Big East Fearless Predictions, Sep 15, Part 2

Previews and Predictions for the Week 3Big East Games, Part 2

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 1

Big East Saturday, Sept. 15

Cincinnati (2-0) at Miami University (1-1) 12:00 PM GamePlan
Why to watch: Cincinnati had a landmark 34-3 win over Oregon State last Thursday night, but can it keep the momentum going on the road in a rivalry game? With a win in the 112^th Battle for the Victory Bell, the Bearcats will inch closer to the Top 25 after receiving votes in the polls this week for the first in 14 years.  Although the arrival of first-year head coach Brian Kelly brought about visions of a wide-open offense, it’s been the Cincy defense that’s sparked the fast start.  Miami is picking up the pieces this week after rallying at Minnesota only to drop a 41-35 thriller in triple overtime.  Complicating the short term future for the RedHawks, however, are knee injuries suffered by RB Brandon Murphy and LB Joey Hudson, and a potential quarterback controversy that’s beginning to brew.  Starter Mike Kokal was yanked in the Metrodome in favor of sophomore Daniel Raudabaugh, who promptly rallied the team from a 16-point deficit in the fourth quarter to force extra sessions.
Why Cincinnati might win: More than just playing well on defense, the Bearcats are shutting teams down and creating turnovers with their ball hawking style of play.  In two games, Cincinnati has yet to allow a touchdown and has a nation’s-best 13 takeaways, including seven against the Beavers last week.  With Murphy hobbling and All-Big East CB Mike Mickens shutting down passing lanes, it’ll matter little who’s behind center for the RedHawks.
Why Miami might win: If not for the support of the opportunistic defense, the misfires of the Cincinnati offense would be much more glaring.  The Bearcats have been a little slow to adopt Kelly’s philosophy, gaining just 229 yards in last week’s blowout of Oregon State while doing a poor job in pass protection.  If Miami can protect the ball and build on the offensive momentum from the second half of the Minnesota game, it’s got the skill position players to out gun a Cincinnati offense in transition.
Who to watch: While young Miami receivers Dustin Woods and Chris Givens are budding MAC stars, they’re going to get schooled on this day by Mickens and hard-hitting S Haruki Nakamura, who plays a lot bigger than his size.  The Cincinnati secondary has yet to allow a touchdown while picking off eight passes, largely due to the play of these two all-league caliber defenders. What will happen: Cincinnati will allow its first touchdown of 2007, but not much more.  The Bearcats will establish a running game with Butler Benton, and get enough defensive stops for their first 3-0 start in four years.     
CFN Prediction: Cincinnati 30 … Miami University 16 ... Line: Cincinnati -9 
Must See Rating: (5 Britney at the VMAs - 1 Big Shots) ... 2

Illinois (1-1) at Syracuse (0-2)  12:00 PM ESPNU
Why to watch: When schedules were released, both programs circled this date as a winnable game.  It had better be, or the heat on Illinois’ Ron Zook and Syracuse’s Greg Robinson will become unbearable before they dive into their respective conference seasons.  Has the Orange reached rock bottom with losses to Washington and Iowa by a combined score of 77-12, or are there more levels of despair?  It could find out this week against a program that’s been just as futile over the last two years, but has the young talent to be excited about the future.  The Illini rebounded from an emotional opening day loss to Missouri by escaping with a tougher-than-expected win over Western Illinois.  If it has any hopes of ending a six-year post-season drought, beating a stumbling Syracuse team is a must.  If Syracuse has any hopes of keeping Robinson as a head coach, coming up with a win is a necessity.
Why Illinois might win: The Illini defense and the Orange offense are heading in opposite directions.  Coming off its first shutout in seven years, Illinois is gaining confidence and looking for ways to increase the roles of blue-chip freshmen, such as LB Martez Wilson and DT Josh Brent.  Syracuse, on the other hand, has scored only one meaningless touchdown in two games, and was held to just five first downs at Iowa last weekend.  Only Notre Dame has permitted more sacks than the Orange, which explains why QB Andrew Robinson is struggling so hard to move the chains. SU can’t stop running quarterbacks, and there are few better scramblers right now than Juice Williams.
Why Syracuse might win: Precocious teams like Illinois can be exciting, but also chock full of mistakes and sloppy play.  Through two games, the Illini have already made 14 penalties and seven turnovers, which bodes well for an Orange D that’s typically been opportunistic under Robinson.  The key for Syracuse will be for DE Jameel McClain and NT Arthur Jones to create pressure, forcing the erratic Williams into momentum-changing errors. Ron Zook is still on the sidelines on the other side. For the first time in a long time, Robinson might not be outcoached.
Who to watch: There are tackling machines, and then there’s Illinois LB J Leman, a tackling factory.  The senior, who led the Big Ten with 152 stops in 2006, already has 31 stops this year, and should feast on a Syracuse offense that makes precious few plays beyond the second level of defense.  His play means SU will have to bomb away, and that means the Illini D line should be able to tee off against a lousy Orange O line.
What will happen: The Illini will pounce on the opportunity to nudge above .500, using its athleticism and young legs to kick the Orange while it’s down.  While Rashard Mendenhall will lead the way on the ground, true freshman Arrelious Benn will do something to show why he was the top-rated prep receiver last year.
CFN Prediction: Illinois 27 ... Syracuse 17 ... Line: Illinois -11
Must See Rating: (5 Britney at the VMAs - 1 Big Shots) ... 2

Norfolk State (1-0) at Rutgers (2-0) 3:30 PM GamePlan
Why to watch: With absolutely nothing to gain from facing a third straight inferior opponent to start the season, Rutgers wants to dispose of I-AA Norfolk State as quickly as possible, avoid injuries, and get a head start on preparing for Maryland in two weeks.  Moving up three spots to No. 13 after beating Navy last Friday night, the Knights have a bona fide Heisman candidate in RB Ray Rice, an improving passing game, and a defense that’s adjusting nicely to its five new starters.  Unfortunately, it’s going to be a few more weeks before we know just how good this program is going to be in 2007.  Norfolk State will be breaking new ground this Saturday, as it plays its first-ever game against a I-A school.  The Spartans opened the year with a 33-7 rout of Virginia State, and feature Casey Hansen, a 6-5 pocket passer with the arm strength to be fighting for a backup job in the NFL next summer.
Why Norfolk State might win: Hansen is a dangerous hurler, but he’s not the only weapon on the Spartan offense.  Norfolk State rolled up 493 yards in Week One, and got 207 yards and three touchdowns on the ground from Daryl Jones and Vince Hicks.  After facing Buffalo and Navy in the first two weeks, this could be the most balanced offense that the Scarlet Knights have seen so far this season.
Why Rutgers might win: As the passing game gets better each week, the Knights are getting harder and harder to defense.  It used to be that opposing teams could gameplan to stop Rice while daring the quarterback to beat them.  No more.  Mike Teel is for real, showing dramatic progress from last year’s forgettable sophomore season.  With Rice easily going over 100 yards, and Teel playing catch with Kenny Britt and Tiquan Underwood, Rutgers may not have to punt Saturday afternoon.
Who to watch: Last year, Greg Schiano thought he had something special in DE George Johnson.  This year, he’s sure of it.  The long and lean sophomore leads the Knights in sacks, giving the defense an athletic bookend to veteran pass rusher Jamaal Westerman.
What will happen: In a rerun of Rutgers’ first two games, Ray Rice will pad his numbers, the Knights won’t be tested beyond halftime, and observers will ridicule the program’s September schedule.
CFN Prediction: Rutgers 51 … Norfolk State 9 ... Line: No Line 
Must See Rating: (5 Britney at the VMAs - 1 Big Shots) ... 1

Big East Fearless Predictions, Week Three, Part 1