Big East: Paul Pasqualoni
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- I had a chance to catch up with UConn coach Paul Pasqualoni during the Big East spring meetings. We talked about where the quarterback race stands and some of his remaining questions heading into fall practice.
Do you have a front-runner in the race to be your starting quarterback?
PP: Chandler Whitmer had the best production in the spring game, so I think there are members of the media, and I’ve been through this before, that like to choose the quarterback. If the members of the media, based on the spring game, were choosing the starting quarterback, Chandler Whitmer would be the front-runner. But I’ve been in this long enough to know that it’s not based on one performance. It’s the body of work over an extended period of time. They all did some pretty good things in the spring. Having said that, we’re going to come back into preseason camp and we’re going to continue the competition but I would like very, very much to make a decision as soon as I can.
It did drag on into the season opener last year.
PP: I preferred for that not to happen. Years back when we had Donovan McNabb, Kevin Johnson and Keith Downing all competing, it was the same thing; we were trying to figure it out. We weren’t able to do it early in preseason, so we did it in the end to get all the scrimmages in and get all the opportunities to watch and see them play and produce. If we have to, we’re going to do that, but if we don’t have to, we’re not going to do that. I’d like to be able to say tomorrow, 'Here it is, let’s go,' but I just can’t do that. So we’re going to grind it out. It’s a big decision, obviously, and we’re going to try to make the best, informed decision that we can.
How will you manage the reps with all five still competing?
PP: We did a great job of managing the reps in the spring, so we’ll go back in and we’ll manage the reps the same way. They’ll each get a significant number of reps. Scotty McCummings will still have the majority of the Wildcat reps, although he works on the entire game plan and we’re trying to develop him as a drop-back passer as well. We’ll divide them up and we’ll do the best we can with it.
If Casey Cochran doesn’t emerge as your starter, have you given thought to redshirting him?
PP: We haven’t discussed any of that yet. We really don’t talk about redshirting anyone at this point. My policy is I want them coming in with a non-redshirt mentality when they get on campus. My fear has always been if you start to talk that redshirt mentality and they come into camp and they’re not ready enough, it affects their conditioning and the way they go through practice. I want them coming in and all competing.
How about the development of your offensive line this spring. Where does that group stand?
PP: We’re anxious to get Jimmy Bennett back. He’ll be back. He’s been cleared, he’ll work out full go here in early June. He was really one of our better tackles last year. The biggest issue with Jimmy is to get him ready to go but keep him healthy. Adam Masters got nicked up in the spring, we have to get Adam back, and over at right tackle, Kevin Friend has been working hard. So if Jimmy’s back and Jimmy’s playing tackle, it gives us flexibility to put Adam back at guard. Alex Mateas and Tyler Bullock are competing at center. There are a few freshmen I want to see practice, Tyler Samra, Rennick Bryan. I want to see where they can fit in the top 10. So those are going to be all really big things for us with the offensive line in camp.
How about the defensive line? It seemed Ryan Wirth had a good spring game.
PP: Ryan Wirth got nicked up but then he came back for the spring game and had a very productive spring game. He’s a senior, and we expect to get senior leadership out of him. Shamar Stephen, Angel Pruitt, I thought Julian Campenni had a productive spring until he got hurt. He cut his ear and was unable to play in spring game but he had a productive spring. We’re not there yet on the defensive line, and we’re not there yet on the offensive line, but we’re going in the right direction. We’ve got the right guys on the bus. It’s a matter of getting them in the right seats now.
What are your biggest questions then, aside from quarterback?
PP: Offensive line, defensive line, and what the depth is going to be at both the tailback position and the wide receiver position.
Losing D.J. Shoemate was obviously tough.
PP: It was. We know what Lyle McCombs can do. But we’ve got to find out who the next two guys are.
At receiver, Shakim Phillips seemed to have a good spring as well.
PP: Shakim had a good spring, Mike Smith is back and he’s played a lot of football for us. Nick Williams is back. We’ve got the two young guys in Tebucky Jones and Geremy Davis who have done pretty good, and then we moved Deshon Foxx out to wide receiver and he showed some promise. I think we know who the older guys are there. Now we have to figure out the younger rookie guys and see what kind of depth we have. I want each of them to have a role. To say that I’ve got all that figured out right now -- I don’t.
Do you have a front-runner in the race to be your starting quarterback?
PP: Chandler Whitmer had the best production in the spring game, so I think there are members of the media, and I’ve been through this before, that like to choose the quarterback. If the members of the media, based on the spring game, were choosing the starting quarterback, Chandler Whitmer would be the front-runner. But I’ve been in this long enough to know that it’s not based on one performance. It’s the body of work over an extended period of time. They all did some pretty good things in the spring. Having said that, we’re going to come back into preseason camp and we’re going to continue the competition but I would like very, very much to make a decision as soon as I can.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Tomasso DeRosaPaul Pasqualoni still has a decision to make regarding his starting quarterback.
AP Photo/Tomasso DeRosaPaul Pasqualoni still has a decision to make regarding his starting quarterback.PP: I preferred for that not to happen. Years back when we had Donovan McNabb, Kevin Johnson and Keith Downing all competing, it was the same thing; we were trying to figure it out. We weren’t able to do it early in preseason, so we did it in the end to get all the scrimmages in and get all the opportunities to watch and see them play and produce. If we have to, we’re going to do that, but if we don’t have to, we’re not going to do that. I’d like to be able to say tomorrow, 'Here it is, let’s go,' but I just can’t do that. So we’re going to grind it out. It’s a big decision, obviously, and we’re going to try to make the best, informed decision that we can.
How will you manage the reps with all five still competing?
PP: We did a great job of managing the reps in the spring, so we’ll go back in and we’ll manage the reps the same way. They’ll each get a significant number of reps. Scotty McCummings will still have the majority of the Wildcat reps, although he works on the entire game plan and we’re trying to develop him as a drop-back passer as well. We’ll divide them up and we’ll do the best we can with it.
If Casey Cochran doesn’t emerge as your starter, have you given thought to redshirting him?
PP: We haven’t discussed any of that yet. We really don’t talk about redshirting anyone at this point. My policy is I want them coming in with a non-redshirt mentality when they get on campus. My fear has always been if you start to talk that redshirt mentality and they come into camp and they’re not ready enough, it affects their conditioning and the way they go through practice. I want them coming in and all competing.
How about the development of your offensive line this spring. Where does that group stand?
PP: We’re anxious to get Jimmy Bennett back. He’ll be back. He’s been cleared, he’ll work out full go here in early June. He was really one of our better tackles last year. The biggest issue with Jimmy is to get him ready to go but keep him healthy. Adam Masters got nicked up in the spring, we have to get Adam back, and over at right tackle, Kevin Friend has been working hard. So if Jimmy’s back and Jimmy’s playing tackle, it gives us flexibility to put Adam back at guard. Alex Mateas and Tyler Bullock are competing at center. There are a few freshmen I want to see practice, Tyler Samra, Rennick Bryan. I want to see where they can fit in the top 10. So those are going to be all really big things for us with the offensive line in camp.
How about the defensive line? It seemed Ryan Wirth had a good spring game.
PP: Ryan Wirth got nicked up but then he came back for the spring game and had a very productive spring game. He’s a senior, and we expect to get senior leadership out of him. Shamar Stephen, Angel Pruitt, I thought Julian Campenni had a productive spring until he got hurt. He cut his ear and was unable to play in spring game but he had a productive spring. We’re not there yet on the defensive line, and we’re not there yet on the offensive line, but we’re going in the right direction. We’ve got the right guys on the bus. It’s a matter of getting them in the right seats now.
What are your biggest questions then, aside from quarterback?
PP: Offensive line, defensive line, and what the depth is going to be at both the tailback position and the wide receiver position.
Losing D.J. Shoemate was obviously tough.
PP: It was. We know what Lyle McCombs can do. But we’ve got to find out who the next two guys are.
At receiver, Shakim Phillips seemed to have a good spring as well.
PP: Shakim had a good spring, Mike Smith is back and he’s played a lot of football for us. Nick Williams is back. We’ve got the two young guys in Tebucky Jones and Geremy Davis who have done pretty good, and then we moved Deshon Foxx out to wide receiver and he showed some promise. I think we know who the older guys are there. Now we have to figure out the younger rookie guys and see what kind of depth we have. I want each of them to have a role. To say that I’ve got all that figured out right now -- I don’t.
Is there such a thing as a Big East coach being hated because he wins too much?
The answer is clearly no when you look at the current group of head coaches. Three of them have never coached in a Big East game. Three are going into their third seasons in the league and are barely above .500. Paul Pasqualoni has a bushel-full of victories, but nearly all of them came at Syracuse two decades ago.
So let us take a dip back into history to find an answer. Here are the all-time winningest coaches in Big East history, by overall percentage. I am using this statistic because many of the biggest winners do not stick around the Big East for long.
The conclusion is an easy one: Much more than one hated coach, Miami was a hated team because of all the wins it racked up while playing in the Big East from 1991-2003. That includes two national championships and seven Big East titles, more than any other school. Coker was never vilified or hated. The man is impossibly nice.
Davis' image took much more of a hit at North Carolina because he left the place in scandal, with two major investigations hanging over the program. While at Miami, he was lauded as the man who saved the program from NCAA sanctions. It is hard to hate a coach who won 10 games only once in his career.
Erickson simply took over for Jimmy Johnson and continued what was started.
But the assignment is to find a coach hated for winning. Let's look at some of the other names on the list. Kelly and Petrino were hated much more for the way they left their programs, as documented earlier in this series. Kelly only coached three years in the Big East; Petrino only two in the Big East. I can't imagine their short stays struck fear into the hearts of opponents, despite all the victories.
So let's turn the focus to Rodriguez. He, more than any of the aforementioned coaches, probably fits the bill. In his final three seasons in Morgantown, Rodriguez won two league championships and had three 11-win seasons. His team went undefeated in league play in 2005, one of only two teams to accomplish the feat in the past seven years. He won with swagger and style, and some of the best athletes in Big East history.
But I used the word probably. Because as great as Rodriguez was, his on-field coaching career in the Big East will be defined by what he didn't do in 2007. West Virginia was ranked No. 2 in the country going into the regular-season finale against Pitt in the always heated Backyard Brawl. Win, and the Mountaineers would be playing for the school's first national title. Pitt was already out of the bowl picture, entering the game at 4-7. West Virginia was a 28 1/2-point favorite.
Slam dunk, right? Well, you guys know what happened. Pitt pulled one of the biggest upsets in the series, and Rodriguez went packing to Michigan. The loss will always follow Rodriguez, despite all of his wins in the league. On the day he needed a win most of all, he failed. But that loss did not make him a villain in Morgantown. Leaving did.
That is why it is hard to anoint any Big East coach as somebody hated for winning.
Current Big East coaches' career records in the league:
The answer is clearly no when you look at the current group of head coaches. Three of them have never coached in a Big East game. Three are going into their third seasons in the league and are barely above .500. Paul Pasqualoni has a bushel-full of victories, but nearly all of them came at Syracuse two decades ago.
So let us take a dip back into history to find an answer. Here are the all-time winningest coaches in Big East history, by overall percentage. I am using this statistic because many of the biggest winners do not stick around the Big East for long.
- Larry Coker, Miami: 35-3 (.921)
- Dennis Erickson, Miami: 42-6 (.875)
- Brian Kelly, Cincinnati: 34-6 (.850)
- Bobby Petrino, Louisville: 21-4 (.840)
- Butch Davis, Miami: 51-20 (.718)
- Bill Stewart, West Virginia: 28-12 (.700)
- Rich Rodriguez, West Virginia: 60-26 (.698)
- Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech: 108-48-1 (.691)
The conclusion is an easy one: Much more than one hated coach, Miami was a hated team because of all the wins it racked up while playing in the Big East from 1991-2003. That includes two national championships and seven Big East titles, more than any other school. Coker was never vilified or hated. The man is impossibly nice.
Davis' image took much more of a hit at North Carolina because he left the place in scandal, with two major investigations hanging over the program. While at Miami, he was lauded as the man who saved the program from NCAA sanctions. It is hard to hate a coach who won 10 games only once in his career.
Erickson simply took over for Jimmy Johnson and continued what was started.
But the assignment is to find a coach hated for winning. Let's look at some of the other names on the list. Kelly and Petrino were hated much more for the way they left their programs, as documented earlier in this series. Kelly only coached three years in the Big East; Petrino only two in the Big East. I can't imagine their short stays struck fear into the hearts of opponents, despite all the victories.
So let's turn the focus to Rodriguez. He, more than any of the aforementioned coaches, probably fits the bill. In his final three seasons in Morgantown, Rodriguez won two league championships and had three 11-win seasons. His team went undefeated in league play in 2005, one of only two teams to accomplish the feat in the past seven years. He won with swagger and style, and some of the best athletes in Big East history.
But I used the word probably. Because as great as Rodriguez was, his on-field coaching career in the Big East will be defined by what he didn't do in 2007. West Virginia was ranked No. 2 in the country going into the regular-season finale against Pitt in the always heated Backyard Brawl. Win, and the Mountaineers would be playing for the school's first national title. Pitt was already out of the bowl picture, entering the game at 4-7. West Virginia was a 28 1/2-point favorite.
Slam dunk, right? Well, you guys know what happened. Pitt pulled one of the biggest upsets in the series, and Rodriguez went packing to Michigan. The loss will always follow Rodriguez, despite all of his wins in the league. On the day he needed a win most of all, he failed. But that loss did not make him a villain in Morgantown. Leaving did.
That is why it is hard to anoint any Big East coach as somebody hated for winning.
Current Big East coaches' career records in the league:
- Paul Pasqualoni, Syracuse and UConn: 112-63-1
- Doug Marrone, Syracuse: 17-20
- Butch Jones, Cincinnati: 14-11
- Charlie Strong, Louisville: 14-12
- Skip Holtz, USF: 13-12
- Steve Addazio, Temple: 0-0
- Paul Chryst, Pitt: 0-0
- Kyle Flood, Rutgers: 0-0
Time to close out the week with a final installment of the Big East mailblog. It was a busy week at the ACC meetings. There will be plenty more next week with the Big East meetings in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Stay tuned for updates, and a few more notes from Pitt and Syracuse.
Now who has some questions?
Paul in New Jersey writes: AA, If there is no agreement with any of the new BCS proposals, is it possible the conference commissioners would just throw up their arms and continue to operate the BCS under the current rules in 2014?
Andrea Adelson: Anything is possible, Paul, especially when each conference has its own agenda. Just look at this comment from ACC commissioner John Swofford from our media availability Wednesday: "The more this gets focused, the more difficult it will become in terms of getting us all to agree on something. I don’t think we’ll end up back with where we are right now, but it’s possible. We’ll have to see how that plays out."
Paul in the Adirondacks writes: SU fan here who's still bitter about the move to the ACC. Is it wrong of me to feel some joy that FSU might bolt the ACC for another conference? That way they get a taste of their own medicine? Also at this point why don't the Big East and ACC be proactive and join the conferences together to form a beast in all sports?
Adelson: I feel your pain, but you have to come to terms with the fact that Syracuse will indeed become a member of the ACC. Therefore, you should feel no joy that Florida State might bolt for another conference. Florida State is one of the few high-profile football teams the ACC has. If the Seminoles go, then you are looking at potentially another addition from the Big East. If you just want another version of the Big East, then you can jump for joy. But if you want a strong football conference, then you should worry. As for the super conglomerate ACC/Big East, a 27-team conference is really not a conference. C-USA and the Mountain West just tried to create an association, but it appears that might not work out. The ACC has its own interests, so I'm not sure how it would benefit with a joint Big East venture.
Petey D. in Ansonia, Conn., writes: What's the deal with UConn having a plethora of quarterbacks with the offer to the prep school kid
from Plano (Richard Lagow)? Not saying that he even signs with UConn, but, when do they take what they have and develop a couple quarterbacks instead of trying to use a stable of quarterbacks, because we all know if you have more than one starting QB you have no starting QB. And is the front-runner Chandler Whitmer?
Adelson: I don't have any issue with UConn offering a quarterback. Most teams carry somewhere in the neighborhood of four scholarship quarterbacks at one time. That is one position where depth is really important, particularly if the players you sign don't pan out, which has been the case recently for the Huskies. As for the front-runner, my guess is it's Whitmer after his spring-game performance, but coach Paul Pasqualoni has not said anything official.
Frank in Sarasota, Fla., writes: There is no way USF has the support for an on-campus stadium. Ray Jay is a better place than USF will ever be able to build and the student athletic fees are already fairly high. Let us figure out if we will be in Conference USA by 2015. I know I will be at the games no matter what, but how many fans will come out to see the Bulls play Rice, Tulane or another third-tier football school without any regional draw?
Adelson: As opposed to SMU, Houston, San Diego State and Boise State? Or heck, even Rutgers and UConn? As I mentioned in the post, I think it is good that USF is thinking big. But the only way the Bulls should ever do it is if they have the financial backing and are certain they will be able to get a better deal than they have at Raymond James Stadium. The old saying "If you build it, they will come" does not ring true for on-campus stadiums everywhere.
John in Louisville, Ky., writes: AA, hope you are having fun at the ACC meetings, and taking notes on how they are worse than the BE. I have a bowl question. With so many schools located in the north, and quite a few domes in those areas, why don't we have bowls there? Example in Indianapolis, shouldn't be that hard to find a weekend the Colts have an away game and have a B1G vs. BE (or ACC, or B12). Fans would love it and show up in larger numbers than having to travel to the south every year.
Adelson: I will be comparing meetings between the two, that is for sure. As for your questions, cities must want to host bowl games. Indianapolis might be interested in hosting a national championship game. But a second-tier bowl game? Maybe not. There also is an extensive application process even to be approved to host a bowl game. Detroit does host the Little Caesars Bowl, which pits the Big Ten against the MAC. But I'm not sure what other cities would want to start up their own games.
Jonathan in Storrs, Conn., writes: Concerning that USA Today study of the percent of subsidies each school receives from student fees, the 23.8 percent that UConn receives go to the Student Recreation Services as UConn puts that under the athletic department. So the fees technically go the athletic department, but are funneled to the student recreation services for the rec center and intramurals.
Adelson: Thanks for the clarification, Jonathan. Excellent information.
Now who has some questions?
Paul in New Jersey writes: AA, If there is no agreement with any of the new BCS proposals, is it possible the conference commissioners would just throw up their arms and continue to operate the BCS under the current rules in 2014?
Andrea Adelson: Anything is possible, Paul, especially when each conference has its own agenda. Just look at this comment from ACC commissioner John Swofford from our media availability Wednesday: "The more this gets focused, the more difficult it will become in terms of getting us all to agree on something. I don’t think we’ll end up back with where we are right now, but it’s possible. We’ll have to see how that plays out."
Paul in the Adirondacks writes: SU fan here who's still bitter about the move to the ACC. Is it wrong of me to feel some joy that FSU might bolt the ACC for another conference? That way they get a taste of their own medicine? Also at this point why don't the Big East and ACC be proactive and join the conferences together to form a beast in all sports?
Adelson: I feel your pain, but you have to come to terms with the fact that Syracuse will indeed become a member of the ACC. Therefore, you should feel no joy that Florida State might bolt for another conference. Florida State is one of the few high-profile football teams the ACC has. If the Seminoles go, then you are looking at potentially another addition from the Big East. If you just want another version of the Big East, then you can jump for joy. But if you want a strong football conference, then you should worry. As for the super conglomerate ACC/Big East, a 27-team conference is really not a conference. C-USA and the Mountain West just tried to create an association, but it appears that might not work out. The ACC has its own interests, so I'm not sure how it would benefit with a joint Big East venture.
Petey D. in Ansonia, Conn., writes: What's the deal with UConn having a plethora of quarterbacks with the offer to the prep school kid
from Plano (Richard Lagow)? Not saying that he even signs with UConn, but, when do they take what they have and develop a couple quarterbacks instead of trying to use a stable of quarterbacks, because we all know if you have more than one starting QB you have no starting QB. And is the front-runner Chandler Whitmer?
Adelson: I don't have any issue with UConn offering a quarterback. Most teams carry somewhere in the neighborhood of four scholarship quarterbacks at one time. That is one position where depth is really important, particularly if the players you sign don't pan out, which has been the case recently for the Huskies. As for the front-runner, my guess is it's Whitmer after his spring-game performance, but coach Paul Pasqualoni has not said anything official.
Frank in Sarasota, Fla., writes: There is no way USF has the support for an on-campus stadium. Ray Jay is a better place than USF will ever be able to build and the student athletic fees are already fairly high. Let us figure out if we will be in Conference USA by 2015. I know I will be at the games no matter what, but how many fans will come out to see the Bulls play Rice, Tulane or another third-tier football school without any regional draw?
Adelson: As opposed to SMU, Houston, San Diego State and Boise State? Or heck, even Rutgers and UConn? As I mentioned in the post, I think it is good that USF is thinking big. But the only way the Bulls should ever do it is if they have the financial backing and are certain they will be able to get a better deal than they have at Raymond James Stadium. The old saying "If you build it, they will come" does not ring true for on-campus stadiums everywhere.
John in Louisville, Ky., writes: AA, hope you are having fun at the ACC meetings, and taking notes on how they are worse than the BE. I have a bowl question. With so many schools located in the north, and quite a few domes in those areas, why don't we have bowls there? Example in Indianapolis, shouldn't be that hard to find a weekend the Colts have an away game and have a B1G vs. BE (or ACC, or B12). Fans would love it and show up in larger numbers than having to travel to the south every year.
Adelson: I will be comparing meetings between the two, that is for sure. As for your questions, cities must want to host bowl games. Indianapolis might be interested in hosting a national championship game. But a second-tier bowl game? Maybe not. There also is an extensive application process even to be approved to host a bowl game. Detroit does host the Little Caesars Bowl, which pits the Big Ten against the MAC. But I'm not sure what other cities would want to start up their own games.
Jonathan in Storrs, Conn., writes: Concerning that USA Today study of the percent of subsidies each school receives from student fees, the 23.8 percent that UConn receives go to the Student Recreation Services as UConn puts that under the athletic department. So the fees technically go the athletic department, but are funneled to the student recreation services for the rec center and intramurals.
Adelson: Thanks for the clarification, Jonathan. Excellent information.
Let's take a look at the best of the best in the Big East this spring.
Best spring game performance: Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. As noted in the What we learned post, Bridgewater was on point in his spring game, going 19-of-21 for 257 yards and three touchdowns. Now, I understand that his team was going against the second-team defense. But coach Charlie Strong gave the second team a 21-point lead to start the game, just to see if Bridgewater could lead his team back. He did, and had the best spring game of any quarterback in the Big East.
Best overall spring: Pitt running back Isaac Bennett. This might be a slight exaggeration, but it felt as if every time I checked a Pitt practice report, Bennett was ripping off another 50-plus yard run. In 15 practices, he had four of them, including a 51-yarder in the spring game. Bennett had 121 yards on 23 carries in that final spring performance, and proved he should be relied upon along with Ray Graham this upcoming season.
Best spring comeback: This also has to go to a Pitt player -- linebacker Dan Mason. If you love comeback stories, you have to love what Mason did this spring. His career appeared to be over after he suffered a devastating knee injury in September 2010. Not only did he tear ligaments, he suffered nerve damage as well. But Mason was back on the field this spring, running with the first team until he missed the final few practices for undisclosed reasons. If he makes it back onto the field in September, his comeback story will be an incredible tale to tell.
Best performance by a transfer: USF cornerback Fidel Montgomery. There are several transfers who have a chance at seeing significant playing time this season -- UConn quarterback Chandler Whitmer, UConn receiver Shakim Phillips and Pitt safety Ray Vinopal among them. But Montgomery stood above the rest this spring with the way he immediately made plays. It seemed pretty clear from the outset that he would win the starting job, and sure enough he sits atop the depth chart at the end of spring.
Best quote: “I don’t want a guy that’s got to come out of the game. I don’t want a guy that’s saying I’m tired, take me out. I don’t want a Jaguar. Do you know what a Jaguar is? The Jaguar is always in the shop, always breaking down, so I don’t want a Jaguar. I want a durable guy, and if we put him in the game he stays in the game. We’re trying to develop the depth we have, but I’m all for one guy staying out there. Now, we’re going to use the talents and ability we have, but I want them all to be able to do it if you know what I mean.” -- UConn coach Paul Pasqualoni, on his running backs philosophy.
Best spring game performance: Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. As noted in the What we learned post, Bridgewater was on point in his spring game, going 19-of-21 for 257 yards and three touchdowns. Now, I understand that his team was going against the second-team defense. But coach Charlie Strong gave the second team a 21-point lead to start the game, just to see if Bridgewater could lead his team back. He did, and had the best spring game of any quarterback in the Big East.
Best overall spring: Pitt running back Isaac Bennett. This might be a slight exaggeration, but it felt as if every time I checked a Pitt practice report, Bennett was ripping off another 50-plus yard run. In 15 practices, he had four of them, including a 51-yarder in the spring game. Bennett had 121 yards on 23 carries in that final spring performance, and proved he should be relied upon along with Ray Graham this upcoming season.
Best spring comeback: This also has to go to a Pitt player -- linebacker Dan Mason. If you love comeback stories, you have to love what Mason did this spring. His career appeared to be over after he suffered a devastating knee injury in September 2010. Not only did he tear ligaments, he suffered nerve damage as well. But Mason was back on the field this spring, running with the first team until he missed the final few practices for undisclosed reasons. If he makes it back onto the field in September, his comeback story will be an incredible tale to tell.
Best performance by a transfer: USF cornerback Fidel Montgomery. There are several transfers who have a chance at seeing significant playing time this season -- UConn quarterback Chandler Whitmer, UConn receiver Shakim Phillips and Pitt safety Ray Vinopal among them. But Montgomery stood above the rest this spring with the way he immediately made plays. It seemed pretty clear from the outset that he would win the starting job, and sure enough he sits atop the depth chart at the end of spring.
Best quote: “I don’t want a guy that’s got to come out of the game. I don’t want a guy that’s saying I’m tired, take me out. I don’t want a Jaguar. Do you know what a Jaguar is? The Jaguar is always in the shop, always breaking down, so I don’t want a Jaguar. I want a durable guy, and if we put him in the game he stays in the game. We’re trying to develop the depth we have, but I’m all for one guy staying out there. Now, we’re going to use the talents and ability we have, but I want them all to be able to do it if you know what I mean.” -- UConn coach Paul Pasqualoni, on his running backs philosophy.
Four Big East teams still undecided at QB
May, 10, 2012
May 10
12:27
PM ET
By
Andrea Adelson | ESPN.com
Four Big East teams went into the spring with open quarterback competitions.
Four Big East teams leave the spring with open quarterback competitions.
So much for spring practice resolving some major question marks.
Cincinnati, UConn, Pitt and Rutgers have not declared starters at the most high-profile position. While it appears front-runners have emerged at Cincinnati (Munchie Legaux), Pitt (Tino
Sunseri) and UConn (Chandler Whitmer), none of the head coaches at those respective schools have made any definitive announcements.
At Rutgers, there appears to be no true front-runner after spring practice, as neither Chas Dodd nor Gary Nova was consistent enough to win the job. Dodd has more game experience but Nova has all the physical tools you want your quarterback to have. Both started games last season, as former coach Greg Schiano continued what has been a recent trend of his -- playing musical quarterbacks.
But new coach Kyle Flood says he is going to make a decision on his starter at least a week before the season opener, and stick with that guy. He does not want to switch his starters in and out the way Schiano did the past several years.
UConn has had quarterback instability over the past several seasons as well. Last spring, the Huskies essentially went through the same routine, with four quarterbacks competing for the starting job. Nobody won it after the spring and the competition lasted until the season opener.
Johnny McEntee ended up becoming the starter, but he was largely ineffective and in over his head last season. UConn ended up playing three quarterbacks and posted its first losing record since 2006.
Those three players -- McEntee, Michael Nebrich and Scott McCummings -- were back in the spring competing to win the starting job.
Added into the mix were two early enrollees -- freshman Casey Cochran and Whitmer, a junior college transfer. It was Whitmer who had the best performance in the spring game, throwing two touchdown passes.
But coach Paul Pasqualoni was not ready to declare the competition over.
Immediately after the spring game last month, Pasqualoni said, "We'll come back in four weeks to start their summer program. Then we get to start this process all over again. Once we get into preseason camp and it's clear, then we'll make a decision. We won't make a decision right now."
The quarterback group as a whole in the Big East is not particularly strong this year, though Louisville freshman Teddy Bridgewater is on the rise. But the league goes into the year without a marquee name at the position for the first time in a long time. The Big East is the only one of the six automatic qualifying conferences without a returning 3,000-yard passer.
Look at recent history -- most everybody expected Geno Smith at West Virginia to have a breakout season last year. Folks knew about Zach Collaros at Cincinnati. Going further back, the Big East had nationally recognizable big names like Tony Pike, Pat White and Brian Brohm back to 2005. That was the first year of the reconfigured Big East.
Marquee quarterback names generally translate into more national attention, whether that involves debates, comparisons or even Heisman talk. The Big East is sorely lacking in that department. Even if the open quarterback competitions were resolved this spring, this is a position in need of a breakout star.
And fast.
Four Big East teams leave the spring with open quarterback competitions.
So much for spring practice resolving some major question marks.
Cincinnati, UConn, Pitt and Rutgers have not declared starters at the most high-profile position. While it appears front-runners have emerged at Cincinnati (Munchie Legaux), Pitt (Tino
Sunseri) and UConn (Chandler Whitmer), none of the head coaches at those respective schools have made any definitive announcements.
At Rutgers, there appears to be no true front-runner after spring practice, as neither Chas Dodd nor Gary Nova was consistent enough to win the job. Dodd has more game experience but Nova has all the physical tools you want your quarterback to have. Both started games last season, as former coach Greg Schiano continued what has been a recent trend of his -- playing musical quarterbacks.
[+] Enlarge
Jamie Rhodes/US PresswireCan emerging Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater help the Big East gain more national attention?
Jamie Rhodes/US PresswireCan emerging Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater help the Big East gain more national attention?UConn has had quarterback instability over the past several seasons as well. Last spring, the Huskies essentially went through the same routine, with four quarterbacks competing for the starting job. Nobody won it after the spring and the competition lasted until the season opener.
Johnny McEntee ended up becoming the starter, but he was largely ineffective and in over his head last season. UConn ended up playing three quarterbacks and posted its first losing record since 2006.
Those three players -- McEntee, Michael Nebrich and Scott McCummings -- were back in the spring competing to win the starting job.
Added into the mix were two early enrollees -- freshman Casey Cochran and Whitmer, a junior college transfer. It was Whitmer who had the best performance in the spring game, throwing two touchdown passes.
But coach Paul Pasqualoni was not ready to declare the competition over.
Immediately after the spring game last month, Pasqualoni said, "We'll come back in four weeks to start their summer program. Then we get to start this process all over again. Once we get into preseason camp and it's clear, then we'll make a decision. We won't make a decision right now."
The quarterback group as a whole in the Big East is not particularly strong this year, though Louisville freshman Teddy Bridgewater is on the rise. But the league goes into the year without a marquee name at the position for the first time in a long time. The Big East is the only one of the six automatic qualifying conferences without a returning 3,000-yard passer.
Look at recent history -- most everybody expected Geno Smith at West Virginia to have a breakout season last year. Folks knew about Zach Collaros at Cincinnati. Going further back, the Big East had nationally recognizable big names like Tony Pike, Pat White and Brian Brohm back to 2005. That was the first year of the reconfigured Big East.
Marquee quarterback names generally translate into more national attention, whether that involves debates, comparisons or even Heisman talk. The Big East is sorely lacking in that department. Even if the open quarterback competitions were resolved this spring, this is a position in need of a breakout star.
And fast.
Time to move along to Week 7 in my ultimate Big East road trip. For those just tuning in, I am selecting the games I would choose to see each and every week this season.
My editors usually do that for me. But if the scheduling were up to me, this is where I would want to go.
Here is the Week 7 schedule:
Why: Not exactly a scintillating Big East slate this week, but it happens from time to time. There are some intriguing story lines for a few of the games -- Steve Addazio goes against his mentor in Paul Pasqualoni when the Owls play at UConn. Then you have the battle for New York between Syracuse and Rutgers, in what could very well be their final game against Big East rivals. Who can forget the turnover-fest that ended in overtime last year?
But I am going with Louisville vs. Pitt for a few reasons. For one, I am projecting that this game is going to have an impact on the Big East race, based on where I expect both teams to be at this point in the season. For another, there is a bit of a revenge factor going in this game. Last season, Louisville had a great opportunity to make some noise in the Big East race headed into its Nov. 12 home game against Pitt. The Cardinals had won three in a row, including a huge victory at West Virginia the previous week. Pitt was struggling with Ray Graham out.
But the Panthers came in and pushed Louisville around -- rushing for 200 yards against one of the best run defenses in the league -- and won 21-14. The following week, Louisville coach Charlie Strong said his players weren't focused for Pitt because they spent too much time playing the video game "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3." I think you all remember cracking wise about that.
Anyway, if Louisville is as good as advertised, the Cardinals should once again be the favorite going into this game. The potential also exists for them to be undefeated. Oh and by the way, this also happens to be Louisville's league opener. I think it is pretty safe to project the stakes to be the highest in this game.
Here are my previous choices:
My editors usually do that for me. But if the scheduling were up to me, this is where I would want to go.
Here is the Week 7 schedule:
- Fordham at Cincinnati
- Temple at UConn
- Louisville at Pitt
- Syracuse at Rutgers
Why: Not exactly a scintillating Big East slate this week, but it happens from time to time. There are some intriguing story lines for a few of the games -- Steve Addazio goes against his mentor in Paul Pasqualoni when the Owls play at UConn. Then you have the battle for New York between Syracuse and Rutgers, in what could very well be their final game against Big East rivals. Who can forget the turnover-fest that ended in overtime last year?
But I am going with Louisville vs. Pitt for a few reasons. For one, I am projecting that this game is going to have an impact on the Big East race, based on where I expect both teams to be at this point in the season. For another, there is a bit of a revenge factor going in this game. Last season, Louisville had a great opportunity to make some noise in the Big East race headed into its Nov. 12 home game against Pitt. The Cardinals had won three in a row, including a huge victory at West Virginia the previous week. Pitt was struggling with Ray Graham out.
But the Panthers came in and pushed Louisville around -- rushing for 200 yards against one of the best run defenses in the league -- and won 21-14. The following week, Louisville coach Charlie Strong said his players weren't focused for Pitt because they spent too much time playing the video game "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3." I think you all remember cracking wise about that.
Anyway, if Louisville is as good as advertised, the Cardinals should once again be the favorite going into this game. The potential also exists for them to be undefeated. Oh and by the way, this also happens to be Louisville's league opener. I think it is pretty safe to project the stakes to be the highest in this game.
Here are my previous choices:
Time to move along to Week 6 in my ultimate Big East road trip. For those just tuning in, I am selecting the games I would choose to see each and every week this season.
My editors usually do that for me. But if the scheduling were up to me, this is where I would want to go.
Here is the Week 6 schedule:
Fri., Oct. 5
Why: There are a few pretty interesting matchups this week. You have the nationally televised Pitt-Syracuse game, in what could be their final meeting as Big East members. Syracuse has that ol' Friday night magic at the Carrier Dome, too, something I would love to see in person. Then you have Temple opening Big East play (again) with a home game against USF. But I am going with a rivalry game that I should have mentioned last week.
When you think of rivals in the Big East, UConn-Rutgers is probably not the first that comes to mind. But this has developed into a pretty good one through the years. Before last season, the previous three games had been decided by three points or fewer. But alas, UConn unleashed the fury in 2011 and dominated Rutgers in one of the bigger shocks of the year. You can bet this one is going to be circled on Rutgers' calendar because of what happened. Big East championship hopes on the line, all Rutgers has to do is beat a 4-6 UConn team without much doing on offense.
Instead, the Scarlet Knights turned the ball over six times, lost 40-22 and fell short of winning their first Big East championship. This year, Rutgers is expected to contend for a league title, while many are still wondering what to expect out of UConn in Year 2 under coach Paul Pasqualoni. Both have quarterback questions once again, but both should have two of the better defenses in the league. The last time these two teams met in New Jersey, Rutgers won 27-24 on a field goal by San San Te with 13 seconds left.
Here are my previous choices:
My editors usually do that for me. But if the scheduling were up to me, this is where I would want to go.
Here is the Week 6 schedule:
Fri., Oct. 5
- Pitt at Syracuse
- Miami (Ohio) at Cincinnati
- UConn at Rutgers
- USF at Temple
Why: There are a few pretty interesting matchups this week. You have the nationally televised Pitt-Syracuse game, in what could be their final meeting as Big East members. Syracuse has that ol' Friday night magic at the Carrier Dome, too, something I would love to see in person. Then you have Temple opening Big East play (again) with a home game against USF. But I am going with a rivalry game that I should have mentioned last week.
When you think of rivals in the Big East, UConn-Rutgers is probably not the first that comes to mind. But this has developed into a pretty good one through the years. Before last season, the previous three games had been decided by three points or fewer. But alas, UConn unleashed the fury in 2011 and dominated Rutgers in one of the bigger shocks of the year. You can bet this one is going to be circled on Rutgers' calendar because of what happened. Big East championship hopes on the line, all Rutgers has to do is beat a 4-6 UConn team without much doing on offense.
Instead, the Scarlet Knights turned the ball over six times, lost 40-22 and fell short of winning their first Big East championship. This year, Rutgers is expected to contend for a league title, while many are still wondering what to expect out of UConn in Year 2 under coach Paul Pasqualoni. Both have quarterback questions once again, but both should have two of the better defenses in the league. The last time these two teams met in New Jersey, Rutgers won 27-24 on a field goal by San San Te with 13 seconds left.
Here are my previous choices:
Anybody who has watched the Big East in recent years realizes this a much more defensive league, than offensive league.
Last season, seven of the eight teams ranked in the top half of the nation in total defense. The "worst" defense, Syracuse, ranked No. 64 -- just outside the top half. In 2010, six of eight teams ranked in the top half of the nation in the same category. The "worst" two defenses -- Cincinnati and Rutgers -- were ranked No. 61 and 63, respectively. In 2009, the worst defense, Cincinnati, ranked No. 67 in the nation.
I went back and looked at recent draft history to see how this translated to the next level.
Sure enough, defensive players were selected more than offensive players, and in higher rounds to boot.
In the past two drafts, 21 of the 34 players selected came from the defense. In the recently concluded NFL draft, eight of the 12 Big East players came from the defense. More pronounced, five of the seven players drafted in the first three rounds were defensive, and all played defensive line (Bruce Irvin, Chandler Jones, Derek Wolfe, Kendall Reyes and John Hughes).
Going back to the 2010 draft, 12 of the 16 players taken in the first three rounds were on defense.
We can continue looking a bit deeper to see defensive line has been an incredible strength, not just in the draft this year. In the past four drafts, the Big East has had at least one defensive lineman drafted in the first three rounds. Last year, two of the first four Big East picks were linemen. In 2010, Jason Pierre-Paul of USF went in the first round.
Coaches like Charlie Strong, Greg Schiano, Randy Edsall, Dave Wannstedt, Paul Pasqualoni and Jim Leavitt all have had a hand in the transformation, given their defensive backgrounds.
So will the trend hold for the 2013 draft?
In the super early mock drafts for next season, there are no Big East players listed in the first round. But CBS Sports already has a listing of the top draft prospects, by position. Eleven defensive players are listed among the Top 25 players at their respective positions, compared to five on offense.
However, there are more offensive players ranked among the Top 5 at their positions. Justin Pugh of Syracuse is listed as the No. 4 offensive tackle; Ray Graham of Pitt is listed as the No. 5 running back; and Ryan Griffin of UConn is listed as the No. 5 tight end.
The top-ranked defensive player is Khaseem Greene, at No. 6 among outside linebackers. Sio Moore of UConn also makes that list, at No. 9.
There is obviously an entire season of football to be played, and all these projections will change. But the way the Big East's defensive players have emerged is a trend worth noting.
Last season, seven of the eight teams ranked in the top half of the nation in total defense. The "worst" defense, Syracuse, ranked No. 64 -- just outside the top half. In 2010, six of eight teams ranked in the top half of the nation in the same category. The "worst" two defenses -- Cincinnati and Rutgers -- were ranked No. 61 and 63, respectively. In 2009, the worst defense, Cincinnati, ranked No. 67 in the nation.
I went back and looked at recent draft history to see how this translated to the next level.
[+] Enlarge
Jason O. Watson/US PresswireSyracuse defensive end Chandler Jones was drafted in the first round by New England last month.
Jason O. Watson/US PresswireSyracuse defensive end Chandler Jones was drafted in the first round by New England last month.In the past two drafts, 21 of the 34 players selected came from the defense. In the recently concluded NFL draft, eight of the 12 Big East players came from the defense. More pronounced, five of the seven players drafted in the first three rounds were defensive, and all played defensive line (Bruce Irvin, Chandler Jones, Derek Wolfe, Kendall Reyes and John Hughes).
Going back to the 2010 draft, 12 of the 16 players taken in the first three rounds were on defense.
We can continue looking a bit deeper to see defensive line has been an incredible strength, not just in the draft this year. In the past four drafts, the Big East has had at least one defensive lineman drafted in the first three rounds. Last year, two of the first four Big East picks were linemen. In 2010, Jason Pierre-Paul of USF went in the first round.
Coaches like Charlie Strong, Greg Schiano, Randy Edsall, Dave Wannstedt, Paul Pasqualoni and Jim Leavitt all have had a hand in the transformation, given their defensive backgrounds.
So will the trend hold for the 2013 draft?
In the super early mock drafts for next season, there are no Big East players listed in the first round. But CBS Sports already has a listing of the top draft prospects, by position. Eleven defensive players are listed among the Top 25 players at their respective positions, compared to five on offense.
However, there are more offensive players ranked among the Top 5 at their positions. Justin Pugh of Syracuse is listed as the No. 4 offensive tackle; Ray Graham of Pitt is listed as the No. 5 running back; and Ryan Griffin of UConn is listed as the No. 5 tight end.
The top-ranked defensive player is Khaseem Greene, at No. 6 among outside linebackers. Sio Moore of UConn also makes that list, at No. 9.
There is obviously an entire season of football to be played, and all these projections will change. But the way the Big East's defensive players have emerged is a trend worth noting.
Another Wednesday, another mailblog. Let's dig in.
Ken in Connecticut writes: AA, I know it was only the spring game, BUT how can Chandler Whitmer not be named the starting quarterback for UConn? The stats really speak for themselves. He had a good game, while (Johnny) McINTee looked about the same as he did last year and the other two that played had similarly poor stat lines with low completion percentages and lots of INTs. I think the quicker coach (Paul) Pasqualoni names a quarterback, the better this team will be. Your thoughts?
Andrea Adelson: Whitmer did have better numbers, but I am not sure he blew anybody away, either. So clearly Pasqualoni believes more competition throughout the summer will serve all the quarterbacks well. I am a proponent of having your starting quarterback named going into the offseason, so chemistry and rhythm can be built with receivers, trust can be earned and leadership can develop. But if Pasqualoni did not name his starter yet, then I am sure he has good reasons.
Dave H. in Millstone Township, N.J., writes: Hi Andrea - I'd like to hear your thoughts with regard to defenses outshining offenses in spring practice. Should fans really be concerned with poor offensive performance like we've seen around the Big East this spring, or is it normal for offenses to struggle at this time? Do traditionally offensive-minded conferences like the Pac-12 and WAC experience similar situations in their springs, where the defense continually dominates the offense? Is there any correlation to what materializes in the regular season?
Adelson: I think it is important to remember the Big East is primarily a defensive league. Seven of the eight teams in the league last season ranked in the top half of the nation in total defense. The strength of most every team in the Big East this season is going to be defense as well, when you take a look at teams like Rutgers, Louisville, UConn and USF to name four off the bat. Also, defenses do tend to be ahead of offenses during the spring and fall practice times. Be honest -- do any of the Big East offenses scare you right now? Didn't think so. Each one has major question marks and the potential for major shortcomings. So let's just say I wasn't surprised to see the results.
Aaron H. in RU Land writes: Andrea - As always great work... I totally agree with your column on how vastly underrated (Mohamed) Sanu is. I lost count last year how many big third-down catches he made for RU to get them big first downs. When he first made his intentions known to enter the draft, the draft experts had him as a late first rounder (ala Kenny Britt).. I wonder if the draft process tradition of scouts knocking down a player (because they want their team to draft him) is in play with SANU. Don't be shocked if the Patriots keep their first round pick at 31 they take Sanu, especially knowing that (Greg) Schiano will most definitely be looking at him with their second-round pick.
Adelson: Thanks, Aaron. I think the 40-time has hurt him, and maybe there is a bit of scouts knocking him down so they can pick him. In any case, I think he will be a great addition to the team that picks him.
Dave in Charlotte, N.C. writes: I agree with your article about the risk of the western school reneging if the Big East loses its AQ status. But I recall that you shut down this exact argument (numerous times in the chat room), saying regardless of AQ status, the Big East money is too good to pass up for San Diego State and Boise State. So which is it? Do you think this is a risk or not?
Adelson: You are right, I have shut down the argument. But just because I do not believe it will happen does not discount the potential risk. As I mentioned in that BCS post, losing San Diego State and Boise State is the worst-case nightmare scenario. I think the Big East has to be prepared for anything to happen, no matter how unlikely.
Dennis in Tampa writes: Hey AA, a little delayed on this topic. Anyways, when you visited USF was there any talk or urgency for an on-campus stadium? The options in the past were tear up the golf course and build it there, or tear down the University mall and build it there. Just curious if you heard any rumblings.
Adelson: There was no talk or urgency on the matter, Dennis. I think that is a long-term vision coach Skip Holtz has, but I think it is way, way into the future, if it happens at all.
Alex in Syracuse writes: Really, Tino Sunseri and UConn (as dark horses)? What about the Cuse and (Ryan) Nassib? He was second to Teddy Bridgewater in quarterback rating among Big East quarterbacks. He's got Marcus Sales back, who exploded in the 2010 Pinstripe Bowl, and Ashton Broyld can play QB/WR/DB/RB/TE (just call him a weapon). Might I also add a hopefully healthy Prince-Tyson Gulley at tailback, who will come in under the radar. To me, Syracuse's offense looks pretty stable, except I have no idea how to judge an offensive line. Do you know anything on Syracuse's o-line?
Adelson: Did you write in before or after the spring game? If it was after, then you are one really, really super positive fan. I try not to put too much stock into spring games, especially when there are so many injured players out. Syracuse was missing some key pieces, including tackle Justin Pugh. But I am not sure what happened offensively provides many glimmers of hope. I like Nassib fine, but the running game is a concern. Gulley has to stay healthy. The offensive line did not play well in the spring game, but that was not a surprise given some of the players out. The nonconference schedule is pretty brutal, too. Let's just say nothing that happened in the spring raised my hopes, not even the potential of Broyld.
Ken in Connecticut writes: AA, I know it was only the spring game, BUT how can Chandler Whitmer not be named the starting quarterback for UConn? The stats really speak for themselves. He had a good game, while (Johnny) McINTee looked about the same as he did last year and the other two that played had similarly poor stat lines with low completion percentages and lots of INTs. I think the quicker coach (Paul) Pasqualoni names a quarterback, the better this team will be. Your thoughts?
Andrea Adelson: Whitmer did have better numbers, but I am not sure he blew anybody away, either. So clearly Pasqualoni believes more competition throughout the summer will serve all the quarterbacks well. I am a proponent of having your starting quarterback named going into the offseason, so chemistry and rhythm can be built with receivers, trust can be earned and leadership can develop. But if Pasqualoni did not name his starter yet, then I am sure he has good reasons.
Dave H. in Millstone Township, N.J., writes: Hi Andrea - I'd like to hear your thoughts with regard to defenses outshining offenses in spring practice. Should fans really be concerned with poor offensive performance like we've seen around the Big East this spring, or is it normal for offenses to struggle at this time? Do traditionally offensive-minded conferences like the Pac-12 and WAC experience similar situations in their springs, where the defense continually dominates the offense? Is there any correlation to what materializes in the regular season?
Adelson: I think it is important to remember the Big East is primarily a defensive league. Seven of the eight teams in the league last season ranked in the top half of the nation in total defense. The strength of most every team in the Big East this season is going to be defense as well, when you take a look at teams like Rutgers, Louisville, UConn and USF to name four off the bat. Also, defenses do tend to be ahead of offenses during the spring and fall practice times. Be honest -- do any of the Big East offenses scare you right now? Didn't think so. Each one has major question marks and the potential for major shortcomings. So let's just say I wasn't surprised to see the results.
Aaron H. in RU Land writes: Andrea - As always great work... I totally agree with your column on how vastly underrated (Mohamed) Sanu is. I lost count last year how many big third-down catches he made for RU to get them big first downs. When he first made his intentions known to enter the draft, the draft experts had him as a late first rounder (ala Kenny Britt).. I wonder if the draft process tradition of scouts knocking down a player (because they want their team to draft him) is in play with SANU. Don't be shocked if the Patriots keep their first round pick at 31 they take Sanu, especially knowing that (Greg) Schiano will most definitely be looking at him with their second-round pick.
Adelson: Thanks, Aaron. I think the 40-time has hurt him, and maybe there is a bit of scouts knocking him down so they can pick him. In any case, I think he will be a great addition to the team that picks him.
Dave in Charlotte, N.C. writes: I agree with your article about the risk of the western school reneging if the Big East loses its AQ status. But I recall that you shut down this exact argument (numerous times in the chat room), saying regardless of AQ status, the Big East money is too good to pass up for San Diego State and Boise State. So which is it? Do you think this is a risk or not?
Adelson: You are right, I have shut down the argument. But just because I do not believe it will happen does not discount the potential risk. As I mentioned in that BCS post, losing San Diego State and Boise State is the worst-case nightmare scenario. I think the Big East has to be prepared for anything to happen, no matter how unlikely.
Dennis in Tampa writes: Hey AA, a little delayed on this topic. Anyways, when you visited USF was there any talk or urgency for an on-campus stadium? The options in the past were tear up the golf course and build it there, or tear down the University mall and build it there. Just curious if you heard any rumblings.
Adelson: There was no talk or urgency on the matter, Dennis. I think that is a long-term vision coach Skip Holtz has, but I think it is way, way into the future, if it happens at all.
Alex in Syracuse writes: Really, Tino Sunseri and UConn (as dark horses)? What about the Cuse and (Ryan) Nassib? He was second to Teddy Bridgewater in quarterback rating among Big East quarterbacks. He's got Marcus Sales back, who exploded in the 2010 Pinstripe Bowl, and Ashton Broyld can play QB/WR/DB/RB/TE (just call him a weapon). Might I also add a hopefully healthy Prince-Tyson Gulley at tailback, who will come in under the radar. To me, Syracuse's offense looks pretty stable, except I have no idea how to judge an offensive line. Do you know anything on Syracuse's o-line?
Adelson: Did you write in before or after the spring game? If it was after, then you are one really, really super positive fan. I try not to put too much stock into spring games, especially when there are so many injured players out. Syracuse was missing some key pieces, including tackle Justin Pugh. But I am not sure what happened offensively provides many glimmers of hope. I like Nassib fine, but the running game is a concern. Gulley has to stay healthy. The offensive line did not play well in the spring game, but that was not a surprise given some of the players out. The nonconference schedule is pretty brutal, too. Let's just say nothing that happened in the spring raised my hopes, not even the potential of Broyld.
Three Big East teams held their spring games this past weekend. Let's check in to see how they did.
Connecticut: Junior college transfer Chandler Whitmer had an outstanding performance in the Blue-White game, throwing two touchdown passes to lead his White team to the win. "I think that probably from a media standpoint, Chandler had a productive day,” coach Paul Pasqualoni said. "He really did. He made some good decisions. He threw fairly accurately to hit the open receiver. His team won, so I’m sure he’s feeling good right now."
But the competition to win the starting job will go on through fall camp -- the second year in a row the Huskies have more than three players vying to be named the starter.
“We’ll come back in four weeks to start their summer program. Then we get to start this process all over again,” Pasqualoni said. “We’ll start up, the quarterback competition will start all over again and once we get into preseason camp and it’s clear, then we’ll make a decision. We won’t make a decision right now.”
Defensively, senior tackle Ryan Wirth had a huge game, with 4 1/2 sacks.
USF: Speaking of defense, that unit dominated the spring game Saturday night for the Bulls, turning around a dismal performance in a scrimmage the previous week. Ryne Giddins had a terrific day, with three sacks.
"I was really pleased with the way the defense came out and the way they competed," coach Skip Holtz said. "There is some speed on this team. This team is physical and they can run."
That defense harassed quarterback B.J. Daniels all day. Daniels went 9-of-26 for 88 yards, and was called for intentional grounding in the end zone in the first half, resulting in a safety. Not exactly the stellar play fans want to see out of their returning starter. Running back Marcus Shaw probably had the most impressive showing for the offense, with two touchdown runs and 61 total yards.
Syracuse: Defense seemed to be the name of the game this entire weekend in the Big East. The Orange did not score a single point on offense in their spring game Saturday, as defensive tackle Jay Bromley had a hand in both defensive scores. Bromley had a sack in the end zone for a safety and a forced fumble that Brandon Sharpe returned for a touchdown.
Linebacker Siriki Diabate also had a good showing, with a tackle for loss, sack and interception.
Offensively, quarterback Ryan Nassib played the entire game and went 11-of-18 for 163 yards. Marcus Sales, returning from a one-year suspension, had two catches for 68 yards to lead all receivers. Ashton Broyld, expected to be a heavy contributor this season, played running back and receiver in the game. He did have a 44-yard catch from backup Charley Loeb that was one of the offensive highlights of the day.
Syracuse played this spring without several key contributors, including Alec Lemon, Marquis Spruill and Keon Lyn to name just a few. All Big-East tackle Justin Pugh also missed the spring game after sustaining an upper body injury a few weeks ago during practice. In all, 14 players missed the game because of injury.
Connecticut: Junior college transfer Chandler Whitmer had an outstanding performance in the Blue-White game, throwing two touchdown passes to lead his White team to the win. "I think that probably from a media standpoint, Chandler had a productive day,” coach Paul Pasqualoni said. "He really did. He made some good decisions. He threw fairly accurately to hit the open receiver. His team won, so I’m sure he’s feeling good right now."
But the competition to win the starting job will go on through fall camp -- the second year in a row the Huskies have more than three players vying to be named the starter.
“We’ll come back in four weeks to start their summer program. Then we get to start this process all over again,” Pasqualoni said. “We’ll start up, the quarterback competition will start all over again and once we get into preseason camp and it’s clear, then we’ll make a decision. We won’t make a decision right now.”
Defensively, senior tackle Ryan Wirth had a huge game, with 4 1/2 sacks.
USF: Speaking of defense, that unit dominated the spring game Saturday night for the Bulls, turning around a dismal performance in a scrimmage the previous week. Ryne Giddins had a terrific day, with three sacks.
"I was really pleased with the way the defense came out and the way they competed," coach Skip Holtz said. "There is some speed on this team. This team is physical and they can run."
That defense harassed quarterback B.J. Daniels all day. Daniels went 9-of-26 for 88 yards, and was called for intentional grounding in the end zone in the first half, resulting in a safety. Not exactly the stellar play fans want to see out of their returning starter. Running back Marcus Shaw probably had the most impressive showing for the offense, with two touchdown runs and 61 total yards.
Syracuse: Defense seemed to be the name of the game this entire weekend in the Big East. The Orange did not score a single point on offense in their spring game Saturday, as defensive tackle Jay Bromley had a hand in both defensive scores. Bromley had a sack in the end zone for a safety and a forced fumble that Brandon Sharpe returned for a touchdown.
Linebacker Siriki Diabate also had a good showing, with a tackle for loss, sack and interception.
Offensively, quarterback Ryan Nassib played the entire game and went 11-of-18 for 163 yards. Marcus Sales, returning from a one-year suspension, had two catches for 68 yards to lead all receivers. Ashton Broyld, expected to be a heavy contributor this season, played running back and receiver in the game. He did have a 44-yard catch from backup Charley Loeb that was one of the offensive highlights of the day.
Syracuse played this spring without several key contributors, including Alec Lemon, Marquis Spruill and Keon Lyn to name just a few. All Big-East tackle Justin Pugh also missed the spring game after sustaining an upper body injury a few weeks ago during practice. In all, 14 players missed the game because of injury.
Three more teams play spring games Saturday. Here is a quick preview of each:
UConn. You can bet all eyes are going to be on the quarterback position, where five players are still competing for the starting job. Junior college transfer Chandler Whitmer, true freshman Casey Cochran, 2011 starter Johnny McEntee, Scott McCummings and Michael Nebrich are all still in the mix, and coach Paul Pasqualoni has yet to indicate the direction he is leaning. This competition could very well stretch into the fall, the way it did last season. On the running back front, the Huskies got some tough news this week when they learned D.J. Shoemate's career was over because of a shoulder injury. That is obviously a tough blow, because hopes were high for the USC transfer. But Max DeLorenzo has had a terrific spring, so watch out for him as a player who can really provide a nice complement to Lyle McCombs.
USF. The Bulls got some tough news this week as well when starting defensive tackle Cory Grissom broke a bone in his ankle. You can bet the inside rotation is going to be something the Bulls will work on in the spring game as they try to get a handle on how to replace Grissom, who should be out for an extended period this season. Luke Sager, Elkino Watson and Todd Chandler form the trio of players who will be relied upon to help out. B.J. Daniels has had a good spring, but a big key is going to be the way he develops chemistry and rhythm with his receivers. USF has got tons of talent, but now they have to put it together and mesh with their starting quarterback. Lindsey Lamar has gotten good reviews since his move to tailback, but what type of role does he have for the season? Secondary is another area where USF hopes to improve -- junior college cornerback Fidel Montgomery has had an outstanding spring.
Syracuse. There has not been much news out of Syracuse this spring because coach Doug Marrone decided to shut down access to coaches and players so they can focus on getting themselves better. There was one open practice in Rochester that did not reveal much. The scrimmage gives fans in Syracuse an opportunity at their only glimpse of the team before the fall. Several reports out of Syracuse indicate that multi-threat quarterback Ashton Broyld could have a bigger role in the offense this season. There are several burning questions for this team, including who is going to emerge at running back, how Marcus Sales fits back into the team, and what the defensive front is going to look like after so many departures.
UConn. You can bet all eyes are going to be on the quarterback position, where five players are still competing for the starting job. Junior college transfer Chandler Whitmer, true freshman Casey Cochran, 2011 starter Johnny McEntee, Scott McCummings and Michael Nebrich are all still in the mix, and coach Paul Pasqualoni has yet to indicate the direction he is leaning. This competition could very well stretch into the fall, the way it did last season. On the running back front, the Huskies got some tough news this week when they learned D.J. Shoemate's career was over because of a shoulder injury. That is obviously a tough blow, because hopes were high for the USC transfer. But Max DeLorenzo has had a terrific spring, so watch out for him as a player who can really provide a nice complement to Lyle McCombs.
USF. The Bulls got some tough news this week as well when starting defensive tackle Cory Grissom broke a bone in his ankle. You can bet the inside rotation is going to be something the Bulls will work on in the spring game as they try to get a handle on how to replace Grissom, who should be out for an extended period this season. Luke Sager, Elkino Watson and Todd Chandler form the trio of players who will be relied upon to help out. B.J. Daniels has had a good spring, but a big key is going to be the way he develops chemistry and rhythm with his receivers. USF has got tons of talent, but now they have to put it together and mesh with their starting quarterback. Lindsey Lamar has gotten good reviews since his move to tailback, but what type of role does he have for the season? Secondary is another area where USF hopes to improve -- junior college cornerback Fidel Montgomery has had an outstanding spring.
Syracuse. There has not been much news out of Syracuse this spring because coach Doug Marrone decided to shut down access to coaches and players so they can focus on getting themselves better. There was one open practice in Rochester that did not reveal much. The scrimmage gives fans in Syracuse an opportunity at their only glimpse of the team before the fall. Several reports out of Syracuse indicate that multi-threat quarterback Ashton Broyld could have a bigger role in the offense this season. There are several burning questions for this team, including who is going to emerge at running back, how Marcus Sales fits back into the team, and what the defensive front is going to look like after so many departures.
Lyle McCombs was not supposed to be the man for UConn last season.
That was supposed to be USC transfer D.J. Shoemate, who many believed would be able to step in for Jordan Todman and keep the Huskies running game going. But after Shoemate got hurt early, all eyes turned to the redshirt freshman. McCombs was the most consistent form of offense UConn had last season, rushing for more than 1,000 yards while earning Big East second-team honors.
Now that spring practice is in full swing, McCombs is in a spirited competition to keep his starting job. Shoemate is in the mix, though his status is uncertain because of a sore shoulder. Joe Williams, Martin Hyppolite and Max DeLorenzo have all gotten opportunities to show they deserve to be the ones to carry the load, as reps have been distributed evenly throughout camp.
McCombs may not have huge size, at 5-foot-8 and around 170 pounds, but he showed incredible durability last season when depth was an issue in the backfield. McCombs had 275 carries -- only 12 players in all of FBS had more last season. Only twice did he get the ball fewer than 20 times a game. Despite his smaller build, McCombs got the tough yards.
Now his main focus is improving his leg strength, top-end speed, and trying to add 5-10 pounds in the weight room. A bigger focus is also working on his leadership.
"I think being a freshman last year, I was not as much of a leader as I need to be," McCombs said in a recent phone interview. "I want to be more of a leader for the offense and be that motivational guy to lead us when times get hard. I didn't do as much of it last year because I was young. In practice, I'm motivating the guys to go every day, making sure nobody is slacking off."
McCombs handled the situation last season as well as can be expected. He went into the season thinking he was a backup. But that mind-set had to change quickly.
"When I stepped in, I didn't expect them to trust me with the ball as much as they did," McCombs said. "I embraced it and took advantage of the opportunity. I was young, and I wasn't the biggest of backs, so that's why I was surprised they trusted me so much. I know I'm a guy who can be trusted, and I proved that."
McCombs ended up finishing the year No. 2 in the Big East in rushing, with 1,151 yards and seven touchdowns. There is no doubt coach Paul Pasqualoni wants a featured back he can rely on, as he has alluded to several times this spring. Williams may be faster, and DeLorenzo, Shoemate and Hyppolite might have more size.
But McCombs has proven he can be the starter, and he can take withstand whatever is thrown at him. That should count for something.
That was supposed to be USC transfer D.J. Shoemate, who many believed would be able to step in for Jordan Todman and keep the Huskies running game going. But after Shoemate got hurt early, all eyes turned to the redshirt freshman. McCombs was the most consistent form of offense UConn had last season, rushing for more than 1,000 yards while earning Big East second-team honors.
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Brian Pohorylo/Icon SMIUConn freshman Lyle McCombs rushed for 1,151 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
Brian Pohorylo/Icon SMIUConn freshman Lyle McCombs rushed for 1,151 yards and seven touchdowns last season.McCombs may not have huge size, at 5-foot-8 and around 170 pounds, but he showed incredible durability last season when depth was an issue in the backfield. McCombs had 275 carries -- only 12 players in all of FBS had more last season. Only twice did he get the ball fewer than 20 times a game. Despite his smaller build, McCombs got the tough yards.
Now his main focus is improving his leg strength, top-end speed, and trying to add 5-10 pounds in the weight room. A bigger focus is also working on his leadership.
"I think being a freshman last year, I was not as much of a leader as I need to be," McCombs said in a recent phone interview. "I want to be more of a leader for the offense and be that motivational guy to lead us when times get hard. I didn't do as much of it last year because I was young. In practice, I'm motivating the guys to go every day, making sure nobody is slacking off."
McCombs handled the situation last season as well as can be expected. He went into the season thinking he was a backup. But that mind-set had to change quickly.
"When I stepped in, I didn't expect them to trust me with the ball as much as they did," McCombs said. "I embraced it and took advantage of the opportunity. I was young, and I wasn't the biggest of backs, so that's why I was surprised they trusted me so much. I know I'm a guy who can be trusted, and I proved that."
McCombs ended up finishing the year No. 2 in the Big East in rushing, with 1,151 yards and seven touchdowns. There is no doubt coach Paul Pasqualoni wants a featured back he can rely on, as he has alluded to several times this spring. Williams may be faster, and DeLorenzo, Shoemate and Hyppolite might have more size.
But McCombs has proven he can be the starter, and he can take withstand whatever is thrown at him. That should count for something.
I continue my team-by-team look at each schedule in the Big East.
Up today: UConn
Nonconference schedule: The Huskies have a manageable nonconference schedule, though we said the same thing last season. Two of the five games are against bowl teams from a year ago -- NC State and Western Michigan. UConn does get the Wolfpack at home, so that is a positive. But NC State is expected to be better this season, especially with cornerback David Amerson and quarterback Mike Glennon returning. Anybody who watched the Belk Bowl saw how special Amerson is as a player. Western Michigan was a game UConn should have won last year, so I have to think the Huskies will probably be a favorite. And I know everybody expects this team to beat Maryland and former coach Randy Edsall. UConn should really go no worse than 4-1.
Conference schedule: UConn gets three of the teams expected to be near the top of the Big East on the road. That includes opening Big East play at Rutgers. The following week, the Huskies get new Big East member Temple at home in a game featuring Paul Pasqualoni and his former assistant, Steve Addazio. There are three national games already set, so those are big opportunities for the Huskies to prove last season was just a blip. Two are Friday night games -- at Syracuse and Pitt.
Good news: The nonconference schedule sets up really nicely for UConn. Whoever wins the quarterback job will get a good early test against NC State -- the first FBS team UConn plays on the season. UConn will not play a better cornerback this season than Amerson, expected to be a preseason All-American. UConn will also get an emotional test in its game against Maryland, but that one is early as well. The toughest conference road stretch has back-to-back games against Syracuse and USF, with six days rest in between. Not backbreaking in the least.
Bad news: NC State will be coming off its game against UConn against Tennessee. A win or a loss there will probably mean more motivation against the Huskies. Opening conference play at Rutgers is probably not the ideal situation for a team eager to get back into the league race, either. UConn also has to play eight straight weeks before getting a bye. Those byes come twice in a four-week span.
Best case: UConn runs through nonconference play undefeated and is average in the Big East, to go 8-4.
Worst case: Some of the nonconference games that look winnable on paper end up biting the Huskies, and they struggle in Big East play to go 5-7 again.
Up today: UConn
Nonconference schedule: The Huskies have a manageable nonconference schedule, though we said the same thing last season. Two of the five games are against bowl teams from a year ago -- NC State and Western Michigan. UConn does get the Wolfpack at home, so that is a positive. But NC State is expected to be better this season, especially with cornerback David Amerson and quarterback Mike Glennon returning. Anybody who watched the Belk Bowl saw how special Amerson is as a player. Western Michigan was a game UConn should have won last year, so I have to think the Huskies will probably be a favorite. And I know everybody expects this team to beat Maryland and former coach Randy Edsall. UConn should really go no worse than 4-1.
Conference schedule: UConn gets three of the teams expected to be near the top of the Big East on the road. That includes opening Big East play at Rutgers. The following week, the Huskies get new Big East member Temple at home in a game featuring Paul Pasqualoni and his former assistant, Steve Addazio. There are three national games already set, so those are big opportunities for the Huskies to prove last season was just a blip. Two are Friday night games -- at Syracuse and Pitt.
Good news: The nonconference schedule sets up really nicely for UConn. Whoever wins the quarterback job will get a good early test against NC State -- the first FBS team UConn plays on the season. UConn will not play a better cornerback this season than Amerson, expected to be a preseason All-American. UConn will also get an emotional test in its game against Maryland, but that one is early as well. The toughest conference road stretch has back-to-back games against Syracuse and USF, with six days rest in between. Not backbreaking in the least.
Bad news: NC State will be coming off its game against UConn against Tennessee. A win or a loss there will probably mean more motivation against the Huskies. Opening conference play at Rutgers is probably not the ideal situation for a team eager to get back into the league race, either. UConn also has to play eight straight weeks before getting a bye. Those byes come twice in a four-week span.
Best case: UConn runs through nonconference play undefeated and is average in the Big East, to go 8-4.
Worst case: Some of the nonconference games that look winnable on paper end up biting the Huskies, and they struggle in Big East play to go 5-7 again.
Greetings from the Midwest. Let's see what's happening around the Beast.
- South Florida player Boo Simon quits football after being diagnosed with epilepsy. The Bulls are working at an accelerated pace this spring.
- Pitt's new defense is similar to the one employed by former coach Dave Wannstedt. Panthers RB Isaac Bennett gets a showcase opportunity in practice while Ray Graham is on the mend.
- Tavon Austin's versatility stands out for West Virginia. Donte Campbell could be the Mountaineers' next 1,000-yard receiver.
- Connecticut coach Paul Pasqualoni has no issues with taking transfers, as long as they fit his program.
- Kyle Flood's friends and family members weigh in on the new Rutgers coach.
- Cincinnati coach Butch Jones discusses the second section of spring football.
- Athlon Sports ranks the current and future Big East coaches.
- Louisville offers a defensive back from Florida.
Nearly every Big East team practiced this past weekend. Here are a few notes from each:
UConn: The Huskies had their first practice in pads Saturday, but did not scrimmage; that is planned for this upcoming Saturday. Early reports indicate that both Casey Cochran and Chandler Whitmer have looked good at quarterback. Coach Paul Pasqualoni also commented on the dismissal of backup cornerback Tevrin Brandon.
Louisville: The Cardinals also held their first practice in pads Saturday. One player who already is standing out is redshirt freshman running back Corvin Lamb. Running back Dominique Brown has added 10 pounds and looks much more physical.
Pitt: The Panthers scrimmaged Saturday, and running back Isaac Bennett delivered the highlight -- a 70-yard touchdown run. Bennett has had a nice spring camp, building off the momentum from the end of last season. Bennett will be relied upon to be a contributor this season with Ray Graham coming off a knee injury. Sophomore transfer Ray Vinopal forced a fumble, which Lloyd Carrington returned 60 yards for a score. The Panthers also practiced Sunday and got a visit from former West Virginia coach Bill Stewart.
USF: Coach Skip Holtz told reporters after the first day in pads Saturday that Lindsey Lamar had moved back to running back to help shore up depth at that position. Holtz also talked about the emerging leadership on the team after a few days of practice.
Syracuse: The Orange began practice last week, but practices have been closed until further notice.
Temple: The Owls have already completed seven practices and held their second scrimmage Saturday. There have been a few standouts, but best of all, no major injuries of note. Temple will hold its Cherry and White Spring Game at Lincoln Financial Field, a first for the school. The practice facility -- where the game is usually played -- is currently undergoing a $10 million expansion.
UConn: The Huskies had their first practice in pads Saturday, but did not scrimmage; that is planned for this upcoming Saturday. Early reports indicate that both Casey Cochran and Chandler Whitmer have looked good at quarterback. Coach Paul Pasqualoni also commented on the dismissal of backup cornerback Tevrin Brandon.
Louisville: The Cardinals also held their first practice in pads Saturday. One player who already is standing out is redshirt freshman running back Corvin Lamb. Running back Dominique Brown has added 10 pounds and looks much more physical.
Pitt: The Panthers scrimmaged Saturday, and running back Isaac Bennett delivered the highlight -- a 70-yard touchdown run. Bennett has had a nice spring camp, building off the momentum from the end of last season. Bennett will be relied upon to be a contributor this season with Ray Graham coming off a knee injury. Sophomore transfer Ray Vinopal forced a fumble, which Lloyd Carrington returned 60 yards for a score. The Panthers also practiced Sunday and got a visit from former West Virginia coach Bill Stewart.
USF: Coach Skip Holtz told reporters after the first day in pads Saturday that Lindsey Lamar had moved back to running back to help shore up depth at that position. Holtz also talked about the emerging leadership on the team after a few days of practice.
Syracuse: The Orange began practice last week, but practices have been closed until further notice.
Temple: The Owls have already completed seven practices and held their second scrimmage Saturday. There have been a few standouts, but best of all, no major injuries of note. Temple will hold its Cherry and White Spring Game at Lincoln Financial Field, a first for the school. The practice facility -- where the game is usually played -- is currently undergoing a $10 million expansion.
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.
