Big East: Logan Ryan
As part of “College Football Live’s” 100 Days Till Kickoff countdown, here’s a look at the top 10 players in the Big East. For those wondering, the Big East blog will still have its annual preseason Top 25 player countdown a little later in the summer.
Without further adieu:
1. Ray Graham, RB, Pitt. Taking a calculated risk here, considering we have no idea how Graham is going to look a year after tearing his ACL. Coach Paul Chryst says Graham will be ready for fall camp. If Graham is able to return to form, he should be the best player in the league.
2. Khaseem Greene, LB, Rutgers. Greene goes into the season as the preseason favorite to win Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors for the second straight season, after sharing honors with Derek Wolfe in 2011. Though he broke his ankle in the bowl game, he will be ready for fall camp. Side note: Isn't it a neat that he and Graham are brothers?
3. Aaron Donald, DT, Pitt. Donald emerged last season, finishing second in the league with 11 sacks. He has shifted inside to tackle this year, but he is the most productive and experienced player returning to the Pitt defensive line and should continue his upward trajectory.
4. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville. Bridgewater had a sensational freshman season, winning league Newcomer of the Year honors. Hopes are high for him to build off his impressive campaign in his second year as a starter. Louisville will do more to take advantage of his athleticism, with plans to install some hurry up offense.
5. Logan Ryan, CB, Rutgers. Ryan led the league with 16 passes defended -- 13 breakups and three interceptions last season. Defensive back is one of the strongest positions across the league, and Ryan leads the way as the Big East's best cornerback.
6. Hakeem Smith, S, Louisville. Smith has gotten better in each of his seasons with the Cardinals, so this season should feature more of the same. In 2011, he had 84 tackles, tied for second in the league, with nine pass breakups. He also tied for second in the league with three forced fumbles and made the Big East first team.
7. Ryne Giddins, DE, USF. Giddins emerged in the second half of last season (yes, I know many of you still remember him for his personal foul against West Virginia), and is in line to have a breakout year for the Bulls, who should have one of the stronger defensive lines in the Big East.
8. B.J. Daniels, QB, USF. Daniels should be the best quarterback in the Big East, considering he is going into his fourth year as a starter. Is this the year he finally lives up to expectations and delivers a long-awaited -- and first -- league title?
9. Walter Stewart, DE, Cincinnati. Coach Butch Jones says he has not been around a player as focused as Stewart in a long time. That is saying something, considering the defensive stars the Bearcats had last season. Stewart is poised to give Cincinnati a huge presence at rush end.
10. Lyle McCombs, RB, UConn. McCombs ran for more than 1,000 yards as a freshman last season and returns for 2011 with much more confidence -- and the Huskies hope a better offensive line. He goes into the season as the unquestioned featured back.
Without further adieu:
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Keith SrakocicRay Graham could be the Big East's best player if healthy.
AP Photo/Keith SrakocicRay Graham could be the Big East's best player if healthy.2. Khaseem Greene, LB, Rutgers. Greene goes into the season as the preseason favorite to win Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors for the second straight season, after sharing honors with Derek Wolfe in 2011. Though he broke his ankle in the bowl game, he will be ready for fall camp. Side note: Isn't it a neat that he and Graham are brothers?
3. Aaron Donald, DT, Pitt. Donald emerged last season, finishing second in the league with 11 sacks. He has shifted inside to tackle this year, but he is the most productive and experienced player returning to the Pitt defensive line and should continue his upward trajectory.
4. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville. Bridgewater had a sensational freshman season, winning league Newcomer of the Year honors. Hopes are high for him to build off his impressive campaign in his second year as a starter. Louisville will do more to take advantage of his athleticism, with plans to install some hurry up offense.
5. Logan Ryan, CB, Rutgers. Ryan led the league with 16 passes defended -- 13 breakups and three interceptions last season. Defensive back is one of the strongest positions across the league, and Ryan leads the way as the Big East's best cornerback.
6. Hakeem Smith, S, Louisville. Smith has gotten better in each of his seasons with the Cardinals, so this season should feature more of the same. In 2011, he had 84 tackles, tied for second in the league, with nine pass breakups. He also tied for second in the league with three forced fumbles and made the Big East first team.
7. Ryne Giddins, DE, USF. Giddins emerged in the second half of last season (yes, I know many of you still remember him for his personal foul against West Virginia), and is in line to have a breakout year for the Bulls, who should have one of the stronger defensive lines in the Big East.
8. B.J. Daniels, QB, USF. Daniels should be the best quarterback in the Big East, considering he is going into his fourth year as a starter. Is this the year he finally lives up to expectations and delivers a long-awaited -- and first -- league title?
9. Walter Stewart, DE, Cincinnati. Coach Butch Jones says he has not been around a player as focused as Stewart in a long time. That is saying something, considering the defensive stars the Bearcats had last season. Stewart is poised to give Cincinnati a huge presence at rush end.
10. Lyle McCombs, RB, UConn. McCombs ran for more than 1,000 yards as a freshman last season and returns for 2011 with much more confidence -- and the Huskies hope a better offensive line. He goes into the season as the unquestioned featured back.
2011 overall record: 9-4
2011 conference record: 4-3 (T-4)
Returning starters: Offense 6; Defense 8; Kicker/punter: 1.
Key returners
LB Khaseem Greene, NT Scott Vallone, CB Logan Ryan, S Duron Harmon, WR Mark Harrison, RB Jawan Jamison, OT Kaleb Johnson
Key losses
WR Mohamed Sanu, S David Rowe, K San San Te, LG Desmond Wynn, RG Art Forst, DT Justin Francis
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Jawan Jamison* (897 yards)
Passing: Chas Dodd* (139-of-245 for 1,574 yards, 10 TDs, 7 INTs)
Receiving: Sanu (1,206 yards)
Tackles: Khaseem Greene* (141)
Sacks: Justin Francis (6.5)
Interceptions: Duron Harmon* (five)
Spring answers
1. Flood in control. One of the biggest story lines in the Big East headed into the spring was how coach Kyle Flood would manage a team ready to compete for a Big East title. It appears he has everything under control. There is a more relaxed mood around the facility, Flood has proven to be more of a delegator, and he isn't screaming at players every two seconds. He seems to know how he wants to lead this team, and used the spring to get comfortable as the man in charge.
2. Waters emerges. The Rutgers defense returns nearly everybody, but among the biggest shoes to fill is at strong safety, with David Rowe departing. Lorenzo Waters went into the spring penciled in as the starter, and did nothing to change that view during practices. He could be a force this year.
3. New kicker. It appears freshman Kyle Federico has emerged as the leader at kicker, to replace San San Te. Federico enrolled early and took advantage of being in the spring game, performing consistently well. Now we'll see how he does when the pressure is on Saturdays in the fall.
Fall questions
1. Quarterback. Chas Dodd and Gary Nova battled for the starting quarterback job, and neither was consistent enough to win it after spring practice. So the two go into the offseason, continuing their competition. Dodd started eight games last season; Nova 5. Flood says he wants to make a decision at least a week before the season opener against Tulane.
2. Offensive line. Though Flood has a better idea about who can be his main contributors on the line, injuries really set back the group in terms of building chemistry. Tackle Kaleb Johnson was out; Betim Bujari missed time with an injured ankle but has moved from guard to center. In fact, four of the five starting linemen have been changed on the post-spring depth chart.
3. Running back. Jamison and Savon Huggins are sure to split the reps this year, as Flood has basically said he wants to use both as much as he can. But it remains to be seen who is tabbed as the starter, and how Rutgers is going to try and divide up the reps. Huggins came into Rutgers as the most highly touted prospect in school history. Now he gets another chance to live up to his advance billing.
2011 conference record: 4-3 (T-4)
Returning starters: Offense 6; Defense 8; Kicker/punter: 1.
Key returners
LB Khaseem Greene, NT Scott Vallone, CB Logan Ryan, S Duron Harmon, WR Mark Harrison, RB Jawan Jamison, OT Kaleb Johnson
Key losses
WR Mohamed Sanu, S David Rowe, K San San Te, LG Desmond Wynn, RG Art Forst, DT Justin Francis
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Jawan Jamison* (897 yards)
Passing: Chas Dodd* (139-of-245 for 1,574 yards, 10 TDs, 7 INTs)
Receiving: Sanu (1,206 yards)
Tackles: Khaseem Greene* (141)
Sacks: Justin Francis (6.5)
Interceptions: Duron Harmon* (five)
Spring answers
1. Flood in control. One of the biggest story lines in the Big East headed into the spring was how coach Kyle Flood would manage a team ready to compete for a Big East title. It appears he has everything under control. There is a more relaxed mood around the facility, Flood has proven to be more of a delegator, and he isn't screaming at players every two seconds. He seems to know how he wants to lead this team, and used the spring to get comfortable as the man in charge.
2. Waters emerges. The Rutgers defense returns nearly everybody, but among the biggest shoes to fill is at strong safety, with David Rowe departing. Lorenzo Waters went into the spring penciled in as the starter, and did nothing to change that view during practices. He could be a force this year.
3. New kicker. It appears freshman Kyle Federico has emerged as the leader at kicker, to replace San San Te. Federico enrolled early and took advantage of being in the spring game, performing consistently well. Now we'll see how he does when the pressure is on Saturdays in the fall.
Fall questions
1. Quarterback. Chas Dodd and Gary Nova battled for the starting quarterback job, and neither was consistent enough to win it after spring practice. So the two go into the offseason, continuing their competition. Dodd started eight games last season; Nova 5. Flood says he wants to make a decision at least a week before the season opener against Tulane.
2. Offensive line. Though Flood has a better idea about who can be his main contributors on the line, injuries really set back the group in terms of building chemistry. Tackle Kaleb Johnson was out; Betim Bujari missed time with an injured ankle but has moved from guard to center. In fact, four of the five starting linemen have been changed on the post-spring depth chart.
3. Running back. Jamison and Savon Huggins are sure to split the reps this year, as Flood has basically said he wants to use both as much as he can. But it remains to be seen who is tabbed as the starter, and how Rutgers is going to try and divide up the reps. Huggins came into Rutgers as the most highly touted prospect in school history. Now he gets another chance to live up to his advance billing.
The veteran cornerback talks about how the secondary became a team strength.
Vote: Who will have best defense in 2012
March, 23, 2012
Mar 23
2:00
PM ET
By
Andrea Adelson | ESPN.com
Today, we move on to the candidates for best defense in 2012.
Several of the best defenses in the league from a year ago return with their key players. A few others should make improvements. Who are my top four candidates headed into spring practice?
Cincinnati. The Bearcats have some definite question marks on defense headed into the season, with JK Schaffer, Derek Wolfe and John Hughes gone. But they also return some veteran players, particularly along the defensive line and in the secondary. Walter Stewart is poised for a breakout season at end. Drew Frey is coming off an All-Big East season at safety. If the front seven is able to match the production of a year ago, that will alleviate whatever concerns there might be in the middle of the defense, and at corner.
UConn. The Huskies had the best run defense a year ago, but the worst pass offense. I fully expect the back end to be much better, with Blidi Wreh-Wilson back and healthy, and several young players in Ty-Meer Brown and Byron Jones having gained experience a year ago. Kendall Reyes is gone inside, but this is a defense that returns a majority of its starters, along with solid linebacker Sio Moore.
Louisville. The Cardinals finished No. 2 last season in total defense, and return a great majority of their key contributors. The big hole is in the middle of the defense since Dexter Heyman is done. The secondary should be much improved now that young players have much more game experience. The Cardinals need more depth along the defensive line, but the players who should contribute all saw significant action last season. If there is one thing you can bank on with a Charlie Strong-coached team, it is solid defense.
Rutgers. This would be my preseason choice for No. 1 defense. The Scarlet Knights were No. 1 in the Big East last year and return virtually everybody. That includes Co-Big East Defensive Player of the Year Khaseem Greene, along with Logan Ryan, Scott Vallone and Steve Beauharnais. Greg Schiano is gone, but the aggressive defensive scheme that he favored will remain.
I included "other" as an option so folks can express their displeasure with my four choices. If I had to put in a No. 5 choice, it would probably be USF. The Bulls return many key players, including Sam Barrington, DeDe Lattimore, Ryne Giddins and Kayvon Webster. But they also switched defensive coordinators and have to prove they can hold on to four-quarter leads.
Make sure to vote, or send me an email or leave a response in the comments section with your prediction for best defense in 2012.
Several of the best defenses in the league from a year ago return with their key players. A few others should make improvements. Who are my top four candidates headed into spring practice?
UConn. The Huskies had the best run defense a year ago, but the worst pass offense. I fully expect the back end to be much better, with Blidi Wreh-Wilson back and healthy, and several young players in Ty-Meer Brown and Byron Jones having gained experience a year ago. Kendall Reyes is gone inside, but this is a defense that returns a majority of its starters, along with solid linebacker Sio Moore.
Louisville. The Cardinals finished No. 2 last season in total defense, and return a great majority of their key contributors. The big hole is in the middle of the defense since Dexter Heyman is done. The secondary should be much improved now that young players have much more game experience. The Cardinals need more depth along the defensive line, but the players who should contribute all saw significant action last season. If there is one thing you can bank on with a Charlie Strong-coached team, it is solid defense.
Rutgers. This would be my preseason choice for No. 1 defense. The Scarlet Knights were No. 1 in the Big East last year and return virtually everybody. That includes Co-Big East Defensive Player of the Year Khaseem Greene, along with Logan Ryan, Scott Vallone and Steve Beauharnais. Greg Schiano is gone, but the aggressive defensive scheme that he favored will remain.
I included "other" as an option so folks can express their displeasure with my four choices. If I had to put in a No. 5 choice, it would probably be USF. The Bulls return many key players, including Sam Barrington, DeDe Lattimore, Ryne Giddins and Kayvon Webster. But they also switched defensive coordinators and have to prove they can hold on to four-quarter leads.
Make sure to vote, or send me an email or leave a response in the comments section with your prediction for best defense in 2012.
Video: Spring preview -- defensive backs
March, 13, 2012
Mar 13
1:30
PM ET
By
Andrea Adelson | ESPN.com
Andrea Adelson takes a look at the defensive back position across the Big East headed into spring practice.
Last up in our position rankings for the defense -- the secondary. In the preseason, I rated the safeties and cornerbacks separately. In the postseason evaluation, I feel that would be a little redundant, so I am taking into account the unit as a whole. Of all the positions, I felt there was a clear bottom and a clear top to the league in this category.
In my opinion, this was also one of the weakest positions in the league. Only three teams allowed opponents to complete fewer than 60 percent of their passes.
1. Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights were clearly the best here, allowing a league-low eight passing touchdowns, grabbing a league-high 19 interceptions and allowing their opponents to complete just 51.8 percent of their passes. Logan Ryan emerged as one of the best cornerbacks in the league, while safety Duron Harmon won first-team honors.
2. West Virginia. Though there were some problems for the Mountaineers in the secondary this season, for the most part this group held its own. Cornerback Pat Miller was inconsistent and eventually lost some starts to Brodrick Jenkins -- who was an upgrade. Keith Tandy was third in the league with four interceptions, and Eain Smith, Terence Garvin and Darwin Cook played well at safety. West Virginia finished the year as the No. 2 pass defense, and let's not forget some of the huge plays this group made at the end of the season.
3. Pitt. The Panthers were up and down in pass defense all year, and were hurt when safety Jason Hendricks was lost for the year. Antwuan Reed was better; Jarred Holley earned his spot on the Big East first team. This was not an opportunistic group, with a league-low eight interceptions. But it was one that got better as the year went on. After allowing over 300 yards in two of the first three games of the season, the Panthers held the rest of their opponents below that mark.
4. USF. This unit was steady, if unspectacular in 2011. Kayvon Webster was much improved, and Jerrell Young did a nice job anchoring the team at safety. But there weren't big plays -- 12 total interceptions, and depth was an issue when injuries hit late in the season. Major kudos are deserved for holding West Virginia to 237 yards -- second-lowest on the year.
5. Louisville. The Cardinals were better than I expected given all the youth and inexperience in the secondary. Hakeem Smith was good again; Adrian Bushell was a huge pickup and made a big impact. The one weakness was getting beat way too many times on deep passes. Louisville allowed 20 passing touchdowns and had just 10 interceptions, tied for second-worst in the league.
6. Cincinnati. The Bearcats were a much more opportunistic group than a year ago. Drew Frey emerged as a first-team Big East safety, and Cam Cheatham and Deven Drane each got three interceptions. But the long pass was again something the Bearcats had a hard time covering, and wrapping up and tackling was sometimes a problem, too. Opponents averaged 7 yards a completion.
7. Syracuse. Injuries took a toll on the defensive backs last season. Players like Shamarko Thomas, Olando Fisher, Ri'Shard Anderson and Keon Lyn were banged up and that impacted how everybody played. Then the best player in the secondary, Phillip Thomas, was suspended for the final two games of the season. Syracuse gave up 300 yards five times last season, and only had 10 interceptions.
8. UConn. The Huskies struggled in the secondary all season, particularly after starting cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson went out with a knee injury. There were a lot of young players forced into action, and it showed. UConn gave up over 400 yards passing four times last season, and ranked last in the league in passing defense.
In my opinion, this was also one of the weakest positions in the league. Only three teams allowed opponents to complete fewer than 60 percent of their passes.
[+] Enlarge
Cal Sport Media/AP ImagesSafety Duron Harmon helped Rutgers record a Big East-high 19 interceptions last season.
Cal Sport Media/AP ImagesSafety Duron Harmon helped Rutgers record a Big East-high 19 interceptions last season.2. West Virginia. Though there were some problems for the Mountaineers in the secondary this season, for the most part this group held its own. Cornerback Pat Miller was inconsistent and eventually lost some starts to Brodrick Jenkins -- who was an upgrade. Keith Tandy was third in the league with four interceptions, and Eain Smith, Terence Garvin and Darwin Cook played well at safety. West Virginia finished the year as the No. 2 pass defense, and let's not forget some of the huge plays this group made at the end of the season.
3. Pitt. The Panthers were up and down in pass defense all year, and were hurt when safety Jason Hendricks was lost for the year. Antwuan Reed was better; Jarred Holley earned his spot on the Big East first team. This was not an opportunistic group, with a league-low eight interceptions. But it was one that got better as the year went on. After allowing over 300 yards in two of the first three games of the season, the Panthers held the rest of their opponents below that mark.
4. USF. This unit was steady, if unspectacular in 2011. Kayvon Webster was much improved, and Jerrell Young did a nice job anchoring the team at safety. But there weren't big plays -- 12 total interceptions, and depth was an issue when injuries hit late in the season. Major kudos are deserved for holding West Virginia to 237 yards -- second-lowest on the year.
5. Louisville. The Cardinals were better than I expected given all the youth and inexperience in the secondary. Hakeem Smith was good again; Adrian Bushell was a huge pickup and made a big impact. The one weakness was getting beat way too many times on deep passes. Louisville allowed 20 passing touchdowns and had just 10 interceptions, tied for second-worst in the league.
6. Cincinnati. The Bearcats were a much more opportunistic group than a year ago. Drew Frey emerged as a first-team Big East safety, and Cam Cheatham and Deven Drane each got three interceptions. But the long pass was again something the Bearcats had a hard time covering, and wrapping up and tackling was sometimes a problem, too. Opponents averaged 7 yards a completion.
7. Syracuse. Injuries took a toll on the defensive backs last season. Players like Shamarko Thomas, Olando Fisher, Ri'Shard Anderson and Keon Lyn were banged up and that impacted how everybody played. Then the best player in the secondary, Phillip Thomas, was suspended for the final two games of the season. Syracuse gave up 300 yards five times last season, and only had 10 interceptions.
8. UConn. The Huskies struggled in the secondary all season, particularly after starting cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson went out with a knee injury. There were a lot of young players forced into action, and it showed. UConn gave up over 400 yards passing four times last season, and ranked last in the league in passing defense.
Revised 2011 Top 25 countdown: No. 18
February, 16, 2012
Feb 16
9:00
AM ET
By
Andrea Adelson | ESPN.com
We are counting down the top 25 players in the Big East, one player at a time.
Up today: Logan Ryan, CB, Rutgers
Making the case: Rutgers had to replace both its starting cornerbacks this season, and it is safe to say that Logan Ryan was not really on the radar going into fall practice. But at the end of the season, I thought he emerged as the best cornerback in the league. He made one critical play after another for a Rutgers defense that ranked No. 1 in the Big East. He led the league with 16 passes defended — 13 breakups and three interceptions. One of those interceptions he returned for a touchdown in a victory over Pitt. But his best performance may have been in the bowl game against Iowa State. Ryan finished with seven tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception and half a sack. This is what former coach Greg Schiano said afterward:
"I am really, really proud of Logan Ryan. Not only about today, but the way — coming off the Carolina game, which was the second game of the year, Logan Ryan was at a crossroads. He was no longer a young pup who could use that as the redshirting excuse and all of that. He's a very talented kid and he's a very hard working kid, and he got a chance after that game. He got a chance and he made the most of it, and he's had a tremendous season."
Preseason ranking: NR.
The countdown:
No. 25 Ryne Giddins, DE, USF
No. 24 Keith Tandy, CB, West Virginia
No. 23 Duron Harmon, S, Rutgers
No. 22 Antwon Bailey, RB, Syracuse
No. 21 Lyle McCombs, RB, UConn
No. 20 Dexter Heyman, LB, Louisville
No. 19 Hakeem Smith, S, Louisville
Up today: Logan Ryan, CB, Rutgers
Making the case: Rutgers had to replace both its starting cornerbacks this season, and it is safe to say that Logan Ryan was not really on the radar going into fall practice. But at the end of the season, I thought he emerged as the best cornerback in the league. He made one critical play after another for a Rutgers defense that ranked No. 1 in the Big East. He led the league with 16 passes defended — 13 breakups and three interceptions. One of those interceptions he returned for a touchdown in a victory over Pitt. But his best performance may have been in the bowl game against Iowa State. Ryan finished with seven tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception and half a sack. This is what former coach Greg Schiano said afterward:
"I am really, really proud of Logan Ryan. Not only about today, but the way — coming off the Carolina game, which was the second game of the year, Logan Ryan was at a crossroads. He was no longer a young pup who could use that as the redshirting excuse and all of that. He's a very talented kid and he's a very hard working kid, and he got a chance after that game. He got a chance and he made the most of it, and he's had a tremendous season."
Preseason ranking: NR.
The countdown:
No. 25 Ryne Giddins, DE, USF
No. 24 Keith Tandy, CB, West Virginia
No. 23 Duron Harmon, S, Rutgers
No. 22 Antwon Bailey, RB, Syracuse
No. 21 Lyle McCombs, RB, UConn
No. 20 Dexter Heyman, LB, Louisville
No. 19 Hakeem Smith, S, Louisville
It is time to take a last look back at how each Big East team fared in 2011 with season-ending report cards.
Up today: Rutgers
Offense: Rutgers was improved in just about every statistical category this past season on offense -- despite playing musical chairs at quarterback for the umpteenth time under former coach Greg Schiano. Scoring offense rose from No. 8 in the Big East in 2010 to No. 4, scoring about 6.4 more points a game. Total offense rose from No. 8 to No. 6, with more than 40 yards more per game. Passing offense was up, averaging more than 40 yards more a game. Receiver Mohamed Sanu set Big East and school records for single-season receptions (115) and the offensive line was hugely improved, giving up 31 fewer sacks than a year ago. The two problems continue to remain the same -- inconsistency at quarterback and in the run game. Rutgers ranked No. 8 in the league in rush offense -- the same as last season. Gary Nova and Chas Dodd alternated at quarterback. The offense may have been better than a year ago, but nobody is saying it was a juggernaut this season, either. The strength of this team was with its defense.
Grade: C.
Defense: Schiano made some strategic personnel moves that paid off in a big way this season, allowing Rutgers to finish No. 1 in the Big East and No. 14 in the nation in total defense. Consider that the Scarlet Knights ranked No. 8 in the league in total defense and rushing defense last season. Schiano decided he would call the plays and move his players around to get more speed on the defense. The biggest shift was Khaseem Greene to linebacker -- a move that ended with Greene being selected co-defensive player of the year. The secondary, which was one of the biggest question marks going into the season, was one of the best in the Big East to rank No. 1 in pass defense. Cornerback Logan Ryan really came on strong this season, and Duron Harmon was good at safety.
Grade: A.
Overall: Rutgers was the preseason choice to finish last in the Big East, after it went 4-8 in 2010. But the Scarlet Knights beat expectations with their 9-4 season and won their fifth straight bowl game to keep the longest streak in the nation intact. If there was one major blemish, it was an inability to close out the season. With a share of its first-ever conference title on the line, Rutgers choked against UConn, losing six turnovers in one of the worst defeats of the Schiano era. That loss impacted the overall grade, but only slightly. Hard to not give high marks to a team that went from worst to almost first.
Grade: A-minus
Previously featured:
Up today: Rutgers
Offense: Rutgers was improved in just about every statistical category this past season on offense -- despite playing musical chairs at quarterback for the umpteenth time under former coach Greg Schiano. Scoring offense rose from No. 8 in the Big East in 2010 to No. 4, scoring about 6.4 more points a game. Total offense rose from No. 8 to No. 6, with more than 40 yards more per game. Passing offense was up, averaging more than 40 yards more a game. Receiver Mohamed Sanu set Big East and school records for single-season receptions (115) and the offensive line was hugely improved, giving up 31 fewer sacks than a year ago. The two problems continue to remain the same -- inconsistency at quarterback and in the run game. Rutgers ranked No. 8 in the league in rush offense -- the same as last season. Gary Nova and Chas Dodd alternated at quarterback. The offense may have been better than a year ago, but nobody is saying it was a juggernaut this season, either. The strength of this team was with its defense.
Grade: C.
Defense: Schiano made some strategic personnel moves that paid off in a big way this season, allowing Rutgers to finish No. 1 in the Big East and No. 14 in the nation in total defense. Consider that the Scarlet Knights ranked No. 8 in the league in total defense and rushing defense last season. Schiano decided he would call the plays and move his players around to get more speed on the defense. The biggest shift was Khaseem Greene to linebacker -- a move that ended with Greene being selected co-defensive player of the year. The secondary, which was one of the biggest question marks going into the season, was one of the best in the Big East to rank No. 1 in pass defense. Cornerback Logan Ryan really came on strong this season, and Duron Harmon was good at safety.
Grade: A.
Overall: Rutgers was the preseason choice to finish last in the Big East, after it went 4-8 in 2010. But the Scarlet Knights beat expectations with their 9-4 season and won their fifth straight bowl game to keep the longest streak in the nation intact. If there was one major blemish, it was an inability to close out the season. With a share of its first-ever conference title on the line, Rutgers choked against UConn, losing six turnovers in one of the worst defeats of the Schiano era. That loss impacted the overall grade, but only slightly. Hard to not give high marks to a team that went from worst to almost first.
Grade: A-minus
Previously featured:
Without further adieu, here is your 2011 Big East All-Bowl team:
OFFENSE
QB: Geno Smith, West Virginia. Smith was named the Discover Orange Bowl MVP after the Mountaineers routed Clemson 70-33. Smith ended up with Orange Bowl records for passing yards (401), touchdowns responsible for (six) and total offense (433). He threw just 11 incompletions and had zero interceptions.
RB: Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati. The Big East Offensive Player of the Year turned in a terrific final performance as a member of the Bearcats in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl against Vanderbilt. Pead set a school bowl record with 149 yards rushing in a 31-24 win, his sixth 100-yard game of the season. His 12-yard touchdown run with 1:52 remaining sealed the team's first bowl victory since 2007.
RB:Jawan Jamison, Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights run game was inconsistent all season, but the redshirt freshman stepped up against Iowa State in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. Jamison was named MVP of the game after gaining 131 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries. It was his third 100-yard game of his career. All of them happened this season.
WR: Tavon Austin, West Virginia. The best playmaker on the Orange Bowl field was pretty much unstoppable. Austin racked up an Orange Bowl record with 280 all-purpose yards, including 117 yards receiving, 46 yards rushing and 117 yards on kickoff returns. He also set Orange Bowl records for receptions (12) and receiving touchdowns (four).
WR: Josh Bellamy, Louisville. Bellamy set a season-high with 98 receiving yards in a loss to NC State in the Belk Bowl. Still, he had the most receiving yards by a Cardinal in a bowl game since Harry Douglas had 165 against Wake Forest in the 2007 Orange Bowl. His 53-yard reception in the first quarter was a career long and the second-longest pass play for Louisville this season.
OG: Randy Martinez, Cincinnati. Martinez has been one of the most consistent offensive linemen for the Bearcats over the past two seasons, and he graded out near the top once again in the Liberty Bowl. Martinez helped pave the way for 221 rushing yards -- second most against FBS competition this season.
OG: Betim Bujari, Rutgers, OT: Desmond Wynn, Rutgers. Bujari made just his third start of the season, on the left side no less. Wynn slid over from guard to tackle. But the combination worked for the Scarlet Knights, who put together perhaps their best effort on the offensive line all season. Rutgers ran for 173 yards -- their second-highest total of the season. And they did not allow a sack.
OT: Don Barclay, West Virginia, C: Joe Madsen, West Virginia. One of the biggest knocks against the Mountaineers this season was their inconsistency on the offensive line. In the days leading up to the Orange Bowl, Madsen said he felt the unit had played to the level of its competition. The hope was that facing several NFL draft prospects on the Clemson line would help West Virginia play better. Whatever works, right? West Virginia ran for 188 yards and did not allow a sack in its domination of the Tigers.
DEFENSE
DL: Myles Caragein, Pitt. The Panthers may not have had the greatest game in the BBVA Compass Bowl against SMU, but Caragein was solid for most of the afternoon, with six tackles, 2.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks and a pass breakup.
DL: Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati. Wolfe ended his Co-Defensive Player of the Year season with six tackles, including two for loss, against Vanderbilt.
DL: Aaron Donald, Pitt. Donald did his part for the Panthers, with one sack, a forced fumble, a tackle for loss and five tackles in all. Pitt racked up four sacks on the day and held SMU to 61 yards rushing in the loss.
LB: Najee Goode, West Virginia. Goode was a part of an outstanding defensive effort, with 1.5 tackles for loss, one sacks, one pass breakup and one fumble recovery against Clemson.
LB: Khaseem Greene, Rutgers. After posting one of the best regular seasons in school history, Greene finished everything off with a team-high 13 tackles in the Pinstripe Bowl to finish the year with 140, tied for fifth in the school single-season record books. Unfortunately, he could not complete the game after breaking his ankle. He is expected to be fine for 2012.
LB: JK Schaffer, Cincinnati. Schaffer had nine tackles, a sack and a tackle for a loss in a win over Vanderbilt. He closes out his career with 337 stops, a mark that ranks him ninth on the Big East career list.
LB: Nick Temple, Cincinnati. The true freshman saved his best performance of the season for the final game of the season. Temple had a career-high eight tackles, a forced fumble and his first career interception in a win over Vanderbilt. Simply put, he was everywhere for the Bearcats.
S: Darwin Cook, West Virginia. Cook had perhaps the play of the game in the Orange Bowl, when he scooped up a fumble by Andre Ellington and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown to seize momentum in the second quarter against Clemson. West Virginia ended up scoring 35 points in the frame to put the game way, way, way out of reach.
S: Eain Smith, West Virginia. With starting Terence Garvin out because of a knee injury, many wondered whether Cook and Smith would take more on their shoulders. They both delivered in a big way. Smith finished with a game-high 13 tackles, including 12 solo stops, and assisted on a tackle for loss.
CB: Keith Tandy, West Virginia. Tandy had six tackles and an interception on the night, and was part of a secondary that completely shut down Sammy Watkins, holding him to 66 yards on five catches. After a shaky start, West Virginia hunkered down and gave up just 78 yards passing in the second half. Tajh Boyd completed only 52 percent of his passes.
CB: Logan Ryan, Rutgers. Ryan really seemed to grow up throughout the season and ended the year with another big performance. Logan had seven tackles -- 2.5 for loss -- one interception and half a sack in the win over Iowa State.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK: Tyler Bitancurt, West Virginia. Bitancurt was 10-for-10 on extra-point attempts in the Orange Bowl, setting a new record for extra points attempted and made in any bowl game.
P: Justin Doerner, Rutgers. Doerner had a terrific performance against Iowa State with a season-best 49.7-yard average on six punts. Two of them went inside the 20. One of them went 57 yards. His average was tops among the five Big East punters in bowl games.
KR: Ralph David Abernathy IV, Cincinnati. After Vanderbilt went up 21-17 early in the fourth quarter, Abernathy took the ensuing kickoff and returned it 90 yards for a score to put the Bearcats up for good. It was the first return for a score in his career.
AP: Austin. See above.
OFFENSE
QB: Geno Smith, West Virginia. Smith was named the Discover Orange Bowl MVP after the Mountaineers routed Clemson 70-33. Smith ended up with Orange Bowl records for passing yards (401), touchdowns responsible for (six) and total offense (433). He threw just 11 incompletions and had zero interceptions.
RB: Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati. The Big East Offensive Player of the Year turned in a terrific final performance as a member of the Bearcats in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl against Vanderbilt. Pead set a school bowl record with 149 yards rushing in a 31-24 win, his sixth 100-yard game of the season. His 12-yard touchdown run with 1:52 remaining sealed the team's first bowl victory since 2007.
RB:Jawan Jamison, Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights run game was inconsistent all season, but the redshirt freshman stepped up against Iowa State in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. Jamison was named MVP of the game after gaining 131 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries. It was his third 100-yard game of his career. All of them happened this season.
[+] Enlarge
Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIREWest Virginia WR Tavon Austin had 280 all-purpose yards in the Orange Bowl.
Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIREWest Virginia WR Tavon Austin had 280 all-purpose yards in the Orange Bowl.WR: Josh Bellamy, Louisville. Bellamy set a season-high with 98 receiving yards in a loss to NC State in the Belk Bowl. Still, he had the most receiving yards by a Cardinal in a bowl game since Harry Douglas had 165 against Wake Forest in the 2007 Orange Bowl. His 53-yard reception in the first quarter was a career long and the second-longest pass play for Louisville this season.
OG: Randy Martinez, Cincinnati. Martinez has been one of the most consistent offensive linemen for the Bearcats over the past two seasons, and he graded out near the top once again in the Liberty Bowl. Martinez helped pave the way for 221 rushing yards -- second most against FBS competition this season.
OG: Betim Bujari, Rutgers, OT: Desmond Wynn, Rutgers. Bujari made just his third start of the season, on the left side no less. Wynn slid over from guard to tackle. But the combination worked for the Scarlet Knights, who put together perhaps their best effort on the offensive line all season. Rutgers ran for 173 yards -- their second-highest total of the season. And they did not allow a sack.
OT: Don Barclay, West Virginia, C: Joe Madsen, West Virginia. One of the biggest knocks against the Mountaineers this season was their inconsistency on the offensive line. In the days leading up to the Orange Bowl, Madsen said he felt the unit had played to the level of its competition. The hope was that facing several NFL draft prospects on the Clemson line would help West Virginia play better. Whatever works, right? West Virginia ran for 188 yards and did not allow a sack in its domination of the Tigers.
DEFENSE
DL: Myles Caragein, Pitt. The Panthers may not have had the greatest game in the BBVA Compass Bowl against SMU, but Caragein was solid for most of the afternoon, with six tackles, 2.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks and a pass breakup.
DL: Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati. Wolfe ended his Co-Defensive Player of the Year season with six tackles, including two for loss, against Vanderbilt.
DL: Aaron Donald, Pitt. Donald did his part for the Panthers, with one sack, a forced fumble, a tackle for loss and five tackles in all. Pitt racked up four sacks on the day and held SMU to 61 yards rushing in the loss.
LB: Najee Goode, West Virginia. Goode was a part of an outstanding defensive effort, with 1.5 tackles for loss, one sacks, one pass breakup and one fumble recovery against Clemson.
LB: Khaseem Greene, Rutgers. After posting one of the best regular seasons in school history, Greene finished everything off with a team-high 13 tackles in the Pinstripe Bowl to finish the year with 140, tied for fifth in the school single-season record books. Unfortunately, he could not complete the game after breaking his ankle. He is expected to be fine for 2012.
LB: JK Schaffer, Cincinnati. Schaffer had nine tackles, a sack and a tackle for a loss in a win over Vanderbilt. He closes out his career with 337 stops, a mark that ranks him ninth on the Big East career list.
LB: Nick Temple, Cincinnati. The true freshman saved his best performance of the season for the final game of the season. Temple had a career-high eight tackles, a forced fumble and his first career interception in a win over Vanderbilt. Simply put, he was everywhere for the Bearcats.
S: Darwin Cook, West Virginia. Cook had perhaps the play of the game in the Orange Bowl, when he scooped up a fumble by Andre Ellington and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown to seize momentum in the second quarter against Clemson. West Virginia ended up scoring 35 points in the frame to put the game way, way, way out of reach.
S: Eain Smith, West Virginia. With starting Terence Garvin out because of a knee injury, many wondered whether Cook and Smith would take more on their shoulders. They both delivered in a big way. Smith finished with a game-high 13 tackles, including 12 solo stops, and assisted on a tackle for loss.
CB: Keith Tandy, West Virginia. Tandy had six tackles and an interception on the night, and was part of a secondary that completely shut down Sammy Watkins, holding him to 66 yards on five catches. After a shaky start, West Virginia hunkered down and gave up just 78 yards passing in the second half. Tajh Boyd completed only 52 percent of his passes.
CB: Logan Ryan, Rutgers. Ryan really seemed to grow up throughout the season and ended the year with another big performance. Logan had seven tackles -- 2.5 for loss -- one interception and half a sack in the win over Iowa State.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK: Tyler Bitancurt, West Virginia. Bitancurt was 10-for-10 on extra-point attempts in the Orange Bowl, setting a new record for extra points attempted and made in any bowl game.
P: Justin Doerner, Rutgers. Doerner had a terrific performance against Iowa State with a season-best 49.7-yard average on six punts. Two of them went inside the 20. One of them went 57 yards. His average was tops among the five Big East punters in bowl games.
KR: Ralph David Abernathy IV, Cincinnati. After Vanderbilt went up 21-17 early in the fourth quarter, Abernathy took the ensuing kickoff and returned it 90 yards for a score to put the Bearcats up for good. It was the first return for a score in his career.
AP: Austin. See above.
Jones, Pead, Wolfe get Big East honors
December, 8, 2011
12/08/11
12:05
PM ET
By
Andrea Adelson | ESPN.com
Cincinnati dominated the Big East individual awards announced Thursday, as running back Isaiah Pead was honored as Offensive Player of the Year, tackle Derek Wolfe was selected as Co-Defensive Player of the Year and Butch Jones won Coach of the Year.
Rutgers linebacker Khaseem Greene also took Defensive Player of the Year honors, while Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is the Newcomer of the Year and West Virginia all-purpose player Tavon Austin is the Special Teams Player of the Year.
Below you will find the first and second teams. All of these awards and teams are selected by the eight league coaches. Here are some of my thoughts on the winners:
Rutgers linebacker Khaseem Greene also took Defensive Player of the Year honors, while Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is the Newcomer of the Year and West Virginia all-purpose player Tavon Austin is the Special Teams Player of the Year.
Below you will find the first and second teams. All of these awards and teams are selected by the eight league coaches. Here are some of my thoughts on the winners:
- I have to say I am surprised to see Pead win Offensive Player of the Year. I thought West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith would be a slam dunk because he and the Mountaineers dominated on offense this season. That being said, Pead is deserving of this award because he was the most valuable player for the Bearcats this season and he put the team on his back when Zach Collaros went down with an ankle injury. Pead led the Big East in touchdowns (14) and ranks second in the league in all-purpose yards with 1,429. He is a very deserving winner.
- As for the defensive awards, I am not surprised to see a split. My choice was Greene, and I have been going back and forth for most of the season on who was most valuable for Cincinnati -- Wolfe or linebacker JK Schaffer. I thought both were terrific this season. But perhaps the coaches voted for Wolfe because he had a breakout season and was a big reason why Cincinnati led the nation in sacks. Wolfe led the Big East with 19.5 tackles for loss to rank No. 6 in the nation. The senior also had 9.5 sacks after notching 10 sacks combined coming into this season.
- Jones also was my choice for coach of the year because of the turnaround season he led: from 4-8 to 9-3 and a share of the Big East title.
- As for the first-team offense, I am surprised that Tavon Austin made it at receiver over teammate Stedman Bailey. Both are extremely solid, valuable players, but I thought Bailey was a notch more consistent this season as a wide receiver. Austin absolutely is the special teams player of the year. I also was surprised to see Antwon Bailey with first-team honors. My two backs would have been Ray Graham and Pead.
- On first-team defense, West Virginia defensive end Bruce Irvin made the list despite an inconsistent season. Coaches clearly realized what a force he is because he was double-teamed most of the year and still got 7.5 sacks. The coaches were torn at safety, where four players were honored on the first team. I thought Duron Harmon and Hakeem Smith were the top two this season.
- How about Rutgers getting Art Forst on the first team at guard and Desmond Wynn on the second team at guard. Hand clap for the big-time improvement on the Scarlet Knights offensive line.
Rutgers, West Virginia face must wins
October, 27, 2011
10/27/11
11:00
AM ET
By
Andrea Adelson | ESPN.com
Certainly every game on the schedule is a must-win. But there has got to be an even bigger sense of urgency for Rutgers and No. 25 West Virginia after they both lost last week.
Each has one conference loss, which puts them right in the thick of the wide-open Big East. After Saturday, though, one of these teams will have two league defeats. That will make it much more difficult to compete for a conference championship.
“Coach (Greg) Schiano stresses the Big East doesn’t have a Big East championship game so every game is like a championship,” Rutgers cornerback Logan Ryan said in a phone interview. “We’ve got to prepare that hard each and every week.”
Both teams played uncharacteristically in their losses last week. Rutgers (5-2, 2-1), one of the best teams in the nation in turnover margin, finished at minus-2 against the Cardinals after Gary Nova threw three interceptions.
The defense, which had 24 sacks going into the game, did not have any against an offensive line that has struggled big time. In fact, it was the first time all season that Louisville did not give up a sack.
That pass rush is going to have to be more consistent against the Mountaineers (5-2, 1-1), who gave up four sacks last week to Syracuse and failed to do a good enough job protecting Geno Smith. West Virginia could never get its high-powered offense going because Smith was constantly harassed.
That was a change, too. West Virginia went into the game having allowed just seven sacks in six games. Smith threw two costly interceptions that changed the momentum of the game. Four of his five interceptions this season have come in two losses to LSU and the Orange.
“It’s not only the pressure, it’s the hits and the quarterback pressures you get in addition to the sacks,” Schiano said. “Sacks aren’t always the most important thing. (Teddy) Bridgewater did a nice job of throwing the ball and not taking the big hit too many times. When you watch the Syracuse tape, they did a very good job of hitting the quarterback.
“When you have a great quarterback like Geno Smith, that’s going to be one element. You better mix up your coverages; you better mix up your looks. He’s one of the top quarterbacks in America and we really are going to have to be on our game to have any chance of slowing him down.”
Syracuse exposed some major weaknesses on the West Virginia defense as well. The Mountaineers got no pass rush, continuing a trend that has hurt this team throughout the season. The linebackers also did not have their best game. Quite frankly, nobody had their best game.
“We’ve got to play tougher,” West Virginia defensive lineman Julian Miller said in a phone interview. “There’s no excuse for anything we did out there in all three phases of the ball. That was made obvious and evident.
“You go into a game and you never expect to get out-toughened. Here at West Virginia, the whole identity of this school and this program is toughness. It’s not West Virginia football, and I think that’s what happened. We got away from playing tough, hard-nosed football and we got beat.”
Aside from seeing how both teams play up front, this game features three of the best receivers in the Big East in Mohamed Sanu of Rutgers and Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin of West Virginia. They are the top three Big East leaders in receptions per game and receiving yards per game, so slowing them down is obviously going to be a big part of the game plan for both teams.
Ryan said Bailey has come into his own as a receiver and is now a more complete player than he was a year ago. “That’s a great challenge for me and our defense as a whole, do our job to contain him,” he said.
The greatest challenge, of course, is for both teams to put last week behind them and try to move forward.
“We just have to execute our game plan,” Miller said. “If we don’t do that, then we could have another Syracuse on our hands. It’s all about us executing and being able to play our game and play West Virginia football.”
Each has one conference loss, which puts them right in the thick of the wide-open Big East. After Saturday, though, one of these teams will have two league defeats. That will make it much more difficult to compete for a conference championship.
[+] Enlarge
Jim O'Connor/US PresswireRutgers coach Greg Schiano says his team will focus on slowing down WVU QB Geno Smith.
Jim O'Connor/US PresswireRutgers coach Greg Schiano says his team will focus on slowing down WVU QB Geno Smith.Both teams played uncharacteristically in their losses last week. Rutgers (5-2, 2-1), one of the best teams in the nation in turnover margin, finished at minus-2 against the Cardinals after Gary Nova threw three interceptions.
The defense, which had 24 sacks going into the game, did not have any against an offensive line that has struggled big time. In fact, it was the first time all season that Louisville did not give up a sack.
That pass rush is going to have to be more consistent against the Mountaineers (5-2, 1-1), who gave up four sacks last week to Syracuse and failed to do a good enough job protecting Geno Smith. West Virginia could never get its high-powered offense going because Smith was constantly harassed.
That was a change, too. West Virginia went into the game having allowed just seven sacks in six games. Smith threw two costly interceptions that changed the momentum of the game. Four of his five interceptions this season have come in two losses to LSU and the Orange.
“It’s not only the pressure, it’s the hits and the quarterback pressures you get in addition to the sacks,” Schiano said. “Sacks aren’t always the most important thing. (Teddy) Bridgewater did a nice job of throwing the ball and not taking the big hit too many times. When you watch the Syracuse tape, they did a very good job of hitting the quarterback.
“When you have a great quarterback like Geno Smith, that’s going to be one element. You better mix up your coverages; you better mix up your looks. He’s one of the top quarterbacks in America and we really are going to have to be on our game to have any chance of slowing him down.”
Syracuse exposed some major weaknesses on the West Virginia defense as well. The Mountaineers got no pass rush, continuing a trend that has hurt this team throughout the season. The linebackers also did not have their best game. Quite frankly, nobody had their best game.
“We’ve got to play tougher,” West Virginia defensive lineman Julian Miller said in a phone interview. “There’s no excuse for anything we did out there in all three phases of the ball. That was made obvious and evident.
“You go into a game and you never expect to get out-toughened. Here at West Virginia, the whole identity of this school and this program is toughness. It’s not West Virginia football, and I think that’s what happened. We got away from playing tough, hard-nosed football and we got beat.”
Aside from seeing how both teams play up front, this game features three of the best receivers in the Big East in Mohamed Sanu of Rutgers and Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin of West Virginia. They are the top three Big East leaders in receptions per game and receiving yards per game, so slowing them down is obviously going to be a big part of the game plan for both teams.
Ryan said Bailey has come into his own as a receiver and is now a more complete player than he was a year ago. “That’s a great challenge for me and our defense as a whole, do our job to contain him,” he said.
The greatest challenge, of course, is for both teams to put last week behind them and try to move forward.
“We just have to execute our game plan,” Miller said. “If we don’t do that, then we could have another Syracuse on our hands. It’s all about us executing and being able to play our game and play West Virginia football.”
Here are the Big East players of the week, as selected by the conference.
Offense: Stedman Bailey, WR, West Virginia. Bailey had his fourth consecutive game with at least 100 receiving yards in a 43-16 win against Connecticut. He had seven receptions for 178 yards, including second-half touchdown catches of 84 and 27 yards, to help the Mountaineers break open what had been a one-point halftime lead. Bailey leads the Big East in receiving yards, averaging 105.7 yards a game.
Defense: Logan Ryan, CB, Rutgers. Ryan keyed a Rutgers defense that had four interceptions and six sacks in a 34-10 win against Pittsburgh. Ryan had two interceptions against the Panthers, including a 45-yard return for a touchdown, to go with four tackles and a pass breakup.
Special teams: Ross Krautman, K, Syracuse. Krautman scored 13 points, including the game-winning field goal as time expired, to give Syracuse a 37-34 win at Tulane. The game-winner was Krautman’s third field goal of the game and his second of the fourth quarter.
Weekly Honor Roll
Marcus Smith, DE, Louisville. Had three sacks in a 14-7 loss at North Carolina. Led a defense that had four sacks, eight tackles for loss and held the Tar Heels to 264 yards of offense.
Justin Francis, DT, Rutgers. Had eight tackles, two sacks, four tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries in a 34-10 win at Pittsburgh.
Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse. Went 19-of-34 for 186 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for a touchdown in a 37-34 win at Tulane.
Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia. Went 27-of-45 for 450 yards and four touchdowns in a 43-16 win against Connecticut.
Jewone Snow, LB, West Virginia. Had seven tackles, a half-sack for a safety and a pivotal 83-yard fumble return in a 43-16 win against Connecticut.
Offense: Stedman Bailey, WR, West Virginia. Bailey had his fourth consecutive game with at least 100 receiving yards in a 43-16 win against Connecticut. He had seven receptions for 178 yards, including second-half touchdown catches of 84 and 27 yards, to help the Mountaineers break open what had been a one-point halftime lead. Bailey leads the Big East in receiving yards, averaging 105.7 yards a game.
Defense: Logan Ryan, CB, Rutgers. Ryan keyed a Rutgers defense that had four interceptions and six sacks in a 34-10 win against Pittsburgh. Ryan had two interceptions against the Panthers, including a 45-yard return for a touchdown, to go with four tackles and a pass breakup.
Special teams: Ross Krautman, K, Syracuse. Krautman scored 13 points, including the game-winning field goal as time expired, to give Syracuse a 37-34 win at Tulane. The game-winner was Krautman’s third field goal of the game and his second of the fourth quarter.
Weekly Honor Roll
Marcus Smith, DE, Louisville. Had three sacks in a 14-7 loss at North Carolina. Led a defense that had four sacks, eight tackles for loss and held the Tar Heels to 264 yards of offense.
Justin Francis, DT, Rutgers. Had eight tackles, two sacks, four tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries in a 34-10 win at Pittsburgh.
Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse. Went 19-of-34 for 186 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for a touchdown in a 37-34 win at Tulane.
Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia. Went 27-of-45 for 450 yards and four touchdowns in a 43-16 win against Connecticut.
Jewone Snow, LB, West Virginia. Had seven tackles, a half-sack for a safety and a pivotal 83-yard fumble return in a 43-16 win against Connecticut.
Checking in around the league after yet another day of practice:
Cincinnati: Tight end Travis Kelce hurt his shoulder in the morning practice but the injury isn't believe to be serious. The team moves Friday to the Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center in West Harrison, Ind., to practice for two weeks.
Connecticut: Yet another receiver has decided to transfer. Malik Generett became the third receiver in a week to leave UConn for an FCS school. Generett is headed to Tennessee-Martin.
Louisville: The Cardinals held their media day on Wednesday, and coach Charlie Strong reiterated that Will Stein would be the starter at quarterback if the season started today. He also emphasized that this team's strength would be its defense, particularly in the front seven and at safety.
Pitt: Coach Todd Graham chastised his players for cursing during practice Wednesday. He also has banned them from using Twitter during camp. As for his players, he is looking at Ryan Turnley and Chris Jacobson at center. "The first two days we’re trying to make sure we have people in the right position, and at the end of the day we will go back and make evaluations," he said.
Rutgers: Injuries have started to mount for the Scarlet Knights. Defensive end Manny Abreu was carted off the field after he got "dinged." "He didn't look too good,'' coach Greg Schiano said. "I hope it's not too bad.'' Meanwhile, redshirt freshman safety Rashad Knight could be out for the season with a broken foot. Starting cornerback Logan Ryan also injured his leg. Running backs Jawan Jamison (hamstring) and Jeremy Deering (ill) have also missed practice time, along with starting left guard Desmond Wynn.
Syracuse: Three of the team's four centers were hampered with injuries during Wednesday's practice. Only starter Macky MacPherson is healthy. Freshman Jesse Wolf-Gould also took a few snaps to help out. Seniors Ian Allport and Nick Lepak and freshman Rob Trudo were all out. Offensive line coach Greg Adkins also has returned to the team after a non-threatening medical condition kept him out of camp the first five days.
USF: The kicking jobs remain open at USF. Coach Skip Holtz said after practice that nobody is kicking with any consistency so far in camp. “I can’t look you in the eye and tell you that anybody has nailed down any of the special-teams responsibilities,” he said.
Holtz said kicker Maikon Bonani has had a few up and down days. Redshirt freshman Marvin Kloss and true freshman walk-on Mattias Ciabatti are in the mix. At punter, Justin Brockhaus-Kann and Chris Veron are competing, along with Mattias Ciabatti.
West Virginia: Coach Dana Holgorsen is not too pleased with his receivers. He says there is still too much inconsistency there. "I don’t know how those guys can get worse from spring, but it looks to me like some of them have," Holgorsen said. The one player who stood out Wednesday was Ryan Nehlen, whose grandfather, great West Virginia coach Don Nehlen, was in attendance at practice.
Cincinnati: Tight end Travis Kelce hurt his shoulder in the morning practice but the injury isn't believe to be serious. The team moves Friday to the Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center in West Harrison, Ind., to practice for two weeks.
Connecticut: Yet another receiver has decided to transfer. Malik Generett became the third receiver in a week to leave UConn for an FCS school. Generett is headed to Tennessee-Martin.
Louisville: The Cardinals held their media day on Wednesday, and coach Charlie Strong reiterated that Will Stein would be the starter at quarterback if the season started today. He also emphasized that this team's strength would be its defense, particularly in the front seven and at safety.
Pitt: Coach Todd Graham chastised his players for cursing during practice Wednesday. He also has banned them from using Twitter during camp. As for his players, he is looking at Ryan Turnley and Chris Jacobson at center. "The first two days we’re trying to make sure we have people in the right position, and at the end of the day we will go back and make evaluations," he said.
Rutgers: Injuries have started to mount for the Scarlet Knights. Defensive end Manny Abreu was carted off the field after he got "dinged." "He didn't look too good,'' coach Greg Schiano said. "I hope it's not too bad.'' Meanwhile, redshirt freshman safety Rashad Knight could be out for the season with a broken foot. Starting cornerback Logan Ryan also injured his leg. Running backs Jawan Jamison (hamstring) and Jeremy Deering (ill) have also missed practice time, along with starting left guard Desmond Wynn.
Syracuse: Three of the team's four centers were hampered with injuries during Wednesday's practice. Only starter Macky MacPherson is healthy. Freshman Jesse Wolf-Gould also took a few snaps to help out. Seniors Ian Allport and Nick Lepak and freshman Rob Trudo were all out. Offensive line coach Greg Adkins also has returned to the team after a non-threatening medical condition kept him out of camp the first five days.
USF: The kicking jobs remain open at USF. Coach Skip Holtz said after practice that nobody is kicking with any consistency so far in camp. “I can’t look you in the eye and tell you that anybody has nailed down any of the special-teams responsibilities,” he said.
Holtz said kicker Maikon Bonani has had a few up and down days. Redshirt freshman Marvin Kloss and true freshman walk-on Mattias Ciabatti are in the mix. At punter, Justin Brockhaus-Kann and Chris Veron are competing, along with Mattias Ciabatti.
West Virginia: Coach Dana Holgorsen is not too pleased with his receivers. He says there is still too much inconsistency there. "I don’t know how those guys can get worse from spring, but it looks to me like some of them have," Holgorsen said. The one player who stood out Wednesday was Ryan Nehlen, whose grandfather, great West Virginia coach Don Nehlen, was in attendance at practice.
Big East position rankings: Cornerback
July, 8, 2011
7/08/11
2:00
PM ET
By
Andrea Adelson | ESPN.com
We round out the defensive team position rankings with the cornerbacks. There are some teams with plenty of experience. Others are in desperate need of improvement. Where do they stack up?
1. Connecticut. Both starters return in Blidi Wreh-Wilson and Dwayne Gratz, and the Huskies should continue to make the improvements they made in the second half of the season. The two combined for six of the team's 20 interceptions. Wreh-Wilson should be a preseason All-Big East selection and is one of the best in the league.
2. West Virginia. Keith Tandy returns after making first-team All Big East last season, though the Mountaineers have to replace Brandon Hogan, a second-team selection. They do have an experienced player in Pat Miller set to take over, with Brodrick Jenkins and Brantwon Bowser providing depth as well.
3. USF. The Bulls have to make up for the loss of Mistral Raymond, but have plenty of experienced players back in Kayvon Webster, Ricardo Dixon, George Baker and returning starter Quenton Washington. West Virginia gets the nod ahead of USF because of Tandy.
4. Syracuse. Both starters are gone in Mike Holmes and Da'Mond Merkerson. Kevyn Scott and Keon Lyn are penciled in to start. Scott has experience, while Lyn has plenty of potential. The problem is depth. Walk-on Joe Nassib is listed as a backup. Early enrollee Jaston George needs to show big improvement in the fall.
5. Pittsburgh. Coach Todd Graham has talked up K'Waun Williams and fifth-year senior Buddy Jackson after both had good springs. Antwuan Reed missed spring with injury but should be fine for the season, giving the Panthers three players with the potential to have a good year. The problem is that Williams is inexperienced and Jackson has failed to live up to expectations. Reed was inconsistent last season, too.
6. Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights lose their best cover cornerback in Brandon Bing, and David Rowe moved to safety. Both starting jobs are up for grabs. On the post-spring depth chart, Logan Ryan and Marcus Cooper were battling for one spot and Brandon Jones and Mason Robinson for another. Robinson moved over from receiver. Jordan Thomas also is in the mix after moving from running back.
7. Cincinnati. The Bearcats were pretty dismal in the secondary last season. They return everybody, and Dominique Battle should be back from a knee injury that cost him most of the season. Still, they need to tackle better and become more aggressive to help this unit improve.
8. Louisville. The Cardinals have major problems at cornerback. They lose starters Johnny Patrick and Bobby Burns, and Darius Ashley is suspended indefinitely following his second DUI arrest. Jordan Paschal, Anthony Conner and Preston Pace are in the mix. Freshman receiver Charles Gaines was moved here in the spring to provide some relief. But this is a major area of concern.
Previous rankings
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David Butler II/US PresswireUConn's Blidi Wreh-Wilson is one of the Big East's top returning cornerbacks.
David Butler II/US PresswireUConn's Blidi Wreh-Wilson is one of the Big East's top returning cornerbacks.2. West Virginia. Keith Tandy returns after making first-team All Big East last season, though the Mountaineers have to replace Brandon Hogan, a second-team selection. They do have an experienced player in Pat Miller set to take over, with Brodrick Jenkins and Brantwon Bowser providing depth as well.
3. USF. The Bulls have to make up for the loss of Mistral Raymond, but have plenty of experienced players back in Kayvon Webster, Ricardo Dixon, George Baker and returning starter Quenton Washington. West Virginia gets the nod ahead of USF because of Tandy.
4. Syracuse. Both starters are gone in Mike Holmes and Da'Mond Merkerson. Kevyn Scott and Keon Lyn are penciled in to start. Scott has experience, while Lyn has plenty of potential. The problem is depth. Walk-on Joe Nassib is listed as a backup. Early enrollee Jaston George needs to show big improvement in the fall.
5. Pittsburgh. Coach Todd Graham has talked up K'Waun Williams and fifth-year senior Buddy Jackson after both had good springs. Antwuan Reed missed spring with injury but should be fine for the season, giving the Panthers three players with the potential to have a good year. The problem is that Williams is inexperienced and Jackson has failed to live up to expectations. Reed was inconsistent last season, too.
6. Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights lose their best cover cornerback in Brandon Bing, and David Rowe moved to safety. Both starting jobs are up for grabs. On the post-spring depth chart, Logan Ryan and Marcus Cooper were battling for one spot and Brandon Jones and Mason Robinson for another. Robinson moved over from receiver. Jordan Thomas also is in the mix after moving from running back.
7. Cincinnati. The Bearcats were pretty dismal in the secondary last season. They return everybody, and Dominique Battle should be back from a knee injury that cost him most of the season. Still, they need to tackle better and become more aggressive to help this unit improve.
8. Louisville. The Cardinals have major problems at cornerback. They lose starters Johnny Patrick and Bobby Burns, and Darius Ashley is suspended indefinitely following his second DUI arrest. Jordan Paschal, Anthony Conner and Preston Pace are in the mix. Freshman receiver Charles Gaines was moved here in the spring to provide some relief. But this is a major area of concern.
Previous rankings
Rutgers has released its post-spring depth chart, and the two-deep reveals some serious competition at some key spots this summer.
Greg Schiano has three players -- Jeremy Deering, De'Antwan Williams and Jawan Jamison -- listed as tied for the first-string running back job. And that doesn't even count incoming freshman Savon Huggins, a much-hyped recruit.
There's also a tie at tight end, where sophomore Paul Carrezola has moved into a dead heat with incumbent starter D.C. Jefferson. Both cornerback spots also have co-starter situations, with Logan Ryan and Marcus Cooper battling on one side and Brandon Jones and Mason Robinson doing so on the other.
David Osei is now the starting center after Dallas Hendrickson's season-ending knee injury. The rest of the offensive line has Andre Civil at left tackle, Desmond Stapleton at right tackle and Antwan Lowery and Desmond Wynn at the guard spots. Caleb Ruch is listed as the backup at both center and right guard.
True freshman Djwany Mera has worked his way up to second string on the defensive line.
Greg Schiano has three players -- Jeremy Deering, De'Antwan Williams and Jawan Jamison -- listed as tied for the first-string running back job. And that doesn't even count incoming freshman Savon Huggins, a much-hyped recruit.
There's also a tie at tight end, where sophomore Paul Carrezola has moved into a dead heat with incumbent starter D.C. Jefferson. Both cornerback spots also have co-starter situations, with Logan Ryan and Marcus Cooper battling on one side and Brandon Jones and Mason Robinson doing so on the other.
David Osei is now the starting center after Dallas Hendrickson's season-ending knee injury. The rest of the offensive line has Andre Civil at left tackle, Desmond Stapleton at right tackle and Antwan Lowery and Desmond Wynn at the guard spots. Caleb Ruch is listed as the backup at both center and right guard.
True freshman Djwany Mera has worked his way up to second string on the defensive line.
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.
