ESPN College Football

• Cincinnati is wary of Vanderbilt quarterback Jordan Rodgers' bloodlines.
• Louisville defensive coordinator Vance Bedford learned from his father.
• What can Pitt fans expect out of new coach Paul Chryst?
• Tom Savage might be headed back to Rutgers.
• Former Syracuse punter Rob Long has left cancer behind; now he hopes for his NFL shot.
• West Virginia is singularly focused on Clemson.

We are just hours away from kickoff ...

• JK Schaffer is the heart of the Cincinnati defense. Zach Collaros is working on cutting down the interceptions. Here is a little primer on Austin Peay.
• Did the UConn home opener really have to be pushed to Saturday?
• Here Charlie Strong goes again, rebuilding Louisville. The father of one suspended Miami football player wonders where the punishment is for Clint Hurtt. Rick Bozich of the Louisville Courier-Journal gives his best case/worst case for the Cardinals.
• Paul Zeise of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has a good rundown on the speculation surrounding Pitt to the Big 12. Receiver Devin Street is ready to play. Pitt names its team captains.
• Game day for Rutgers: What to watch. Savon Huggins is ready to manage expectations and attention. Five questions facing Rutgers.
• In the goose bumps department: Former Syracuse punter Rob Long is cancer-free and healthier than ever. Way to go, Rob! Syracuse needs its offensive motor to hum this season. The Orange open tonight and all looks pretty good.
• USF names its team captains, including junior B.J. Daniels. Where is the Notre Dame mystique?
• Watch out for the Mountaineer Mantrip. Dana Holgorsen is not sentimental about his debut Sunday. Will West Virginia go 11-1?
• Athlon Sports with its Big East predictions for Week 1.

Adam Rittenberg did this over at the Big Ten blog, and I thought it was an idea worth stealing.

We know the Big East isn't going to dominate the first couple of rounds of the NFL draft, but there are several good players from the league who can help teams. I'm no Mel Kiper Jr. -- one look at my hairdo tells you that -- and I realize the NFL is in many ways a different game than the college level.

Still, I've watched Big East players up close for the past few years and can tell when somebody can play. Here's one guy from each Big East team that I think could be a bargain in the NFL draft as a mid-round selection or even a free-agent pickup:

Cincinnati

Jason Kelce, C, 6-2, 280

Why him: Kelce arrived at Cincinnati as a walk-on linebacker, then started for two years at left guard before taking over the center duties as a senior. That tells you he's a hard worker willing to do whatever it takes to help a team and get on the field, and he was a part of two Big East championship teams. If nothing else, he could add depth to an offensive line with his versatility.

Connecticut

Scott Lutrus, LB, 6-2, 241

Why him: Lutrus is a student of the game and a better athlete than he gets credit for, as evidenced by his strong NFL combine numbers. He's got pretty good size, too, and is a solid tackler. There is some health risk here because he had shoulder/stinger problems his last two seasons at UConn. But as a late pick or free-agent signee, he is worth a gamble.

Louisville

Cameron Graham, TE, 6-3, 244

Why him: Graham might not stand out in any one area. He's not a speed merchant nor a physically imposing player. But he gets the most out of his ability and developed into a really reliable pass-catcher for Louisville as a senior. He could make a solid No. 2 or No. 3 tight end for some team in the right system.

Pittsburgh

Jason Pinkston, OT, 6-3, 317

Why him: Pinkston was a three-year starter for the Panthers and as steady a player as there was in the Big East. He earned all-league honors his last two seasons and performed well against some of the best pass-rushers the conference had to offer. He might not be big or athletic enough to play left tackle at the next level as he did in college, but he'll find a home somewhere on an NFL line.

Rutgers

Joe Lefeged, S, 5-11, 210

Why him: This isn't the strongest Scarlet Knights draft class of recent years, and Lefeged is likely the only Rutgers player who will get drafted. He tailed off after a hot start last season, but seemed to be affected by the Eric LeGrand injury as much as any of his teammates. What I like about Lefeged is that he's also a really good and very willing special-teams performer, so an NFL team will get that extra value from him.

South Florida

Mistral Raymond, DB, 6-1, 191

Why him: Is Raymond talented enough to play in the NFL? I don't know. I do know that he's a hard worker who rose from walk-on to team leader for the Bulls, and he's lanky and versatile enough to play either corner or safety. He'll probably be an undrafted free agent, but he's a guy I would want on my practice squad at the very least.

Syracuse

Rob Long, P, 6-2, 190

Why him: Anyone strong-willed enough to battle through a brain tumor with the positive attitude Long maintained is someone I'd want on my side. And don't forget he was one of the league's best punters throughout his career and also handled kickoffs and holding duties. Not many punters get drafted, but I'd offer him a contract if I were a GM looking to upgrade my special teams.

West Virginia

Chris Neild, DT, 6-1, 319

Why him: Mountaineers fans don't need to be reminded why Neild is such a valuable player. Let's hope that an NFL team sees it. In the right system, Neild would be an excellent contributor.

• The start of spring signals a new hope for Cincinnati. The Bearcats held their pro day on Monday. (And I'll be at Cincinnati today for the team's first practice; expect a report later on.)
• The five biggest questions facing Rutgers this spring. The Scarlet Knights will have a revamped defense when practice starts Tuesday.
• Part III of the story of Rob Long's battle against a brain tumor. Long and his family received wonderful news: the tumor is gone.
• Dana Holgorsen likes to keep it simple (if simple can include 16-hour workdays during the season). Daron Roberts is an intriguing choice as West Virginia's newest assistant.
• Former Louisville quarterback recruit DaMarcus Smith has asked for his release from Central Florida.

• Defense won the day at Pitt's first scrimmage.
• Major changes are coming to West Virginia's offense. Here are five spring questions for the Mountaineers.
• Freshman Dyshawn Davis is drawing notice for his play at outside linebacker for Syracuse. A look at Rob Long' battle against a brain tumor, in part one and part two.
• Plenty of high school coaches visited UConn over the weekend.
• South Florida looked at its youngsters during a weekend scrimmage.
• Cincinnati is gearing up for football again.

• South Florida's offensive line still has a long way to go. The Bulls lost a running back to a thumb injury.
• Looking ahead to West Virginia's (delayed) spring practice.
• Syracuse players went through their pro day, including punter Rob Long.
• UConn had its pro day, too, and Greg Lloyd was among those trying to get back on the map.

• UConn lost nearly $1.8 million on its trip to the Fiesta Bowl, selling only a little more than 2,700 tickets from its allotment of 17,500.
• Rob Long underwent his final scheduled cancer treatment and celebrated.
• As a national report highlighted the program's legal woes, a former Pitt player was arrested. Steve Pederson promised to get the disciplinary problems fixed.
• Bill Stewart said chemistry is a priority and that he's not a "dead man walking" as the West Virginia coaches talked some football Wednesday. Dana Holgorsen sees some upgrades in West Virginia's future.
• B.J. Daniels has the edge at quarterback as South Florida starts spring practice Thursday. Five goals for the Bulls this spring.
• Rutgers recruit Savon Huggins is already drawing Ray Rice comparisons.

• Dana Holgorsen has his energy drinks stocked up -- and he and his new assistants are ready to roll up their sleeves and work.

• Doug Marrone still has work to do to get Syracuse recruiting where he wants it. Rob Long is fighting the good fight.

• Some thoughts on Pitt's recruiting class. Greg Romeus will attend but will only interview at the NFL Combine.

• A grand jury will tackle a locker-room fight at Louisville.

• A closer look at the expected signees for Cincinnati.

• T-shirts with the message "Stay positive" are being sold to help Rob Long and his family deal with cancer treatments.

• A look at who Pitt was counting on landing Wednesday, and a few maybes as well.

• West Virginia was hoping for a couple of signing-day surprises.

• UConn looks set for a small but surprisingly good class considering the coaching change.

• Louisville quarterback prospect DaMarcus Smith won't sign until Friday.

• Skip Holtz is looking for the right fits for his system.

• Rutgers got a late commitment from a big defensive tackle.

• UConn appears close to hiring Mark Whipple as its next head coach.
• Syracuse could be more athletically gifted next year, but can the inexperienced Orange thrive? Rob Long will begin new treatment for his brain tumor on Thursday.
• Todd Graham caused a buzz in his introductory news conference. But Steve Pederson shouldn't be given a free pass on this hire.
• Two new quarterback arrivals could be busy this spring for West Virginia.
• Butch Jones sees better days ahead.

• The West Virginia offense struggled again, and this time it was in a bowl. The Champs Sports Bowl performance justified the decision to let Jeff Mullen go. The Mountaineers didn't show up against NC State.
• Rob Long's presence at the New Era Pinstripe Bowl is inspiring his Syracuse teammates.
• Will UConn have to actually pass the ball to beat Oklahoma? Dan Orlovksy remembers the tougher times of Connecticut football. Cody Endres is heading to Slippery Rock.
• South Florida is playing to earn respect for itself and the Big East.

Three keys for Syracuse in Wednesday's New Era Pinstripe Bowl matchup with Kansas State:

Make the Wildcats throw it: Kansas State ranked 20th nationally in running the ball and has a star player in tailback Daniel Thomas. In the latter part of the season, backup quarterback Collin Klein gave the Wildcats another running threat. Like Syracuse, though, they don't own a fearsome passing game. Klein is mostly a runner, and Carson Coffman has been erratic at times as a passer. Scott Shafer's defense works best when it can load the box and bring pressure against quarterbacks. Syracuse needs to make Kansas State one-dimensional -- in the dimension it doesn't want to use.

Run, Run, Run: Kansas State had the third-worst rushing defense in the FBS this season, a stat which must make Doug Marrone smile. You can count on one hand the number of 30-plus yard plays the Orange offense produced in the final weeks of the season, but the one thing they do well is run the ball hard between the tackles. The Syracuse offensive line should control the line of scrimmage and free Delone Carter and Antwon Bailey to get into the second level and make things happen. It could be a cold day at Yankee Stadium; if the Orange can keep the ball on the ground and burn clock, that would provide a huge advantage.

Special teams: Not having punter Rob Long, who is recovering from brain surgery, is a big loss for Syracuse. Long also handles kickoffs and is the holder for the Orange. Meanwhile, Kansas State kick returner William Powell led the nation by averaging 34.6 yards per return. No one knows quite how the winds will work at Yankee Stadium with its unique setup. Special teams can often be rusty after a long pre-bowl layoff, and in a game that could be low-scoring, the kicking game could be the difference.

Syracuse is bowling again. The Orange are back in the postseason for the first time since 2004, and they celebrate by ringing in the inaugural New Era Pinstripe Bowl in their home state. Here's a quick preview:

WHO TO WATCH: Syracuse running back Delone Carter. The Orange offense really struggled down the stretch of the regular season, and Carter remains its one true, dependable force. The muscular, 215-pound senior isn't a big-play threat most of the time, but he can wear down defenses with his straight-ahead, physical style. He went over 1,000 yards this year for the second straight season, and Syracuse must establish the ground game with him and Antwon Bailey to set up play-action. And in cold, potentially snowy conditions, the running game becomes even more vital.

WHAT TO WATCH: The Syracuse defense vs. Kansas State's run game. There's little secret to what the Wildcats like to do: Get the ball in the hands of playmaking tailback Daniel Thomas as much as possible. They're not a big passing team, so Thomas gets the bulk of the work and will take snaps out of the Wildcat formation. The Orange defense was this team's strength all season. The suspension of tackle Andrew Lewis could hurt, but Chandler Jones, Bud Tribbey and Mikhail Marinovich are stout up front, while linebackers Doug Hogue and Derrell Smith are among the best in the Big East. The Orange will need safety help in the box as well.

WHY TO WATCH: To see Syracuse return to the postseason. To see postseason football being played for the first time in new Yankee Stadium. To see an old-school, grind-it-out physical game in cold weather, the way football was meant to be played. To see an up-and-coming coach (Syracuse's Doug Marrone) against a living legend (K-State's Bill Snyder).

PREDICTION: Syracuse should have a home-field feel in the Bronx, and I think the Orange defense can do a good job slowing down Thomas. Still, Kansas State has the ability to make big plays, while Syracuse has only lurched forward in small chunks and will be missing an underrated field-position weapon in punter Rob Long. The Orange keep it close, but fall 17-14.

Syracuse punter Rob Long will need further treatment on his brain tumor after doctors found malignant cells in the area during a follow-up Monday.

Long had surgery Dec. 14 to remove what was described as a benign tumor. He was hopeful then that the problem was behind him after that operation.

There aren't many scarier words in the English language than malignant, so let's hope and pray that things work out for the best for Long. He provided another update Tuesday through the Syracuse athletic department. It reads as follows:

To my friends and supporters:

On December 20, in a post-operation follow-up after the removal of a brain tumor, pathology performed on the tissue revealed that there were malignant cells remaining that will require further medical treatment.

This is obviously a difficult time for my family and me. However, we remain optimistic and positive toward a favorable outcome to this situation. I believe that I am in the best hands with a team of Oncologists and together we will continue to fight and persevere through this until I am back to full health.

Thank you again for all of your prayers and support.

• Pitt didn't come clean about the reason it made a coaching change. Mike Haywood learned from some of the best in the business.

• West Virginia's ticket sales to the Champs Sports Bowl have been uncharacteristically slow. The NCAA case against the Mountaineers might have given Oliver Luck leverage to push Bill Stewart out. The move was about more than football.

• Ryan Lichtenstein is ready to take over the Syracuse punting duties for friend Rob Long. The Orange picked up a junior-college linebacker and an in-state prep quarterback.

• South Florida freshman linebacker DeDe Lattimore took off when he decided to let it fly.

• Charlie Strong still talks about the inch that got away. Louisville will have to be on point in its pass defense against Southern Miss.

• Rutgers got a commitment from a standout in-state athlete. Miles Shuler is ranked as a four-star player by ESPN.com.