Brian Bennett

  (1:03 PM)

Gonna get a little late start because I'm interviewing Tyler Lorenzen

Brian Bennett

  (1:04 PM)

But get your questions in and I'll answer as many as I can by 2

Brian Bennett

  (1:11 PM)

OK, sorry for the delay. Pesky reporting sometimes gets in the way. Now let's talk some Big East football

Mike (storrs)

As a Uconn student, my expectations for our football team are high. What is a realistic expectation for the huskies this year

Brian Bennett

  (1:12 PM)

I'll take your question first since I just interviewed Lorenzen. I think UConn should be 4-0 heading into the Big East opener against Louisville. Eight wins are very possible, more if all goes well

Kris (Big 12 Country)

Who's Tyler Lorenzen???

Brian Bennett

  (1:13 PM)

That would be the UConn QB, who's playing your Big 12 Baylor Bears on ESPN this Friday night

Ryan, Pittsburgh

Brian - Your take and the Pitt/Iowa game. Can Pitt win?

Brian Bennett

  (1:14 PM)

I think it's going to be physical, with lots of running and pounding and not a lot of passing. Old school. Pitt's going to be outweighed by Iowa's big O-line. I'll be there for that game too

Nick (NYC)

Where do you see Rutgers finishing in the Big East standings after their disappointing out of conference losses to Fresno and UNC?

Brian Bennett

  (1:14 PM)

Unless there's massive improvement on the way, no better than sixth and probably seventh. The schedule does them no favors either

Greg (Harrisburg, PA)

Is the Big East the worst BCS conference?

Brian Bennett

  (1:15 PM)

Right now, yes. But if they win another BCS game, it won't matter

Joe (WV)

UConn victory over Baylor get them into the Top 25?

Brian Bennett

  (1:15 PM)

Probably not, though it should. They're 35th right now. I think they'll have to beat Louisville and get to 5-0 to break the rankings

Kevin (Greenwich, CT)

Why is Donald Brown not getting any mention as a Heisman candidate?

Brian Bennett

  (1:16 PM)

He's on my radar. UConn hasn't gotten a lot of pub or highlights yet, mostly because of the competition (and the UVA game was on opposite USC-Ohio State). Maybe Friday night will help

Chris Monti (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

Which of these two options do you think is more likely? Rutgers ends the year 4-8 (with only wins against Morgan St, Louisville or Navy, Syracuse and Army) or Rutgers puts the first two games behind them and they finish 7-5 and go back to the International Bowl in Toronto or to the Papa John's Bowl?

Brian Bennett

  (1:17 PM)

4-8

Fannettsburg, PA

Let's play the "what if" game. What if a team like Pitt or UConn wins the Big East instead of favorites South Florida and West Virginia. Would the BCS still take them. Teams like BYU, East Carolina, and others would not be happy. What are you thoughts.

Brian Bennett

  (1:17 PM)

Automatic bid. There's no choice in the matter.

Andrew, NYC

What are USF's biggest tests from here on out? And do you see any "trap" games too?

Brian Bennett

  (1:18 PM)

at Cincinnati Oct. 30. UConn at home Nov. 23. And of course in Morgantown. They'd better be focused in two weeks at NC State as well. Trap possibility there.

David (Syracuse, NY)

Do you know why SU hasn't fired Greg Robinson yet? He is clearly a lame duck coach at this point.

Brian Bennett

  (1:19 PM)

Not sure Gross wants to do it midseason, but he may have no choice. No point in doing it this week, when the Orange should get their only win over Northeastern

Jim (Parkersburg, WV)

If WVU beats Colorado will that get them back on track and towards making a run? Or is their defense too young regardless?

Brian Bennett

  (1:20 PM)

If the win Thursday, they should have smooth sailing until the Auburn game. And Auburn's offense looks awful. So yeah, this is a huge swing game.

Trey (El Dorado, Arkansas)

which conference is better right now? Big East, Mountain West, or ACC

Brian Bennett

  (1:20 PM)

Right now, I'd say the Mountain West. And pretty easily.

B. Petrino

Seriously I am an awesome coach.. just look at how pathetic Louisville is now that I left

Brian Bennett

  (1:21 PM)

Arkansas doesn't look too good either, Bobby. Maybe focus on them right now.

Mike, Provo

Why is Rutgers such a media darling - they're Big East's Notre Dame!

Brian Bennett

  (1:21 PM)

Wasn't aware that they were. But the New York City market probably doesn't hurt.

T. Milam Knightdale, NC

What does WVU need to change this week before playing CO.

Brian Bennett

  (1:22 PM)

Get back to running the ball on the inside draws and option reads. Stop somebody on defense.

Jim (Parkersburg, WV)

Do you think Va Tech is regretting leaving the Big East now? The ACC has not been competitive in bowls, and VT offense has been dismal over the last 4 years.

Brian Bennett

  (1:22 PM)

Not as long as the ACC checks keep pouring in.

Marcus (Salt Lake City)

Brian, lots of talk out here about the MWC deserving the Big East or the ACC BCS autobid. Lots of it is hype because of a good non-conference run this year, but what are your thoughts on it in the long run?

Brian Bennett

  (1:24 PM)

Gonna take a whole, whole lot more than one good year by the MWC. But it's a start. Keep winning and people will be forced to listen eventually

Steve Hannon (Tulsa)

Do you think Kragthorpe is regreting his decesion to leave Tulsa for Louisville? Just how hot is the water he's in?

Brian Bennett

  (1:25 PM)

He may have been happier in Tulsa, but he took a shot at a bigtime job. He's still only 14 games in. Let's see what happens Wednesday night.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Who is your front-runner to win the conference? South Florida? Louisville?

Brian Bennett

  (1:25 PM)

South Florida, no question

Kevin (greenwich, CT)

IS Lorenzen going to throw the ball more than 10 yds down the field this week?

Brian Bennett

  (1:26 PM)

Only if he has to. He was 11 for 11 in the first half and they scored 45 points. If it ain't broke ...

greg robinson (syracuse)

i told you rutgers was a one year wonder. that was one thing i got right in 4 years

Brian Bennett

  (1:26 PM)

Guess that's better than a no-year wonder?

Dave (Palm Beach, FL)

UC should be 4-1 going into Big East play. Even without Grutza I think they have a pretty good shot at winning the league, what do you think?

Brian Bennett

  (1:27 PM)

I want to see Pike play before I make that call. Right now I'd say they're a notch below USF, WVU and UConn. But I never count out Brian Kelly

Jim, Cincinnati

Brian, is Ron English that good of a d-coordinator or was the previous DC at Louisville just that bad.

Brian Bennett

  (1:28 PM)

As I like to say, the truth is somewhere in the middle. There was a lot of behind-the-scenes criticism of what Cassity tried to do last year. But let's remember that Louisville has played a Kentucky offense that can't move the ball and Tenn Tech. Let's see if it can stop Josh Freeman and Co.

Jason (Vegas)

Big 10 and Pac 10 have to be close to the bottom as well right?

Brian Bennett

  (1:29 PM)

but still ahead of the ACC. Big 12 and SEC clearly the best

greg robinson (syracuse)

hey brian, are you hiring? i may be looking for a job after the Pitt game. You interested?

Brian Bennett

  (1:30 PM)

How many words per minute can you type?

Mitch Spacer (Erie, Pa)

why do you think pitt is always so over rated?

Brian Bennett

  (1:30 PM)

Good recruiting classes, the talent is obvious. It's the coaching that's suspect. At least, that's the prevailing opinion.

Larry (State College,PA)

How many points would PSU be favored by if they played UConn or South Florida? My guess is 14+.

Brian Bennett

  (1:31 PM)

Where's the game? 14-to-17 over UConn, maybe 10 or fewer over USF in Tampa

Mike (storrs)

Uconn's running game has been very strong the last 3 games with Donald Brown doing most of the work. With the addition of Andre Dixon after he comes back from his Ankle injury, Do you think Uconn can continue their dominance on the ground when they start playing teams with bigger and faster d-lines.

Brian Bennett

  (1:32 PM)

I doubt they'll get 200 yards a game out of Donald Brown every week. Dixon's return, whenever it comes, will help Brown reduce his workload. He's carrying an awful lot this early in the season, and it's a long year.

Matt (Denver, CO)

Breakdown the Thursday night game. Will West Virginia be able to get back on track?

Brian Bennett

  (1:33 PM)

I think it's going to be a lot of fun. A ton of scoring. West Virginia's had 12 days to fix its offense, and I expect it to come out firing.

Mike (New Britain)

We know WVU USF and UCONN will be good. At this point do you think there is a team in the Big East that can get some upsets in league play?

Brian Bennett

  (1:35 PM)

I think we'll see a lot of upsets. Louisville will beat someone it shouldn't. Cincinnati could shake a few things up. And don't count out Pitt just yet.

Kris, PA

Is Pat White completely out of the Heisman running after the East Carolina debacle, or can he recover with good games against the likes of South Florida, Pitt, Colorado, and Auburn? (In my opinion, a lot of White's troubles against East Carolina were the result of lackluster play from the offensive line; not White playing poorly.)

Brian Bennett

  (1:36 PM)

Nobody's out of it i Week 2. But he does have to have huge games on national TV, and the Mountaineers can't lose again. And others have to fall off. Gonna be tough. I think voters may feel they've already seen the best of Pat White

daryl gross( syracuse)

syracuse is new york's team. didn't you see my ad campaign?

Brian Bennett

  (1:37 PM)

Don't think any municipality is claiming you these days, DG

Mike (storrs)

Uconn has been getting by without getting high profile recruits. Even with their current success, new facilities, and their in a BCS Conference. What needs to happen before Uconn can attract these recruits to take them to the next level.

Brian Bennett

  (1:38 PM)

Win a big bowl game. Not talking about Meineke or Motor City here.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Who's the biggest surprise/disappointment in the Big East so far?

Brian Bennett

  (1:39 PM)

Disappointment by far is Rutgers. Surprise? Not a lot, except maybe Pitt and WVU's early struggles.

John (Danville, KY)

Two questions. 1. Did you go to Centre College? 2. Does Cincinnati have enough to win the Big East?

Brian Bennett

  (1:39 PM)

No. And maybe, if Tony Pike can get it done.

Kevin (Greenwich, CT)

Will the Big East game of the year be on a Sunday night? UConn at USF on Sunday November 23...

Brian Bennett

  (1:40 PM)

Could very well be. Two teams that didn't play Division I-A at the start of the century

Matt (Pittsburgh)

Do you think Syracuse has lost its ability to leave the Big East with its recent failures?

Brian Bennett

  (1:40 PM)

Where would they go? And why?

Jim (Daphne, AL)

Tell Larry in State College that Penn State wouldnt play those two teams, because they are actually decent OOC opponents, which automatically eliminates Penn St. from scheduling them.

greg[ thomaston ga ]

did ecu steal usf d against wvu two weeks ago they played real phy. game against wvu and the big thing was the d end stayed home on pat white clearly the way u beat wvu.

Brian Bennett

  (1:42 PM)

Yeah, which is what Pitt did, too. The whole passing game emphasis was supposed to alleviate that, but it didn't click against ECU. 'Eers need someone physical to run up the gut so they break it outside.

Jay (Pawleys Island, SC)

Have you heard any talk of East Carolina or any other teams on a list to be invited into the Big East

Brian Bennett

  (1:42 PM)

Mike Tranghese told me a week ago that expansion isn't even being discussed right now

Nick (FL)

If WVU can only put up 3 points on ECU, will it even matter that Auburn has a horrible offense? Auburn could win it 2-0.

Brian Bennett

  (1:43 PM)

Very possible. Let's hope not. I think WVU will figure something out offensively. Too much talent and speed and too good of an O-Line not to.

Todd Jackson

How many teams make a bowl game out of the Big East?

Brian Bennett

  (1:44 PM)

5

Chuck, WV

Do you hang out with Pat Forde there in Louisville?

Brian Bennett

  (1:44 PM)

We share a cubicle.

Larry (State College,PA)

Tell Jim (Daphne,AL) that PSU has the 10th toughest non-conference BCS schedule over the past 10 years according to ESPN. Also, Tell Jim PSU plays Bama in 2010-2011.

Brian Bennett

  (1:44 PM)

You guys should have your own chat

Bryce(Tampa)

Don't you think it is a little early to believe Air Force, Utah and BYU is better than WVU, UCONN and USF?

Brian Bennett

  (1:45 PM)

It's too early to believe anything. Doesn't anyone remember how crazy last year got? But that's what we're asked to do.

Mark, Chicago

Why isn't Penn State ranked top ten? They have as good a defense and a top ten ranked offense. How are THREE 4 year starting WRs, a veteran line, a running back with a great YPC, TWO QBs who have settled in well to the system...NOT mentioned as a top 5 offense? They haven't played anyone you're thinking? Who has Oklahoma played? Cincinatti? Washington? Yup, winners there. What are your reasons?

Brian Bennett

  (1:45 PM)

I don't vote in the poll, but in our ESPN rankings I had them 11th. Probably should have been higher. They look great

Eric (Albany)

Is Tyler related to former Kentucky DT Jared Lorenzen?

Brian Bennett

  (1:46 PM)

No. And he's about 75 pounds lighter. (On a good day for J-Load)

Ben (Omaha, NE)

No expansion??? Absurd....I was hoping the Big East's football conference would start to resemble the monstrocity that is the Big East's basketball conference. I think the Big East should put the squeeze on Notre Dame to join them in football too or make them try to pull off being an independant in basketball.

Brian Bennett

  (1:47 PM)

That's the problem, of course. No way they're going to 17 in hoops, so they'd need a football only school, which is a tough sell. ND isn't ever joining the Big East, and they're a big attraction for TV in hoops. So nothing's going to change there.

Mike (Pittsburgh)

Do you think Wanny will ever get it done at Pitt or do they need to move on after this season if he can't get them to a major bowl game?

Brian Bennett

  (1:48 PM)

I think he'd better get to a bowl game this year, and not just backing into one at 6-6. If not, this might be it.

Eric (Costa Mesa, CA)

Does Louisville turn its season around against K-State this week? Or are we in for another brutal beating?

Brian Bennett

  (1:48 PM)

They're 1-1, so I don't know about turning around. But it's a big swing game for the Cards.

Mark (Chicago, IL)

Tell Larry and Jim that PSU scheduled Syracuse when they had something in the tank, and weren't in the tank...and scheduled Oregon St. last minute, when they had some firepower. Oregon St. will turn out to be a mid tier team at least.

Brian Bennett

  (1:49 PM)

I feel like a telephone

Mike (Pittsburgh)

When does Pitt fire Matt Cavanaugh and get an OC that will actually use all the talent they have on offense?

Brian Bennett

  (1:50 PM)

I'd like to see a lot more creativity on offense, for sure. It's so bland and predictable. But it seems like that's what Wannstedt wants from his OC

Dave (Washington DC)

Why doesn't the Big East expand with Villanova and Georgetown? I'm not joking. They play D1-AA. Look at what UConn and USF have done lately. Why don't they hire some of the people who made that happen?

Brian Bennett

  (1:51 PM)

It's the best way to go. But, first one or both has to make the commitment to go I-A. It's a huge financial burden. Then it takes a while to get up to speed. 'Nova doesn't have a place to play, while G'town might have to find a way to fill seats at FedEx. Daunting propositions

Sean (Hartford, CT)

Why is UConn NEVER mentioned nationally when it comes to the Big East? it's always about the bad teams (Syracuse, Pitt, Rutgers), WVU flopping or USF carrying the banner. Why can't UConn get any love?

Brian Bennett

  (1:52 PM)

Good question. Probably the lack of history. Took USF a while until they beat Auburn. UConn doesn't have any noncon marquee wins like that. Yet.

Bryce(Tampa)

IF USF can finish undefeated do they have a realistic chance at the title game? Seems like one big 12 team is a lock if they can survive the schedule.

Brian Bennett

  (1:53 PM)

Realistic? Yes. Expect some serious sniping from other leagues if it happens, though. USF could go unbeaten without beating a top 15 or even a top 20 team, depending on what KU and WVU do

James (Nashville)

Vandy would go undefeateed in the Big East or the ACC, am I right?

Brian Bennett

  (1:54 PM)

Nope. Vandy wouldn't beat USF, UConn and WVU. Maybe one, not all three

John (Pittsburgh)

Do you believe Pitt is going to turn their season around? And if so, what adjustments are going to be made?

Brian Bennett

  (1:54 PM)

I was on the bandwagon early but I'm really shaky now. Need to see something of promise this Saturday. Defense has to get more physical, the offense has to loosen up. Where's Baldwin?

Marty (Alkol, WV)

What's the likelihood of an undefeated USF and a 10-1 WVU playing the last game of the season? Also, do 2 Big East teams get into the BCS if that happens?

Brian Bennett

  (1:56 PM)

I'll say 30 percent chance. Lot has to go right. Would be one heck of a scene. If WVU wins and both finish 11-1, I think they could both go to the BCS if everything else broke right

Rob (Baltimore)

Everyone is forgetting that Penn St. played South Florida, in 2005, and beat them 24-3. Argument settled.

Brian Bennett

  (1:56 PM)

Yes, three years ago. Totally relevant to today's teams.

Lou (Bethesda, MD)

I still think the Big East drops everything and makes changes if PSU says, hey, we'd like to join you guys after all. (Not that they would.)

Brian Bennett

  (1:56 PM)

If Penn State wanted in, they might change the name of the league to the Nittany East just to appease them. Ain't gonna happen though.

Ben (Omaha, NE)

As a Dolphins fan, I would like to let Mike from Pittsburgh know that the problem is not their OC, its Mr. Wanstedt and as a Husker fan, I would like to offer my condolences for having Mr. Steve Pederson running their athletic department.

Mike (Pittsburgh)

Do you think Pitt will play Baldwin and Nix more this week?

Brian Bennett

  (1:57 PM)

They keep saying yes, but it hasn't happened. They've had two weeks off to get them ready. But why break the seal against a good Iowa team and not Buffalo? Makes no sense.

John (Pittsburgh)

Ya, but do you think Wanny has it in him? I mean he has never changed anything as a head coach at any level.

Brian Bennett

  (1:58 PM)

That's the question of the day, isn't it? He may not have a choice.

Brian Bennett

  (1:58 PM)

That didn't help their cause any. They did beat USF though. But also: lost to Wake Forest and looked bad doing it

Justin (Chicago)

You still look like a mix between Matt Damon and Jack Nicholson, but a mix like how Conan does it on Late Night.

Brian Bennett

  (1:59 PM)

Hey, as long as the ladies like it...

Eric (Hurricane, WV)

Like many Mountaineer fans, I'm seriously doubting our AD for the emotional hire of Bill Stewart. I will gladly apologize for my ignorance should WVU turn it around and win some games. If that doesn't happen, what happens to Bill Stewart? If we do not improve how can he not be blamed for the collapse?

Brian Bennett

  (1:59 PM)

Let's give ol' Bill more than 3 games first, shall we? Talk about your microwave societies. (Pitino was right)

Stephen (Pittsburgh PA)

Is Pitt Truly a darkhorse now? The aggrandized talent that people talked about last year is still there, and, their QB play should only get better, as a fan i hope they can get it done this weekend vs Iowa. I believe its very possible Shady stands up for this game, he ran tough against WVU last year, this is the game that Pitt's style could do well against.

Brian Bennett

  (2:00 PM)

You're right about the style. If Pitt can't win a grind-out game, I'll lose all faith.

Shawn McAllister

Why wouldn't ND join the Big East? Why would a conference want ND?

Brian Bennett

  (2:02 PM)

Um... they have their own exclusive deal with NBC and can get to a BCS game just by winning nine games no matter the sked. They don't share with anybody. Why would they give that up to play in the Big East?

Matt (Charleston, WV)

Microwave society is right....can you believe some WVU fans are actually saying they would rather have Rodrig....I just threw up in my mouth a little.

Brian Bennett

  (2:02 PM)

Maybe it ends up that way. But sheesh, can we at least get through September?

Rob (Ann Arbor, MI)

Tell Cincy Jim that Ron English has his issues defending the spread offense, which is why Rodriguez let him go.

Brian Bennett

  (2:03 PM)

Louisville hasn't seen a real one yet.

Eric (Pullman, WA)

Worst team in a BCS Conference this year: Syracuse or Washington State?

Brian Bennett

  (2:04 PM)

Syracuse. The two should play for a trophy. Just don't make me cover it.

Brian Bennett

  (2:05 PM)

OK I went a little overtime to make up for the late start. Thanks for all the questions. Over 500 -- a new record for me. Have a great week of college football everybody.