Big East Fearless Predictions, Sept. 15

Previews and Predictions for the Week 3 Big East Games.

Big East 
Cincinnati | Connecticut | Louisville | Pittsburgh | Rutgers
South Florida | Syracuse | West Virginia

Big East Fearless Predictions Sept. 1 | Sept. 8 | Sept. 22 | Sept. 29 
Oct. 6 | Oct. 13 | Oct. 20 | Oct. 27 | Nov. 3 | Nov. 10 | Nov. 17 | Nov. 24 | Dec. 1 How are the picks so far? SU: 13-3 ... ATS: 6-5

Big East Fearless Predictions, Week Three, Part 2

Big East Game of the Week

Louisville (2-0) at Kentucky (2-0)  7:30 PM ESPN Classic
Why to watch: This has a chance to be a classic, even if the only three-pointers will be kicked on grass instead of shot behind an arc.  Better known for their indoor rivalry, the Cardinals and Wildcats meet with as much anticipation as this game has had in years, and on a national scale, it takes on far more significance than anything the two have done on the hardwood in a long time.  While Louisville has won seven of the last eight in the series, most convincingly, Kentucky believes it’s narrowed the gap, and is poised for a breakthrough.  After last season’s 5-1 finish and an Andre Woodson-led offense that’s scored at least 50 points in each of this year’s first two games, this is a confident, loaded team that should be able to keep up in a shootout.  Considering Louisville’s Brian Brohm is being touted as the number one quarterback prospect for next year’s NFL draft, and Woodson is considered No. 1A, this could be an all-timer of a matchup that’ll be replayed for years to come. Expect about 800 passing yards between the two teams, close to 100 points, and big play after big play after big play in a game that could define the rivalry and the direction of the two programs.
Why Louisville might win: The competition hasn’t been stout, but the Cardinal offense has been downright silly through two weeks.  Louisville is averaging almost 700 yards and 65 points a game, moving the ball as if it’s on a constant power play.  Brohm has been red-hot, completing 68% of his passes for 77 yards and nine touchdowns and no interceptions in two games. Adding balance has been RB Anthony Allen, who’s coming off a school-record 275 yards rushing in the win over Middle Tennessee.  Although Kentucky is an obvious upgrade in competition for the Cards, it doesn’t have enough elite defenders to slow down this locomotive once it gets rolling.
Why Kentucky might win: The Louisville defense got exposed in a huge way by the Blue Raiders.  This was the same Middle Tennessee that was impotent a week earlier in a loss to Florida Atlantic.  The Cardinals allowed 42 points and 555 yards, most of which came when the game was still competitive.  If the poor tackling and breakdowns in coverage aren’t addressed immediately by Mike Cassity, Woodson and his sidekicks, WR Keenan Burton, RB Rafael Little, and TE Jacob Tamme, will score early and often. UK has one of the few teams in the nation with the firepower to match Brohm and company yard for yard.
Who to watch: Where in the name of Elvis Dumervil has Peanut Whitehead been? Louisville’s sophomore defensive end with the massive upside and quick first step has been absent so far this fall.  On a unit that has just one sack in 2007 and must pressure Woodson, it’s incumbent upon Whitehead and linemate Maurice Mitchell to begin making some noise off the edge this weekend. On the flip side, Louisville has yet to give up a sack. If UK can’t get to Brohm, a 400-yard passing day will be a near lock.                      
What will happen: All of the ingredients are in place for this Saturday’s game in Lexington to be a memorable one.  In a slugfest that’ll be highlighted by fireworks, the quarterback that has the ball last will win.  Brohm will have the ball last, bolstering his Heisman brag sheet.
CFN Prediction: Louisville 52 ... Kentucky 40 ... Line: Louisville -7.5
Must See Rating: (5 Britney at the VMAs - 1 Big Shots) ...4.5

Big East Thursday, Sept. 13

West Virginia (2-0) at Maryland (2-0)  7:45 pm ESPN
Why to watch: For the 28^th consecutive season, West Virginia and Maryland hook up with regional bragging rights and a 3-0 start at stake.  The Mountaineers have won the last three meetings, and enter the game as the No. 4 team in the country.  Neither school has faced anything resembling a ranked opponent this season, making this Thursday’s game in College Park a good measuring stick for both.  West Virginia got tested for a while by in-state rival Marshall last Saturday before its dynamic duo of QB Patrick White and RB Steve Slaton wore the Herd out in the second half.  The Terps have basically gone through the motions in wins over Villanova and Florida International, winning both games sans any style points or rave reviews.  If Maryland has any hope of authoring an upset, it’s got to play markedly crisper, particularly on offense.
Why West Virginia might win: The question for everyone on West Virginia’s schedule is whether or not it has enough firepower to keep pace with an offense that scores in bunches and is already averaging 50 points a game this season.  Against lesser competition, Maryland has really struggled to move the ball in the early going, and pass protected poorly versus Florida International.  Although the running game is in goods hands with Keon Lattimore and Lance Ball, new QB Jordan Steffy is a giant unknown that’s yet to throw a touchdown pass.  If, as so many Mountaineer games do, this becomes a track meet, the Terps don’t have the arsenal to go step-for-step.
Why Maryland might win: Athletically, the Terps are one of those rare teams that match up well with West Virginia.  For the past few years, Ralph Friedgen has been recruiting lots of size-speed types which will be especially helpful in this week’s game.  Led by LB Erin Henderson and DT Dre Moore, Maryland is loaded with veterans on defense, and has held its last three opponents under 100 yards rushing.  And while it won’t keep the Mountaineers under the century mark, it will prevent them from erupting with a wave of long runs that takes the Byrd Stadium crowd out of the game.
Who to watch: With the spotlight always shining on White and Slaton, it’s easy to lose sight of Darius Reynaud, an equally dynamite athlete from the wide receiver position.  A blur in the open field, his numbers have been climbing have been climbing alongside White’s development as a more complete passer.  In the win over Marshall, Reynaud had a career day, catching eight passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns.
What will happen: Short week.  Road game.  Tough defense.  This will not be a cakewalk for West Virginia, which will be facing a Maryland team looking for a red-letter win on national television.  The Mountaineers will pull away late with back-breaking sprints from White and Slaton against a gassed Terp defense.     
CFN Prediction: West Virginia 37 … Maryland 24 ... Line: West Virginia -16 
Must See Rating: (5 Britney at the VMAs - 1 Big Shots) ... 4     
 

Big East Saturday, Sept. 15

Pitt (2-0) at Michigan State (2-0) 12:00 PM ESPN
Why to watch: The two teams face off for the second straight year in a pivotal crossroads game for both schools.  Win, and you’ve got the wind at your back as the toughest portion of the schedule begins.  Lose, and the memories of the past few disappointing seasons begin to resurface.  Both programs know the fast start/slow finish routine all too well, and both are desperately looking to put their demons behind them and play well early on.  The Spartans have opened with wins over UAB and Bowling Green, displaying the physicality on defense and in the running game that’s consistent with the personalities of new head coach Mark Dantonio and defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi.  With the help of numerous underclassmen, the Panthers have fought through some injuries to shoo aside Eastern Michigan and Grambling State.  A road trip to an improving Big Ten team is just the type of step up game that’ll tell plenty about the progress Pitt is making under Dave Wannstedt.
Why Pittsburgh might win: In both games this month, Michigan State showed hints of its youth at cornerback, allowing too many yards through the air to average quarterbacks.  The Panthers can expose that weakness with a big and dynamic receiving corps that includes Oderick Turner, Marcel Pestano, and TE Nate Byham.  On the contrary, Brian Hoyer and the Spartans will have problems achieving offensive balance against a Pitt secondary that’s allowed just a single touchdown pass to teams that were determined to establish the pass.
Why Michigan State might win: Behind a huge line and the diverse combo of Javon Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick, the Spartans have the talent to run at the Pittsburgh defense without much of a problem.  The Panthers have gotten away with playing two poor running teams to open the season, but all that changes on Saturday when the Big Ten’s No. 2 running game exposes Pitt’s shaky front seven.  At the worst possible time, the Panthers have also lost for the season DT Gus Mustakas, easily the most productive of the team’s interior linemen. If MSU can establish the ground game on the inside, everything will open up everywhere else.
Who to watch: Like a throwback player from a half-century ago, Michigan State’s Kellen Davis is contributing to both sides of the ball for the Spartans.  As a tight end, the 6-6, 250-pounder is second on the team in receptions and hauled in his first touchdown catch of the season last Saturday.  As a part-time defensive end, he’s had a sack in each game, and is helping spark a revival of a Michigan State pass rush that was nonexistent in 2006. He’s a top pro prospect who needs to put it all together to make a lot of money next year, and he’s beginning to do it.
What will happen: This game will be won on the ground.  Pitt’s LeSean McCoy is a budding star, but for now, advantage Michigan State.  The Spartans will wear down the Panther D, and land a long pass or two to WR Devin Thomas when the defense over commits to the run.     
CFN Prediction: Michigan State 30 ... Pitt 17 ... Line: Michigan State -8.5
Must See Rating: (5 Britney at the VMAs - 1 Big Shots) ... 3

Temple (0-2) at Connecticut (2-0) 12:00 GamePlan
Why to watch: If it sounds like an entertaining East Coast college basketball game, odds are it is not a can’t-miss college football game.  Temple at Connecticut, for instance.  In their first season in the Mid-American Conference, the Owls continue to dig out of the rubble under the watchful eye of head coach Al Golden.  After playing relatively well in a 30-19 loss to Navy in the opener, Temple reverted back to its old ways in a 42-7 loss to MAC doormat Buffalo.  Now that their most winnable game of 2007 is in the books as a 35-point loss, the Owls are staring down the barrel of a second winless season in the last three years.  Connecticut, on the other hand, is basking in the glow of a 2-0 start that’s come at the expense of Duke and Maine.  A third consecutive win will give the Huskies the head of steam it needs with Pittsburgh and the start of the Big East schedule waiting in the on-deck circle.  For the first time since Dan Orlovsky graduated, UConn is getting quality play from behind center, where junior college transfer Tyler Lorenzen is hurting defenses with his arms and legs.
Why Temple might win: While it’s hard to tell by looking at just boxscores, the Owls have dramatically improved their overall talent and speed, especially on the defensive side of the ball.  One example is true freshman LB Amara Kamara, who plays with outstanding range and quickness, and leads the team with 18 tackles.  With Connecticut still not clicking on offense and misfiring on too many third downs, Temple has the feisty, young defense to keep this game tight.
Why Connecticut might win: Despite playing a couple of marginal defenses, Temple has been simply deplorable with the ball, cranking out just 38 rushing yards and 26 points in two games.  Connecticut is coming off a shutout, and behind an underrated group of linebackers, has allowed just 79 yards rushing and picked off five passes in its two games.  The Huskies will dominate at the point of attack, and flirt with a goose egg for the second straight week.
Who to watch: While redshirt freshmen Lawrence Wilson and Scott Lutrus are playing very well, senior Danny Lansanah remains the heart and soul of that gifted collection of Husky linebackers.  He already has 17 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss, but could be hobbling a bit Saturday after taking a questionable block from a Maine lineman.
What will happen: With a chance to start the season 3-0 for the first time since 1998, Connecticut will go for the jugular early against an inferior Temple team, and squash any thoughts of an upset.                               
CFN Prediction: Connecticut 42 … Temple 10 ... Line: Connecticut -28 
Must See Rating: (5 Britney at the VMAs - 1 Big Shots) ... 1.5     

Big East Fearless Predictions, Week Three, Part 2