Big East Week Nine: Entrees, Appetizers, and Friday Night Bull

The pressing question in the Big East this week is: Has South Florida reverted to its form from 2007 and 2008? Is this "Deja Bull" all over again? Has Jim Leavitt and crew once again taken the big nose dive?

West Virginia (6-1, 2-0) at South Florida (5-2, 1-2):

Once again South Florida takes center stage for a Friday night national telecast on ESPN2 in a "must win" contest with West Virginia. The Mountaineers are rolling, USF is sinking in the quicksand of another mid-season swoon. The Bulls were totally mauled at Pitt. It flat out wasn't pretty. They're probably out of the Big East title race.

On the other hand, West Virginia escaped the upset bid by UConn last week. Noel Devine is getting geared up and if USF cannot stop him, it will be a long night for the Bulls. Conversely, USF has had no running game, has no feature back, quarterback B.J. Daniels is no where near what he was against Florida State, and is looking every bit of a first-year starter at quarterback.

Nationally, everyone's asking the question: Whatever happened to George Selvie? Selvie was everyone's preseason All-America, and has had two miserable weeks, along with the rest of the defense, including the other defensive end, Jason Pierre Paul.

South Florida has played well against West Virginia at home, and needs to show up big time in this one. Don't look for the huge crowd that turned out for Cincinnati as the Bulls let their fans down and are competing against the high school football crowds.

The question for West Virginia: How will Jarrett Brown fare Friday night. He's the key. This should be a huge entree for both teams. The Bulls, who have been roasted and devoured for two weeks, are hoping they don't end up on a big platter for the Mountaineers.

Edge: West Virginia.

Cincinnati (7-0, 3-0) at Syracuse (3-4, 0-2):

The Bearcats are proving that it doesn't matter who plays quarterback, they're just plain flat-out good, very good. This team looks more solid every week, they just improve, and that's every good team's goal.

This will be the ultimate challenge for the Syracuse defense, but the fact is they are totally out-manned, and out-gunned in this one. Cincinnati has too many weapons in the air and on the ground, as well. Zach Collaros has proven himself a worthy starter in place of the mending Tony Pike.

Just call this one an Orange Parfait dessert for the Bearcats.

Big Edge: Cincinnati

Rutgers (5-2, 0-2) at Connecticut (4-3, 1-2):

This is an interesting matchup. UConn is happy to be back at home. The entire team attended the funeral of Jazz Howard in Miami this week. It will be interesting to see if they can muster up the intensity that the Huskies showed us at West Virginia last week. That was probably the best game to date in the Big East.

Right now, UConn is certainly better than its record. Rutgers has a better record, but will have all it can handle. Both teams are desperate for a conference win. Cody Endres is looking great for UConn, and has a ground game to support him.

This game will feature hard-hitting defensive play and will be won by the team that makes the fewest mistakes. Mark this one down as a solid entree for both squads.

Edge: UConn

Arkansas State (2-4) at Louisville (2-5, 0-3):

There's nothing to get excited about in Louisville these days. They're counting down to the start of the basketball season.

With that said, the Cardinals SHOULD be able to handle the Red Wolves at home.

Louisville is DESPERATE for a victory. The players need it, Steve Kragthorpe needs it.

Rumors swirl, not much positive happening with the program.

The Cards will win this game. This should be an appetizer for them.

Big Edge: Louisville.

There you have it Big East fans. Chow down, enjoy your games and professor Tom will see you all on Monday for the grades.