Big East Week 12 Preview: First Place Football Mayhem and Chili

While you mull over the mayhem that is Big East football, this week could help brighten a very cloudy picture that we look at when we focus on who is going to win the Big East title.

To clear your vision and everything else, we've prepared a big pot of chili to get you ready for Saturday's games. Enjoy!

Saturday

Pittsburgh (5-4, 3-1) at South Florida (6-3, 3-2)

This game will do a lot in determining Pitt's immediate future as the conference leader. A win by USF ties the Bulls for first place, and knocking off Pittsburgh will create even more room at the top. USF has to like its chances at home—noon game at Raymond James, perfect weather, a great tailgate morning and a bigger crowd on hand this week.

The Bulls got blown out at Pitt last year, 41-14, and B.J. Daniels had a simply awful day. Daniels will need a good day for the Bulls to win, and they'll rely heavily on their defense and special teams. No doubt Lindsey Lamar has the Pitt coaches a little worried with his home run capability on kickoff returns.

USF has won three Big East games in a row. Nice work by Skip Holtz, and if he can pull this one off, he'll have done an amazing job in November.

Slight Edge: South Florida

Game on ESPN2, noon

Connecticut (5-4, 2-2) at Syracuse (7-3, 4-2)

Loser of this game is probably out of the running in the Big East. Syracuse is winless at home in the Big East, and it will be up to the Orange defenders to try to contain Jordan Todman. Todman ran wild last week in the win over Pitt with 222 yards. The UConn offensive line was very impressive. Look for a close one here.

Slight Edge: Syracuse

Game on ESPNU, 7 p.m.

West Virginia (6-3, 2-2) at Louisville (5-5, 2-3)

Must win for the Mountaineers if they want to stay in the title hunt. That being said, Louisville is no pushover this year; look for the Cards to play tough at home. The Cardinals have some offensive weapons, but not as many as West Virginia. Mountaineers should pull this one out.

Edge: West Virginia

Game on ESPN3.com, noon

Rutgers (4-5, 1-3) at Cincinnati (3-6, 1-3)

Battle of the fallen. Two teams, two disappointed programs. Not much happening for either. This is a battle for the Big East basement, and that's not a pretty place in this conference.

Edge: Cincinnati

Game on ESPN3, 7:30 p.m.

See you on Monday for some grades and a better look at who may win the Big East title.