The Big East is locked in a constant battle for respect, even after a year in which two of its teams reached the Top 10 and one finished third in the final BCS standings. There's good football in this league, but the only way to convince the skeptics is to keep winning big games.
Fortunately for the Big East, several opportunities to do just that await this year. Here are five games in which the league can earn respect:
Miami at Pittsburgh, Sept. 23: This is a battle between two teams who should be among the favorites in the ACC and Big East, respectively. And it's on Big East turf. Pitt needs to win this game at home to carry the banner for the league.
Oklahoma at Cincinnati, Sept. 25: The Bearcats are heading downtown to Paul Brown Stadium for this showdown with the Sooners. Though Cincinnati played well for more than a half in Norman two years ago, Oklahoma still won 52-26. The two-time defending Big East champs must at least make this year's matchup more competitive to avoid hearing about their recent losses against the big boys (Virginia Tech, Florida, etc.).
West Virginia at LSU, Sept. 25: Nothing earns you more respect from pundits and fans at large than beating an SEC powerhouse at its place. The Mountaineers have their work cut out for them, but they also have a talented, veteran team that just may be able to pull off this upset.
North Carolina at Rutgers, Sept. 25: Is the week of Sept. 25 huge for the Big East or what? The Tar Heels have gotten a lot of preseason pub because of their talented defense. Rutgers is a defensive-minded team as well, and it gets this game at home. The Scarlet Knights have heard a lot about their weak schedules; this is an excellent opportunity to shut people up.
Connecticut at Michigan, Sept. 4: Michigan isn't the Michigan of old, but it's still a name brand. UConn has been seeking name recognition for a while now despite its recent success. Winning at the Big House could go a long way to putting the Huskies on the map.
Others: South Florida at Florida (Sept. 11) and at Miami (Nov. 27); Pitt at Utah (Sept. 2); Louisville at Oregon State (Sept. 18); Syracuse at Washington (Sept. 11) and versus Boston College (Nov. 27).
Fortunately for the Big East, several opportunities to do just that await this year. Here are five games in which the league can earn respect:
Miami at Pittsburgh, Sept. 23: This is a battle between two teams who should be among the favorites in the ACC and Big East, respectively. And it's on Big East turf. Pitt needs to win this game at home to carry the banner for the league.
Oklahoma at Cincinnati, Sept. 25: The Bearcats are heading downtown to Paul Brown Stadium for this showdown with the Sooners. Though Cincinnati played well for more than a half in Norman two years ago, Oklahoma still won 52-26. The two-time defending Big East champs must at least make this year's matchup more competitive to avoid hearing about their recent losses against the big boys (Virginia Tech, Florida, etc.).
West Virginia at LSU, Sept. 25: Nothing earns you more respect from pundits and fans at large than beating an SEC powerhouse at its place. The Mountaineers have their work cut out for them, but they also have a talented, veteran team that just may be able to pull off this upset.
North Carolina at Rutgers, Sept. 25: Is the week of Sept. 25 huge for the Big East or what? The Tar Heels have gotten a lot of preseason pub because of their talented defense. Rutgers is a defensive-minded team as well, and it gets this game at home. The Scarlet Knights have heard a lot about their weak schedules; this is an excellent opportunity to shut people up.
Connecticut at Michigan, Sept. 4: Michigan isn't the Michigan of old, but it's still a name brand. UConn has been seeking name recognition for a while now despite its recent success. Winning at the Big House could go a long way to putting the Huskies on the map.
Others: South Florida at Florida (Sept. 11) and at Miami (Nov. 27); Pitt at Utah (Sept. 2); Louisville at Oregon State (Sept. 18); Syracuse at Washington (Sept. 11) and versus Boston College (Nov. 27).
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Andrea Adelson
Adelson joined ESPN.com in 2010 after spending time as a college football columnist at The Orlando Sentinel. She has covered college football since her days as a University of Florida student, and lives in Orlando, Fla.
BIG EAST SCOREBOARD
Saturday, 12/17
Final Temple 37 Wyoming 15 Final Ohio 24 Utah State 23 Final San Diego State 30 Louisiana-Lafayette 32
Tuesday, 12/20
Wednesday, 12/21
Final 18 TCU 31 Louisiana Tech 24
Thursday, 12/22
Saturday, 12/24
Final Nevada 17 21 Southern Miss 24
Monday, 12/26
Tuesday, 12/27
Final Western Michigan 32 Purdue 37 Final Louisville 24 North Carolina State 31
Wednesday, 12/28
Final Toledo 42 Air Force 41 Final California 10 24 Texas 21
Thursday, 12/29
Final Florida State 18 Notre Dame 14 Final Washington 56 12 Baylor 67
Friday, 12/30
Final Brigham Young 24 Tulsa 21 Final Rutgers 27 Iowa State 13 Final Mississippi State 23 Wake Forest 17 Final Iowa 14 14 Oklahoma 31
Saturday, 12/31
Final Texas A&M 33 Northwestern 22 Final/OT Georgia Tech 27 Utah 30 Final Illinois 20 UCLA 14 Final Cincinnati 31 Vanderbilt 24 Final Virginia 24 25 Auburn 43
Monday, 1/2
Final 19 Houston 30 22 Penn State 14 Final Ohio State 17 Florida 24 Final/3OT 17 Michigan State 33 16 Georgia 30 Final 20 Nebraska 13 9 South Carolina 30 Final 10 Wisconsin 38 5 Oregon 45 Final/OT 4 Stanford 38 3 Oklahoma State 41
Tuesday, 1/3
Final/OT 13 Michigan 23 11 Virginia Tech 20
Wednesday, 1/4
Final 23 West Virginia 70 15 Clemson 33
Friday, 1/6
Final 8 Kansas State 16 6 Arkansas 29
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