ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Brian Bennett

A mere four games comprise the Big East slate this week. But at least they're all against BCS opponents and three of them can be considered toss-ups. On to the picks:

THURSDAY

North Carolina 23, Rutgers 17: An 0-2 start with both losses coming at home would be disastrous for Rutgers. I'm saying disaster strikes. Of course, that means picking a team that struggled opening week against McNeese State and has lost seven straight games to Big East opponents. But something looked a little off about the Scarlet Knights in their first game, and Butch Davis will be ready for his former Miami protégé, Greg Schiano.

FRIDAY

South Florida 28, Kansas 21:  The Bulls already had a good test at Central Florida and passed, while the Jayhawks fattened up at home with Florida International and Louisiana Tech. The lack of a credible running game will cost Kansas against an aggressive Bulls defense that will be jacked up in front of a rocking Raymond James Stadium.   

SATURDAY

Connecticut 17, Virginia 6: The perfect opponent for the low-scoring, defense-heavy Huskies. Virginia has managed just 23 points in two games, while UConn hasn't allowed a touchdown yet. It might not be pretty, but Connecticut will gladly take the 3-0 record.

Penn State 52, Syracuse 14: Jim Brown and Floyd Little will be at the Carrier Dome, along with the ghost of Ernie Davis one day after the premiere of "The Express." None of them currently play for the Orange, however. Hope the movie is good.
 
Last week: 5-2. Season results: 10-5 (66.7 percent).