Big East: Carlton Mitchell
- Cincinnati landed a commitment from a Cleveland receiver.
- Should West Virginia name its practice field after longtime athletic director Ed Pastilong?
- Carlton Mitchell signed with the Browns.
- South Florida defensive coordinator Mark Snyder could have a big impact.
- Antonio Lowery is setting a leadership standard on and off the field for Rutgers.
- Here's a look at West Virginia's schedule poster for 2010.
- Rutgers has no choice but to go to the Big Ten if that league comes calling, Steve Politi writes in The Star-Ledger.
- Greg Schiano was livid about comments that Paul Tagliabue made concerning Rutgers, Tara Sullivan reports for NorthJersey.com.
- Football, not basketball, will determine the Big East's fate, Pete Thamel writes in the New York Times.
- Daquan Hargrett is hoping to be more than an afterthought in the crowded West Virginia backfield, Dave Hickman says in the Charleston Gazette.
- With the receiving corps depleted, West Virginia is looking to use its tight ends more this season, Tony Dobies writes for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
- Cincinnati's spring game attracted some well-regarded recruits, Tim Adams writes for Cincinnati.com.
- South Florida's Carlton Mitchell skipped his senior year only to be drafted in the sixth round, but he says he just wanted an opportunity, Greg Auman writes in the St. Petersburg Times.
The NFL's fortnight of drafting -- what, it was only three days? Really? -- came to an end this weekend. I already touched on the first-round results on Friday. Here's a look at where Big East players went the rest of the draft, with some quick comments on each pick:
Second round
No. 37: Nate Allen, S, South Florida, to Philadelphia: No surprise here, as Allen was mentioned as a possible first-rounder at various points.
Third round
No. 65: Jerome Murphy, CB, South Florida to St. Louis: Here is proof that college production isn't always the most important thing to NFL scouts. Murphy struggled against some of the Big East's better receivers, but he has great physical tools and hopefully will find his niche in the pros.
Fourth round
No. 99: Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati, to St. Louis: If you watched any Bearcats games the past two years, you know that the Rams got an absolute steal. Think Sam Bradford will like having Gilyard around?
No. 101: Mike Williams, WR, Syracuse, to Tampa Bay: He was a first-round talent who was lucky to get picked this high given his off-the-field issues.
No. 107: Marcus Easley, WR, UConn, to Buffalo: Easley had great workouts, and though some thought he would go higher than this, it's still a great story for a guy who was a walk-on this time a year ago.
Fifth round
No. 157: Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse, to Baltimore: Jones was talked about as a possible first-rounder earlier in his career. This is a great value pick for a player who will always give maximum effort.
Sixth round
No. 177: Carlton Mitchell, WR, South Florida, to Cleveland: Mitchell looked impressive in his workouts, but falling to the sixth round makes you question if he made the right choice in skipping his senior year.
No. 182: Nate Byham, TE, Pittsburgh, to San Francisco: The best blocking tight end in the Big East during his career.
No. 204: Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati, to Carolina: Pike has to be disappointed that he fell this low and that he was drafted by the same team that took Jimmy Clausen a couple rounds earlier.
Seventh round
No. 226: George Selvie, DE, South Florida, to St. Louis: How much would you have bet against the notion that Selvie would be a seventh-round pick at this time last year? Selvie's production dropped after his breakout sophomore year, and now he'll have to prove himself again.
No. 227: Dorin Dickerson, TE, Pittsburgh, to Houston: Surprised to see Dickerson go this low after his great Combine performance. He's a tweener who needs the right team to showcase his skills.
No. 231: Selvish Capers, OT, West Virginia, to Washington: Capers has a lot of talent and potential.
No. 237: Ryan D'Imperio, LB/FB, Rutgers, to Minnesota: The Scarlet Knights' linebacker was drafted as a fullback although he never played it in college.
No. 238: Ricardo Mathews, DT, Cincinnati, to Indianapolis: Mathews didn't get as much attention on the Bearcats' defense as some other players but had a nice senior season.
No. 249: Robert McClain, CB, UConn, to Carolina: McClain had four interceptions last year and also served as the team's punt returner.
Here's a handy-dandy list of NFL Draft picks per Big East school:
South Florida: 5
Rutgers: 3
Cincinnati: 3
Connecticut: 2
Pitt: 2
Syracuse: 2
West Virginia: 1
Louisville: 0
And, finally, some notable players who weren't drafted (I'll have more later on those who signed free-agent contracts): Andre Dixon and Lindsey Witten from UConn; Aaron Webster and Alex Daniels from Cincinnati; Scott Long from Louisville; and Jarrett Brown from West Virginia.
Second round
No. 37: Nate Allen, S, South Florida, to Philadelphia: No surprise here, as Allen was mentioned as a possible first-rounder at various points.
Third round
No. 65: Jerome Murphy, CB, South Florida to St. Louis: Here is proof that college production isn't always the most important thing to NFL scouts. Murphy struggled against some of the Big East's better receivers, but he has great physical tools and hopefully will find his niche in the pros.
Fourth round
No. 99: Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati, to St. Louis: If you watched any Bearcats games the past two years, you know that the Rams got an absolute steal. Think Sam Bradford will like having Gilyard around?
No. 101: Mike Williams, WR, Syracuse, to Tampa Bay: He was a first-round talent who was lucky to get picked this high given his off-the-field issues.
No. 107: Marcus Easley, WR, UConn, to Buffalo: Easley had great workouts, and though some thought he would go higher than this, it's still a great story for a guy who was a walk-on this time a year ago.
Fifth round
No. 157: Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse, to Baltimore: Jones was talked about as a possible first-rounder earlier in his career. This is a great value pick for a player who will always give maximum effort.
Sixth round
No. 177: Carlton Mitchell, WR, South Florida, to Cleveland: Mitchell looked impressive in his workouts, but falling to the sixth round makes you question if he made the right choice in skipping his senior year.
No. 182: Nate Byham, TE, Pittsburgh, to San Francisco: The best blocking tight end in the Big East during his career.
No. 204: Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati, to Carolina: Pike has to be disappointed that he fell this low and that he was drafted by the same team that took Jimmy Clausen a couple rounds earlier.
Seventh round
No. 226: George Selvie, DE, South Florida, to St. Louis: How much would you have bet against the notion that Selvie would be a seventh-round pick at this time last year? Selvie's production dropped after his breakout sophomore year, and now he'll have to prove himself again.
No. 227: Dorin Dickerson, TE, Pittsburgh, to Houston: Surprised to see Dickerson go this low after his great Combine performance. He's a tweener who needs the right team to showcase his skills.
No. 231: Selvish Capers, OT, West Virginia, to Washington: Capers has a lot of talent and potential.
No. 237: Ryan D'Imperio, LB/FB, Rutgers, to Minnesota: The Scarlet Knights' linebacker was drafted as a fullback although he never played it in college.
No. 238: Ricardo Mathews, DT, Cincinnati, to Indianapolis: Mathews didn't get as much attention on the Bearcats' defense as some other players but had a nice senior season.
No. 249: Robert McClain, CB, UConn, to Carolina: McClain had four interceptions last year and also served as the team's punt returner.
Here's a handy-dandy list of NFL Draft picks per Big East school:
South Florida: 5
Rutgers: 3
Cincinnati: 3
Connecticut: 2
Pitt: 2
Syracuse: 2
West Virginia: 1
Louisville: 0
And, finally, some notable players who weren't drafted (I'll have more later on those who signed free-agent contracts): Andre Dixon and Lindsey Witten from UConn; Aaron Webster and Alex Daniels from Cincinnati; Scott Long from Louisville; and Jarrett Brown from West Virginia.
- Former Syracuse athletic director Jake Crouthamel predicts the Big East will not survive the forthcoming expansion carousel, Pete Thamel writes in The New York Times.
- Will Syracuse get the invite to the Big Ten? Brent Axe wonders on Syracuse.com.
- Former Pitt coach Walt Harris has resurfaced at Division II California (Pa.), Ray Fittipaldo writes in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
- Defensive end Will Clarke is making a big impression this spring at West Virginia, Mitch Vingle writes in the Charleston Gazette.
- Here's a great profile of former South Florida receiver Carlton Mitchell in The New York Times.
South Florida was a popular place to be for its pro day on Tuesday, and with good reason. The Bulls have five legitimate draft picks and others who could earn a shot, and that drew representatives from 27 NFL teams to Tampa.
The big winner might have been receiver Carlton Mitchell, who continues to make his decision to skip his senior year look like a wise one. He ran a 4.40 in the 40-yard dash, down from 4.49 at last month's NFL Combine. With his size (6-foot-3) and speed, he'll be an intriguing option on draft day.
Cornerback Jerome Murphy, who's stock has been on the rise this offseason, improved his 40 time to 4.51 seconds. Defensive end George Selvie turned in a 4.88 in the 40, which was a slight tick faster than what he ran at the combine.
Jason Pierre-Paul ran well enough at the combine that he chose not to do so at pro day, but he did participate in the broad jump (9 feet, 9 inches) and the vertical leap (31.5 inches). Safety Nate Allen didn't the run the 40 because of a pulled quad injury, the same condition that kept him from running at the combine.
And quarterback Matt Grothe worked out. He measured in at 5-foot-11 and 1/2 and posted a 4.84 in the 40. That's faster than Selvie and the same time as linebacker Kion Wilson.
South Florida's official site has video of every drill, plus interviews with the participants.
The big winner might have been receiver Carlton Mitchell, who continues to make his decision to skip his senior year look like a wise one. He ran a 4.40 in the 40-yard dash, down from 4.49 at last month's NFL Combine. With his size (6-foot-3) and speed, he'll be an intriguing option on draft day.
Cornerback Jerome Murphy, who's stock has been on the rise this offseason, improved his 40 time to 4.51 seconds. Defensive end George Selvie turned in a 4.88 in the 40, which was a slight tick faster than what he ran at the combine.
Jason Pierre-Paul ran well enough at the combine that he chose not to do so at pro day, but he did participate in the broad jump (9 feet, 9 inches) and the vertical leap (31.5 inches). Safety Nate Allen didn't the run the 40 because of a pulled quad injury, the same condition that kept him from running at the combine.
And quarterback Matt Grothe worked out. He measured in at 5-foot-11 and 1/2 and posted a 4.84 in the 40. That's faster than Selvie and the same time as linebacker Kion Wilson.
South Florida's official site has video of every drill, plus interviews with the participants.
- Dorin Dickerson had a terrific NFL combine. Now he just needs to find a team that knows how to use him, Gerry Dulac writes in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
- Dickerson and South Florida's Carlton Mitchell were two of the combine's big winners, according to the Sporting News.
- The Hartford Courant's Desmond Conner has the rundown on spring injuries for UConn.
- Here's a statistical look at the decade that was in Big East football.
- Remember how Memphis hired former Big East commish Mike Tranghese as a consultant to figure out how to get in a major conference? Tranghese says Memphis needs to win more football games.
- West Virginia's embrace of UConn after the Jasper Howard death is one of the Big East's three nominations for top sportsmanship moments of the year.
Tracking Big East players at the combine
March, 1, 2010
3/01/10
9:00
AM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
Offensive players had their turn at the all-important NFL combine over the weekend. Defensive players get started today in Indianapolis. Here's a look at how some of the Big East's offensive invitees performed:
Offensive line: The guy with the most eyeballs on him was Rutgers tackle Anthony Davis, who has been projected as potential top 5 pick. There was good and bad in Davis' performance. His 5.38 time in the 40-yard dash was disappointing, and his 21 reps on the 225-pound bench press was pedestrian. But he showed off a 33-foot vertical leap, fourth best among all offensive linemen, proving his athleticism.
Tight ends: Pitt's Dorin Dickerson turned in an eye-popping 4.40 in the 40. Of course, Big East fans are well aware of Dickerson's top-end speed and athleticism. The question for him remains whether he'll be big enough to be a blocking tight end.
Teammate Nate Byham served that role for the Panthers, and while he posted just a 5.09 time in the 40, his best trait is his physicality in the run game.
Quarterbacks: Some of the bigger-name quarterback prospects didn't throw this weekend, but Cincinnati's Tony Pike and West Virginia's Jarrett Brown did. Here is what Scouts Inc. analyst Todd McShay had to say about them:
Here is ESPN.com's John Clayton's take:
West Virginia's Alric Arnett finishing third in the receiving group with a 40-inch vertical. Cincinnati's Mardy Gilyard registered a 39-inch leap.
Offensive line: The guy with the most eyeballs on him was Rutgers tackle Anthony Davis, who has been projected as potential top 5 pick. There was good and bad in Davis' performance. His 5.38 time in the 40-yard dash was disappointing, and his 21 reps on the 225-pound bench press was pedestrian. But he showed off a 33-foot vertical leap, fourth best among all offensive linemen, proving his athleticism.
Tight ends: Pitt's Dorin Dickerson turned in an eye-popping 4.40 in the 40. Of course, Big East fans are well aware of Dickerson's top-end speed and athleticism. The question for him remains whether he'll be big enough to be a blocking tight end.
Teammate Nate Byham served that role for the Panthers, and while he posted just a 5.09 time in the 40, his best trait is his physicality in the run game.
Quarterbacks: Some of the bigger-name quarterback prospects didn't throw this weekend, but Cincinnati's Tony Pike and West Virginia's Jarrett Brown did. Here is what Scouts Inc. analyst Todd McShay had to say about them:
"Pike is the third quarterback in the class to adjust his delivery and Pike showed a release that got the ball out of his hand more quickly. He was a little inconsistent with his accuracy, but there is surely an adjustment period after tweaking his delivery and the long-term benefits should outweigh the short-term inconsistency."
"[Brown's] 4.54 in the 40 was best among quarterbacks and he posted a 34.4 vertical jump, showing that he also has the athleticism to move to another position if necessary."
Here is ESPN.com's John Clayton's take:
"The highlight of the day was watching the 6-6 Pike go against the 6-3 [Zac] Robinson. Each has a tight overhand delivery in which the ball zips from the right of his ear and moves with velocity. Even though Pike will probably go ahead of Robinson, I thought Robinson won the day. His passes on comeback routes were crisp and he surprised many by throwing a better 35-yard post corner route than Pike. For whatever reason, I thought Pike's balls wobbled a little too much when he threw outside the numbers."
Receivers: UConn's Marcus Easley ran a 4.46 in the 40, seventh best among wideouts and tops among Big East receivers."Easley showed good explosiveness with a 10-3 broad jump and there is a lot to like about the way he tracks deep passes," McShay writes. "Easley is a former walk-on with limited game experience, but he clearly has the raw tools to warrant midround consideration as a developmental project."
Louisville's Scott Long ran a 4.46 and South Florida's Carlton Mitchell posted a 4.49. Both measured in at 6-foot-2 and helped themselves by showing a combination of size and speed. Long also had the best vertical jump among receivers at 41.5 inches and topped all wideouts in the 3-cone drill and 60-yard shuttle.West Virginia's Alric Arnett finishing third in the receiving group with a 40-inch vertical. Cincinnati's Mardy Gilyard registered a 39-inch leap.
Big East players going to NFL combine
February, 15, 2010
2/15/10
12:00
PM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
No lunchtime links today, because there aren't any. It's a slow time, though Rutgers is expected to name two new assistant coaches this afternoon. So instead, I thought I'd give you the full list of Big East players who have been invited to the NFL combine, which begins Feb. 24 in Indianapolis:
- Nate Allen, S, South Florida
- Alric Arnett, WR, West Virginia
- Jarrett Brown, QB, West Virginia
- Nate Byham, TE, Pittsburgh
- Selvish Capers, OT, West Virginia
- Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
- Dorin Dickerson, TE, Pittsburgh
- Andre Dixon, RB, Connecticut
- Marcus Easley, WR, Connecticut
- Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati
- Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse
- Scott Long, WR, Louisville
- Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
- Carlton Mitchell, WR, South Florida
- Jerome Murphy, CB, South Florida
- Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
- Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati
- George Selvie, DE, South Florida
- Mike Williams, WR, Syracuse
- Kion Wilson, LB, South Florida
- Lindsey Witten, DE, Connecticut
Winners and losers from draft declarations
January, 19, 2010
1/19/10
2:00
PM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
Now that we know for sure which underclassmen are leaving for the NFL, it's time to declare winners and losers from the Big East:
Winners
West Virginia: Getting both Noel Devine and Jock Sanders back was a big, and somewhat unexpected, boost. The Mountaineers suddenly went from having some major questions on offense to having a strong returning nucleus to surround sophomore quarterback Geno Smith.
Pittsburgh: Greg Romeus had indicated all along he'd come back for his senior year, but Pitt fans heard a similar story last year from LeSean McCoy. After winning Big East co-defensive player of the year honors, Romeus could have bolted and become a first-day pick. Instead, he'll be back to form the most fearsome defensive end duo in the league with fellow senior Jabaal Sheard.
Syracuse: Delone Carter toyed with the idea of going pro, but the Orange's leading rusher in 2009 will be back to help Doug Marrone's offense. (I don't count Mike Williams as an early entry since he wasn't coming back to the program anyway.)
Push
Rutgers: Star left tackle Anthony Davis left for the NFL, but the Scarlet Knights had been prepared for that from basically the time he signed a letter of intent. They had planned accordingly.
Loser
South Florida: The Bulls lost defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul after just one season out of junior college, and receiver Carlton Mitchell -- their best deep threat -- declared for the draft as well. Neither one seemed like an early-entry candidate at the beginning of the season.
Winners
West Virginia: Getting both Noel Devine and Jock Sanders back was a big, and somewhat unexpected, boost. The Mountaineers suddenly went from having some major questions on offense to having a strong returning nucleus to surround sophomore quarterback Geno Smith.
Pittsburgh: Greg Romeus had indicated all along he'd come back for his senior year, but Pitt fans heard a similar story last year from LeSean McCoy. After winning Big East co-defensive player of the year honors, Romeus could have bolted and become a first-day pick. Instead, he'll be back to form the most fearsome defensive end duo in the league with fellow senior Jabaal Sheard.
Syracuse: Delone Carter toyed with the idea of going pro, but the Orange's leading rusher in 2009 will be back to help Doug Marrone's offense. (I don't count Mike Williams as an early entry since he wasn't coming back to the program anyway.)
Push
Rutgers: Star left tackle Anthony Davis left for the NFL, but the Scarlet Knights had been prepared for that from basically the time he signed a letter of intent. They had planned accordingly.
Loser
South Florida: The Bulls lost defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul after just one season out of junior college, and receiver Carlton Mitchell -- their best deep threat -- declared for the draft as well. Neither one seemed like an early-entry candidate at the beginning of the season.
Trying to write about stock while thinking about stuffing. This is a time to be grateful, so there's more ups than downs.
Stock up
1. UConn's corners: Especially freshmen Blidi Wreh-Wilson and Dwayne Gratz. Yeah, Notre Dame rolled up a lot of yards in the passing game, but the two young guys who got torched against Cincinnati made some big plays when they were needed to help the Huskies win.
2. Doug Hogue: Stepping up for the injured Derrell Smith, the Syracuse linebacker had 6.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks against Rutgers. How big was Hogue's day? He's now leading the Big East in tackles for loss. Not bad for a converted running back.
3. Randy Edsall: Those who didn't know much about the Connecticut coach before had to be impressed with his heartfelt tribute to Jasper Howard's family after the Notre Dame win. Oh yeah, and the guy can coach a little, too.
4. Trent Guy: The Louisville senior had a punt return for a touchdown at South Florida, a week after his big return set up the game-winning score against Syracuse. Guy may be the Cardinals' best weapon; why teams continue to kick to him, I have no idea.
5. A.J. Love: Needing someone to replace Carlton Mitchell's yards, the Bulls got a big day from Love against Louisville. He had four catches for a career-best 121 yards.
6. The Big East's bowl lineup: Thanks to UConn's win, the Big East should get the Gator Bowl back and have six teams to fill six slots. That would ease a lot of headaches and avoid the possible embarrassment of a top 10 league runner up playing in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.
Stock down
1. Rutgers' offensive line: Sacks aren't always the line's fault. Sometimes a running back doesn't pick up his protection, sometimes the quarterback doesn't make the right check. Still, nine sacks against Syracuse is nine sacks against Syracuse. The line we all thought would be dominant has been anything but that most of the season.
2. Louisville's stat factory: Remember when the Cardinals used to put up video-game numbers on offense every year? Seems like a long time ago. Louisville will likely end the season without a quarterback throwing for 1,500 yards, without a running back surpassing 600 yards and without a receiver topping 850 yards. Yes, injuries have played a role, but the old Cards offense ain't what she used to be.
3. Gator Bowl officials: Reps from the Jacksonville game still might take Notre Dame if the Irish somehow beat Stanford, even though they would then be just 7-5 with a lame-duck coach. "Then we'll have a good discussion," Gator Bowl selection committee chairman Brian Goin told the Florida Times-Union. Here's the discussion they should have: Notre Dame is a bad team. Let's take the Big East runner-up.
Player of the year race: Offense
1. Dion Lewis, RB, Pittsburgh: The Big East's leading rusher with 1,291 yards on 224 attempts (5.8 yards per carry) and 13 touchdowns.
2. Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati: The Big East's leader in total receiving yards, with 68 catches for 930 yards and eight touchdowns.
3. Bill Stull, QB, Pittsburgh: The Big East's leading passer, he has completed 66.3 percent of his attempts for 2,115 yards and 18 touchdowns, with four interceptions.
4. Tim Brown, WR, Rutgers: Brown has three fewer yards receiving and one less touchdown than Gilyard on 24 fewer catches.
5. Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia: Has rushed for 1,098 yards on 192 attempts this season with 10 touchdowns.
Player of the year race: Defense
1. Mick Williams, DT, Pittsburgh: Has been my leader for several weeks. Will he get my final vote? Depends on the next two games.
2. Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh: Two Pitt D-linemen top the list. Yeah, they're pretty good.
3. Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida: The Haitian sensation has 12.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.
4. Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers: Not his fault Rutgers lost 31-13 to Syracuse, but setback doesn't help his candidacy.
5. Doug Hogue, LB, Syracuse: May not have been consistent all year long, but it's hard to ignore 16.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.
Stock up
1. UConn's corners: Especially freshmen Blidi Wreh-Wilson and Dwayne Gratz. Yeah, Notre Dame rolled up a lot of yards in the passing game, but the two young guys who got torched against Cincinnati made some big plays when they were needed to help the Huskies win.
2. Doug Hogue: Stepping up for the injured Derrell Smith, the Syracuse linebacker had 6.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks against Rutgers. How big was Hogue's day? He's now leading the Big East in tackles for loss. Not bad for a converted running back.
3. Randy Edsall: Those who didn't know much about the Connecticut coach before had to be impressed with his heartfelt tribute to Jasper Howard's family after the Notre Dame win. Oh yeah, and the guy can coach a little, too.
4. Trent Guy: The Louisville senior had a punt return for a touchdown at South Florida, a week after his big return set up the game-winning score against Syracuse. Guy may be the Cardinals' best weapon; why teams continue to kick to him, I have no idea.
5. A.J. Love: Needing someone to replace Carlton Mitchell's yards, the Bulls got a big day from Love against Louisville. He had four catches for a career-best 121 yards.
6. The Big East's bowl lineup: Thanks to UConn's win, the Big East should get the Gator Bowl back and have six teams to fill six slots. That would ease a lot of headaches and avoid the possible embarrassment of a top 10 league runner up playing in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.
Stock down
1. Rutgers' offensive line: Sacks aren't always the line's fault. Sometimes a running back doesn't pick up his protection, sometimes the quarterback doesn't make the right check. Still, nine sacks against Syracuse is nine sacks against Syracuse. The line we all thought would be dominant has been anything but that most of the season.
2. Louisville's stat factory: Remember when the Cardinals used to put up video-game numbers on offense every year? Seems like a long time ago. Louisville will likely end the season without a quarterback throwing for 1,500 yards, without a running back surpassing 600 yards and without a receiver topping 850 yards. Yes, injuries have played a role, but the old Cards offense ain't what she used to be.
3. Gator Bowl officials: Reps from the Jacksonville game still might take Notre Dame if the Irish somehow beat Stanford, even though they would then be just 7-5 with a lame-duck coach. "Then we'll have a good discussion," Gator Bowl selection committee chairman Brian Goin told the Florida Times-Union. Here's the discussion they should have: Notre Dame is a bad team. Let's take the Big East runner-up.
Player of the year race: Offense
1. Dion Lewis, RB, Pittsburgh: The Big East's leading rusher with 1,291 yards on 224 attempts (5.8 yards per carry) and 13 touchdowns.
2. Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati: The Big East's leader in total receiving yards, with 68 catches for 930 yards and eight touchdowns.
3. Bill Stull, QB, Pittsburgh: The Big East's leading passer, he has completed 66.3 percent of his attempts for 2,115 yards and 18 touchdowns, with four interceptions.
4. Tim Brown, WR, Rutgers: Brown has three fewer yards receiving and one less touchdown than Gilyard on 24 fewer catches.
5. Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia: Has rushed for 1,098 yards on 192 attempts this season with 10 touchdowns.
Player of the year race: Defense
1. Mick Williams, DT, Pittsburgh: Has been my leader for several weeks. Will he get my final vote? Depends on the next two games.
2. Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh: Two Pitt D-linemen top the list. Yeah, they're pretty good.
3. Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida: The Haitian sensation has 12.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.
4. Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers: Not his fault Rutgers lost 31-13 to Syracuse, but setback doesn't help his candidacy.
5. Doug Hogue, LB, Syracuse: May not have been consistent all year long, but it's hard to ignore 16.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.
The musical chairs at quarterback continues for Louisville.
Justin Burke, who hasn't started since Week 3, is scheduled to get the start this week. He's one of three quarterbacks to start for the Cardinals this year, with Will Stein and Adam Froman being the others. Froman started last week's win against Syracuse. I haven't heard any official word about why Froman isn't starting today; if he's hurt, he didn't show it in throwing the winning touchdown pass on Louisville's final drive last week.
South Florida's leading receiver, Carlton Mitchell, isn't dressed and won't play because of a lingering ankle sprain.
Justin Burke, who hasn't started since Week 3, is scheduled to get the start this week. He's one of three quarterbacks to start for the Cardinals this year, with Will Stein and Adam Froman being the others. Froman started last week's win against Syracuse. I haven't heard any official word about why Froman isn't starting today; if he's hurt, he didn't show it in throwing the winning touchdown pass on Louisville's final drive last week.
South Florida's leading receiver, Carlton Mitchell, isn't dressed and won't play because of a lingering ankle sprain.
- An SI.com fan survey rates West Virginia as having the rudest fans and UConn as being the most polite.
- Jordan Todman continues to take on a heavier load for UConn, Chip Malafronte writes in the New Haven Register.
- South Florida big-play receiver Carlton Mitchell is now probable to play against Louisville, Gregg Becnel reports in the Tampa Tribune.
- Louisville quarterback Adam Froman is trying to shake off some rust, Jody Demling writes in The Courier-Journal.
- Marcus Waugh has gone from star to role player and is loving it, Bill Koch writes in the Cincinnati Enquirer.
- Rutgers' linebackers are a competitive bunch, Keith Sargeant says in the Home News Tribune.
- The Syracuse Post-Standard's Dave Rahme looks at three Syracuse seniors who have stuck it out through thick and thin -- with a lot of thin.
- Young Pitt cornerback Antwaun Reed got some valuable experience against Notre Dame under fire, Paul Zeise writes in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
- Robert Sands nearly ended up at Pitt but is thriving at safety for West Virginia, Bob Hertzel says in the Times West Virginian.
- Rutgers defensive lineman Scott Vallone is a prime example of how the Scarlet Knights wrested control of the New York City recruiting area from Syracuse, Tom Luicci writes in The Star-Ledger.
- Pitt's Dion Lewis and Ray Graham have been excellent as freshmen running backs, and they don't fumble either, Paul Zeise writes in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
- Cincinnati has the best graduation rate of any team in the top 10 of the BCS standings.
- Punter Rob Long is one Syracuse player who had a big game at Louisville, Donnie Webb writes in the Syracuse Post-Standard.
- UConn fans talk about what playing Notre Dame means to them in the Hartford Courant.
- South Florida will be without right guard Zach Hermann and probably won't have top receiver Carlton Mitchell for Saturday's game against Louisville, Greg Auman reports in the St. Petersburg Times.
What to watch in the Big East, Week 12
November, 19, 2009
11/19/09
8:28
AM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
1. The fight for the Gator Bowl: If UConn wins at Notre Dame, there's a very good chance the Irish will finish 6-6. That would guarantee that the Gator Bowl takes a Big East team and will open up another postseason spot for a league team -- which the Huskies might be able to claim. All of the Big East should be rooting for Connecticut this week, not that it wasn't already doing so.
2. UConn's running game against the Notre Dame defense: Navy ran for 348 yards against the Irish. Pitt piled up 193 yards on the ground versus the Domers. UConn's offense begins with its massive offensive line and revolves around the powerful 1-2 punch of Jordan Todman and Andre Dixon. The Irish defensive front can be pushed around and often has. Running the ball not only helps the Huskies move the chains but also keeps Notre Dame's offense off the field. Speaking of which ...
3. Jimmy Clausen vs. UConn's secondary: When we last saw the Huskies, they were getting steamrolled for 711 total yards and 480 passing yards by Cincinnati. Perhaps the bye week gave Randy Edsall time to shore up the coverage problems. It better have, because if not, Clausen, Michael Floyd and Golden Tate could play pitch and catch all day.
4. Zach Frazer vs. his old team: Charlie Weis didn't think Frazer was good enough to play quarterback for Notre Dame. Ironically, Frazer can now help bring an end to Weis' tenure in South Bend. The UConn quarterback and ex-Notre Dame transfer must keep his emotions in check and stay away from his previous interception problems.
5. The battle for New York: As Syracuse has fallen, Rutgers has risen. Doug Marrone has made no secret of his desire to gain back the recruiting ground that the Orange surrendered to the Scarlet Knights during the Greg Robinson years. One way for Marrone to accomplish that is by beating Rutgers on the field in what should develop into a pretty spirited rivalry in the next few years. But Syracuse is at a major disadvantage this year.
6. Blitzing Paulus: Did you see how confused B.J. Daniels and his offensive line were against Rutgers last Thursday night? Daniels is a redshirt freshman with more college experience than Syracuse quarterback Greg Paulus. So how will Paulus handle the designed-to-confuse pressure schemes that Greg Schiano's defensive staff will fire at him? Paulus has 14 interceptions, more than any other Big East quarterback. Rutgers is tied for second nationally in takeaways. This could get ugly.
7. Kragthorpe's last stand?: Louisville is technically still alive for a bowl bid, which may be Steve Kragthorpe's only chance of keeping his job past this year. But to get to the postseason, the Cardinals will have to win at South Florida, something they've never done. I wouldn't expect an announcement on Kragthorpe's status next week if Louisville loses, but it wouldn't be totally surprising either.
8. South Florida's defensive line vs. Louisville's O-line: The Cardinals' offensive line has been outmatched at times this season, just plain brutal in other stretches. It got overpowered often by Syracuse last week. So this should be a great matchup for the Bulls' defensive front, which played valiantly at Rutgers despite having to spend way too much time on the field. I'd be stunned if South Florida doesn't have at least three or four sacks in this game.
9. B.J. Daniels: Let's face it: Daniels had an awful game at Rutgers, and at times this season he has failed to keep his composure on the sidelines. Louisville's defense has been playing well the last couple of weeks but still has trouble getting consistent pressure on the quarterback. Daniels ought to be able to make some plays, even if his favorite receiver -- Carlton Mitchell -- is still out of the lineup with an ankle injury.
2. UConn's running game against the Notre Dame defense: Navy ran for 348 yards against the Irish. Pitt piled up 193 yards on the ground versus the Domers. UConn's offense begins with its massive offensive line and revolves around the powerful 1-2 punch of Jordan Todman and Andre Dixon. The Irish defensive front can be pushed around and often has. Running the ball not only helps the Huskies move the chains but also keeps Notre Dame's offense off the field. Speaking of which ...
3. Jimmy Clausen vs. UConn's secondary: When we last saw the Huskies, they were getting steamrolled for 711 total yards and 480 passing yards by Cincinnati. Perhaps the bye week gave Randy Edsall time to shore up the coverage problems. It better have, because if not, Clausen, Michael Floyd and Golden Tate could play pitch and catch all day.
4. Zach Frazer vs. his old team: Charlie Weis didn't think Frazer was good enough to play quarterback for Notre Dame. Ironically, Frazer can now help bring an end to Weis' tenure in South Bend. The UConn quarterback and ex-Notre Dame transfer must keep his emotions in check and stay away from his previous interception problems.
5. The battle for New York: As Syracuse has fallen, Rutgers has risen. Doug Marrone has made no secret of his desire to gain back the recruiting ground that the Orange surrendered to the Scarlet Knights during the Greg Robinson years. One way for Marrone to accomplish that is by beating Rutgers on the field in what should develop into a pretty spirited rivalry in the next few years. But Syracuse is at a major disadvantage this year.
6. Blitzing Paulus: Did you see how confused B.J. Daniels and his offensive line were against Rutgers last Thursday night? Daniels is a redshirt freshman with more college experience than Syracuse quarterback Greg Paulus. So how will Paulus handle the designed-to-confuse pressure schemes that Greg Schiano's defensive staff will fire at him? Paulus has 14 interceptions, more than any other Big East quarterback. Rutgers is tied for second nationally in takeaways. This could get ugly.
7. Kragthorpe's last stand?: Louisville is technically still alive for a bowl bid, which may be Steve Kragthorpe's only chance of keeping his job past this year. But to get to the postseason, the Cardinals will have to win at South Florida, something they've never done. I wouldn't expect an announcement on Kragthorpe's status next week if Louisville loses, but it wouldn't be totally surprising either.
8. South Florida's defensive line vs. Louisville's O-line: The Cardinals' offensive line has been outmatched at times this season, just plain brutal in other stretches. It got overpowered often by Syracuse last week. So this should be a great matchup for the Bulls' defensive front, which played valiantly at Rutgers despite having to spend way too much time on the field. I'd be stunned if South Florida doesn't have at least three or four sacks in this game.
9. B.J. Daniels: Let's face it: Daniels had an awful game at Rutgers, and at times this season he has failed to keep his composure on the sidelines. Louisville's defense has been playing well the last couple of weeks but still has trouble getting consistent pressure on the quarterback. Daniels ought to be able to make some plays, even if his favorite receiver -- Carlton Mitchell -- is still out of the lineup with an ankle injury.
Posted by ESPN.com's Brian Bennett
I went undefeated last week for the fifth time in the last six weeks, but it's not much to brag about. There were only three games, all featuring heavy favorites at home (and I didn't exactly peg the way the games in Morgantown and Cincinnati would shake out). Besides, there's no time to boast when four hotly contested games will test my prognosticating ability this week.
Thursday
Rutgers 21, South Florida 19: The Bulls have more offensive firepower than the Scarlet Knights, but they'll be missing their best playmaking receiver in Carlton Mitchell, who's out with an ankle sprain. Rutgers' defense is improving each week, and I believe that Greg Schiano's complicated blitz schemes will befuddle freshman quarterback B.J. Daniels. There's still the matter of how the Scarlet Knights will score enough points, but I see a big play off a turnover or on special teams making the difference as South Florida loses its fourth straight in this series.
Friday
Cincinnati 30, West Virginia 21: The Mountaineers are not coming into this important game on a high note, having seen their offensive prowess decline and having several players bruised and banged up. Not a good situation going into a hostile Nippert Stadium. Whether it's Zach Collaros or Tony Pike leading the charge -- and both will see time at quarterback -- the Bearcats are going to score points, and they're more equipped to handle a speed-based spread offense than they are a power running game like UConn's.
Saturday
Pitt 35, Notre Dame 33: Regular readers of this blog won't be surprised with this pick, since I've been saying since the offseason that Pitt would win this game. I'm a little more nervous for the Panthers because of Notre Dame's loss to Navy; no doubt the Irish will be desperate coming to Heinz Field. And that offense can really score. Even though they had just 21 points against Navy, the Irish never punted, got to the red zone six times and rolled up more than 500 yards. But Notre Dame's Swiss cheese defense will have just as many problems stopping Pitt's versatile attack, and the Panthers will find a way to win just as they did last year in South Bend.
Louisville 17, Syracuse 14: For most of the year, I would have said Syracuse was the better team and would beat Louisville for a third straight year. But given all of the Orange's roster depletions -- losing start defensive tackle Arthur Jones was the latest blow -- I have to give the edge now to the Cardinals, who pushed West Virginia to the wire last week on the road. This won't be a pretty game or one that many people will want to watch, but it could be the last chance for an '09 victory for either school.
Last week: 3-0
Season: 45-8 (85 percent)
I went undefeated last week for the fifth time in the last six weeks, but it's not much to brag about. There were only three games, all featuring heavy favorites at home (and I didn't exactly peg the way the games in Morgantown and Cincinnati would shake out). Besides, there's no time to boast when four hotly contested games will test my prognosticating ability this week.
Thursday
Rutgers 21, South Florida 19: The Bulls have more offensive firepower than the Scarlet Knights, but they'll be missing their best playmaking receiver in Carlton Mitchell, who's out with an ankle sprain. Rutgers' defense is improving each week, and I believe that Greg Schiano's complicated blitz schemes will befuddle freshman quarterback B.J. Daniels. There's still the matter of how the Scarlet Knights will score enough points, but I see a big play off a turnover or on special teams making the difference as South Florida loses its fourth straight in this series.
Friday
Cincinnati 30, West Virginia 21: The Mountaineers are not coming into this important game on a high note, having seen their offensive prowess decline and having several players bruised and banged up. Not a good situation going into a hostile Nippert Stadium. Whether it's Zach Collaros or Tony Pike leading the charge -- and both will see time at quarterback -- the Bearcats are going to score points, and they're more equipped to handle a speed-based spread offense than they are a power running game like UConn's.
Saturday
Pitt 35, Notre Dame 33: Regular readers of this blog won't be surprised with this pick, since I've been saying since the offseason that Pitt would win this game. I'm a little more nervous for the Panthers because of Notre Dame's loss to Navy; no doubt the Irish will be desperate coming to Heinz Field. And that offense can really score. Even though they had just 21 points against Navy, the Irish never punted, got to the red zone six times and rolled up more than 500 yards. But Notre Dame's Swiss cheese defense will have just as many problems stopping Pitt's versatile attack, and the Panthers will find a way to win just as they did last year in South Bend.
Louisville 17, Syracuse 14: For most of the year, I would have said Syracuse was the better team and would beat Louisville for a third straight year. But given all of the Orange's roster depletions -- losing start defensive tackle Arthur Jones was the latest blow -- I have to give the edge now to the Cardinals, who pushed West Virginia to the wire last week on the road. This won't be a pretty game or one that many people will want to watch, but it could be the last chance for an '09 victory for either school.
Last week: 3-0
Season: 45-8 (85 percent)
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.
