Big East Week 10 Preview: Entrees, Appetizers and the Bloomin' USF Bulls

Talk about a really, really short Big East schedule—now you know why the Big East presidents have cleared the way for expansion of the conference by at least two teams. Invitations are coming out shortly, TCU.

In the meantime, the weekend starts tonight when the USF Bulls host Rutgers in Tampa. Tampa is the birthplace of Outback Steakhouse and for your munching pleasure, we've got a big bloomin' onion for you so you can get ready for tonight.

Wednesday night

Rutgers (4-3, 1-1) at South Florida (4-3, 1-2)

Skip Holtz and the Bulls will be out for the program's 100th victory. That's right, the school that could is now in its 13th season and looking for the milestone 100th win. But it's a tough task that faces the Bulls tonight at Raymond James Stadium.

USF has never beaten Rutgers and in the past two meetings, the Scarlet Knights have totally destroyed USF, outscoring the Bulls 80-16. "It's motivation for our players," says USF coach Skip Holtz.

Quarterback B.J. Daniels turned his game around two weeks ago in the team's 38-30 victory over Cincinnati. Daniels will have to be on top of his game tonight if the Bulls expect to end their losing streak. Chas Dodd will again start for Rutgers and Holtz called him "a diamond in the rough."

South Florida will need a good effort from its defense, which had a run of good games before giving up 30 at Cincinnati.

Still the 100-win mark would be very special for USF. "It's a testament to Coach (Jim) Leavitt and the players who have come through the program," Holtz reminded.

Tonight, USF will also pay a special tribute to Eric LeGrand, who remains paralyzed from Rutgers' game against Army. The Bulls will wear a special "52" decal on their helmets, LeGrand's jersey number.

Game on ESPN2, 7 p.m.

Slight edge: South Florida

Saturday

Louisville (4-4, 1-2) at Syracuse (6-2, 3-1)

Syracuse figures to be a solid favorite in the Carrier Dome. The Orange have been the surprise team of the year in the Big East and are right in the middle of the chase for the conference title.

Louisville may be without its best weapon Bilal Powell. If that's the case the Cardinals will turn to Vic Anderson to try and solve the Syracuse defense.

After watching the Cardinals get smothered against Pittsburgh, the Syracuse defense should be looking forward a good afternoon.

This is one the Orange should win.

Game on ESPNU, 12 noon.

Edge: Syracuse

That's it?  Yes it is. With the rest of the conference having the week off, it's obvious that the Big East is crying for more teams. They want 'em and need 'em. Anyway, whatever happened to Saturday college football games, see you on Monday for the quick grades!