ESPN College Football

1. The biggest project on the plate of new Arizona State athletic director Steve Patterson is a proposed renovation of Sun Devil Stadium that will cost at least $300 million and need some five years to complete. The reason: the stadium is wedged between two buttes, which limits the space in which the crews may work. The capacity of 71,706 would be diminished in increasing amounts, from 62,000 in Year 1, to 42,000 in Year 3, before increasing to a newly configured seating plan somewhere in the low-60,000s range.

2. Danny O'Brien, the former Maryland starter and newest Wisconsin quarterback, follows the path of Russell Wilson, who left NC State and in one season made All-Big Ten and returned the Badgers to the Rose Bowl. Wilson’s success raises the ante for O’Brien, who spurned Vanderbilt, where his former position coach, James Franklin, is the head coach. That surely provides a measure of satisfaction to Maryland coach Randy Edsall, who didn’t want to sign a release for O’Brien to play for Franklin. Edsall gave O’Brien a full release when overruled by the school administration.

3. Texas A&M announced this week that it has sold out its season tickets earlier than ever as Aggie fans anticipate the move to the SEC. The Aggies made the move for financial security and it already is paying off. That shows how naïve all of us were who decried the loss of tradition when A&M moved. That includes athletic director Bill Byrne, who admitted his surprise that Texas had no interest in continuing the rivalry with A&M once it left the Big 12. Bidness is bidness on all sides of this equation.

1. Stanford coach David Shaw told me last April that he and his staff had a shot at nationally prominent recruits who would be the school’s most highly-regarded class ever. Stanford signed seven players Wednesday out of the ESPNU 150 and is 12th in the recruiting rakings. Shaw also said this: “Nobody wants us to be successful. There’s no way. With our academic standards? There’s no way that other schools want to see us have continued success … because if we’re going to be in the top 10 in football perennially, why wouldn’t you come here? How could you say no?”

2. And Stanford isn’t the only one. Vanderbilt, where James Franklin has refused to accept the Commodores perennial role as league doormat, at one point on Signing Day made the ESPNU top 25. Northwestern and Virginia both signed players in the ESPNU 150. Is something afoot here? Are better players getting smarter? Are they more willing to consider their education when deciding where to play?

3. And, now, for your dose of salt. Go back and take a look at the top classes of 2008. There are a lot of hyperlinked names that won’t ring a bell, even among the teams that are playing well. Alabama may have won the BCS Championship, but the three players highlighted are wide receiver Julio Jones, who played like a five-star player, offensive lineman Tyler Love, who played in two games last year, and athlete Burton Scott, who transferred to South Alabama.

You saw the preview and prediction. Now here are three keys for Cincinnati (9-3) headed into the AutoZone Liberty Bowl against Vanderbilt on Saturday afternoon:

1. Slow down Zac Stacy. Cincinnati has been solid against the run in every game except one this season. I know Bearcats fans are still wondering how Rutgers rushed for over 200 yards on the ground back in November. The larger point is this -- Cincinnati has held opponents under 100 yards in six games this season. Twice the Bearcats held opponents to negative yards rushing. They are 5-1 in those games. Meanwhile, if you limit Stacy you have a greater chance for success. In five of Vanderbilt's six losses this season, Stacy was held under 100 yards.

2. Protect Zach Collaros. Cincinnati has been much improved in this department, but it has got to be a huge point of emphasis going into this game because Collaros is coming off a broken ankle. The last thing the Bearcats want is for Collaros to be sacked, or forced to scramble for his life on every down. Coach Butch Jones says Collaros is 100 percent healthy, but this is his first game action in eight weeks and presumably the most he will be doing on his ankle. Collaros is a good runner and scrambler, so Cincinnati is not going to want to take that ability away from him. But it's best to allow him to make plays with his feet on his own, and not as a result of a relentless pass rush.

3. Make some big plays. Cincinnati does have the capability of getting big plays from all areas of its team. This season, the Bearcats had 97 plays go for 20 yards or more -- including 19 from Big East Offensive Player of the Year Isaiah Pead. Included in there is a 65-yard touchdown run against Tennessee earlier in the season. That is tied for the team's longest rushing play of the year. If Cincinnati can hit on some big plays for touchdowns early this could be a huge advantage.

Cincinnati (9-3) takes on Vanderbilt (6-6) in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Here is a quick preview:

WHO TO WATCH: Cincinnati defensive tackle Derek Wolfe. I have a feeling that very few in SEC country has ever heard of Wolfe, who had one of the best seasons for an interior lineman in the entire country. Wolfe ranked No. 6 in the nation in tackles for loss (19.5) and No. 11 in sacks (9.5), and is going to be an integral part of this game because he is disruptive both in the run game and in the pass game. His ability this season to get behind the line and cause massive disruptions has been a big reason why Cincinnati had the most improved defensive front in the Big East this season.

WHAT TO WATCH: Cincinnati quarterback Zach Collaros and his injured ankle. Collaros has been practicing for several weeks now, but he has not played in an actual game for two months. So how he handles the rust factor early on is going to be a big key. One other tendency he has is to throw at least one silly interception a game. He had at least one in five of his past six starts (minus West Virginia). Also, running back Isaiah Pead was much better with Collaros behind center. When Munchie Legaux started, everybody keyed on stopping Pead to make Legaux try and win it. But with Collaros and Pead in the backfield, Cincinnati should be much more balanced and much more difficult to stop.

WHY TO WATCH: In the all-important battle between conferences, you know it is highly important for a Big East co-champion to beat anybody from the SEC. Even a team that went 6-6 and does not have a prolific bowl history like Vanderbilt. Unfortunately for Cincinnati, all the folks in the SEC remember is the way the Bearcats played in a 45-23 loss to Tennessee in Week 2. Never mind the Bearcats are a much better team today than they were back in September. Those results matter, and so does this record -- Cincinnati is 2-17-1 against SEC teams since 1980.

PREDICTION: Cincinnati 27, Vanderbilt 21. From my predictions post Monday: The quarterback matchup between Jordan Rodgers and Collaros should be a good one as well, but I still give the advantage to the Bearcats. This is a team that was on pace to get to a BCS game before Collaros broke his ankle. Cincinnati has been terrific at getting after the quarterback and making tackles behind the line, and the secondary is much improved. The seniors are eager to win their first bowl game and eager to prove the naysayers wrong once again.

Here it is bowl season, and Cincinnati has exceeded expectations again. Picked to finish fifth in the conference, the Bearcats won a share of the Big East championship.

Picked to finish fifth in 2008, the Bearcats went to the Orange Bowl.

Picked to finish fifth in 2009, the Bearcats went to the Sugar Bowl.

You can see why players and fans feel their program is disrespected. So how did Cincinnati (9-3) react to the fact that it is an underdog to a 6-6 Vanderbilt team headed into the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Saturday?

"That's every week," defensive tackle Derek Wolfe said in a recent phone interview. "Cincinnati is never considered a favorite."

What is different about this season compared to 2008 and 2009 is the recognition the Bearcats received from league coaches. Wolfe was selected co-defensive player of the year , and running back Isaiah Pead was selected offensive player of the year. They are the first Cincinnati players to win those honors. Butch Jones also was picked Coach of the Year.

Still, Cincinnati players do play with a boulder on their shoulders. There really is nothing new about proving themselves. But there may be an added sense of urgency for the seniors in this bowl game. The Bearcats have not won a bowl game since 2007, and they are Cincinnati is 2-17-1 against SEC teams since 1980. Whether it is fair or not, all other leagues are measured against the SEC. So even wins over .500 teams are considered pretty big.

One player who will have to come up big in the game is Wolfe, who was a second-team All-American in three different publications. Wolfe leads the Big East and ranks sixth nationally with 19.5 tackles for a loss and ranks third in the league and tied for 12th in the FBS with 9.5 sacks. While it was known throughout the league that Wolfe was one of the best interior linemen, he was not on anybody's preseason list for potential defensive player of the year.

"It's a great honor and whenever you work hard something is going to come back for you," Wolfe said. "That's what I always preach to people. I did everything I possibly could to make myself better each and every day."

All that work will eventually pay off with a spot in the NFL. Wolfe is listed as a sleeper pick who could make a nice transition from tackle to end in a 3-4 scheme in the pros. Wolfe already has experience playing on the edge, and said he really enjoys when Cincinnati goes with three down linemen and he is on the end because, "I get a lot of space to work on one guy."

He has one game left to show what he can do, and to get that elusive bowl victory.

"We're just trying to finish strong," he said. "I'd hate to leave with a loss. We're going to play as hard as we possibly can."

The time has come for me to make my can't-be-beat Big East bowl predictions. All year you guys wanted me to think outside the box and pick some upsets. I shall deliver today. The pick for the Orange Bowl comes later this week, so West Virginia fans have to wait a few more days.

Belk Bowl: Louisville (7-5) vs. NC State (7-5), Dec. 27, 8 p.m. Here comes Test 1 against the ACC. The Wolfpack will have the benefit of playing in front of a partisan crowd, but Louisville goes into the game on a bit of a hot streak, having closed the season with a 5-1 mark. The Cardinals have simply found their identity. This offense is not going to light up the scoreboard, but it has become more efficient and balanced since play-calling duties switched to Shawn Watson. The defense has been solid, and will be one of the best the Wolfpack have faced this season. Louisville ranks No. 10 nationally in rushing defense (103.5 ypg), No. 14 in scoring defense (19.2 ppg) and No. 23 in total defense (327.8 ypg). Here is the bottom line for me: You know what you are going to get out of the Cardinals. They have been exceptionally consistent in the second half of the season. You cannot say the same for NC State, one of the most inconsistent teams in the nation. Will we see the NC State team that beat Clemson or the one that lost to Boston College and nearly lost to Maryland? Louisville 24, NC State 20.

New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Rutgers (8-4) vs. Iowa State (6-6), Dec. 30, 3:20 p.m. Once again, Rutgers is playing the quarterback shuffle game, and coach Greg Schiano has not announced whether Chas Dodd or Gary Nova will start in the bowl game. No matter who is behind center, you can bet one thing has been emphasized since Rutgers lost to UConn -- hold onto the football. Rutgers turned the ball over six times against the Huskies and simply never gave itself a chance to win. Iowa State has been solid at forcing turnovers, but the Cyclones have given the ball away too many times this season. Rutgers owned the turnover margin earlier this season but has fallen off lately. The key for Rutgers in all its wins this season has been simple -- create turnovers, limit mistakes and allow defense and special teams to carry the day. Schiano always gets his team up for bowl games, and Iowa State has dropped two games in a row since beating Oklahoma State. Rutgers 27, Iowa State 20.

AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Cincinnati (9-3) vs. Vanderbilt (6-6), Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m. I have been outspoken on this game in the past week so you know where I am going with this one. Zach Collaros might be back at quarterback for the Bearcats, which should be a huge advantage. Still, these teams are very similar -- good running backs (Isaiah Pead, Zac Stacy) and good defenses (Vandy ranks No. 19 in the nation, Cincinnati ranks in the top 10 against the run and leads in sacks). The quarterback matchup between Jordan Rodgers and Collaros should be a good one as well, but I still give the advantage to the Bearcats. This is a team that was on pace to get to a BCS game before Collaros broke his ankle. Cincinnati has been terrific at getting after the quarterback and making tackles behind the line, and the secondary is much improved. The seniors are eager to win their first bowl game and eager to prove the naysayers wrong once again. Cincinnati 27, Vanderbilt 21.

BBVA Compass Bowl: Pitt (6-6) vs. SMU (7-5), Jan. 7, 1 p.m. The big question headed into this one is how Pitt responds with interim coach Keith Patterson leading the way. The Panthers played under an interim coach in this game last year against Kentucky and won, so clearly this is not a unique situation. Pitt has to do what has worked best this season -- establish the run and let quarterback Tino Sunseri manage the game. The defense has been much improved in the second half of the season, and SMU has struggled to put up points of late. The Mustangs also will be without leading rusher Zach Line, who played a big role in the offense. If the Panthers can continue to get after the quarterback and play well in the secondary, they should be able to win this game. Pitt 28, SMU 17.

Cincinnati Bearcats (9-3) vs. Vanderbilt Commodores (6-6)

Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC)

Cincinnati take from Big East blogger Andrea Adelson: Most everyone expected the Bearcats to be better this season, with veteran players returning at key positions on offense and defense. But just how much better was the big question. Cincinnati answered that early, jumping out to a 7-1 start to the season behind vastly improved play from its much-maligned defense. Then the season turned.

Quarterback Zach Collaros broke his ankle early against West Virginia and was lost for the regular season. All of a sudden, a team that controlled the Big East was no longer in control at all. The Bearcats lost to the Mountaineers and dropped one to Rutgers the following week, dealing them what would be a death blow to their BCS chances. What perhaps hurts most was this team had a lead on West Virginia in the fourth quarter and could not hold on for the win.

But the Bearcats can still call themselves Big East champions for the third time in four seasons, so that should help take the sting away. Running back Isaiah Pead had another terrific season, becoming the first Cincinnati back in 25 seasons to post back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. The defensive front played outstanding all season, stuffing the run and getting great pressure on the quarterback with 44 sacks and 106.5 tackles for loss. Defensive tackle Derek Wolfe was a load to handle inside, and linebacker JK Schaffer had 100 tackles for the third straight season.

This was also a team that made a complete turnaround when it came to turnover margin. Last year, the Bearcats were last in the Big East at minus-15 in this category. This year, they led the Big East at plus-11. The good news for Cincinnati is that Collaros is expected back for the bowl game, but he might remind everyone what could have been for the Bearcats this season.

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Vanderbilt take from SEC blogger Chris Low: James Franklin vowed when he took the Vanderbilt job that he was unconcerned about what had or hadn’t happened in the past there.

Never mind that the Commodores had been the rest of the SEC’s punching bag. Franklin saw to it that they punched back, and they’re headed to a bowl game for only the fifth time in school history.

Vanderbilt earned that trip by going to Winston-Salem, N.C., on the final weekend of the regular season and routing Wake Forest 41-7 for its sixth win of the season.

The Commodores were agonizingly close to being an eight- or even a nine-win football team. They lost in overtime at Tennessee and lost three more close games to Arkansas, Florida and Georgia by a combined 13 points.

Vanderbilt leaned on its veteran defense early in the season. The Commodores intercepted 17 passes, which is tied for second in the SEC.

But where they made the most improvement was on offense, especially after Jordan Rodgers took over at quarterback in Week 7. He had plenty of help, too. Junior running back Zac Stacy set a school record with 1,136 rushing yards. The offensive line made major strides, and sophomore receiver Jordan Matthews became one of the SEC’s premier big-play threats in the passing game.

Cincinnati accepted a bid to play Vanderbilt in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Dec. 31 in Memphis, Tenn.

"We are pleased to accept a bid into the 53rd AutoZone Liberty Bowl," coach Butch Jones said in a statement. "It’s a great honor to be part of a game with the prestige and storied history of the Liberty Bowl. We look forward to a great number of Cincinnati fans being the team behind the team and helping us ring in the New Year in Memphis.”

The Bearcats (9-3, 5-2) won a share of the Big East title for the third time in four seasons, but West Virginia won the tiebreaker for the right to play in a BCS game. Cincinnati will be playing in their 13th bowl game and first since 2009. Cincinnati is 6-6 all-time in post-season games and will be making its first trip to the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

This marks the eighth meeting between the Bearcats and Vanderbilt (6-6) in a series that dates back to 1898. The teams have not met since Oct. 8, 1994.

A few final thoughts on two more of the ACC's earlier games:

Final: UNC 37, Duke 21: Another eight-win season could be in store for North Carolina, despite the firing of former coach Butch Davis just days before summer practices began. Duke's defense couldn't stop running back Giovani Bernard or receiver Dwight Jones, and its offense couldn't overcome four turnovers. North Carolina was the more physical team and paved the way for Bernard to rack up 100 yards by halftime. UNC finished with 508 total yards; Bernard accounted for 222 of them. Duke ended the season with seven consecutive losses -- nowhere near where the program needed to be for bowl eligibility in the fourth season under David Cutcliffe.

Final: Vanderbilt 41, Wake Forest 7: Vandy was playing for bowl eligibility, and the Deacs couldn't stop them from it. Wake Forest had no answer for Zac Stacy, who ran for 184 yards and three touchdowns, including a 40-yard touchdown score in the fourth quarter. It was an impressive season for the Deacs, who had a chance to win the Atlantic Division title against Clemson earlier this month, but they faded down the stretch and lost four of their final five. There were plenty of close losses on Wake's schedule, but Vanderbilt left no doubt it was the better team. Fortunately for the Deacs, they earned their bowl eligibility a week ago against Maryland.

1. While the speed horses have worn each other at the front of the race, Virginia Tech has hugged the rail and bided its time. Now, as the track announcer yells, “Down the stretch they come,” there are the No. 5 Hokies, 10-1. Of the four teams ahead, three must play highly ranked teams. Only two weeks ago, Frank Beamer became the FBS coach with the most victories (250). He is much closer to his first national championship than anyone would have guessed last Friday.

2. Miami’s decision not to go to a bowl game is prudent if you’re an administrator. It means the Hurricanes can get a head start on whatever penalties they receive at the conclusion of the ongoing NCAA investigation. That comes as little solace to the Miami players. The decision also hurts the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, which has a deal for the ninth pick in the ACC. Thanks to Miami’s decision, the ACC will have no more than eight bowl teams.

3. No one wants to see a game decided on a blown call, especially a game with bowl ramifications for Tennessee and Vanderbilt. SEC coordinator of officials Steve Shaw confirmed Saturday night that his crew blew the call that gave Tennessee a 27-21 victory over Vanderbilt in overtime. That ruling could be karmic payback for Derek Dooley and the Vols, whose last-play bowl loss to North Carolina last season resulted in an off-season rule change. All well and good but karma still owes Vandy a debt.

Tennessee is a disappointing 4-6, 0-6 in the SEC, the first time it has lost six conference games since 1962. Things are going so bad in Knoxville that the Volunteers are actually an underdog to Vanderbilt in Saturday's game at Neyland Stadium. It's only the second time in 26 seasons that the Commodores are favored to defeat UT. In 2008, Vanderbilt was favored to win in former Vols' coach Phillip Fulmer's final season. Tennessee won that game 20-10. The Volunteers will win this time, too, and they'll defeat Kentucky next week to become bowl-eligible with a 6-6 record. Vols quarterback Tyler Bray might return from a broken thumb, which sidelined him for the past five games, but UT will win with its defense. There's more pressure on the Commodores, who will have to win at Tennessee or at Wake Forest next week to become bowl-eligible.

Connecticut put together a valiant effort in the second half, nearly rallying to beat Vanderbilt. But the Huskies ended up losing 24-21, no thanks to their offense.

After taking a 21-14 lead on the backs of their special teams and defense, UConn quarterback Johnny McEntee threw his third interception of the night. This one was returned 49 yards for a touchdown by Robby Barbieri to tie the game. The Huskies had to punt on their next possession, and Vanderbilt was able to get into field goal range after a 48-yard run. Carey Spear kicked a 31-yard field goal with 2:56 remaining to go ahead.

UConn had one last chance but could do absolutely nothing to mount a drive. McEntee finished with four total turnovers and a terrible stat line: 10-of-27 for 99 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. Michael Nebrich and Scott McCummings also played, but UConn primarily stuck with McEntee even though he struggled all night.

The Huskies did not have a touchdown drive in the game. Instead, they had a blocked punt recovered in the end zone for one score, and Yawin Smallwood recovered a fumble and ran 64 yards for another. Those two touchdowns helped UConn erase a 14-6 deficit.

The defense played well but had breakdowns that led to big plays. But the biggest concern is the offense, which was unable to rely on its ground game to get the win. Lyle McCombs had 118 yards in the game -- 44 of those came on the first drive. It was his second straight 100-yard game, but clearly UConn has got to get its quarterback situation straightened out and fast.

I wish I could say I was as perfect as the Big East in Week 1. I called for a Notre Dame win, and USF proved me wrong. The Bulls had the biggest win on the slate, 23-20 over the Irish. What are the chances for another undefeated week for the Big East? I think it will be much tougher. But maybe I will be proven wrong again.

On to the picks.

FIU at Louisville, 7 p.m., Friday, ESPN. This is a danger game for the Cardinals, with the in-state rival Kentucky looming next week. FIU is not a patsy anymore and has a veteran team that has come close to pulling off some major upsets. But I think the Cardinals' defense will do just enough to slow down T.Y. Hilton and pull out a close one at home. Louisville 24, FIU 20.

Rutgers at North Carolina, 12:30 p.m., Saturday, ESPN3.The Scarlet Knights posted a 48-0 win in Week 1 against NC Central, but this is a vastly different team from North Carolina. The Tar Heels are going to give the Rutgers all they can handle up front. I am not sure the Scarlet Knights will have an answer for North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples, who had two sacks in the opener. North Carolina 27, Rutgers 17.

Maine at Pitt, 1 p.m., Saturday, ESPN3. The Panthers had a much better performance in the second half than they did in the first last week. Coach Todd Graham is going to be looking for better execution for the entire game, specifically from quarterback Tino Sunseri. Pitt 45, Maine 6.

Norfolk State at West Virginia, 1 p.m., ESPN3. West Virginia is just hoping to play a full four quarters this week after a weather-shortened win over Marshall. This will be a good opportunity to get the running game better established after a dismal performance in the opener. West Virginia 55, Norfolk State 7.

Cincinnati at Tennessee, 3:30 p.m., ESPN2. This is a huge game for the Bearcats, who would love nothing more than to get more eyes on them after going 4-8 last season. Winning on the road in a hostile environment would do the trick. Tennessee showed a few weaknesses last week, most notably its run game. But the Vols are probably going to try to pass on a Bearcats defense that needs to prove it is vastly better in that area. Cincinnati has good balance with Zach Collaros and Isaiah Pead, and its explosive offense should do just enough to get the upset win. Cincinnati 30, Tennessee 27.

Rhode Island at Syracuse, 4:30 p.m., Saturday, ESPN3. The Orange need to have more consistency out of their offense and defense after an uneven performance in Week 1. Playing an FCS opponent should help before they go on the road to play USC. Syracuse 40, Rhode Island 10.

Ball State at USF, 7 p.m., ESPN3.The Bulls have to beware of the let down factor, after getting a big win over Notre Dame and jumping into the AP Top 25. Ball State had an upset win over Indiana last week, and is now running more of an up-tempo spread offense, similar to what Notre Dame ran last week. But the Bulls are much more talented and should hold off the MAC challenge. USF 35, Ball State 14.

UConn at Vanderbilt, 7:30 p.m., ESPN3.This is a critical test for the three-headed quarterback system Connecticut plans to use. I have never been in favor of shifting quarterbacks in and out. Meanwhile, D.J. Shoemate is expected to return to the run game with Lyle McCombs. They could see lots of Chris Marve, one of the best tacklers in the SEC. Last year's game was a wild 40-21 win for UConn. I think this is going to be more low-scoring game, and Vanderbilt will do just enough to stop Connecticut on offense to win. Vanderbilt 20, Connecticut 17.

1. In announcing the new 13-year deal between Fox and the Big 12, Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione pointed out that every school can “monetize” some distribution rights; i.e., the Longhorn Network that exists and the OU Network that is being investigated. I’m sure it comes as great solace to Kansas State and Baylor that they can “monetize” their rights. In other words, the Big 12 will be more unbalanced than ever.

2. We have to wait five months to find out if new Vanderbilt coach James Franklin can win games. But he has provided a jolt of enthusiasm into a program that needs it. Franklin interrupted a team meeting last Friday to announce a dodgeball tournament. The coaches filed into the meeting room in “uniform” and talking smack. Check out the video at VUCommodores.com, if for nothing else than to see coaches Herb Hand and Ricky Rahne take pratfalls straight out of America’s Funniest Home Videos.

3. National Football Foundation president Steve Hatchell told me Tuesday that he has been inundated with calls from athletic administrators asking the NFF to do something to help restore the image of a game that over the past few months has been battered by scandal, controversy, you name it. Hatchell is a capable guy, but he has no magic wand. The game is cleaner than it was a generation ago, but the scrutiny of the modern era is closer -- and never-ending.