Big East Preview Week 3: Entrees, Appetizers and Wolfpack Barbeque!

While you get ready for some Big East football tonight, how about a big plate of North Carolina barbeque? The Cincinnati Bearcats head to the Tarheel state for a showdown with N.C. State. So enjoy the feast and don't be afraid to go back or seconds or thirds!

Thursday:

Cincinnati (1-1) at North Carolina State (2-0):

The Big East and the ACC have absolutely been taking it on the chin the first two weeks. Here's a classic duel tonight with the Wolfpack at home on national television. Both teams will find out a lot more about themselves tonight. Cincinnati really needs this win but it's not an easy task at Carter-Finley.  Wolfpack fans will be full of beer and barbecue and ready to make some noise.  Part of a huge football weekend with Alabama rolling into town to pound on Duke on Saturday.

Edge:  N.C. State

Game on ESPN, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday:

Maryland (2-0) at West Virginia (2-0):

Another ACC-Big East duel. Maryland should have lost to Navy last week. West Virginia will take care of business at home. No fear of the turtle in Morgantown. Geno Smith was impressive in two long drives to pull out the Marshall game. That contest no doubt served as a GIANT wake up call for the Mountaineers. Noel Devine will hurt the Terps.

Edge:  West Virginia

Game on ESPN U, noon.

Connecticut (1-1) at Temple (2-0):

Gotta watch out for those Owls. UConn better give a big hoot about this one. Temple can be very tough at home but the Huskies had a nice tuneup last week against out-manned Texas Southern. Look for the Huskies to get a "W" but it could end up closer than one might think.

Edge:  UConn

Game on ESPN3.com, noon.

Louisville (1-1) at Oregon State (0-1):

A long road trip and a good chance to get a picture of how Charlie Strong's team is developing. Home crowd and a motivated Beaver team may prove too much for the Cardinals.

Edge:  Oregon State

Maine (1-1) at Syracuse (1-1):

Tough night for the Black Bears of Maine in the Carrier Dome.  Look for Syracuse to get its second win of the season and send the fans home happy.

Edge: Syracuse

Game on ESPN3.com, 7:15 p.m.

There's your really short schedule this week which might lead you to ask: "Where's the Beef?" Not much beef really, but plenty of pulled pork up there in Raleigh. Pittsburgh, Rutgers and South Florida have a bye weekend and Pitt really needs one with all the problems that have emerged for Dave Wannstedt this week.  See you on Monday when Professor Tom hands out the grades.