CFB Preview, Week 9: Big East Entrees, Appetizers and One Big Sandwich

While you warm up for a short schedule of Big East games, you can indulge yourself on Friday night with a couple of these offerings that we've prepared for you. Yes, that's one of those mack-daddy sandwiches from Primanti Brothers in Pittsburgh, where the Panthers will host the Cardinals. No, not at Primanti's, at Heinz Field. So, scarf down a couple of these giants, and let's took at this weekend's slate:

Friday:

West Virginia (5-2, 1-1) at Connecticut (3-4, 0-2)

Everything about this game says "blowout." But, perhaps we should side with the old coach, Lee Corso, and say, "not so fast my friend."

It would have been interesting to hang around some West Virginia practices this week. You KNOW the Mountaineers are a very unhappy crew, and they're looking for someone to take their frustrations out on. After all, they lost the homecoming game to Syracuse. Yes, Syracuse! You know that didn't go over very well.

On the other side of the coin, there's chaos in Connecticut, and you'd think the Huskies really don't have much going for them. But if that's what you're thinking (aren't we all?), then consider coach Randy Edsall.

By now, we've learned not to sell him short, but now he's got a real challenge on his hands. There looks like a lot of confusion, but hopefully the Huskies had a good week of practice. They'll need it.

West Virginia has more talent and perhaps more motivation. But, who knows?  That's why we love college football. It can be so unpredictable. Just ask Syracuse.

Edge:  West Virginia

Game on ESPN2, 8 p.m.

Saturday:

Louisville (4-3, 1-1) at Pittsburgh (4-3, 2-0):

Now the Cardinals find out what they've got. Yes, they're improved, and yes, they have some guys who can make big plays—can you hear us, Bilal Powell? But the Panthers look like they've snapped out of their funk and now sit atop the Big East and are in control of their destiny.

This one is very hard to predict. Form says Pittsburgh should be by at least two touchdowns, but there's something intriguing about this Louisville team.

Edge:  Pittsburgh

Game on ESPN3.com, 12 noon.

Syracuse (5-2, 2-1) at Cincinnati (3-4, 1-1):

Wow, if you can win in Morgantown, you should be able to win anywhere in the Big East. That's what the Orange have to be thinking to themselves. You can easily say that Syracuse is the surprise team of the Big East so far this season. But, was last week's win a fluke?

The Orange can really prove themselves this week with a win at Cincinnati. The Bearcats are full of offensive weapons, so it's going to be a real challenge for that Syracuse defense that played so very well last Saturday. They'll need the same kind of performance to have a chance for back-to-back upsets. A win puts the 'Cuse in the Big East hunt.

Edge:  Cincinnati

Game on ESPNU, 12 noon.

Week off:   South Florida, Rutgers

There you have it, short and sweet, but some very interesting matchups. Enjoy your sandwich, and we'll see you on Monday with the grades.