WVU vs. South Florida: Share of Big East Crown on the Line Thursday

With a simple win Thursday night, a Cincinnati victory Saturday and West Virginia can forget two disappointing losses that could have derailed the Mountaineers' season.

But those are still two big "ifs."

The 22nd-ranked Mountaineers (8-3, 4-2) have struggled with South Florida over the years, and the Bearcats (8-3, 4-2) are not the same team without star quarterback Zach Collaros.

Louisville (7-5, 5-2) has already clinched a share of the Big East crown, but the only way the Cardinals can get the BCS berth is if Cincinnati loses.

But WVU gets its shot at staking a claim when it travels to Tampa. Dana Holgorsen's team is coming off a solid 21-20 victory over Pittsburgh in the Backyard Brawl. WVU rallied its offense in the second half behind the usual suspects of Geno Smith, Tavon Austin and Shawne Alston. More importantly, the defense was stout. Seriously, like 2010 good.

Julian Miller sacked Tino Sunseri four times, leading a WVU defensive effort that notched 10 sacks against Pitt.

Now the Mountaineers must prepare for two quarterbacks. South Florida's B.J. Daniels was banged up in a 6-3 loss to Miami and sat out last week's game. He's still questionable for Thursday. While Daniels is a dual threat, back-up Bobby Eveld is more of a pocket passer with a strong arm.

If WVU's defense plays like it has in recent games, the Mountaineers should win easily.

The Bulls, who have lost six of seven, are also banged up on defense. This should be a bonus for West Virginia's offense and Smith, who has thrown for 3,741 yards and 25 touchdowns in Holgorsen's offense. He's also been extremely accurate with just five interceptions.

If the Mountaineers play up to their potential and don't get caught up in the "what ifs," WVU should be Big East champs again in 2011.

Prediction: West Virginia 28, South Florida 17