in his first Big East road game. But he gave all the credit to Brown, who finished with 162 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

"He made one of the best plays you could probably make in college football," Savage said. "I know he was down all week, and he was down during the game, but he just made the play and I'm sure Jazz is proud of him."

Backup quarterback Zach Frazer, who entered the game in the first quarter after Cody Endres went down with an injury to his left shoulder, threw for 333 yards and a touchdown for UConn. He led the Huskies on two fourth-quarter touchdown drives after they trailed 21-10.

UConn's Marcus Easley cut the lead to 21-17 when he caught a pass over the middle, bounced off linebacker Ryan D'Imperio and went in for a 32-yard touchdown with just over 10 minutes left.

The Huskies tried an unorthodox 2-point conversion, hitting tackle Mike Ryan on what was supposed to be a lateral screen. The 320-pound lineman dove into the end zone, stretching the ball over the left pylon. But Ryan was ruled an ineligible receiver, and UConn had to settle for a kick after the penalty.

Connecticut got the ball back for a final time with about 3 1/2 minutes left. A 31-yard diving catch by Michael Smith got the ball into Rutgers' territory, and a 32-yard catch by Kashif Moore on fourth down got the Huskies into the red zone. When Jordan Todman ran it in from 2 yards out on another fourth down with 38 seconds to go, the home crowd erupted, thinking the Huskies had completed the comeback.

Edsall said Endres is likely done for the season. He is scheduled to have surgery on Sunday.


Frazer, who lost the starting job after he suffered a knee injury in the second game of the season, completed 21 of 46 passes, but also threw three interceptions.

The game started with the stadium buzzing and the UConn crowd energetic on an emotional day for the school.

A lot of that energy seemed to drain from the building after Delvin McCourty took the opening kickoff back 98 yards for a touchdown for Rutgers.

A week ago, West Virginia's Tavon Austin went 98 yards for a score with the opening kick.

Joe Lefeged's interception set up a seven-play, 81-yard Rutgers drive that ended with Brown's first touchdown catch, a 37-yarder.

Robby Frey brought the crowd back into the game by taking the ensuing kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, cutting across the field behind the blocking of Todman and diving into the end zone.

But UConn senior cornerback Robert McClain limped off the field late in the second quarter, leaving the Huskies with three redshirt freshmen in the secondary.

Savage took advantage, finding Mark Harrison over the middle for a 20-yard touchdown that made it 21-10 at the half. McClain returned in the second half.

UConn gamely came back, but for the second consecutive week a victory the Huskies wanted so badly wasn't to be.

"I don't know," he said. "We'll just keep fighting. That's all I know to do."

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
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Incredible Finish for UConn, Rutgers originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:19:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>jasper howardFanHouse NewswireSat, 31 Oct 2009 19:19:00 EST UConn Seeks to Win One for Lost Teammate Jasper Howardhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/uconn-seeks-to-win-one-for-lost-teammate/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/uconn-seeks-to-win-one-for-lost-teammate/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/uconn-seeks-to-win-one-for-lost-teammate/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Randy EdsallSTORRS, Conn. -- Connecticut coach Randy Edsall is good at many things -- such as refining football skills, leading a group of young men and supporting them through the tragedy of Jasper Howard's murder.

He has had little time to make sure his pop culture references were up to date.

"I am Sergeant Schultz, I know nothing," Edsall said earlier this week, when pressed about details surrounding the murder investigation. Just minutes later, in a separate media conference, the arrests of three men were announced.

Ironically, Edsall, especially in recent days, is very little like Schultz, whose character on "Hogan's Heroes" -- a TV show that ran from 1965-71 -- was a bumbling, borderline incompetent mess (Trust me, I looked it up).

Edsall recited Schultz's famous slogan, but that's where the similarities end.

Competence, in fact, is what Edsall demands -- even in the face of the abnormal circumstances provided by Howard's tragic slaying on Oct. 18, when he was stabbed outside a school-sanctioned dance on campus.

"You never grade on a curve," Edsall said in reference to giving his team any slack on the field during the grieving process. "In our business, you either do it right or you do it wrong. To me, it is either if they do what they are asked to do, they get a plus; if not, it's a minus. People used to have plus, minus and zero.

"Either you did it the right way or you did it the wrong way. If you say, 'Well, it was OK but ... ' they never get better. You never grade on a circumstance or a curve because you are going out there to play to the best of your ability and get a win."

That's exactly what the Huskies will try to do Saturday, when they play Rutgers in their first home game since the murder. Those circumstances, however, are not lost on Edsall or the UConn program.

The school plans to honor Howard, who was a star cornerback and punt returner.

All fans who attend the game will receive a "6" card in memory of Howard's jersey number. The first 15,000 fans who enter the gates will receive "Jazz Live 365" wristbands, while UConn students in attendance will be handed the same "eye-black" that the team will wear -- one with a "6" and the other with a "JH."

Students will also receive a "6" button and are encouraged to arrive at their seats early in anticipation of a performance by the UConn marching band, which will display the formation of a "6" during its pregame program.

A moment of silence will also take place at Rentschler Field, where a no-sign policy will be relaxed.

"This is one more way that our fans can make a personal tribute to Jasper Howard," UConn Director of Athletics Jeff Hathaway said.

While it promises to be a fitting tribute, Edsall no doubt is worried about closure for his players, who traveled to Miami earlier this week for Howard's funeral.

In respect to the arrests, which saw John Lomax of Bloomfield, Conn. accused of murder and two others hit with lesser chargers, the coach was pleased with the progress made but was most concerned with returning to normalcy.

"I think it is important for everyone to see justice be brought to the case but at the same time it doesn't bring Jasper back," he said. "It has been a long week but I think everyone is ready to get back on the field and play like we know we can.

"We need to get some more wins especially in the Big East, and we are going to get back out there and do that."

UConn (4-3, 1-2 Big East) will have to focus quickly. After this game against the Scarlet Knights, the Huskies will face eighth-ranked Cincinnati before traveling to take on No. 23 Notre Dame.

All three of the Huskies' losses have come in excruciating fashion, including a late safety against North Carolina, a fourth-quarter implosion at Pittsburgh and a four-point loss at West Virginia.

Linebacker Greg Lloyd admitted that, inspired by the loss of a teammate, UConn will be pushing even harder for a win this week.

"The outlook for this week is to refuse to lose," he said. "In the last couple of games, it has been close and come down to the fourth quarter so coming into this week the main focus is to keep the team going, keep moving forward, keep making progress. we are that close but you have to finish, you have to be able to finish."

According to Edsall, each player has dealt with the tragedy on his own terms. It would be unfair to think that the grief will dissipate so quickly, though it may be beneficial for the players to immerse themselves in the game.

The coach, speaking with obvious compassion and strength, said that there is a support system for those that need someone to talk to about the loss of their teammate.

Jordan Todman, a running back for the Huskies, will always carry the memory of Howard with him.

"I definitely feel like we have grown closer and I live my days a lot more different now," he said. "You never know what can happen or when it can happen. I keep my friends a lot closer, I make sure my family and friends know that I love them because you never know when it is your time or their time."

Coincidentally, if you drive through UConn's rural campus, a message from Howard unknowingly echoes Todman's sentiments.

An impromptu memorial for Howard, spray-painted on a rock, reads, "Play every play like it's the last play you'll ever play." - JH

UConn Seeks to Win One for Lost Teammate Jasper Howard originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>jasper howardJasperHowardRandy EdsallRandyEdsallAnthony OlivieriFri, 30 Oct 2009 15:50:00 EST Big East Picks: South Florida Falls in Autumn ... Againhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/big-east-picks-south-florida-falls-in-autumn-again/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/big-east-picks-south-florida-falls-in-autumn-again/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/big-east-picks-south-florida-falls-in-autumn-again/#commentsFiled under:

Each Friday, FanHouse's Brett McMurphy will preview the Big East and make his weekly predictions.

Before the season began, South Florida coach Jim Leavitt said he was making several changes within the Bulls' program in hopes of avoiding another mid-season free fall that has plagued them the past two seasons.

"I've tried to look at our practice schedules, tried to look at how we're doing things," Leavitt said on Sept. 1. "We've changed quite a bit. Has it worked? I don't know. If we win, we'll feel good about it. If we lose, we'll feel we're not real smart."

USF is not real smart right now.

After a 5-0 start, the Bulls have lost two in a row entering Friday night's contest with No. 20 West Virginia.

Me? I've gotten a little smarter the past two weeks, hitting at a 63 percent clip against the line in my Big East picks. For the season I'm hitting, yawn, nearly 85 percent straight up.

The Bulls host the Mountaineers, who are favored by three. The last time the Mountaineers visited Tampa was also a Friday night in 2007 when WVU was a 7-point favorite.

That year when the Mountaineers stepped off the team bus, a number of players were wearing New York Yankees hats because former coach Rich Rodriguez had compared his team to the Yankees for their ability to pack opposing stadiums.

Final score: USF 21, Damn Yankees 13.

The Mountaineers return to Tampa and no one has given WVU's offense fits like USF's defense. However, former defensive coordinator Wally Burnham, the architect of those defenses, has taken his secret formula on how to stop the spread offense with him to Iowa State.

Also there's the fact (warning, actual research ahead) that the Bulls have been outgained in each of their three Big East games this season against Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and, gulp, Syracuse. I've been perfect on my Thursday/Friday night Big East games this year and look to keep the streak going. Take West Virginia minus 3.

Cincinnati at Syracuse: Starting QB Tony Pike is expected to miss his second consecutive game with a left arm injury, giving redshirt sophomore back-up Zach Collaros his second collegiate start. Collaros, who won two state titles in high school, hasn't lost a game as a starting quarterback since his freshman year in high school seven years ago. So unless Zach Collaros starts throwing interceptions like Nebraska's Zac Lee, the Bearcats and their underrated defense should crush the Orange and cover the 14½.

Rutgers at UConn: Five of the last seven meetings have been decided by seven points or less, while Rutgers has won three of the last four meetings. Yet UConn is favored by 8? That seems a little rich for me. Rutgers wins outright against an emotionally drained Huskies club.

Arkansas State at Louisville: The No. 1 Halloween costume worn at Saturday's game between the Red Wolves and Cardinals? An empty seat. Louisville has lost eight consecutive Big East games. Fortunately for the Cards, this isn't a league game. Maybe that's why they're favored by 3. Remember when Arkansas State's mascot used to be the Indians? Remember when Louisville used to be good? The Red Wolves pull off the minor upset.

Last Week: 5-0 (straight up); 3-2 (against the spread)

Season: 39-7 (84.8 percent) (straight up); 15-20-1 (42.9 percent) (against the spread)

Big East Picks: South Florida Falls in Autumn ... Again originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Brett McMurphyFri, 30 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST Man Charged With Murder of UConn's Jasper Howardhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/arrest-made-in-uconn-player-murder/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/arrest-made-in-uconn-player-murder/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/arrest-made-in-uconn-player-murder/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Connecticut police have charged a man with the murder of Connecticut football player Jasper Howard. John William Lomax, 21, has been charged with murder and conspiracy to commit assault.

His attorney insists Lomax was attempting to break up the fight. His bond was set at $2 million.

Police charged Hakim Muhammad, 20, with conspiracy to commit assault, and 21-year-old Jamal Todd with pulling the fire alarm, which reportedly began the fight.

None of the three men are listed as students or employees at the university, according to the school's Web site.

Howard, 20, was stabbed just after 12:30AM, Oct. 18, following a school-sanctioned dance on the Connecticut campus. He was airlifted to a Hartford hospital where he died later that morning.

Police arrested Johnny Hood on Oct. 21, but the 21-year-old was charged only with interfering with an officer and breach of the peace. Hood was not a part of Tuesday's indictments.

However, according to a Connecticut television station, Hood and Lomax are friends on Facebook.

The Huskies host Rutgers in their first home game since Howard's death Saturday at noon.

Man Charged With Murder of UConn's Jasper Howard originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:06:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>jasper howardChas RichTue, 27 Oct 2009 12:06:00 EST Big East Rewind: No Longer the Pittshttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/26/big-east-rewind-no-longer-the-pitts/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/26/big-east-rewind-no-longer-the-pitts/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/26/big-east-rewind-no-longer-the-pitts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Pitt PanthersJust three weeks ago, we called Pittsburgh the Pitts-ophrenic Panthers after their up-and-down performances earlier this season against Buffalo, N.C. State, Louisville and UConn.

Uh, is it too late to take that all back?

As impressive as Cincinnati has been all season, Pittsburgh might be playing the best overall of any Big East team. The offense is balanced and the defense gets more dominating each week. Saturday, the Panthers (7-1, 4-0 Big East) scorched South Florida 41-14.

Since allowing 505 yards at N.C. State, the Panthers have improved their defensive numbers in each of the past four games. Pitt allowed 305 yards to Louisville on Oct. 2, 303 to UConn on Oct. 10, 286 to Rutgers on Oct. 16 and 212 to USF on Saturday.

Led by DE Greg Romeus, the defense just continues to get stronger and stronger. The offense also is doing its part. QB Bill Stull ranks third nationally in passing efficiency and RB Dion Lewis is the nation's fourth-leading rusher. Against USF, Pitt never had to punt.

The Panthers are off this week before closing the season against Syracuse (Nov. 7), Notre Dame (Nov. 140, at West Virginia (Nov. 27) and Cincinnati (Dec. 5).

Some things we may have actually figured out in the past week

1. Sorry Brian Kelly, Randy Edsall is the Big East coach of the year

Yes, we already anointed Cincinnati's Brian Kelly as the league's coach of the year in this column a couple of weeks ago, but Randy Edsall deserves the honor as much, if not more. What Edsall did the past week in an incredibly difficult situation was inspiring to say the least. The class, dignity and professionalism that Edsall displayed in dealing with the tragic death of Jasper Howard situation was extraordinary. Perhaps other coaches would have done as admirably, but I doubt it. Then Edsall somehow managed to take the Huskies into Morgantown and nearly pulled off the upset. UConn outgained WVU 501-387 -- the first team to gain 500 yards on WVU this season -- but couldn't overcome four turnovers and a late Noel Devine TD in the 28-24 loss.

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2. Rece Davis is a genius

While showing highlights of Pittsburgh's 41-14 rout of South Florida, ESPN's Rece Davis remarked the following about the Bulls: "Once again just as the leaves drop, South Florida falls off the face of the Earth." Yes, as the calendar nears Halloween, USF's season turns into all tricks -- no treats. In 2007, USF started 6-0, only to finish 3-4. Last year, USF started 5-0, only to finish 3-5. After this year's 5-0 start, the Bulls are 0-2 and could very well be sitting at 5-4 after hosting West Virginia Friday and traveling to Rutgers Nov. 12. After that 5-0 start, the Bulls have been outgained in each of their Big East games against Syracuse, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh.

3. The end is near for Steve Kragthorpe at UL

When Steve Kragthorpe was hired at Louisville in 2007, it was generally regarded as a solid hire. Kragthorpe came to UL from Tulsa where he led the Golden Hurricane, 2-21 the two seasons before he took over, to bowl trips in three of his four seasons. At Louisville, though, it just hasn't worked out. In 2007, gut-wrenching, close losses to Kentucky, Syracuse and UConn kept the Cards from a bowl berth. Last year, the Cards looked to have turned the corner after upsetting No. 14 USF to get to 5-2. However, they promptly ended the year on a five-game losing streak. This year has been more of the same: a 2-5 start with their only wins against Indiana State and Southern Miss (on a last-second field goal). UL will not play in a bowl game for a third consecutive season for the first time since Ron Cooper was coach from 1995-97. That will leave AD Tom Jurich with no other choice than to replace Kragthorpe.

Re-Tweeting Week 8

Ranking the league from top to bottom and summarizing each team, in 140 characters or less.

1. Cincinnati: Off to their best start since 1954, the Bearcats have committed a national-low four turnovers
2. Pittsburgh: In only loss at NC State, Panthers allowed 505 yards. In last two wins vs. Rutgers and USF, allowed only 498 combined
3. West Virginia: Last time WVU visited USF was also a Friday night in 2007 and No. 5 Mountaineers were upset. Does history repeat?
4. UConn: Huskies' three on-the-field losses have been by two, three and four points. RIP Jasper Howard
5. Rutgers: Since allowing 47 points in opener to Cincinnati, Rutgers is allowing only 10.5 points per game in past six games
6. South Florida: TGFS -- Thank God For Syracuse. Since joining Big East in 2005, USF is 5-0 vs. the 'Cuse, 10-16 against rest of Big East
7. Syracuse: After defeating Akron, Syracuse returns to Big East play vs. Cincinnati. Since 2005, SU is 3-27 against the Big East
8. Louisville: When scoring less than 24 points under Steve Kragthorpe, the Cardinals are 0-12

Follow Brett McMurphy on Twitter at twitter.com/BrettmcmurphY

Big East Rewind: No Longer the Pitts originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>brian kellyjasper howardnoel devinerandy edsallsteve kragthorpeBrett McMurphyMon, 26 Oct 2009 15:33:00 EST Big East Notebook: Votes of Confidencehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/21/big-east-notebook-votes-of-confidence/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/21/big-east-notebook-votes-of-confidence/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/21/big-east-notebook-votes-of-confidence/#commentsFiled under: ,

Cincinnati BearcatsWhen the Associated Press preseason poll was released, the Big East was blanked. The Big East had as many teams in the preseason Top 25 poll as the Sun Belt: zero, zip, nada.

Since the league began in 1991, it was only the third weekly poll that the Big East did not have a team in the AP rankings and, on cue, prompted the annual "does the Big East deserve an automatic BCS bowl bid argument?" from out West.

Seven weeks later, however, the Big East is back in the rankings in a big way. The Big East has three teams ranked among the nation's top 22 schools -- no conference has more in the top 22 -- and a legitimate national title contender in Cincinnati.



"I'm not surprised," Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said. "I'm just disappointed we're not one of [the ranked teams]."

Cincinnati is ranked fifth, while Pittsburgh is at No. 20 and West Virginia No. 22. The last time the league finished the season with three teams ranked in the AP Poll was 2006 with No. 6 Louisville, No. 10 West Virginia and No. 12 Rutgers.

If Cincinnati, Pitt and West Virginia remain in the Top 25 by season's end and South Florida, currently 28th in the AP rankings, climbs back into the Top 25, the Big East would have four ranked teams in the final AP Poll for only the fourth time and first since 2002.

"[Having three ranked teams] is great exposure for the conference," Pittsburgh coach Dave Wannstedt said. "That's what we're looking for. When it's all said and done, you'd like three to four teams and the rankings and see someone playing for the national championship.

"That strengthens [the league's] reputation."

With the automatic BCS bowl berth argument tabled for at least another season, the league's critics are now questioning whether a 12-0 Cincinnati would deserve playing in the BCS national title game instead of a one-loss team from another BCS league, such as Florida, Alabama, Texas, Oklahoma State, USC, Oregon, Iowa or Penn State.

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"I think that's ridiculous," Wannstedt said. "If Cincinnati goes undefeated, they'll be playing for the national title and deservedly so."

ESPN analyst Craig James agrees. Last week he told FanHouse he believes an undefeated Cincinnati team would play for the national title over a one-loss team. And that was before the Bearcats debuted at No. 5 in Sunday's BCS rankings.

"If they run it, they have a real good chance," James said. "The Pac-10 [USC or Oregon] is not going to leap frog them. I don't see that. If Cincinnati goes undefeated, they'll play for the national title [over a one-loss team from another conference]."

Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly said his club continues to build its resume.

"A win on the road against Rutgers, a win on the road against an Oregon State team and we've got a win on the road against a very good South Florida team," Kelly said. "We're starting to build a little bit of a resume."

Frustrating U.

The Ls continue to pile up at LLLLouisville after Saturday's loss at UConn. The Cardinals (2-4, 0-2 Big East) have lost seven consecutive Big East contests with their next two upcoming league games at Cincinnati Saturday and West Virginia on Nov. 7.

Louisville coach Steve Kragthorpe said the Cardinals have not given up on the season.

"The kids have been great," Kragthorpe said. "There isn't anyone in our building that isn't frustrated. If anyone is not frustrated, they shouldn't be in our building. The key is to take that frustration and try to get a win under you belt.

"There's a never say die, never give up attitude."

Pulling Double Duty

With Cincinnati QB Tony Pike questionable for Saturday, Zach Colloras could get the start against Louisville. If so, the league would have four starting quarterbacks that played two sports in college.

Colloras also is an outfielder for the Bearcats. Last season he played in 36 games with 11 starts. He hit .205 with five RBIs.

The league's other three dual-sport QBs all played basketball: West Virginia's Jarrett Brown, Syracuse's Greg Paulus and USF's B.J. Daniels.

They're Gaining On You

The only league team to outgain every opponent this season? Nope, it's not Cincinnati. It's West Virginia. The Mountaineers have outgained five of their six opponents by at least 100 yards.

The closest to come to WVU in total yards was Colorado, which was only outgained by WVU 405-392. For the season, WVU is outgaining its opponents by a league-best average of 124 yards per game.

Behind RB Noel Devine, the Mountaineers also are one of only two league teams that has rushed for more than 125 yards in each game. USF is the other.

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Notre Dame receiver Robby Paris (82) is injured on a hit by Southern California's Taylor Mays (2) and Kevin Thomas (15) late in the fourth quarter during a college football game, Saturday, October 17, 2009, in South Bend, Indiana. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/MCT)

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    Notre Dame receiver Robby Paris (82) is injured on a hit by Southern California's Taylor Mays (2) and Kevin Thomas (15) late in the fourth quarter during a college football game, Saturday, October 17, 2009, in South Bend, Indiana. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/MCT)

    Iowa State quarterback Jerome Tiller dives for extra yardage during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Baylor, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 24-10.

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    Mississippi State running back Anthony Dixon, top, dives into the end zone for a touchdown over Middle Tennessee State defenders, from left, Antwan Davis, Danny Carmichael and Cam Robinson, in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Murfreesboro, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. Mississippi State won 27-6.

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    Connecticut football coach Randy Edsall, center, leads his players during NCAA college football practice in Storrs, Conn., on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009. Practice was scheduled as usual despite the on campus slaying of player Jasper Howard over the weekend. (AP Photo/George Ruhe)

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    Connecticut football coach Randy Edsall, center, leads his players during NCAA college football practice in Storrs, Conn., on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009. Practice was scheduled as usual despite the on campus slaying of player Jasper Howard over the weekend. (AP Photo/George Ruhe)

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    Connecticut football coach Randy Edsall, center, leads his players during NCAA college football practice in Storrs, Conn., on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009. Practice was scheduled as usual despite the on campus slaying of player Jasper Howard over the weekend. (AP Photo/George Ruhe)

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    Camouflage design football cleats are displayed during a news conference on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, in Columbia, S.C. Maryland and South Carolina will wear uniforms with camouflage designs during their NCAA college football games on Saturday, Nov. 14, to honor military veterans and promote the Wounded Warrior Project. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

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    South Carolina's football coach Steve Spurrier holds up a jersey with camouflage designs during a news conference on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, in Columbia, S.C. Maryland and South Carolina will wear uniforms with camouflage designs during their NCAA college football games on Saturday, Nov. 14, to honor military veterans and promote the Wounded Warrior Project. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

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    South Carolina's football coach Steve Spurrier, center, flanked by Sgt. Jeremy Hale, left, and Master Sgt. Pete Lara, both from Fort Jackson, as he holds up a jersey with camouflage designs during a news conference on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, in Columbia, S.C. Maryland and South Carolina will wear uniforms with camouflage designs during their NCAA college football games on Saturday, Nov. 14, to honor military veterans and promote the Wounded Warrior Project. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

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    A UConn Huskies player pats a teammate on the shoulder as the team is called to "play hard in honor of Jasper" by another team member, at the start of practice on the UConn Storrs, Conn., campus on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009. Practice was scheduled as usual despite the slaying of Jasper Howard ( 6) over the weekend. (AP Photo/George Ruhe)

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Around the League

If Rutgers coach Greg Schiano has a say in the matter, expect the Scarlet Knights to develop an annual series with Army. "I think that should be an every year game," Schiano said. The teams play Friday night. ... USF's loss to Cincinnati Thursday marked the Bulls' fourth consecutive loss to the Bearcats, the longest losing streak in the program's 13-year history to one school. The Bulls also dropped to 15-15 in Big East play - 5-0 against Syracuse and 10-15 against the remaining six league members. ... A Syracuse victory Saturday against Akron would match last season's win total (three) for the Orange under first-year coach Doug Marrone with five games remaining.

Big East Notebook: Votes of Confidence originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>greg schianoBrett McMurphyWed, 21 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST UConn Copes With Senseless Murderhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/19/uconn-copes-with-senseless-murder/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/19/uconn-copes-with-senseless-murder/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/19/uconn-copes-with-senseless-murder/#commentsFiled under: ,

University of Connecticut coach Randy Edsall said there really wasn't much consideration given to postponing Saturday's game at West Virginia following the murder of defensive back Jasper Howard.

"I know Jasper wouldn't want us to do that," Edsall said on Monday's Big East conference call. "That's the real reason [we're playing]."

Howard, 20, who had led the Huskies to a 38-25 victory against Louisville on Saturday, died early Sunday after an on-campus stabbing. Howard, who was soon to become a father, was stabbed near the school's Student Union.

Edsall said his team and coaching staff are attempting to deal with the loss of Howard, particularly two players who were with Howard when he died.

"One had Jasper in his arms, the other was pressuring where the wound went in and had blood on his hands," Edsall said. "Those two men are pretty deeply affected. I've talked to both each day. We'll see where they are.

"If they are mentally not ready to play, I'll honor whatever decision they make. I know that would be respected by the team."

Edsall declined to identify the two players.

Edsall said the team's captains have decided to honor Howard by displaying "JH" decals on the back of UConn's helmets. Also, the team will take either his jersey or helmet to all of the Huskies' games the rest of the year.

Edsall, who said he has heard from every coach in the league, said he would pick up Howard's family at the airport Monday afternoon "doing some things with the family that's not a very easy moment for any of us."

USF coach Jim Leavitt experienced a similar tragedy in 2007 when freshman running back Keeley Dorsey collapsed and died while lifting weights. The Bulls also recently had former player Will Bleakley die in a fishing accident in the Gulf of Mexico and, in 2001, freshman Patrick Payton died in a motorcycle accident.

"When I heard about it on Sunday, I broke," Leavitt said. "It brought back all the memories of what I had to go through with our football team. There's no way you can describe the pain that you go through.

"We just reached out -- our team, our staff to Randy. The only thing you can do is rely on the Lord and each other. I haven't had to go through it in the season. We had a couple of weeks [in the offseason after Dorsey's death].

"That will be an incredible challenge. There's nothing worse."

Edsall said Leavitt told him, "You have to be yourself. As the focal point and the leader, I have to be strong and be the pillar of strength for coaches, players and even for player's families and that's what I'm trying to do," Edsall said.

West Virginia coach Bill Stewart said he would announce Tuesday how Howard will be honored at Saturday's game.

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In this undated photo provided by the University of Connecticut, Jasper Howard is seen. Howard, 20, of Miami, and another student were stabbed during a fight after a fire alarm was pulled during a university sponsored dance at the UConn Student Union just after 12:30 a.m., police said. (AP Photo/University of Connecticut) **NO SALES**
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    In this undated photo provided by the University of Connecticut, Jasper Howard is seen. Howard, 20, of Miami, and another student were stabbed during a fight after a fire alarm was pulled during a university sponsored dance at the UConn Student Union just after 12:30 a.m., police said. (AP Photo/University of Connecticut) **NO SALES**

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

    In this undated photo provided by the University of Connecticut, Jasper Howard is seen. Howard, 20, of Miami, and another student were stabbed during a fight after a fire alarm was pulled during a university sponsored dance at the UConn Student Union just after 12:30 a.m., police said. (AP Photo/University of Connecticut) **NO SALES**

    AP

    Connecticut football head coach Randy Edsall speaks during a news conference about the stabbing death of playerJasper Howard in Storrs, Conn., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Twenty-year-old Howard, of Miami, a junior and starting cornerback, and a second person were stabbed during a fight early Sunday after someone pulled a fire alarm during a dance at the UConn Student Union, police said. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

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    Connecticut football head coach Randy Edsall, left, speaks at a news conference about the stabbing death of player Jasper Howard as university president Michael J. Hogan, second from left, Major Ron Blichter of UConn Police, center, UConn athletic director Jeff Hathaway, second from right, and player Desi Cullen, right, listen in Storrs, Conn., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Twenty-year-old Howard, of Miami, a junior and starting cornerback, and a second person were stabbed during a fight early Sunday after someone pulled a fire alarm during a dance at the UConn Student Union, police said. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

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    Connecticut football head coach Randy Edsall, left, comforts senior captain Desi Cullen, right, during a news conference about the stabbing death of teammate Jasper Howard in Storrs, Conn., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Twenty-year-old Howard, of Miami, a junior and starting cornerback, and a second person were stabbed during a fight early Sunday after someone pulled a fire alarm during a dance at the UConn Student Union, police said. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

    A student walks by yellow tape marking the crime scene where University of Connecticut football player Jasper Howard was stabbed and killed early Sunday morning, in Storrs, Conn., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Twenty-year-old Howard, of Miami, a junior and starting cornerback, and a second person were stabbed during a fight early Sunday after someone pulled a fire alarm during a dance at the UConn Student Union, police said. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

    AP

    Connecticut football head coach Randy Edsall, left, comforts senior captain Desi Cullen, right, during a news conference about the stabbing death of teammate Jasper Howard in Storrs, Conn., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Howard, 20, of Miami, a junior and starting cornerback, and a second person were stabbed during a fight early Sunday after someone pulled a fire alarm during a dance at the UConn Student Union, police said. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

    Police vehicles are parked at the crime scene where University of Connecticut football player Jasper Howard was stabbed and killed early Sunday morning, in Storrs, Conn., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Twenty-year-old Howard, of Miami, a junior and starting cornerback, and a second person were stabbed during a fight early Sunday after someone pulled a fire alarm during a dance at the UConn Student Union, police said. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

    Connecticut football head coach Randy Edsall, left, comforts senior captain Desi Cullen, right, during a news conference about the stabbing death of teammate Jasper Howard in Storrs, Conn., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Howard, 20, of Miami, a junior and starting cornerback, and a second person were stabbed during a fight early Sunday after someone pulled a fire alarm during a dance at the UConn Student Union, police said. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

    AP

    Nebraska quarterback Zac Lee (5) is tackled by Texas Tech's Bront Bird, in the second half of their NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. Texas Tech beat Nebraska 31-10.(AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

    AP



"The way Jasper Howard played is the way he lived his life: full speed with a lot of energy," Stewart said. "Every time we punted the ball [to Howard], I had my fingers crossed. He led the Big East [in punt returns] because he was good, not because he was lucky."

Stewart addressed his team about Howard's death in a team meeting Sunday. Several of West Virginia's players were from Miami, Howard's hometown.

"Our kids from Miami took it very, very hard," Stewart said. "Our guys were shaken and they really like that young man immensely."

Rutgers coach Greg Schiano opened the conference call by extending his sympathy to Howard's family and UConn.

"We express our deepest sympathy to Jasper Howard's family and the UConn family," Schiano said. "It's a terrible tragedy. At times like these, a close conference like the Big East needs to come together."

Louisville coach Steve Kragthorpe also offered his condolences.

"He played a great football game against us," Kragthorpe said. "I had a lot of respect for him before the game and even more after it."

Known as "Jazz" to his teammates, Howard often talked about the difficulties of growing up in Miami. His mother, Joangila, worked many jobs to support him and his sisters, Keyondra and Jasmine, who is afflicted with meningitis, the Hartford Courant reported

Howard was the first in his family to go to college. He also spoke often about his dream of making it professionally so he could support his family, his former high school coaches said.

Corey Bell, the University of Miami's director of football operations, coached Howard at Miami Edison High School. He learned of the news Sunday at 6 AM when he awoke to an avalanche of phone calls and text messages from Edison alumni.

"I'm real close to all my guys, but Jazz and I were real close," Bell told the Miami Herald. "We spoke at least once every week. He's a great kid, coachable, dependable, real tough mentally and talented. He's like most of the kids from that area in Little Haiti. He had dreams of getting to the next level and making it and taking care of his mom and his sister."

Daryle Heidelburg, who was Howard's coach his senior year at Edison, was stunned by the news.

"Jasper was never a kid in any kind of trouble," Heidelburg told the Herald. "Whenever there were any problems on the team, he was the peacemaker. He would try to squash things before they got worse. He was never confrontational."

In his final game Saturday against Louisville, Howard had 11 tackles and forced and recovered a fumble in UConn's victory. He also led the Big East in punt returns last season, averaging 11.8 yards a return.

"I remember the last day I was at Edison before I came to UM," Bell told the Herald. "All the kids were sad and upset with me. Jazz stood up and said, 'We should be happy for coach. He always pushes for us to get the next level. We should be happy for him, too.'

"I'll never forget that. That's the type of kid Jazz was."

Police said a second stabbing victim, an unidentified male who was with Howard, was treated and released from the hospital. Howard died of a stab wound to the abdomen, according to the medical examiner's office, the Courant reported.

"There's nothing written in the manual in how to deal with these situations," Edsall said Sunday. "But I know this -- this is a strong team, with strong leadership, and we'll get through it."

The state police major crimes unit and UConn police said the stabbing happened just after 12:30 AM on Hillside Road near the center of campus. It occurred after a party in the Student Union that was attended by more than 300 people, said Maj. Ron Blicher of the UConn Police Department.

Police are searching for a killer they believe is not a UConn student, but he has not been identified, according to Blicher.

Howard's pregnant girlfriend, who lives in Miami and does not attend UConn, was on campus over the weekend. It is believed she was not at the party, the Courant reported.

"Many of you know Jasper -- a devoted son, friend, and promising student-athlete," UConn President Michael Hogan wrote in a statement Sunday. "I know that our community is grieving this loss and are distressed by the violence that it involved. We extend our deepest condolences to Jasper's family, friends, and teammates at this time of incredible sorrow."

UConn Copes With Senseless Murder originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Jasper HowardBrett McMurphyMon, 19 Oct 2009 13:20:00 EST UConn CB Jasper Howard Killed in On-Campus Stabbinghttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/18/connecticut-cornerback-jasper-howard-killed-in-on-campus-stabbin/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/18/connecticut-cornerback-jasper-howard-killed-in-on-campus-stabbin/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/18/connecticut-cornerback-jasper-howard-killed-in-on-campus-stabbin/#commentsFiled under: ,


The University of Connecticut is mourning the loss of a football player. Cornerback Jasper Howard (shown above making a tackle in a 2008 game), a starter for the Huskies, was killed Sunday morning in a stabbing that took place on campus.

According to the Hartford Courant, Howard, 20, was taken to St. Francis Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Huskies coach Randy Edsall was at the hospital overnight.

The newspaper says the assailant is still at large, and UConn students have been made aware of the incident.

Howard hailed from Miami. He started all 13 games for Connecticut last year, and developed into a top punt returner. Howard led the Big East with an average of 11.8 yards per punt return while leading the Huskies with four interceptions. He was also credited with 60 tackles, three tackles for loss, and nine pass break-ups.

In Saturday's 38-25 homecoming win over Louisville, Howard started, had a hand in 11 tackles and forced a fumble.

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In this undated photo provided by the University of Connecticut, Jasper Howard is seen. Howard, 20, of Miami, and another student were stabbed during a fight after a fire alarm was pulled during a university sponsored dance at the UConn Student Union just after 12:30 a.m., police said. (AP Photo/University of Connecticut) **NO SALES**
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    In this undated photo provided by the University of Connecticut, Jasper Howard is seen. Howard, 20, of Miami, and another student were stabbed during a fight after a fire alarm was pulled during a university sponsored dance at the UConn Student Union just after 12:30 a.m., police said. (AP Photo/University of Connecticut) **NO SALES**

    AP

    Connecticut football head coach Randy Edsall speaks during a news conference about the stabbing death of playerJasper Howard in Storrs, Conn., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Twenty-year-old Howard, of Miami, a junior and starting cornerback, and a second person were stabbed during a fight early Sunday after someone pulled a fire alarm during a dance at the UConn Student Union, police said. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

    Connecticut football head coach Randy Edsall, left, speaks at a news conference about the stabbing death of player Jasper Howard as university president Michael J. Hogan, second from left, Major Ron Blichter of UConn Police, center, UConn athletic director Jeff Hathaway, second from right, and player Desi Cullen, right, listen in Storrs, Conn., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Twenty-year-old Howard, of Miami, a junior and starting cornerback, and a second person were stabbed during a fight early Sunday after someone pulled a fire alarm during a dance at the UConn Student Union, police said. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

    Connecticut football head coach Randy Edsall, left, comforts senior captain Desi Cullen, right, during a news conference about the stabbing death of teammate Jasper Howard in Storrs, Conn., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Twenty-year-old Howard, of Miami, a junior and starting cornerback, and a second person were stabbed during a fight early Sunday after someone pulled a fire alarm during a dance at the UConn Student Union, police said. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

    A student walks by yellow tape marking the crime scene where University of Connecticut football player Jasper Howard was stabbed and killed early Sunday morning, in Storrs, Conn., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Twenty-year-old Howard, of Miami, a junior and starting cornerback, and a second person were stabbed during a fight early Sunday after someone pulled a fire alarm during a dance at the UConn Student Union, police said. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

    AP

    Connecticut football head coach Randy Edsall, left, comforts senior captain Desi Cullen, right, during a news conference about the stabbing death of teammate Jasper Howard in Storrs, Conn., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Howard, 20, of Miami, a junior and starting cornerback, and a second person were stabbed during a fight early Sunday after someone pulled a fire alarm during a dance at the UConn Student Union, police said. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

    Police vehicles are parked at the crime scene where University of Connecticut football player Jasper Howard was stabbed and killed early Sunday morning, in Storrs, Conn., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Twenty-year-old Howard, of Miami, a junior and starting cornerback, and a second person were stabbed during a fight early Sunday after someone pulled a fire alarm during a dance at the UConn Student Union, police said. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

    Connecticut football head coach Randy Edsall, left, comforts senior captain Desi Cullen, right, during a news conference about the stabbing death of teammate Jasper Howard in Storrs, Conn., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Howard, 20, of Miami, a junior and starting cornerback, and a second person were stabbed during a fight early Sunday after someone pulled a fire alarm during a dance at the UConn Student Union, police said. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

    AP

    Nebraska quarterback Zac Lee (5) is tackled by Texas Tech's Bront Bird, in the second half of their NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. Texas Tech beat Nebraska 31-10.(AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

    AP

    Texas Tech's Brandon Sharpe (92) swats down a throw by Nebraska quarterback Zac Lee (5), as Nebraska's Ricky Henry (74) and Marcel Jones (78) block Texas Tech's Colby Whitlock (93), in the first half of their NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009.(AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

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UConn CB Jasper Howard Killed in On-Campus Stabbing originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>jasper howardBruce CiskieSun, 18 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST Big East Picks: Pittsburgh's Scarlet Letterhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/16/big-east-picks-pittsburghs-scarlet-letter/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/16/big-east-picks-pittsburghs-scarlet-letter/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/16/big-east-picks-pittsburghs-scarlet-letter/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Each Friday, FanHouse's Brett McMurphy will preview the Big East and make his weekly predictions.

Oh and three. That was my record picking Big East games last week against the spread -- losing two games on last-second field goals if you care (and, no, you don't). No wins, three losses.

But hey, it could be worse. I could have South Florida coach Jim Leavitt's record in Thursday night nationally televised games (0-4) or I could have Dave Wannstedt's record against Rutgers.

The Pittsburgh coach has gone oh-fer against the Scarlet Knights. Four games, four losses.

Tonight, the Panthers visit Rutgers with Pittsburgh a 5-1/2 point favorite.

All week long at Pitt's practice center, TV monitors have been running continuous highlights (lowlights?) of the Panthers' past four losses to the Scarlet Knights. And you thought watching Jay Leno's new show was painful?

In its season-opening 47-15 seal-clubbing to Cincinnati, Rutgers looked Lost. Since then the Biggest Loser has fattened up on a variety of cupcakes by the names of Howard, Florida International, Maryland and Texas Southern. Freshman QB Tom Savage makes his first Big East start tonight.

Wannstedt admitted that Rutgers has "had our number the last four years."

Steely Dan couldn't have said it better. "Rutgers, Don't Lose That Number." Scarlet Knights in an upset.

Marshall at West Virginia: This is "The Friends of Coal Bowl." And who says there are too many bowl games in college football? These teams may like their coal -- I like mine black, no sugar -- but they really don't care much about each other. The schools are located a little more than 200 miles apart and they first played in 1911. I would call this a rivalry except when one team dominates, I'm not sure how much of a rivalry you can have. WVU has won the last eight meetings, including the past three years by 32, 25 and 24 points. WVU is among only three schools this season that has scored at least 30 points in every game. Against Marshall's porous defense, WVU may reach 30 by halftime. Still, I'm a sucker for an underdog in a so-called rivalry game. WVU wins, but the Herd somehow, someway keeps it within three TDs.

Louisville at UConn: Last week, an internet site reported Louisville coach Steve Kragthorpe would be fired after last week's game against Southern Miss. A few days later, another report said Jon Gruden was the No. 1 candidate to replace Kragthorpe at season's end. At this rate, the next report will indicate Kragthorpe is resigning during Saturday's game with UConn. Oh wait, that's already happened at Louisville with John L. Smith during the 2002 GMAC Bowl? Why is everyone so down on Krags, anyway? Can't we just all get along, like The Friends of Coal Bowl? The Huskies are still thinking about blowing last week's game at Pitt. UConn wins, but UL covers the 13.

About Last Night: On my Twitter page Thursday, I correctly predicted Cincinnati would defeat USF (no oh-fer for me this week!).

Last Week: 3-1 (straight up); 0-3 (against the spread)

Season: 31-6 (83.8 percent) (straight up); 10-17 (37.0 percent) (against the spread)

Big East Picks: Pittsburgh's Scarlet Letter originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Brett McMurphyFri, 16 Oct 2009 13:15:00 EST Gruden Quiet on Louisville Speculationhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/15/gruden-quiet-on-louisville-speculation/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/15/gruden-quiet-on-louisville-speculation/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/15/gruden-quiet-on-louisville-speculation/#commentsFiled under: ,

Jon GrudenTAMPA, Fla. -- ESPN announcer and former Tampa Bay Bucs coach Jon Gruden, who was attending Thursday night's Cincinnati-South Florida game, declined comment about media reports linking him to college and NFL coaching positions.

"I'm just here to support the Bulls," Gruden told FanHouse.

Gruden has been identified as the top choice at Louisville if current coach Steve Kragthorpe is fired after the season, the NFL Network reported.

Gruden's brother, Jay, played quarterback for the Cardinals from 1985 to 1988.

Last week, Louisville Sports Buzz also reported Kragthorpe would be fired or notified he wasn't returning after UL's game with Southern Miss on Oct. 10. However, UL senior associate athletic director Kenny Klein told FanHouse that report was "absolutely not true."

Monday, Kragthorpe was asked about his job status and the various reports speculating about his future.

"You're talking to me, so I'm still employed," Kragthorpe said. "I don't put thought into that. That's the way things [in the media] are today."

Gruden also has been speculated as a candidate as the next coach with the Washington Redskins. The Washington Examiner reported Gruden "might be the best fit" for the Redskins.

Gruden was 100-85 in 11 seasons with the Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay. He led the Buccaneers to the Super Bowl XXXVII title, defeating the Raiders. He was fired in January. He is currently an analyst on ESPN's Monday Night Football.

Gruden Quiet on Louisville Speculation originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:36:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>jon grudenBrett McMurphyThu, 15 Oct 2009 22:36:00 EST Payback Bowl? South Florida's Tresey Takes Aim at School That Fired Himhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/13/payback-bowl-south-floridas-tresey-takes-aim-at-school-that-fi/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/13/payback-bowl-south-floridas-tresey-takes-aim-at-school-that-fi/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/13/payback-bowl-south-floridas-tresey-takes-aim-at-school-that-fi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Brian Kelly, Jim TreseyTAMPA, Fla. -- Defensive coordinator Joe Tresey said he never saw it coming.

A couple of months after Cincinnati won the Big East title and played in the Orange Bowl and just days after National Signing Day in February, Tresey was fired by Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly. Tresey had spent the past three seasons as Kelly's defensive coordinator -- one year at Central Michigan and the past two seasons at Cincinnati.

"Yes I was surprised," Tresey told FanHouse. "I think it was over a 3-to-4 day period [that he talked with Kelly]. We had a discussion about going to the 3-4 [defense]."

Sources told FanHouse that Kelly's decision was based on Tresey interviewing for the Miami defensive coordinator position after last season. Tresey basically had the job locked up, but insisted on coaching UM's defensive backs. Miami coach Randy Shannon wanted Tresey assisting with another position and that ended up being a deal breaker, sources said.

Tresey counters his departure from Cincinnati was just about Kelly wanting to change defensive philosophies.

"He came back [after signing day] and wanted someone that had run [the 3-4]," Tresey said. "I was familiar with it. I was going to run it. But I think he felt deep down in my heart, I wasn't doing somersaults. I would have done a good job, he knows that."

Kelly claims it was a matter of changing defensive alignments.

"I wanted to go from teaching Spanish to teaching Russian, in terms of going from [a 4-3 to a 3-4] defensive structure," Kelly said earlier this season. "It's not in his wheelhouse. He was not comfortable with that.

"Philosophically, where I wanted to go, I was going to put him in a tough position. I felt like it would be better for both of us if we went in a different direction."

After getting axed at Cincinnati, Tresey, 51, paid for his own plane ticket to Tampa and got an interview with South Florida coach Jim Leavitt. After a second interview, Tresey was named USF's defensive coordinator in March.
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So far, Cincinnati's loss has been USF's gain. On Thursday night, Tresey's new team faces his former one when the No. 8 Bearcats (5-0) visit No. 21 USF (5-0)

Under Tresey, the Bulls have forced 3.2 turnovers a game, which ranks as the nation's third-best per game average. Two years ago at Cincinnati, Tresey's defense tied for the national lead in turnovers forced and interceptions.

"We practice stripping the ball, a lot of ball drills," Tresey said. "It's one of our goals. Everybody in America as a defensive coordinator practices this stuff. I've been fortunate to be around it the last four-to-five years. It's just one of those things. Sometimes they just happen and they come your way. You keep working it and keep talking about it."

Kelly knew Tresey would be successful and the Bulls would be "first and foremost" fundamentally sound.

"They will not do anything defensively that is not sound," Kelly said. "He's probably one of the best I've been around in the preparation end as far as putting your kids in a good position to succeed.

"And he's just a super guy, a good person. When you meet him you go, 'That's a good guy! That's a good guy!' And he's a sincere guy. There's no BS about Joe Tresey."

Tresey doesn't deal in BS. That's how he was raised by his parents, Joe and Ann, in Warren, Ohio. His father spent his whole life working in steel mills, his mother was a waitress.

He grew up in a 1,200-square foot ranch-style home without air conditioning or a garage with his parents and sister in what he called the "snow belt."

"I thought it was a nice house," Tresey said. "It's all I ever knew."

Cincinnati senior safety Aaron Webster knows all about Tresey and his, uh, let's just say colorful, animated use of the English language.

"This guy is a really intense guy," Webster said. "People take it the wrong way. They think because he's so intense, he's rude. He really isn't. He really loves the game and his players. I respect him for that."

Tresey's coaching style could be described as high-decibel, high-octane and high-energy. When Tresey was hired, he told the Bulls what he expected from them and what to expect from him.

"He came in and told his life story," USF nose tackle Terrell McClain said. "The way he expresses his feelings is because he used to work in the steel mill. That's some crazy stuff."

Added USF safety Jerrell Young: "Tresey definitely takes it to another level. I've never had a coach like that: high school, Little League, anywhere."

Tresey realizes his style of coaching might require an adjustment period for some.

"Probably [a player's first impression of me is] I'm a little bit Type A, a little bit over the wall sometimes," Tresey said. "But you know what? I make it a point to tell them I care about young people. I do what I do, I've done it for 30 years, because I love being around them."

Webster said he enjoyed his two years playing for Tresey.

"For me, Joe Tresey is hands-on," Webster said. "He tries to find what you're bad it and improve it right from the get-go. He wants to improve on your flaws.

"He's also -- I don't want to say over the top -- he's an exciting guy, though. He gets in your face and let's you know how he feels. He's a very different guy.

"If you want somebody different and new, Joe Tresey is your guy."

Despite coaching together for the past three seasons, Tresey and Kelly haven't spoken since February. Tresey still has friends on the Bearcats' staff, but said they've laid out the ground rules for this week. No phone calls and only a quick pre-game handshake.

Tresey said he's never coached against a school he was fired by.

"Never," he said. "That only happens in the NFL for the most part.

"This is a crazy profession, crap happens all the time. Really, I'm only focused on our kids, focused on beating Cincinnati. I've give very little thought [about facing his old team]. That's over with. That was six months ago.

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In this Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, photo, Florida State tight end Caz Piurowski is checked by team trainers following his knee injury during an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech in Tallahassee, Fla. Florida State announced Monday, Oct. 12, that Piurowski will miss the remainder of the season due to the injury. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)
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    In this Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, photo, Florida State tight end Caz Piurowski is checked by team trainers following his knee injury during an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech in Tallahassee, Fla. Florida State announced Monday, Oct. 12, that Piurowski will miss the remainder of the season due to the injury. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)

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    In this Sept. 26, 2009, photo, Michigan cornerback Boubacar Cissoko (33) trails Indiana wide receiver Tandon Doss (2) on a long pass during an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan has suspended Cissoko indefinitely for violating team rules. Coach Rich Rodriguez made the announcement Saturday night, Oct. 10, after Iowa beat the Wolverines 30-28. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)

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    Washington's Desmond Trufant returns an intercepting of a pass from Arizona's Nick Foles at the end fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Seattle, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. Earlier in the quarter Washington intercepted another pass returning it for a touchdown to win 36-33 over Arizona. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

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    Arizona's Nick Foles, left, talks with teammates before taking to the field for the final series against Washington during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Seattle, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. Foles gave up two interceptions near the end of the game one scoring the winning touchdown as Washington wins 36-33. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

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    Washington's Kavario Middleton catches a pass for a touchdown against Arizona during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Seattle, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. Washington won 36-33. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

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    Washington players including Taylor Bean, front, celebrate the 36-33 win over Arizona of an NCAA college football game in Seattle, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

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    Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian congratulates quarterback Jake Locker after the 36-33 win over Arizona in an NCAA college football game in Seattle, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

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    Washington's Devin Aguilar, right, celebrates with Senio Kelemete, left after Aguilar scored a touchdown against Arizona during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game in Seattle, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. Washington won 36-33. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

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    UNLV quarterback Omar Clayton (2) passes during the first half of their NCAA college football game against BYU at Sam Boyd Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009 in Las Vegas. BYU defeated UNLV 59-21. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)

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    BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall watches his team during the second half of their NCAA college football game against UNLV at Sam Boyd Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009 in Las Vegas. BYU defeated UNLV 59-21. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)

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"I've had my time from an emotional standpoint to deal with that. It's well over. It's well over."

USF senior defensive end George Selvie isn't so sure.

"He's saying he's not worried about it, but in the back of his mind 'he's like, I get a chance at my old team.' Just going out there against Cincinnati and his old head coach [will be special].

"I think it's a big game for him. I think he really wants it. He's crazy, but I think he's crazier this week. He's just ready to play. He's just fired up."

Tresey maintains it's just another game.

"This is about South Florida and Cincinnati," Tresey said. "If I drop dead tomorrow, they're still playing the game. The game will go on."

Payback Bowl? South Florida's Tresey Takes Aim at School That Fired Him originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>brian kellyJoe TreseyBrett McMurphyTue, 13 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST Big East Picks: The Honeymoonershttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/09/big-east-picks/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/09/big-east-picks/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/09/big-east-picks/#commentsFiled under:

Each Friday, FanHouse's Brett McMurphy will preview the Big East and make his weekly predictions.

West Virginia coach Bill Stewart quotes Theodore Roosevelt on his Twitter page. He talks about how he got his fire growing up from his mother, who "would drop you like a bad habit in a second."

On the Big East's weekly conference call, Stewart is genuinely friendly to reporters and provides thoughtful and meaningful responses to every single question.

Stewart is a go-to quote for reporters, something that's becoming a rarity these days in the big business of college football. On Monday, Stewart delivered this gem when asked about the significance of senior linebacker Reed Williams returning from an injury:

"He makes you a whole lot better," Stewart said. "It's like going on your honeymoon with your bride, instead of going alone. You've got all the ingredients."

Going on your honeymoon alone? Don't ask.

Anyway, Stewart's Mountaineers have "all the ingredients" to win the Big East title this season, especially with a potent offense, led by senior quarterback Jarrett Brown, running back Noel Devine and wide receiver Jock Sanders.

As far as honeymoons go in the Big East Conference, Stewart's is over now that he's in his second full season at WVU. However, Syracuse coach Doug Marrone is still on his and having mixed results in his first season with the Orange.

So far, Syracuse has been respectable and has shown improvement from past seasons. The Orange, who won only three games last season, are 2-3 this year with losses to Minnesota (in overtime), Penn State and South Florida.

The USF loss was somewhat misleading, as the Orange actually outgained the Bulls but couldn't overcome a whopping seven turnovers -- the same number they had in their first four games combined.

West Virginia has owned Syracuse lately -- who hasn't? The Mountaineers have won seven consecutive games against Syracuse and are a 10-point favorite to make it eight in a row. WVU wins, but the Orange makes it interesting and keeps it within single digits.

Southern Miss at Louisville: Wikipedia is a wonderful thing. You can actually create your own history. And history was written earlier this week, when the following was added on former Tampa Bay Bucs coach Jon Gruden's Wikipedia page: "Gruden is believed to be the next head coach at the University of Louisville for the 2010 season." The only problem is no one has informed Louisville coach Steve Kragthorpe about this. The information about Gruden has since been removed, but the No. 1 question in Louisville -- after 'Do you know anyone with tickets for this year's UL-UK basketball game?' -- is whether Kragthorpe will be removed after the season. This is a game he absolutely must have in a battle between former Conference USA rivals. Southern Miss lost starting quarterback Austin Davis to a season-ending injury last week and is still a one-point favorite at Louisville? I agree. Southern Miss wins.

UConn at Pittsburgh: This game seems to set up perfectly for UConn. The Huskies had last week off while Pittsburgh played at Louisville. The Huskies' run game, second in the Big East averaging 191 yards per contest, faces Pitt's rush defense, the league's second-worst. UConn also has won two of the past three meetings, including its last visit to Pittsburgh, 34-14 in 2007. The Panthers' defense has been inconsistent, allowing 500 yards every other game (they're due for another stinker Saturday), while UConn ranks No. 4 nationally in total defense. It is so obvious, in fact it's too obvious. Pitt flexes its muscles and shows why it was the preseason pick to win the league and covers the seven.

Texas Southern at Rutgers (no line): Scarlet Knights fans are encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable food items and canned goods to Saturday's game. No need to bring any tomato cans. Texas Southern will play that role. Rutgers 56-6.

Last week: 4-0 (straight up); 2-2 (against the spread)

Season: 28-5 (84.8 percent) (straight up); 10-14 (41.7 percent) (against the spread)

Lock of the week: Sunrise, 7:26 a.m. Saturday in Pittsburgh

Big East Picks: The Honeymooners originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Brett McMurphyFri, 09 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST When It Comes to Turnovers, West Virginia Drops the Ballhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/09/when-it-comes-to-turnovers-west-virginia-drops-the-ball/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/09/when-it-comes-to-turnovers-west-virginia-drops-the-ball/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/09/when-it-comes-to-turnovers-west-virginia-drops-the-ball/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bill Stewart, West VirginiaAlmost heaven, West Virginia. More like almost, West Virginia.

The Mountaineers (3-1) are almost undefeated, almost ranked in the Top 25, almost a lot of things, but they're not. The main reason is because of their propensity for turnovers.

In 13 games last season, the Mountaineers lost 16 turnovers. In their last three games, they've already lost 14 turnovers.

"I'm getting mad right now," WVU coach Bill Stewart said. "We're not hitting on all cylinders I know we can hit. We're not finishing.

"How you finish, it all starts in the mind. You've got to know you're going to get hit. You've got to know they're gonna try and tomahawk and strip [the football]. You've got to know that. Start thinking about it and once it happens, you react to the situation."

Despite the turnover troubles, West Virginia posted comfortable victories against East Carolina and Colorado. The Mountaineers, however, were not able to overcome a six-turnover night in last month's 41-30 loss at Auburn in which WVU outgained the Tigers, 509-400.

"I'm pleased with our effort," Stewart said. "I'm pleased very much with how hard we are playing and how we have guys straining to make plays. What frustrates me as CEO of this football team is we're sloppy. We're sloppy.

"We're trying to get an extra yard here or there. Our players are frustrated. What it seems like we're not doing is closing the deal. The deal is 100 percent, we've got guys hitting on 88 percent, 92 percent, 95 percent.

"We have to get a little more polish in our attack. We're not going to change. We're going to be aggressive in all three phases of the game. We need to polish it up."

Stewart said he wants a new "buzz" around the program.

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"As I told the team after [Sunday's] practice, we need to start getting some buzz words into our lives: like responsibility, accountability, dependability. Those are ability words I learned as a little boy years ago. That's what makes the day special."

In their last three games, the Mountaineers have lost eight fumbles and thrown six interceptions. In those three games, they have more turnovers (14) than punts (10). For the season, they have the nation's third-worst turnover margin.

Despite all those problems, the Mountaineers still have the nation's No. 13 offense, averaging 465 yards per game. West Virginia also is one of only four schools this season that has scored at least 30 points in every game. The others are all ranked in the AP Top 25: No. 2 Texas, No. 3 Alabama and No. 16 Kansas.

Quarterback Jarrett Brown wonders how much better the Mountaineers' offense could be without all the turnovers.

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    In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, TCU defensive end Jerry Hughes watches from the sidelines during the final minutes of an NCAA college football game against Texas State in Fort Worth, Texas. The transformation of Jerry Hughes from prep running back to All-American defensive end was never more evident than the picture of a skinny kid somebody taped to his locker. Now nearly 50 pounds heavier and a senior for No. 11 TCU, Hughes now looks more like a potential first-round NFL draft pick. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

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    In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, TCU defensive end Jerry Hughes runs off the field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas State in Fort Worth, Texas.The transformation of Jerry Hughes from prep running back to All-American defensive end was never more evident than the picture of a skinny kid somebody taped to his locker. Now nearly 50 pounds heavier and a senior for No. 11 TCU, Hughes now looks more like a potential first-round NFL draft pick. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: Matt Moore, a former college football player at Texas Christian attends The 24th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner benefiting The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis (national fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis) at The Waldorf=Astoria on October 6, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for The Miami Project) *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: Matt Moore, a former college football player at Texas Christian attends The 24th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner benefiting The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis (national fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis) at The Waldorf=Astoria on October 6, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for The Miami Project) *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 6: Matt Moore, a former college football player at Texas Christian University, attends The 24th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner benefiting The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis (national fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis) at The Waldorf-Astoria on October 6, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Brian Bedder/Getty Images for The Miami Project) *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore

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    Middle Tennessee State quarterback Dwight Dasher (9) avoids the tackle of Troy's Bear Woods (48) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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    Troy receiver Chip Reeves (8) celebrates with teammate Sergio Perez, rear, after scoring on a 52-yard pass reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Middle Tennessee in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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    Troy linebacker Boris Lee (2) breaks up a pass intended for Middle Tennessee State receiver Malcolm Beyah (4) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. At left is Troy defender Tebiarus Gill. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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    Troy running back Shawn Southward (20) reacts after scoring in the first quarter during an NCAA college football game against Middle Tennessee State in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. Middle Tennessee States's Emmanuel Perez (91) and Jeremy Kellem (20) walk away. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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    Troy receiver Chip Reeves (8) is pursued by Middle Tennessee State's Marcus Udell (3) on a 52-yard touchdown reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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"Our potential is to the sky if we can take care of ourselves," Brown told the Charleson (W.Va.) Daily Mail. "Right now it's the difference between a 65-point game and a 35-point game."

Stewart said he will get after his players when they commit turnovers, but he doesn't berate his players. He said the key is how you coach them to overcome those mistakes.

"These guys have to play for you and not in spite of you," Stewart said. "Do I jump them? You bet ya. I get as intense as anyone. To stand and scream at a guy ...

"When I coached the offensive line all those years before I coached quarterbacks, I would hear the wide receivers coach say -- there would be a drop -- they would say to 'catch the ball.' That's not coaching. Tell them to catch the front cone of the ball, catch the small part of the ball, the spear, the point of the ball. Tell them how you want them to catch the ball.

"Don't just scream 'catch the ball' or 'don't fumble the ball.' That's not coaching. That's just total harassment and I'm not going to coach like that."

When It Comes to Turnovers, West Virginia Drops the Ball originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Brett McMurphyFri, 09 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST Notebook: QB Injuries Ravage Big Easthttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/07/notebook-qb-injuries-ravage-big-east/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/07/notebook-qb-injuries-ravage-big-east/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/07/notebook-qb-injuries-ravage-big-east/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Adam FromanOn Monday, Louisville coach Steve Kragthorpe was asked who would be the Cardinals' starting quarterback Saturday against Southern Miss.

"I don't want Southern Miss to know who the quarterback is," Kragthorpe said. "You guys will find out when they walk out on game day."

Forget the Abbott and Costello routine "Who's on first?", "Who's starting at quarterback?" has become the all-too-common theme in the first month of the Big East.

Last year, the league was stockpiled with clear-cut starting quarterbacks at West Virginia (Pat White), South Florida (Matt Grothe), Rutgers (Mike Teel), Pittsburgh (Bill Stull), Louisville (Hunter Cantwell) and Syracuse (Cameron Dantley). At Cincinnati and UConn, Tony Pike and Tyler Lorenzen ended up getting the majority of the starts, but the Bearcats and Huskies each used three different starting quarterbacks last season.

This year because of injuries, determining a starting quarterback at several league schools has been more like musical chairs.

Last season in the Big East, 12 players started at least two games at quarterback. This year, the league already has had 11 players start at least two games at quarterback -- and if Adam Froman starts for Louisville Saturday, he will be the 12th league QB with at least two starts this season.

Injuries have had a great impact on the position throughout the league and the No. 1 example is at South Florida where QB Matt Grothe was lost for the season with a torn ACL. In a cruel irony, Grothe's injury occurred a week after he passed White as the league's all-time leader in total offense.

Overall, the league's list of wounded QBs who have missed a start because of an injury could fill a MASH unit: USF's Grothe (knee), UConn's Zach Frazer (knee), Louisville's Justin Burke (bruised sternum) and Rutgers' Tom Savage (concussion).

Rutgers' coach Greg Schiano, who has had Savage and Domenic Natale split four starts this season, was asked about Savage's availability for Saturday's game with Texas Southern. Schiano's answer summed up how most of the coaches in the league are feeling about their own situations.

"We hope to have him back," Schiano said.

Buckeye State Bragging Rights

Forget health care, the big debate in Ohio these days is who has the better football team? Cincinnati or Ohio State.

The Buckeyes have the storied tradition, the only two-time Heisman winner, the dotting of the I, the most BCS title game losses, etc. Cincinnati has -- uh -- the better chili.

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This year, though, the Bearcats also might be better on the field. At least in the eyes of the Associated Press voters.

The Bearcats are No. 8 in this week's AP poll, one slot ahead of No. 9 Ohio State. It's the first time since 1951 that the Bearcats are ranked higher than Ohio State. Ohio State won the last meeting 37-7 in 2006, but unless they meet in a bowl game, they won't play again until 2012.

"By that time hopefully we've continued to accelerate our program where Ohio State has something to gain by playing us," Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly said. "In years past, this [which is the best team] wasn't really a conversation because Cincinnati wasn't the kind of program that would merit that kind of conversation."

While the AP voters gave Cincinnati the slight edge, it's not even close according to one member of the Kelly household.

Kenzel Kelly, Brian's 8-year old son, recently pitted Cincinnati against Ohio State on his PlayStation. The final score was Cincinnati 91, Ohio State 0 - and it wasn't even that close.

"I promptly took him to McDonald's," Brian Kelly said.

Big Four Billboard Boasting

Near downtown in Tampa, Fla., USF's marketing department put on a USF-sponsored billboard: "Big 4: Welcome to the Club Bulls Fans." It's in reference to USF's win at Florida State two weeks ago and the Bulls' quest to make the state's Big Three of Florida, Florida State and Miami a Big Four.

The billboard has the No. 3 crossed out and includes team logos of UF, FSU, UM and USF.

USF coach Jim Leavitt, who called the win at FSU the "biggest in school history, no question," was not thrilled about the new billboard.

"I had nothing to do with it, I don't know how it got up and I don't know who put it up," Leavitt told the Tampa Tribune. "We have not won national championships and we have not won conference championships. What gives us the right to sit there all of a sudden like we've won all these championships and done all this stuff? That's not me. That's never been me.

"I don't want people to sit there and think I think we're all that -- because we're not. We're a program that's trying to get competitive. We're a program trying to build."

The Bulls, who are 1-0 against FSU, 0-1 against Miami and have never played Florida, get their next crack at a Big Three/Big Four program Nov. 28 when they host Miami.

Around the League

Last season, UConn's Donald Brown led the nation in rushing with 2,083 yards. This season, the Huskies are ahead of Brown's pace -- albeit it's the combined numbers of Andre Dixon and Jordan Todman. Dixon and Todman are combining for 191 yards per game, compared to Brown's 160-yard per game average last season. "Andre is more of a slasher, while Jordan is a little bit shiftier," UConn coach Randy Edsall said about his dynamic duo. ... Pitt QB Bill Stull has gone from being booed by the home fans in the season opener to No. 5 nationally in passing efficiency. The difference? "This may be too simple, but the No. 1 thing is he's not throwing interceptions," Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said. ... Louisville has held second-half leads in two of its three losses this season, but has been outscored 41-24 in the fourth quarter this season. Pitt outscored UL 28-0 in the second half of Friday's 35-10 win. "The first three series of the second half were catastrophic," Kragthorpe said. ... How hard has it been for USF to replace kicker Maikon Bonani, who suffered a back injury this summer falling from a Busch Gardens skyride? Delbert Alvardo and Eric Schwartz have combined to miss six of nine field goals - with five of the six misses from 40 yards or closer.

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: Matt Moore, a former college football player at Texas Christian attends The 24th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner benefiting The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis (national fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis) at The Waldorf=Astoria on October 6, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for The Miami Project) *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: Matt Moore, a former college football player at Texas Christian attends The 24th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner benefiting The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis (national fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis) at The Waldorf=Astoria on October 6, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for The Miami Project) *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 6: Matt Moore, a former college football player at Texas Christian University, attends The 24th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner benefiting The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis (national fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis) at The Waldorf-Astoria on October 6, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Brian Bedder/Getty Images for The Miami Project) *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore

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    Middle Tennessee State quarterback Dwight Dasher (9) avoids the tackle of Troy's Bear Woods (48) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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    Troy receiver Chip Reeves (8) celebrates with teammate Sergio Perez, rear, after scoring on a 52-yard pass reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Middle Tennessee in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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    Troy linebacker Boris Lee (2) breaks up a pass intended for Middle Tennessee State receiver Malcolm Beyah (4) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. At left is Troy defender Tebiarus Gill. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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    Troy running back Shawn Southward (20) reacts after scoring in the first quarter during an NCAA college football game against Middle Tennessee State in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. Middle Tennessee States's Emmanuel Perez (91) and Jeremy Kellem (20) walk away. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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    Troy receiver Chip Reeves (8) is pursued by Middle Tennessee State's Marcus Udell (3) on a 52-yard touchdown reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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    Middle Tennessee State wide receiver Desmond Gee runs for a first down as Troy's Tebiarus Gill (10), Bryan Willis (26) and Boris Lee (2) defend in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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    Troy running back Shawn Southward (20) dives to the end zone as Middle Tennessee State safety Jeremy Kellem (20) tries to make the stop in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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Notebook: QB Injuries Ravage Big East originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Brett McMurphyWed, 07 Oct 2009 11:02:00 EST Rewind: Fab Four Emerge in Big Easthttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/05/rewind-fab-four-emerge-in-big-east/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/05/rewind-fab-four-emerge-in-big-east/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/05/rewind-fab-four-emerge-in-big-east/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


The past week was fairly routine and predictable for the Big East: Cincinnati, South Florida, West Virginia and Pittsburgh all won fairly easy as they were expected against lesser competition.

The season isn't even to the halfway mark -- heck not every team has even started Big East play yet -- but that quartet has emerged as the Big East's Fab Four.

Entering the season, the consensus of all the preseason magazines and .com's was that any one of five teams would win the league. Those four plus Rutgers were considered good enough to win the league in a race that would be too close to call.

The Scarlet Knights lost to a Cincinnati buzzsaw in their season opener, but have allowed only 35 points in winning three consecutive games against subpar competition since, so they might be better than they showed in Week 1.

Whether Rutgers or, maybe even Connecticut, deserves to be included in the upper half of the league should be known fairly soon. In the next two weeks, UConn visits Pitt Saturday and the following week Rutgers hosts the Panthers.

Some things we may have actually figured out in the past week

1. I guess Cincinnati really doesn't need the ball that much.

In its past two games combined, Cincinnati's offense has had the football for only 35 minutes and 27 seconds or about the same amount that some teams have in one game. Yet, the Bearcats are doing plenty with their limited opportunities. In the two wins against Fresno State and Miami, Ohio, Cincinnati has scored nine offensive touchdowns in 35:27, or an average of one touchdown every 3 minutes and 56 seconds it has the ball. You want efficiency? Check this out: the Bearcats' nine TD drives the past two games averaged to a remarkable 1:54, a virtual two-minute drill. Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly isn't worried about the time of possession disparity or slowing down the Bearcats' scoring drives by saying "I'd rather score quickly."

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2. West Virginia's worst enemy is ... West Virginia.

OK, maybe this was obvious after the six turnover night at Auburn, or the four turnovers against East Carolina, or ... West Virginia is averaging 465 yards a game -- and nearly as many turnovers a game. The Mountaineers have lost 14 turnovers in the past three games. But they aren't biased toward a particular turnover. Against East Carolina, the Mountaineers lost three fumbles. At Auburn, they had five interceptions. In Thursday's win against Colorado, they lost four fumbles. "We're sloppy," WVU coach Bill Stewart said. WVU's offensive numbers -- second in the Big East, 13th nationally -- would be even more impressive if the Mountaineers could ever hold onto the dang football. In WVU's three games against FBS teams, the Mountaineers have more turnovers (14) than punts (10). Beware the Mountaineers if they can ever stop giving the football away.

3. USF is really, really good -- or maybe just taking advantage of an easy schedule.

For the third time in as many seasons, South Florida is back in the national rankings. Despite losing senior QB Matt Grothe to a season-ending knee injury in their third game, the Bulls (5-0) are No. 23 in this week's AP Top 25. Off this week, they might sneak into the top 20 this weekend if enough ranked teams lose. The Bulls' most impressive win so far was clearly at Florida State, but the Seminoles are struggling big-time this season. Also, two of USF's wins were against FCS teams (Wofford and Charleston Southern) and a third victory was against Western Kentucky, possibly the nation's worst FBS team. All of their first five opponents currently have losing records and are a combined 7-17. It won't take long to find out if the Bulls are legit contenders or pretenders. USF's next four opponents (Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, West Virginia and Rutgers) has a combined record of 15-3.

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In this Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 photo, Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden is shown walking the sideline during the second half against Boston College of an NCAA college football game at Alumni Stadium in Boston. Boston College won 28-21. The chairman of the Florida State University trustees wants Bobby Bowden to retire at the end of this season. Jim Smith said Monday, oct. 5, 2009, the arrangement with Bowden as head coach and his successor, Jimbo Fisher, as offensive coordinator isn't working. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)
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    In this photo taken Sept. 12, 2009, Illinois' QB Eddie McGee (10) heads down field against Illinois State during the second half of the NCAA college football game at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill. Illinois will start backup quarterback Eddie McGee on Saturday against Michigan State instead of Juice Williams. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

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    In this photo taken Oct. 3, 2009, Illinois' quarterback Juice Williams (7) scrambles out of the pocket against Penn State during the first half of the NCAA college football game in Champaign, Ill. Illinois will start backup quarterback Eddie McGee on Saturday against Michigan State instead of Juice Williams. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

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    In this Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 photo, Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden is shown walking the sideline during the second half against Boston College of an NCAA college football game at Alumni Stadium in Boston. Boston College won 28-21. The chairman of the Florida State University trustees wants Bobby Bowden to retire at the end of this season. Jim Smith said Monday, oct. 5, 2009, the arrangement with Bowden as head coach and his successor, Jimbo Fisher, as offensive coordinator isn't working. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)

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    In this photo made Oct. 3, 2009, Florida State offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher makes a call during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Boston College at Alumni Stadium in Boston. Boston College won 28-21. The chairman of the Florida State University trustees wants Bobby Bowden to retire at the end of this season. Jim Smith said Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, the arrangement with Bowden as head coach and his successor, Jimbo Fisher, as offensive coordinator isn't working. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)

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    Washington State running back Logwone Mitz, top, attempts to leap in for a touchdown but is stopped short by the Oregon defensive during the second half of their NCAA college football game in Eugene, Ore., Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009. Oregon beat Washington 52-6.

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    In this Oct. 3, 2009 photograph, Mississippi State linebacker K.J. Wright (34) attempts to block a first half pass by Georgia Tech quarterback Josh Nesbitt (9) during their NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss. Josh Nesbitt is making it tough on defensive coordinators. The Georgia Tech quarterback did a little bit of everything the last two weeks, baffling defenses in wins over Mississippi State and North Carolina. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

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    Stanford running back Toby Gerhart (7) scores a touchdown past UCLA cornerback Alterraun Verner (1) in the first quarter of their NCAA football game in Stanford, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

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    Houston quarterback Case Keenum and UTEP defender Aaron King chase a fumble during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 in El Paso, Texas. Keenum was unable to recover the ball and it was instead picked up by UTEP's Roddray Walker and run 70 yards for a touchdown. (AP Photo/Victor Calzada)

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    Houston's Brandon Brinkley agonized after UTEP's Donald Buckram scored his fourth touchdown of the evening during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 in El Paso, Texas. UTEP linemen celebrated with Buckram in the background. (AP Photo/Victor Calzada)

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    UTEP defender Roddray Walker sprints 70 yards for touchdown after recovering a Houston fumble during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 in El Paso, Texas. (AP Photo/Victor Calzada)

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Re-Tweeting Week 5

Ranking the league from top to bottom and summarizing each team, in 140 characters or less.

1. Cincinnati: Start the hype: No. 8 Bearcats visit No. 23 USF Oct. 15 in nationally televised contest of league's only unbeatens

2. USF: Behind new defensive coordinator Joe Tresey, Bulls are third nationally forcing 16 turnovers

3. WVU: Just call RB Noel Devine "The Human First Down." Against Colorado, he had career-high 220 yards on 22 carries

4. Pitt: Bill Stull, former whipping boy of Pitt fans, is now fifth in nation in passing efficiency (11 TDs, one interception)

5. UConn: Huskies best chance for upset at Pittsburgh Saturday will be taking advantage of league's second-worst rush defense

6. Rutgers: Another FCS cupcake (Texas Southern) Saturday moves Rutgers to 4-1 before hosting Pitt on Oct. 16

7. Syracuse: Is turnover-machine hyphenated or two words? Greg Paulus' five interceptions part of SU's seven TOs in USF loss

8. Louisville: Flag day coming Saturday when nation's No. 6 (So. Miss) & No. 8 (UL) most penalized teams meet

Follow Brett McMurphy on Twitter at @Brettmcmurphy

Rewind: Fab Four Emerge in Big East originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Brett McMurphyMon, 05 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST Big East Picks: Cincinnati, USF Look to Separate From Packhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/02/big-east-picks-cincinnati-usf-look-to-separate-from-pack/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/02/big-east-picks-cincinnati-usf-look-to-separate-from-pack/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/02/big-east-picks-cincinnati-usf-look-to-separate-from-pack/#commentsFiled under:

Cincinnati and the University of South Florida, the Big East's only remaining unbeatens, are on a collision course for an Oct. 15 Thursday night, nationally televised contest in Tampa.

A Cincinnati victory would solidify the Bearcats as a legit Top 10 team. A USF victory would propel the Bulls into the national spotlight and establish them as the team to beat in the Big East.

Before that can happen, both squads have to dispose of a couple of teams that have merely been a bug on the windshield the past few years as Cincinnati visits Miami, Ohio, while USF opens Big East play at Syracuse.

The Bearcats have won the last three meetings, including the past two by an average margin of 46-15. This is the 114th meeting between the Bearcats and RedHawks, making it the nation's longest non-conference series no one outside of Ohio cares about.

This week Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly used the cliche that this is a rivalry game and you can throw out the record books. Actually, that's what they would have said before the first game between the Bearcats and RedHawks back in 1888 - if record books had existed back then.

And, by the way, who can ever forgot that 0-0 tie on Dec. 8, 1888?

No matter what the record books say, this year's game will have way more offense than the 1888 meeting, most of it coming from Cincinnati. Quarterback Tony Pike is quietly becoming a Heisman contender and WR Mardy Gilyard continues putting up freakish numbers.

As efficient as Pike has been lately, he could probably complete 70 percent by throwing a record book instead of a football. Cincinnati covers the 28-1/2.

USF at Syracuse: This has trap game written all over it. Don't believe me, just look at the ticket stubs. It says it right there above USF at Syracuse, Carrier Dome, Oct. 3 "Trap game."

The Bulls have dominated their series with the Orange, winning all four meetings by 27, 17, 31 and 32 points, and are coming off a 17-7 upset at Florida State - A victory USF coach Jim Leavitt called the biggest in school history.

The Bulls, with No. 10 Cincinnati on deck, visit the Carrier Dome and a revitalized Syracuse club featuring QB Greg Paulus and WR Mike Williams.

Unfortunately for the Orange, Paulus and Williams can't play defense. In fact, at Syracuse, not many are playing defense. The Orange allowed 754 yards passing the past two weeks to Northwestern and Maine and has allowed 11 touchdown passes, the second-most in the nation this season.

USF has dominated Syracuse the past four seasons because the Bulls were simply more athletic and faster. Trap or no trap, the song remains the same Saturday as the Bulls cover the 6-1/2.

Pittsburgh at Louisville: The Panthers and Cardinals meet Friday night in their Big East opener.

If it's possible to be a desperate team two days into October, that would describe the 1-2 Cardinals. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, is coming off a 38-31 head-scratching loss at N.C. State.

Take desperation over disappointment. At least, that's what the record books say. Pittsburgh wins, but doesn't cover the 6-1/2.

Colorado at West Virginia (played Thursday night): On Thursday night, I posted on my Twitter account -- follow me here -- "WVU by less than 17." WVU won 35-24.

Last week: Straight up 5-2; against the spread 2-3

Season: Straight up 24-5 (82.8 percent); against the spread 8-12 (40 percent)

Lock of the week: Florida State fans won't e-mail me this week about not voting for them on my AP Top 25 ballot.

Each Friday, FanHouse Big East writer Brett McMurphy will preview the Big East and make his weekly predictions.

Big East Picks: Cincinnati, USF Look to Separate From Pack originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:27:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Brett McMurphyFri, 02 Oct 2009 12:27:00 EST Big East Notebook: Cincinnati Joins Top-10 Clubhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/01/big-east-notebook-conference-pulls-rank/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/01/big-east-notebook-conference-pulls-rank/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/01/big-east-notebook-conference-pulls-rank/#commentsFiled under: , ,

BearcatsWhen Cincinnati climbed to No. 10 in this week's Associated Press poll, the Bearcats became the league's fifth member to be ranked in the top 10 since the 2007 season.

The other Big East teams to reach the top 10 since 2007 all came during the 2007 season. USF and West Virginia each reached No. 2, while Louisville was as high as No. 8 and Rutgers was No. 10.

The only league members who haven't been ranked in the top 10 the past three seasons are Pittsburgh, Connecticut and Syracuse, although UConn reached No. 16 in 2007 and Pitt was as high as No. 17 last season.

Since 2007, only the SEC can boast of a higher percentage of league members being ranked in the top 10 than the Big East.

Here's a quick breakdown of the percentage of teams ranked in the top 10 of the top six conferences since 2007.

  • SEC 66.7 percent (8 of 12)
  • Big East 62.5 percent (5 of 8)
  • Big 12 50 percent (6 of 12)
  • Big 10 45.4 percent (5 of 11)
  • Pac 10 40 percent (4 of 10)
  • ACC 33 percent (4 of 12)

West Virginia is all "grown up"

When West Virginia hosts Colorado Thursday night, maybe it won't bring back reminders to the Swingers line: "Our baby is all grown up." But WVU coach Bill Stewart said his Mountaineers grew up after last year's 17-14 overtime loss at Colorado.

During that game, ESPN's Erin Andrews remarked about the Mountaineers' sideline: "It's mass confusion down here," she said. "Just a mess."

West Virginia footballColorado's victory against West Virginia came a week after the Mountaineers were upset by East Carolina. Yes, the Mountaineers had upset Oklahoma under Stewart in the Fiesta Bowl the previous year, but three games into Stewart's first full season, West Virginia was 1-2.

Stewart said he watched tape of last year's game with Colorado on Monday morning and "got sick. I wish I didn't watch it," he said. "I've been in a bad mood ever since."

Ever since that loss, though, the Mountaineers have gone 10-3 ---and very easily could be 13-0. Their only losses were to Cincinnati 26-23 and Pittsburgh 19-15 last season and two weeks ago to Auburn 41-30, in a game WVU dominated statistically but lost because of six turnovers.

"We grew up as a football team," Stewart said. "And I said it then, I said, 'now we have a foundation.' "

Stewart said last year's loss at Colorado was similar to a 22-20 loss at Miami in 2003. The Mountaineers responded from that loss by winning seven consecutive games and finishing as Big East co-champions. WVU earned a Gator Bowl berth, where it lost to Maryland.

"We were 1-4 [in 2003] and we lost, but we had a football program coming together," Stewart said. "That's what I felt that night and that's what I thought last year [after losing at Colorado]."

Stewart said the matchup with the Buffaloes is "a big game for the Big East because it's a Thursday night showcase. We have a lot riding on this football game."

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Latest College Football Photos
In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, Notre Dame guard Chris Stewart (59), offensive tackle Paul Duncan (72) and guard Trevor Robinson (78) react following a touchdown by Notre Dame during the fourth quarter of an NCAA football game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind. Notre Dame won 24-21. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
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    In this Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, photo, Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark walks the sideline during the second half of an college football game against Syracuse in State College, Pa. Penn State won 28-7. Penn State takes on Illinois on Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

    In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen (7) pitches the football as guard Chris Stewart (59) and center Eric Olsen (55) block during the fourth quarter of an NCAA football game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind. Notre Dame won 24-21. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

    AP

    In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, Notre Dame guard Chris Stewart (59), offensive tackle Paul Duncan (72) and guard Trevor Robinson (78) react following a touchdown by Notre Dame during the fourth quarter of an NCAA football game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind. Notre Dame won 24-21. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

    AP

    Dan Beebe, left, Big 12 Conference commissioner, listens as John Marinatto, Big East Conference commissioner, speaks at a press conference, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in New York. The NCAA college football conferences and the New York Yankees announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to a four-year deal to play the first bowl in the Bronx since 1962. (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)

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    New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, center, speaks, as New York Yankees' managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner left, and Yankees' president Randy Levine, right, listen during a news conference, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in New York. The Big East and Big 12 NCAA college football conferences and the Yankees announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to a four-year deal to play the first bowl in the Bronx since 1962.(AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)

    AP

    New York Yankees' managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner, right, receives a football and helmet from Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe, second from left, as Big East commissioner John Marinatto, second from right, and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, left, look on, during a news conference, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York. The NCAA college football conferences and the New York Yankees announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to a four-year deal to play the first bowl in the Bronx since 1962. (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)

    AP

    A poster depicting how the football field will be situated stands on an easel during a press conference, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in New York. The Big East and Big 12 NCAA college football conferences and the New York Yankees announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to a four-year deal to play the first bowl in the Bronx since 1962.(AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)

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    Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops answers a question during a news conference in Norman, Okla., Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009. Oklahoma takes on No. 17 Miami in an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 3 in Miami. (AP Photo)

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    Penn State coach Joe Paterno listens to a question during his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009 in State College, Pa. Penn State takes on at Illinois in an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 3, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Pat Little)

    AP

    Penn State coach Joe Paterno jokes with reporters prior to his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009 in State College, Pa. Penn State takes on at Illinois in an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 3, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Pat Little)

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Crucial early matchup in the 'Ville

Perhaps Friday night's league opener between Pittsburgh and Louisville is too early to call it a "critical" game for either team, but both clubs desperately could use a victory.

The Cardinals (1-2) struggled in their opener against FCS member Indiana State and then lost consecutive games to Kentucky and Utah. The loss to Kentucky was the third consecutive UL loss in the series, something that's never happened before.

Since upsetting nationally ranked USF last season, the Cardinals have not defeated a FBS team, losing the final five of 2008 -- that cost them a bowl bid -- and the first two of 2009.

Fair or not, Steve Kragthorpe entered this year, his third at Louisville, as the conference's obvious choice in the "Coach on the Hot Seat" category. Kragthorpe has the total backing of Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich, but another non-bowl season certainly would not be the best thing.

Pittsburgh is a much different case, having lost only last week at N.C. State after blowing a 31-17 lead late in the third quarter. But still there are questions about the Panthers, who were the preseason pick to win the league title. Even though the Panthers are off to a 3-1 start, Pitt's defense -- the biggest reason it was pegged as the league's team to beat -- has been atrocious so far, especially its pass defense.

Pitt has allowed eight TD passes, second worst in the league to Syracuse, and its three interceptions is the league's second-fewest total.

Perhaps even more shocking is that the Panthers are allowing 352 yards per game; again only Syracuse is worse in the league. The Panthers' numbers are this poor, even though Pitt ranks fourth in the nation, averaging four sacks per game.

While winning the league after starting 0-1 is not impossible -- in fact the last two league champions started either 0-1 (West Virginia in 2007) or 1-1 (Cincinnati 1-1) -- the Panthers don't look like the league's best team one-third of the way through the regular season.

Again, maybe it's too early to call a Big East opener crucial, but the loser of Friday night's game will certainly have a much smaller margin of error the rest of the way -- whether it's Louisville trying to get a bowl bid or Pittsburgh trying to win the league.

Around the league

Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly said Saturday's win against Fresno State was a rarity for him. "In 19 years of coaching, you don't ever think you're going to go into a game and run 39 offensive plays and still be around to talk about wins," he said. "We're built to move quickly, with bigger-chunk plays. We're not a ball-control offense. But we've got to make sure we give [quarterback] Tony Pike enough snaps." ... USF's upset at No. 18 Florida State improved the Bulls to 5-0 in their last five games against AP Top 25 ranked opponents. However, in that same time frame, the Bulls are a head-scratching 7-9 against unranked BCS opponents. ... UConn defeated Rhode Island 52-10 last week despite fumbling seven times. The Huskies only lost three, though. The Huskies have committed nine turnovers so far, second-only to West Virginia (10). ... Cincinnati has scored at least 21 points in the first half of all four games this season, while Syracuse failed to score 21 points in two of its four games. ... In the month of October, Big East teams will play six nationally televised weeknight games.
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Big East Notebook: Cincinnati Joins Top-10 Club originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Brett McMurphyThu, 01 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST