Big East Football: Previewing the Weekend Games
The weekend slate for the Big East will kick off early this week as Connecticut and Pittsburgh square off tonight on ESPN. The marquee Big East game of the week happens Saturday afternoon on ABC when West Virginia travels to Piscataway, NJ to take on Rutgers. The other Big East matchup this weekend pits Syracuse and Louisville. After their dramatic ending last weekend, Cincinnati and South Florida are both on bye. Here is a preview and prediction of the upcoming Big East games on the slate for this weekend.
Connecticut vs. Pittsburgh:
Both teams come into the game 3-4 and 1-1 in conference play. This will be a pivotal game as the loser will have to come on strong at the end of the season to get a bowl berth. Pittsburgh’s problem comes in the passing game where the rank 98th in the country. Running back Ray Graham is one of the best in the business and is closing in on 1,000 yards for the season. Connecticut ranks in the bottom third of the country in most offensive categories and will have trouble on the road in this one.
Pittsburgh 24, Connecticut 10
Syracuse vs. Louisville:
Louisville (3-4, 1-1) is steadily improving and has only given up more than 21 points once all season and never more than 25. Their defense will be able to shut down a Syracuse offense that is average at best. If true freshman quarterback Teddy Bridgewater can prevent turnovers the Cardinals should be able to handle the Orange at home. Syracuse is coming off a big win against West Virginia and quarterback Ryan Nassib has been huge as of late. Louisville takes this in a close one.
Louisville 17, Syracuse 14
West Virginia vs. Rutgers:
This is a pivotal game as the loser will fall two games behind the pace of Cincinnati and could find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to a Big East championship. Rutgers (5-2, 2-1) lost a tough road game to Louisville 16-14 last weekend and West Virginia (5-2, 1-1) was manhandled by Syracuse 49-23. West Virginia is the more talented team, but Mohamed Sanu will be a tough cover for the Mountaineers and Rutgers is at home. Still, West Virginia should win a nail-biter.
West Virginia, 28, Rutgers 24
Leave a Rant
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!
