ESPN College Football

This normally runs on Friday, but with Rutgers playing tonight and only three other Big East games this weekend, we'll get a head start. The list will go in order of games played.

1. Rutgers' offensive line vs. North Carolina's defensive line: The Tar Heels' front four is huge, including two 300-pounders in Marvin Austin and Darius Massenburg and 330-pound tackle Cam Thomas. Rutgers has a young, reshuffled O-line which had its ups and downs against Fresno State. The Scarlet Knights need to average more than the 3.1 yards per rush they mustered in that 24-7 loss.

2. Brandon Tate vs. Rutgers' kick coverage: Tate is the Tar Heels' best weapon. He had 397 all-purpose yards and an 87-yard punt return for a touchdown. He needs only 197 kick return yards to break the all-time NCAA record. The Scarlet Knights obviously are on high alert for Tate. Kicking away from him might be a good idea, too.

3. Kansas' tackles vs. South Florida's defensive line: George Selvie said in the preseason that he wanted to get 20 sacks this year. The Big East's reigning defensive player of the year so far has zero as teams are double teaming him. South Florida didn't register a single sack at Central Florida last week. But that doesn't mean Kansas can relax. The Jayhawks are breaking in new starters at both tackle spots, and their first starts on the road will be big tests.

4. The running games at Raymond James: The Jayhawks' rushing attack has been ineffective against weak competition through two weeks, averaging just 3.7 yards per carry. The Bulls are averaging more than a yard better per carry, but tailbacks Ben Williams and Mike Ford are still dealing with ankle problems. If either team can run the ball well Friday, that would provide a big assist to Matt Grothe or Todd Reesing.

5. The USF kicking game: Field goals have usually been an adventure for the Bulls the past couple of seasons. Jim Leavitt pulled Delbert Alvarado from the placekicking chores this week and inserted true freshman Maikon Bonani. How will that work if Bonani is needed in a big spot?

6. Connecticut's passing attack: Despite being 2-0, Randy Edsall had to defend his play calling from critics this week. UConn is never going to air it out completely. But with receiver Brad Kanuch and speedster Jordan Todman possibly returning from injuries, quarterback Tyler Lorenzen could have more options. And Southern Cal had no problems throwing all over Virginia's defense.

7. UConn's defense: The Huskies have given up four field goals and nothing else so far this season. Of course, they've done it against an FCS team (Hofstra) and Temple in a near-monsoon. Is Connecticut's 'D' really that good? We still might not know because Virginia has been so inept on offense itself.

8. Donald Brown: He's been fabulous through two weeks for Connecticut, and Virginia will no doubt stack the box to try and stop the junior running back. It will be fun to see what he can do against an ACC defense.

9. Syracuse's grit: The Orange have spent all week listening to fans and media call for their coach's head. People who aren't talking about that are focused on the former players and legends in town for this weekend's movie premiere. On top of that, their porous defense faces a Penn State machine that's averaging 55.5 points. Can Syracuse dig down and give a respectable effort with so many distractions and hurdles in the way?

10. Big East or Big Least: Yes, the Big East has been terrible the first two weeks. But this weekend offers a chance at respectability. All four games are on Big East turf, and two of them are winnable against ACC teams, who've been just as bad or worse. South Florida can register a win over a top 15 team. Taking care of business this weekend will slow down the jokes. Falling flat again will cue the laugh track.