REWIND

Tony Pike was able to elude danger on this scramble - can he still go with a bad left wrist? (Icon SMI)

Thursday – No. 8 Cincinnati 34, No. 21 South Florida 17

QB Tony Pike hurt after throwing two TD, Zach Collaros ran wild (132T2) in his stead. USF folding again (dropped passes, letting Zach run). No Pike likely hurts Mardy Gilyard production, and temper expectations for Armon Binns (2TD).

Good interview with Collaros and the Sideline Princess afterwards

Friday – Pittsburgh 24, Rutgers 17
‘Stache 1st win over Rutgers. RB Dion Lewis 180T2 and TE Dorin Dickerson keep it rollin for the Panthers, Bill Stull more mistake free ball. Rutgers struggling to find offense (barely 3 ypc if you factor out 3 Savage sacks). 2/1 pass/run ratio won’t get it done.

Saturday
Connecticut 38, Louisville 25
Husky RB Andre Dixon takes over the lead 153T3, WR Marcus Easley finally rocking after a big spring (108T). Cards RB Victor Anderson (5-58T) benched for Bilal Powell (29-87T2) in first half, all of Vic’s work in 2H.

West Virginia 24, Marshall 7
Slow start for Mountaineers, Noel Devine saves the day with two TD. QB Jarrett Brown concussion, no practice today. Freshman Geno Smith looked alright (VHT)

FAST FORWARD (with BLITZindex tm defense rankings)

Friday, October 23 8:00 PM ET – Rutgers (25) at Army (59)

Rutgers defense continues to get matchups against softies, but Army has been competitive. Start that D and really nothing else. I am looking forward to seeing the 6-foot-10 former LT-turned-WR Ali Villanueva for the Black Knights. TD in four of seven games, out for two.

Saturday 12:00 PM ET

South Florida (12) at Pittsburgh (29)
I myself have grown weary of calling for the downfall of Pitt RB Dion Lewis , so why shouldn’t he crush the Bulls defense that traditionally is very good on the road (Top 30 in road PPG allowed each year since 2005)? Dorin Dickerson is a must start at TE. For USF – I would find another D/ST since Pitt is 18th in ppg, even though that is against all unranked teams. BJ Daniels will struggle to find the end zone although will likely get his yards – but better options must be elsewhere. IOW, a No Bull Saturday.

Connecticut (27) at West Virginia (41)
Biggest story is how will the Huskies deal with the stabbing death of CB Jasper Howard on Saturday Night after the Louisville win? Add to that a road trip to Morgantown WV – not exactly the Ritz-Carlton. Coach Randy Edsall has always struck me as a tough guy, I think it could unify the team. RB Dixon has emerged as a threat against anyone. UConn better be unified as they will need a huge effort to stop Noel Devine (a must start).

3:30 PM ET
Louisville (52) at Cincinnati (10)
Keep an eye on the Cardinal running back news – is Victor Anderson still the main guy, or is Powell? Cincy gets a little break facing Louisville D likely without Tony Pike, who injured the same left wrist that was broken last year and still has a plate and six screws. Collaros is not guaranteed the role in Pike’s absence, this week’s practice will determine starter between him and Chazz Anderson.

“Zach has a tendency to improvise a little bit more,” Coach Brina Kelly said in an AP interview. “Chazz will stay a lot more to the [play's] progression. But Zach can make some big plays, where Chazz may not lend himself to it.”

Akron (71) at Syracuse (98)

Like you were going to sit Orange WR Mike Williams against ANYBODY. Curious to see how the QB situation works out after the bye week – are the tents rolling up on Paulus-palooza?

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Related posts:

1. Big East Bookends: Bulls on Parade?
2. Big East Bookend: Weeknight Spotlight is on
3. Big East Bookends for Week One: At least they aren’t the ACC
4. Big East Quarterback Breakdown (literally)
5. Big East Philosophy: UConn-Louisville stands out

Tags: Big East