Brian Bennett

  (1:00 PM)

Going to get a little late start again because I'm doing interviews right now

Brian Bennett

  (1:05 PM)

OK, I'll get started now but may get interrupted again shortly. Keep the questions coming though and I'll stay as long as I need to

Ryan (NJ)

WVU was faster and more athletic then Colorado and should have won by 3 td's. What was their head coach and offensive coordinator doing that game? They look so lost this season first passing heavily vs. nova then running heavy vs. Colorado. They need balance fast.....I counted 3 passes over 10 yards the whole game. Horrible!

Brian Bennett

  (1:06 PM)

I agree. I've been very disappointed in the WVU offense so far. The passing game hasn't done anything since Villanova, and the short yardage situations have been terrible. Lot of work to do

Jeff Bristol CT

What bowl do you project Uconn being in?...And why no talk of Donald Brown yet, seems kinda messed up don't you think??....Ohh and Uconn fans travel well...but i think that kentucky is a little to far on a friday for most uconn fans....Its not like this is a bowl game.

Brian Bennett

  (1:08 PM)

Right now, I'd put UConn in the Sun Bowl, but there's a long way to go and we haven't even started Big East play. Brown is getting noticed, trust me on that. I've had a lot of writers and other media types ask me about him. UConn needs to beat a good team and have him have one of his typical performances, and he'll be right there. Remember, this is a team award as much as an individual trophy

Kyle (Milford, CT)

Do you think Lorenzen can get back to mistake free football against Louisville Friday? Are we more likely to see a repeat of his Virginia performance or his questionable Baylor night? And please don't say somewhere inbetween

Brian Bennett

  (1:09 PM)

He'd better, Kyle. He's made some pretty poor decisions early on, and Louisville is better than Virginia and Temple. The Cardinals have been pretty good at forcing turnovers so far. I'll say Lorenzen gets picked at least once; more than that and UConn loses

GrossSuperman (Syracuse)

Brian, It sounds like Daryl Gross is finally recognizing that everyone is frustrated with the Greg Robinson era and the comments he has made in the interviews that have been seen both on College GameDay and with Ivan Maisel seem to point to him getting ready to actually make a change. At what point does he finally pull the trigger and if his next hire doesn't pan out, how long before he is run out of town?

Brian Bennett

  (1:10 PM)

Sounds like that "Gameday" piece brought him out of his cave, no? I think we may see some movement in the next couple of weeks. This stretch of Pitt at home, at West Virginia and then at USF can't possibly end well

Mike Meder

How big of an Impact is losing the starting QB going to be in this game for USF vs NC State

Brian Bennett

  (1:11 PM)

Pretty big, Mike. Wilson played really well for them Saturday and they wouldn't have won without him. I'm no fan of Beck. But USF has its own injury problems on defense right now.

Ashburn, VA

Do you think Pat White can still win the heisman this year? WVU will beat Marshall by 2 touchdowns.

Brian Bennett

  (1:11 PM)

Nope, not a chance. It's too bad.

Paul (Hoboken, NJ)

Do you think Rutgers can still salvage the season and possibly become bowl-eligible? Would drastic changes- ie. benching Teel or Schiano giving up DC duties- be necessary for that to occur?

Brian Bennett

  (1:12 PM)

I don't see it, not with that schedule they have. Let's give them wins over Army, Morgan State and Syracuse. They still have to find three more at WVU, at Pitt, at USF, at Cincy and home vs. UConn and Louisville. Gonna be hard to do. And yeah, I think it's close to time for Schiano to start playing his young QBs and build for next year.

Brian Trumbull, CT

Do you agree if UConn beats the Ville, UConn should jump beyond the twenty range and into the teens, I'm thinking 17th? My reasoning, how many other teams will be 5-0 by this Sunday.

Brian Bennett

  (1:13 PM)

I think 17 is a bit too high. Maybe more like 22-25 range. We just don't know enough about whether Louisville is legit.

Geoff Tampa FL

How is the USF D looking without Mompremier?

Brian Bennett

  (1:14 PM)

Looks like they're going to move McKenzie to weakside and Chris Robinson to strong.

Brian Bennett

  (1:15 PM)

Another interview break .. be right back

Brian Bennett

  (1:21 PM)

Sorry about that. And we're back

Shawn (Hollidaysburg, PA)

I am a WVU fan and despite the early season woes, I was actually encouraged by the improvement I saw against Colorado. What in your assessment are the Mountaineers chances to rally and compete for another Big East title?

Brian Bennett

  (1:22 PM)

There was improvement, for sure. They ran for over 300 yards, didn't allow a point in regulation after that 14-point blitz in the first half. I would not count the 'eers out of the Big East race, that's for sure. Too much talent, too much pride

BJ (Englewood, FL)

is there something to be said that usf played their worst possible game (according to grothe and leavitt) and still won... i asked you earlier in the season about usf dropping in the ranks for only beating usf by a td... well... don't you think that usf will be just fine as long as they keep on winning, or do they need some impressive blowout wins to winover the voters... p.s. i will be thoroughly p.o'd if a one loss ohio st. makes a n.c. before an undefeated usf team...

Brian Bennett

  (1:23 PM)

Just keep winning. The problem they may have is the perception of the Big East could drag them down. In other words, even if they went 12-0 (big if), they might not be looked at the same as an undefeated or even 1- or 2-loss team from the SEC/Big 12.

Mike Boston MA

I am sick of hearing about Larry Taylor and his "unfair catch" No one at ESPN ever mentioned or showed the highlights of the muffed punt that branch recovered at the 2 yard line. The refs blew that call that would have given UConn a chance to put up 7 points. Plus Louisville had a big lead in the 4th quarter they choked. Stop with the whining Louisville fans you didn't deserve to win with that defense.

Brian Bennett

  (1:25 PM)

I agree with you to a point. No whining. You make your own luck, and if there's a bad call (especially with a lot of time left) you work to overcome it. And that Louisville team wasn't good enough to overcome adversity. But come on. That fair catch was one of the most egregiously stupid errors by an official in the last few years, and it made national headlines

Taylor (Tampa, FL)

Do you see USF going undefeated in the regular season and also having a BCS National Championship bid? I feel that the Big East is no where near as strong as it was two years ago.

Brian Bennett

  (1:25 PM)

Right now, no. I don't think they're consistent enough, and injuries are starting to mount.

Cincy34 (Cincinnati, OH)

I think with sold QB play the Big East should come down to Cincy, USF, Pitt and WVU. With the performance of Tony Pike last Saturday, what is your opinion on Cincy's chances at a Big East championship?

Brian Bennett

  (1:26 PM)

I think they have a chance, though I want to see Pike play well against better competition, and I want to see that defense start to lock people down. I wouldn't count out UConn or Louisville yet either

Jim (NY, NY)

Syracuse gave Robinson a little more rope today. Do they have a chance vs. Pittsburgh this weekend? If they lose will he be gone?

Brian Bennett

  (1:28 PM)

Pittsburgh doesn't blow anyone out, so Syracuse has a very slim chance. I think he makes it to October, but not much beyond. Gross sure sounds like he's ready to pull the trigger.

Joe (Plainsboro, NJ)

Hi Brian. Did you see anything in the Pitt win over Iowa that leads you to believe they can get things back on track & contend for the BE title?

Brian Bennett

  (1:29 PM)

It was a start. But they've got to improve a whole lot on offense. Wasn't impressed with their passing game and they haven't been able to spring McCoy for many big plays yet. They need to fix some things before going to Tampa next Thursday

Greg(Tulsa)

Brian, Who are you interviewing?

Brian Bennett

  (1:30 PM)

Scott Lutrus and Darius Butler at UConn. Expecting Kion WIlson of USF to call soon as well

Jim (NY, NY)

Teal was named starter this week again at Rutgers. Is this a case of blind faith or is there nobody behind him that can do any better?

Brian Bennett

  (1:31 PM)

There aren't any solid options. And Schiano is in a tough spot. It would be hard to bench your fifth-year senior QB and insert a newbie without basically telling your team you've given up on the season, and Big East play hasn't even started yet. If I were Schiano though, I'd look to get some other QBs a series or two. A blowout of Morgan State would help

Tommy ( The Ville)

Brian, now that you're writing for ESPN, and have traveled to all of the BIG EAST stadiums, which is your favorite?

Brian Bennett

  (1:33 PM)

I still haven't been to the 'Rent, which is a travesty I hope to fix. For sheer comfort, Heinz Field and Raymond James are the best. But those are NFL digs. I like the cozy confines of Nippert Stadium. Feels like going back into time.

Chad: Tampa, FL

Mike Ford break out game this week???? He showed signs of life against FIU, finally seeing substantial time since week 1. Is this his week or what?

Brian Bennett

  (1:34 PM)

Depends how healthy he is. NC State is giving up more than 150 rushing yards per game.

Alex (Milford, OH)

Where do you rank the Big East conference this year? Above or behind the MWC?

Brian Bennett

  (1:35 PM)

Right now, gun to my head, like this: 1. SEC 2. Big 12 3. Big Ten 4. Mountain West 5. Pac-10 6. ACC 7. Big East But it's early

Jon (Trenton, NJ)

I really feel Bill Stull is one of the smarter more poised players Pitt has had at QB in the past few years. He seems to read defenses well (pick was due to bad throw not bad read), make his checkdowns, get rid of the ball, and stay in the pocket. I think he will be a tremendous asset to Pitt. Even though he lacks elite size, armstrength, I think he can make up for it with his mind. Do you agree with this? Keep in mind he is only making is 4th or 5th career start this weekend.

Brian Bennett

  (1:36 PM)

He's made four starts, but he played only two quarters in his debut. I really like his toughness, and he does make good decisions. He needs to step into his throws and set his feet better though. The deep ball just isn't there for Pitt, and that's letting teams load up against the run

Mike Tampa, FL

USF plays down to the competition, so the only game they could possibly lose is Syracuse right?

Brian Bennett

  (1:38 PM)

Ha. I'd be worried about at Cincy, at WVU. And they've never played well at Louisville. I think USF wins all its home games

Michael (Lexington, KY)

What should we expect from the UL special teams if UCONN calls a fair catch?

Brian Bennett

  (1:39 PM)

A 15-yard penalty might be worth the satisfaction, no? Seriously, though, I don't think Kragthorpe would have his team do something like that.

Kevin (Greenwich, CT)

A lot of poepl are blaming Lorenzen, but I was a bit worried about UConn's pass defense against Baylor. Can Louisville exploit the middle of the field Friday night?

Brian Bennett

  (1:40 PM)

Well, that was tough playing Baylor because Griffin is so fast and so unpredictable, I'm not even sure he knew what he was doing. Hard to play assignment football when there's such a running threat at QB. UConn should be better Friday, but Louisville is starting to develop a pretty solid offense with some serious speed

Dan (Nutley, NJ)

Do you think Rutgers can upset Morgan State this week?

Brian Bennett

  (1:40 PM)

Funny.

Joe (WV)

WVU's new staff, esp. Bill Stewart and Jeff Mullen, have taken a lot of criticism after two straight losses. This is their first season so some slack should be given, but they didn't exactly inherit a mediocre team as many new coaches do either. At what point, record wise (7-5, 3-9, etc) do you think would justify a coaching change after just one season, or do they stick around no matter what happens?

Brian Bennett

  (1:42 PM)

I don't like coaching changes after one year unless it's just an absolute disaster or there are NCAA problems. Be patient a little while longer.

John (Charlotte, NC)

Do you think that it is possible for a non BcS school to play for the national championship, under the current system?

Brian Bennett

  (1:42 PM)

Under the current system, not really, unless every possible star aligns.

snooker345(tampa)

I'm ready for conference play and wanted to know; which one game in your mind determines/most important for the big east title?

Brian Bennett

  (1:43 PM)

Well, in this league, every game is important because there is almost no separation between 1 and 6. But I still see that USF at WVU game being huge

Jason touchdown city

Write this down! WVU runs the table finishes 10-2 in the top 10 and wins another BCS game and gets 11 wins again and Pat White is the only qb ever to win 4 jan bowl games! 4 straight at home, time to get on a roll!

Brian Bennett

  (1:43 PM)

I admire your optimism

Brandon (UT)

About the fair catch call. More egregious than the Unsportsmanlike against Jake Locker in week 2?

Brian Bennett

  (1:45 PM)

Yes, at least that call was made exactly how the rule is written. The controversy was over whether the official should have exercised judgment. There's no gray area in a fair catch signal

Jason Tampa

Do you need an assistant to help you cover all of these games? I can help!

Brian Bennett

  (1:45 PM)

Wanna go to Syracuse in late November? :)

(Alex, DC)

Will Andre Dixon be back this weekend to help out Donald Brown? A little dynamic in the offense could help UConn this weekend, Louisville has had a solid run defense. With Dixon's speed to Brown's power it could give Lorenzen a little more confidence to throw better.

Brian Bennett

  (1:46 PM)

Dixon played a little against Baylor, but he's still not right from that ankle injury. Brown hasn't needed much help yet, but I worry about him breaking down under the workload

Will

Will the Big East be able to negotiate for better bowls after this year? Or will this down year prevent them from making any progress?

Brian Bennett

  (1:47 PM)

That's one of Tranghese's main goals for his final year. This doesn't help timewise, but if the Big East keeps getting strong TV ratings and good crowds, it can mitigate poor on-field performance

Joe (WV)

In reference to my eariler question, what would be an "absolute disaster" in your opinion? (1-11, 2-10, 3-9...??)

Brian Bennett

  (1:48 PM)

They would have to lose most of their games and have a near player revolt for it to be justified, in my opinion

Justin (Abilene, Texas)

Who in the BE has the best shot at a Heisman? Will Grothe be mentioned this year? What about next year?

Brian Bennett

  (1:49 PM)

No one has a serious chance. Grothe and Brown might get votes.

Tommy (Louisville)

Is Louisville's running game back on track or do you think that K-State's D just wasn't very good? Seems to me that the Cards' problems the last two years all steam from a lack of a running game!

Brian Bennett

  (1:50 PM)

Little of both. K-State's defense was not good at all. But I like the Cardinals' commitment to the running game, and Anderson and Bolen give them a formidable speed and power combo. Night and day from the second half of last year.

Kevin (Greenwich, CT)

Come to the Rent for the UConn - WVU game. Best tailgate in the Big East

Brian Bennett

  (1:50 PM)

I'll work on that.

Moji (Philadelphia, PA)

Brian, you mentioned the deep ball not being there. I think it is more a result of the wrong recievers running deep routes. I noticed Kinder twice in the Iowa game running deep. He just doesn't have the speed. I don't think this is as much on Stull as on getting the right guys who can stretch the field running those routes. Thoughts?

Brian Bennett

  (1:52 PM)

Hmmm... I don't know. I remember that long post in the first half (think it was Porter, going off memory here). Guy was open and had to wait on the ball forever. The flea flicker took forever to get there too.

Brian Bennett

  (1:53 PM)

Gotta run. More interviews now.Thanks for the question.