Brian Bennett

  (3:02 PM)

Hello, everybody. I'm coming at you live from Cincinnati, where I interviewed some of those upstart, BCS-hungry Bearcats this afternoon. Let's chat.

David (Syracuse, NY)

Was the UConn-SU game the worst you've ever seen? It reminded me of a bad high school game where neither team could throw the ball, and most of the scores were from either special teams or big plays.

Brian Bennett

  (3:03 PM)

Oh no no no. I covered some good old Conference USA matchups back in the day.

Randy Edsall, Storrs

Do you think anyone believed me when I said I wasn't interested in the Syracuse opening? Would I be crazy to go there?

Brian Bennett

  (3:03 PM)

I think we have to take your word when you come out and say you're not interested. If you change your mind, that's your prerogative, but you'll get ripped. And I think it's a lateral move at best.

Chip, Tulsa

Any chance of K. Britt entering the draft?

Brian Bennett

  (3:04 PM)

I think there's a very good chance of that. Schiano said he would help him evaluate his draft stock at the end of the season. Britt is a beast.

Mo (Dallas)

If Big XII South has a three way tie, in your opinion, what criteria should human voters use to rank the three teams? Do you agree you can't use head to head since it is a merry go round?

Brian Bennett

  (3:05 PM)

It's an absolute mess. You have to take the entire resumes of each team, including SOS. But it's so subjective, there's really no right answer

Nathan (Cincinnati Ohio)

Are you going to be in attendance for the game on Saturday in Cincy?

Brian Bennett

  (3:05 PM)

Absolutely. Can't wait.

Matthew (Clifton Cincinnati Oh)

Pitt is prolly a more talented and athletic team than UC. So what does UC have to do to secure a victory at Nippert stadium on Saturday night (I'll be there)?

Brian Bennett

  (3:06 PM)

They'll need to have better offensive production than they've gotten in the second half, and be smart against Pitts play action. Mickens and Smith are great corners, but if they bite on the fake to McCoy, Pitt can go over the top to Baldwin for big plays.

Jim (Louisville, KY)

I have seen Pitt play twice this season and I was at the UC/UL game this past weekend and there is nothing that I have seen this year that leads me to believe Cincinnati has a shot at beating Pitt on Saturday. Am I missing something? I just do not see UC stopping Shady and/or Baldwin. Even Chris Vaughn was running free in UC's secondary last week. I see this one being close in the 1st half, but then I see Pitt pulling away and winning it rather easily.

Brian Bennett

  (3:07 PM)

Pitt is pretty good, especially on the road. Cincinnati just seems to have that "it" this year, like it's a team of destiny or something. I know that's really solid analysis, but it's a crazy year in the Big East.

Brett (Washington, DC)

I am the head of the Orange Bowl Committee - It appears likely that I will have the Big East Champ vs the ACC Champ in my bowl. Should I jump off a bridge now or could this game turn out to be interesting?

Brian Bennett

  (3:08 PM)

It could be interesting. How about Pitt vs. Miami, old school throwdown? West Virginia vs. Florida State? There are some possibilities.

Andrew(CT)

Give me the odds (1:_) That Uconn wins out the big east.

Brian Bennett

  (3:08 PM)

They need a lot of help. I'd say 50-1

Paul, Hoboken

What do you think of the Big East bowl tie-ins? How likely is a league upgrade to a couple more prestigous bowls after the next round of contract negotiations, assuming a playoff system doesn't begin?

Brian Bennett

  (3:10 PM)

They're not good. I mean, when your best non-BCS tie in, the Gator Bowl, only has to take you once every four years if it takes Notre Dame once, that's not good. Charlotte, Birmingham, Toronto? These are not places people want to go in December. The Big East needs to not only play better than it has this year, but to get big fan turnouts at its bowls.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Mr. Bennett: I know it is your conference to cover but do you honestly fee any team in the Big East deserves to play in a BCS game?

Brian Bennett

  (3:11 PM)

As much as any team in the ACC does, yeah.

Jamie, Hartford CT

Do you think Uconn takes down USF this weekend? They looked awful vs. Rutgers last week, but Uconn's passing game is questionable at best.

Brian Bennett

  (3:11 PM)

I think South Florida is in a deep, deep funk and may not win again this year.

Matt (Houston, Tx)

How much of an impact do you see this the Cincinnati/Pitt game having on the Big 12 South race?

Brian Bennett

  (3:13 PM)

I assume you're talking about SOS, since Oklahoma beat Cincinnati. It's interesting -- if the Bearcats win the Big East, the Sooners can say they beat a team going to the BCS, something its rivals won't have

Chris (Wallingford, CT)

I am glad to see Edsall getting a lot of attention from other schools for their coaching vacancies. It means that he has done a great job building the program from scratch. However, I really don't see him going to Cuse. This has to be considered a demotion at this point in his career. If he leaves UConn, it should be for a better job in a better conference. I could see him leaving for an SEC, Big 10, or an ACC school. The job that I really worry about losing him to is the Penn State job when Paterno finally decides to call it a career. It seems like a great fit with Edsall being from Pennsylvania and all with recruiting. Wondering your thoughts on the chances of him going to Cuse now or possibly down the road to the Nittany Lions?

Brian Bennett

  (3:14 PM)

I don't think Edsall will stay in Connecticut forever. He'd love a big-time job. Not sure Penn State would put him atop its wish list, though.

Shane Christy (Gainesville, FL)

What happens if Alabama loses this weekend and Florida loses to them in the SEC Championship Game.

Joe (Moundsville, WV)

does Pat White get the rushing record or not?

Brian Bennett

  (3:16 PM)

I was discussing the Alabama scenario with a friend just last night. I still think the Tide might get in the BCS title game. Because who would jump them... USC, which might not win its own conference? Penn State? Don't see it. Either that or two Big 12 teams play for the title. Crazy scenario

Brian Bennett

  (3:16 PM)

White only needs 198 yards and he's got two regular season games and the bowl, so yeah. Definitely

Andrew(CT)

What Bowl Game do you think USC will play?

Brian Bennett

  (3:17 PM)

Fiesta, if Oregon State wins the Pac-10. Rose if not.

Brett (Washington, DC)

How much money is it going to take or how desperate of a coach is Syracuse going to have to find to fill their head coaching position? That job has lost alot of its luster over the past few years especially now that they are directly competing with Rutgers and UConn for recruits. Can you see any big name coach seriously considering it?

Brian Bennett

  (3:18 PM)

Not sure they need a big name. An up-and-comer with a good offensive philosophy who can recruit could get that program turned around. Was Brian Kelly a big name two years ago? But, I hear Gross has raised a ton of money for this hire

wvu_beachbum, Emerald Isle, NC

It seems that you have written off WVU from winning the title after losing to Cincinnati; Projected Cincinnati to win the Big East. If WVU beats UofL, which I hope they do, and Pitt beats Cincinnati...who would be your pick to win the Big East? Or would we endure another week of postulating until Pitt and WVU play the following weekend?

Brian Bennett

  (3:20 PM)

I haven't written them off by any means. They just no longer control their destiny and have to have Cincinnati lose this weekend.

Derek (Iuka, MS)

What bowl game do you project Ole Miss in from here?

Brian Bennett

  (3:21 PM)

I'll say Chick-Fil-A. Mmm...chicken

Ryan, Detroit, MI

Can USC backdoor its way into the title game?

Brian Bennett

  (3:22 PM)

They'd need a lot of chaos, but first and foremost, they need Oregon State to lose. They have no case if they don't even win the Pac-10

Marc (Woodbridge, VA)

Does The Big East benefit more in the long run if Cincinnati wins The Big East instead of West Virginia?

Brian Bennett

  (3:23 PM)

If Cincinnati can build on it and become a consistent national presence -- which is a big if -- then yes, the Big East benefits more from them. The league needs more tentpole teams

Alec (Cincinnati)

Who did you interview from Cincy? And what do you think?

Brian Bennett

  (3:23 PM)

Talked to Kelly, Connor Barwin and Dominick Goodman today. They seem loose and confident. I'll have a story up shortly after this chat.

Jud-(SLC)

Which BCS bowl will Utah go to if they beat BYU saturday?

Brian Bennett

  (3:24 PM)

I'd say Fiesta vs. USC right now

Rob (New Orleans)

Brian,do you see the Buckeyes getting to the Sugar? If they beat Michigan, is Rich Rod on the hot-seat going in to next year? Thanks!

Brian Bennett

  (3:24 PM)

Depends on the Pac-10, because USC will get the final at-large if Oregon State wins the league. If not, then I do see Ohio State getting in the BCS

Dave (NJ)

Its a shame how Rutgers started out this season. They are arguable the big easts best team right now. Cincy will likely win the division, however, if they played Rutgers now, I think RU would beat up on them. Agree?

Brian Bennett

  (3:25 PM)

The thing is, Cincinnati wasn't at full strength in that game either, because Tony Pike was hurt. So there are a lot of ifs. I find it interesting that the UC-Rutgers game was largely ignored (and was a bad, 13-10 game), but it might have had the biggest influence on the final standings when we're all said and done.

ataylor (Provo, UT)

BYU or Utah on Saturday? And why?

Brian Bennett

  (3:26 PM)

I'll take Utah. Just like the way they've played all year long. I'm excited to watch that game, though.

tom (norman)

it's going to be real hard for Tech to win this weekend. OU is 58-2 under stoops. Tech barely beat Nebraska and UT at home. I think OU wins big and they should jump UT due to SOS. They will have beat a UC that could win the BE and TCU team in the top 25

Brian Bennett

  (3:27 PM)

Yeah, I think Oklahoma wins this weekend. They're just so good at home. Margin of victory may be a big deal to the voters as they compare the Sooners to the Longhorns

Jamie, Hartford CT

Is there any other bowl besides the Car Care bowl that could have a Big East- ACC matchup? I would love to see a Uconn-BC matchup. Would love to go to a bowl AND beat BC!

Brian Bennett

  (3:28 PM)

I think the Orange Bowl will be a Big East-ACC matchup, but not with those teams

Ted (Hartford, CT)

Back on the Randy Edsal thoughts, could him leaving UConn actually be a blessing in disguise? He coaches well but he's never recruited that well yet, could a guy with betetr recruiting skills do more with the facilities UConn has built?

Brian Bennett

  (3:28 PM)

Definitely disagree. I think Edsall is a terrific coach and you're lucky to have him.

Roman (Bethel Park, PA)

Does cincy target aaron barry with their passes on saturday? He hasnt been very good these past few games

Brian Bennett

  (3:29 PM)

Not just him but all their DBs. That's definitely Pitt's weakness defensively, and Cincy's strength is the passing game. Should be a great matchup, as well as Cincy's secondary vs. the Pitt receivers.

Steve Cincy, OH

Had a great time last week in louisville, Cant wait to see the cats on saturday. Who are the game breakers in the game what person on both sides of the ball will make or break this game?

Brian Bennett

  (3:30 PM)

For Cincinnati, I think it's Gilyard, with his ability to make plays in the open field and on special teams. For Pitt, Jonathan Baldwin. I'd be worried about Jake Rogers right now if I'm a Bearcats fan, if the game is close

Leavitt (Tampa, FL)

Is there any truth to the rumor that Florida and FSU intentionally avoid scheduling South Florida because they do not want to legitimatize South Florida and create a fourth powerhouse football program in the state of Florida? I find it funny that Miami is not cooperating with 2 of the Big 3.

Brian Bennett

  (3:31 PM)

South Florida is about to begin a series with Florida.

Steve (SLC)

How many different teams can still win the Big East if the chips fall into place?

Brian Bennett

  (3:31 PM)

Five -- Cincinnati, Pitt, WVU, UConn and Rutgers. But Cincinnati can clinch this week if it wins and WVU and UConn lose

Alec (Cincinnati)

I saw Tony Pike in the dining hall yesterday and asked him how he felt. He said he was feeling good and has no worries about getting a little banged up in the Louisville game. Just thought I'd help you with some reporting...

Brian Bennett

  (3:32 PM)

Um, thanks. Brian Kelly said Pike was feeling better because Dustin Grutza was "nipping at his heels." Funny how that makes a QB feel better

Chris (Atlanta, GA)

Who do you like the the SEC Championship game? How about the NC game?

Brian Bennett

  (3:33 PM)

I like Florida, and I picked the Gators to win it all in the preseason. So I'm sticking with in the hopes that I look smart (for once).

Rachel (Tampa, FL)

Brian, South Florida: coaching issues or mental issues. What's keeping us down?!

Brian Bennett

  (3:33 PM)

Little of both, I guess. That's a hard team to figure. It finds a little adversity and can't overcome it. I'll say this about coaching: Big East teams have totally figured out how to scheme against the Bulls.

Tran (Providence, RI)

How does this plan sound? The BIG EAST drops DePaul, Marquette, Providence, Seton Hall, and Saint John?s. Next, poach and add Central Florida, Florida Atlantic, and Florida International because all three schools have burgeoning football/basketball programs. If the BIG 12 SOUTH can have 4 teams from the state of Texas, why can?t the BIG EAST have 4 teams from the state of Florida. In addition, force Georgetown and/or Villanova to legitimatize their football program. There will be 14 basketball teams and 12 football teams.

Brian Bennett

  (3:34 PM)

So you think the league that is based in Providence and just hired as its third commissioner a third straight Providence College person would get rid of the Friars? Dream on.

Larry (Glendale, CA)

How does one become an AP voter?

Brian Bennett

  (3:36 PM)

You are driven blindfolded to a secluded location, and once you give the correct password are taken into a strange masquerade ball ... Actually, the AP selects media members in each state each year, usually team beat writers, and they usually try to spread it around among different people.

MIke, Storrs ct

In regards to the question about Edsall and whether we would be better off with out him I completely agree with you brian. He is a fantastic coach and has made something out of nothing. But I do believe the recruiting at the Univeristy is lacking. Each year the bigger names in Connecticut go out of state to play ball. Also the team is trying to dip into the talent pools of florida and texas and not really focusing on areas like Pennsylvania, NJ, and other north eastern states. Do you think we should focus more on recruiting the area and also who is in charge of selecting the players? Edsall or someone in the recruiting department?

Brian Bennett

  (3:37 PM)

I don't think too many teams are fattening up with recruits from the state of Connecticut. The way for the program to get better is to raid New York, New Jersey and occasionally Florida. That's just life.

Joshua(Miami,FL.)

You got to be joking if you think the BE compares to the ACC. The ACC only has 2 teams with a losing record and have the best non-conf winning % of all confrences. Stop being a homer!

Brian Bennett

  (3:38 PM)

Tell me when the ACC last won a major bowl

Andrew(3rd Time Today)

Thanks alot Brian by the way. Is Donald Brown out of the race for heisman?

Brian Bennett

  (3:38 PM)

Yeah, he's not going to win it on a 3-loss team. Doak Walker is still possible, though

Fate (Destiny, USA)

How would you have reacted if someone would have told you back in August that Texas Tech will face Alabama in the 2009 BCS National Championship Game? Would you have been on the floor laughing clenching onto your belly for dear life?

Brian Bennett

  (3:39 PM)

Funny, huh? Why do we waste all that time and money on preseason magazines and predictions? Wait, no. Please keep reading us.

John, NYC

Based on what you've seen this year, what would your initial BE rankings look like for 2009?

Brian Bennett

  (3:41 PM)

Wow. I can barely come up with them for this week. I'd put Pitt No. 1 and, uh, I'll get back to you on the rest

Jimmy (Champaign, IL)

It seems like Notre Dame is a one-team BCS power conference because they have a lucrative contract with Adidas and they don't have to share their lucrative TV contract (NBC) and bowl money with any other team unlike other prestigious football programs that belong to conferences. Why do the BCS conferences and NCAA Football in general kowtow to Notre Dame? Why don't they collude and force Notre Dame to join a conference? Is Notre Dame above NCAA Football? If Notre Dame can get away with it, why don't other prestigious programs follow ND's paradigm? Why don't we just have a bunch of rogue powerhouses?

Brian Bennett

  (3:41 PM)

$$$

Cap, (Pittsburgh)

Do you think Scott McKillop will be drafted? If so, how will he fare in the NFL?

Brian Bennett

  (3:42 PM)

He's too good of a player not to get a shot. Will he be a starting linebacker in the NFL? Hmm, dicey. But I bet he makes a roster.

Herm (Pittsburgh, PA)

Who would you rather have at RB? Brown or McCoy?

Brian Bennett

  (3:42 PM)

Love them both, but I'd take McCoy. Just a personal preference and by no means a slight to Brown. McCoy just has more of the 'Wow' factor

lundy (atlanta,ga)

do you think rutgers is playing the best football of any team in the big east right now?

Brian Bennett

  (3:43 PM)

They've been awfully impressive. No one wants to play them right now

Cap, (Pittsburgh)

Do you think that Pitt's D-Line is underrated? They have been getting great pressure on the QB all year, mostly with 4 man rushes.

Brian Bennett

  (3:44 PM)

Not underrated by people who pay attention. See my post on Rashaad Duncan from earlier today.

Tom (CT)

What bowl are we looking at for the Huskies, I got to plan out my Holidays!

Brian Bennett

  (3:44 PM)

I'm predicting the International Bowl, just based on geographic sense.

Mike (Camarillo, CA)

If USC wins out they win a share of the PAC-10 title. While they would lose the tie-breaker for the Rose Bowl, they are still PAC-10 Champs. Also, the only help they need is Missouri winning the Big-12 Championship Game! You should stick to Big East talk, because like them you don't know much about the BCS NC GAME!!

Brian Bennett

  (3:45 PM)

If you lose the head-to-head tiebreaker, than to me you're not really the league champs. They wouldn't go to the Rose Bowl if they can't go to the BCS title game. So it makes no sense for them to go to the title game if they don't win their league outright.

Hunter

Brian- I find it interesting that anytime a coaching vacancy comes open, there is always several big east hc's names that come up! It says something about the conference. I'm an SEC guy, but just thought I'd point that out! Thanks and love the chat!

Brian Bennett

  (3:45 PM)

There's good and bad about that. It also says people view the Big East as a stepping stone league.

Jimmy (Harrisburg, PA)

Any information as to whether McCoy is coming back to Pitt Next year??

Brian Bennett

  (3:47 PM)

I don't think we'll know anything until after the season. I doubt he even knows right now. But it will be hard for him to pass up

Jamie, Hartford CT

Florida vs Texas Tech in the NC Game...over under? 85?

Brian Bennett

  (3:47 PM)

I'd watch that game

Jim (Highland Park, NJ)

Brian, Who is the most attractive bowl team to the bowl committee?s in the Big East? Traveling fans, TV market and overall $$$?

Brian Bennett

  (3:48 PM)

This year, it's West Virginia, because of the star power of Pat White and the way its fans travel

Nathan: Morgantown

Who do you think the starting QB at WVU will be after White and Brown are gone? Coley White, Brad Starks, or Eugene Smith?

Brian Bennett

  (3:48 PM)

If it's not Eugene Smith in two years, the recruiting rating services have missed the boat (not that it would be the first time)

Bill (Columbus, OH)

Do you think Brian Kelly will leave UC after this year?

Brian Bennett

  (3:49 PM)

If the right job comes along, I think it's very possible. I don't quite see him as a fit at Tennessee, but the carousel could open up something somewhere else

Ryan, Detroit, MI

Did anyone ever tell you that you look like a punter on a Big Ten team?

Brian Bennett

  (3:49 PM)

I wish I were that athletic

Mike (Camarillo, CA)

Then you agree that only the Big-12 Champ should be considered for the BCS title game? If so, if USC wins out, OSU loses, and Missouri wins the Big 12 (only one of those games being an underdog winning), who do you think belongs opposite the SEC Champ? And thanks for answering the question!!

Brian Bennett

  (3:50 PM)

That's a good question. I think the difference is in the (perceived) power of the leagues. If Missouri beats whomever in the Big 12 title game, we're going to have a giant BCS mess on our hands.

Jake - Trumbull, CT

Hey Brian. What are the odds of the Big East having five teams (Cincy, UConn, Pitt, Rutgers, WVU) finish at 5-2 in conference? And which team would go to the BCS bowl based on whatever tiebreakers are needed?

Brian Bennett

  (3:51 PM)

It could happen, but it's a long shot. In a pool that large, the tiebreaker would end up being the team with the highest BCS standing

Chris in Charlotte, NC

Brian...who gets Big East Player of the Year honors?

Brian Bennett

  (3:52 PM)

Right now, as far as offensive player of the year, it's a race between LeSean McCoy and Donald Brown. Whoever finishes stronger will probably take it. For defensive POY, Pitt's Scott McKillop is the choice right now

Dustin (south yarmouth, cape cod)

What players do you see being drafted on the first day out of the big east?

Brian Bennett

  (3:54 PM)

McCoy, Britt and Selvie (if they come out), Darius Butler, Mike Mickens and maybe Ryan Stanchek and Eric Wood, to name a few

Jon, Storrs ct

No love for cody brown on the d line of uconn for defensive honors in the big east?

Brian Bennett

  (3:55 PM)

He's having a great year, might well be first team all-BE. But McKillop is going to get all the votes

Brett (Washington, DC)

What about Kenny Britt from Rutgers for Player of the Year? He has numbers comparable to Michael Crabtree and doesn't play in the same all-pass offense that TexasTech runs.

Brian Bennett

  (3:56 PM)

He's got an outside chance, especially the way he's been playing of late. Problem is you have to judge a player on the entire season, and he and his team weren't as strong early.

Bobby, Lafayette LA

Do you think we could have two teams from the same conference in the National Championship Game?

Brian Bennett

  (3:57 PM)

I hope not. Wouldn't that defeat the entire argument against a playoff, that the regular season is so sacrosanct?

Ben Cincy

Brian i enjoy your columns read them everyday all day...with UC's qb situation how long do you think it will take to pull out Pike and put in Dustin if UC is strugling?? considering Dustin look really good fri

Brian Bennett

  (3:58 PM)

I think Pike is the guy and will only come out if he's hurt or is really scuffling. Still not sure Grutza is all that healthy, though he sure was gutsy against Louisville

Dan (Cincinnati)

I know the Cincy running game at payed attention to much, but UC's record 3-2 in games where they had fewer than 100 yds rushing. How important is that UC gets the run game going early in the Cincinnati-Pitt game?

Brian Bennett

  (3:59 PM)

They need to at least have the threat of the run to slow down Pitt's pass rush and get the play-action going. Rutgers killed Pitt on play-action

Brian Bennett

  (3:59 PM)

OK, folks. That's all the time I have this week. Best of luck to your favorite teams this weekend.