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Big East Coast BiACC: A Big East Bonanza in Week Two

September 9, 2010  |  By Brian McCabe

Big East football … yes, they do still play organized football in the Big East.

While the Conference might not be as strong as it once was, it was strong once as it ever was.

New beginnings and established powerhouses dominate the headlines this season in the Big East.

Will Charlie Strong build a winner at Louisville?

Can Doug Marrone remind ‘Cuse fans of the McNabb-to-Harrison days?

Will Dave Wannstedt’s mustache ever grow in completely?

These questions along with Rutgers’ emergence under Greg Schiano and the exciting cat-like speed of West Virginia’s Noel Devine give Big East football a legitimate leg to stand on.

Week Two in the Big East provides a delectable slate of games for fans to digest.

Friday Night:
West Virginia at Marshall (+12.5) - While West Virginia is not THE Ohio State University, it can still put up points in a hurry, and Marshall sure can give up points in a hurry as well. Look for Noel Devine to run circles around the Thundering Herd’s defense. Sophomore Geno Smith is coming off of an impressive season debut against Tyler Thigpen’s alma mater Coastal Carolina. He should continue that level of play this week. Take West Virginia, lay the points and reap the benefits.

Saturday games:
South Florida at Florida (-15) - Nobody will confuse Stony Brook for the Florida Gators so Skip Holtz’s team is in for a rough one this Saturday. Even without the “Football Jesus”, the Gators and John Brantley will be just fine. B.J. Daniels and company are in for a long day in the Swamp as Florida is out to prove their worthwhile the Bulls are still adjusting to a new coaching regime. 15 is a high number, but Go Gators and trust Urban.

Syracuse at Washington (-13.5) - Two second-year head coaches; two programs coming back from the depths of the abyss. One six-plus hour flight. If last year is any indication, Washington will cruise to victory at home. While they couldn’t do a thing in anyone else’s stadium last year, they were a top 25 team at home. Jack Locker has to earn all of the hype, and it is not possible for Syracuse to be that much better so soon. Take Washington minus the points and look for Jake Locker to take a big step towards the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL First-Year Player Selection Meeting.

Rutgers at Florida International (+19.5) - New Jersey is once again abuzz about Rutgers’ football. The running attack had a banner day against Norfolk State (key words: Norfolk State) and Rutgers shut out the Spartans for the victory. FIU is coming off of the all-important week one BYE so this is an easy tilt to predict given all of the valuable information. FIU will prove to be a tougher test for Rutgers whose unproven passing game might slow them up a bit this week. Take International and the points but don’t worry Garden State faithful; Coach Schiano will get the ‘W’.

And now it is time for your weekly dose of the MRI Big East Patsy Party. Starring in this week’s episode are: Connecticut, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Louisville.

Butch Jones and Charlie Strong should earn their first victories at their respective schools when Cincinnati beats the Sycamores of Indiana St. and Louisville triumphs over Dan Patrick’s alma mater Eastern Kentucky.

Connecticut and Pittsburgh look to bounce back from tough week one losses. The Wann-stache Bash hosts New Hampshire while UConn travels to Houston to take on the Tigers of Texas Southern.

Posted September 9, 2010 7:30 PM

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