ESPN

Brian Bennett

  (4:00 PM)

Hey, everybody. I'm here to talk college football, especially Big East and Notre Dame. Fire away with your best questions.

Adam (Morgantown, WV)

Do you feel that if Cincinnati goes undefeated, beating WVU and Pitt. That they'll have any chance at earning that spot in BCS Championship?

Brian Bennett

  (4:03 PM)

As I wrote earlier this week, perfection might not be enough for the Bearcats. Right now they're behind Iowa, Texas and the two SEC monsters. They'll need Iowa and Texas to lose, probably, to have any chance, and Texas looks like a lock for the BCS title game.

Alex (Cincy)

BB, Please answer my question. If UC looses to Pitt on their last game of the year and go 11-1 would UC still go to a BCS game?

Brian Bennett

  (4:03 PM)

Only if Pitt loses before then. The Big East is not getting a second BCS team as an at-large

Terry (Pitt Fan)

Say Pitt beats ND, 3rd loss knocks them out of BCS. That also makes them two losses worse than BE's 2nd, thus knocks them out of Gator Bowl too, yes? Where do they land? Cotton Bowl?

Brian Bennett

  (4:04 PM)

Even with a third loss, Notre Dame could have nine wins. Which means the Irish would still be eligible to take the Gator Bowl spot over an 11-win Big East team.

Mari-Kathryn (Pittsburgh)

Does Pitt have any players that could leave early for the NFL this year? Who are the best pro prospects on team?

Brian Bennett

  (4:05 PM)

Defensive end Greg Romeus is a draft-eligible junior and will have a chance to go the NFL. He's got serious pro potential.

shawn (ridgefield ct)

How does the Irish offense change with Michael Floyd back in the fold?

Brian Bennett

  (4:05 PM)

It should become even more explosive, scarily so. With the way Golden Tate developed, I don't know how defenses are going to stop the Irish passing game.

Janet (Panama City Beach, FL)

Is there anyway USF if they win out their Big East schedule (Rutgers, Louisville, and U Conn) can vie for the Big East Champions? I realize losing to Pitt and Cincinnati was their own destiny, but is there a loss that Pitt or Cincy could make that will put USF back into contention?

Brian Bennett

  (4:07 PM)

Pitt and Cincinnati would have to lose their last three Big East games for South Florida to win the league, because of the head-to-head losses. That won't happen.

David (Cincy)

46% of the country will see the UC v. UCONN game Saturday night, how big is it for the Big East that UC performs well?

Brian Bennett

  (4:08 PM)

And the No. 1 ABC broadcasting crew will be in the house. This a real showcase game for Cincinnati, and it's important that both teams play well for the league's rep

greggM (MD)

I have a question/comment for Terry. No matter how many loses ND has, when the Gator bowl gets the BE 2nd, that means they get the second pick of teams, not that they must take the team ranked 2 in the BE or ND. They can take a 6-6 ND team if they want, if they believe the TV money is better, right?

Brian Bennett

  (4:09 PM)

The Gator Bowl cannot take a 6-6 Notre Dame team over any Big East team with a winning record. The agreement between the league and the Irish is that Notre Dame must be within two wins of the second-best Big East team, though my understanding is that's more of a handshake deal than anything that's written into a contract.

Jay (Pawleys Island, SC)

Hey Brian -- ND is sort of in the Big East -- so this is my question -- why do they get so much recognition? The only team they beat that had a winning record was BC. Whats the deal with this team -- they have no business being in the top 25.

Brian Bennett

  (4:10 PM)

Well, when I'm filling out my power rankings ballot, I have a real hard time finding teams for those bottom 6 to 8 spots. Notre Dame has an outstanding offense and some problems on defense. But they're probably just as good as a lot of teams from the No. 15 range on down.

bob (NJ)

First of all this is a big east chat right. Why do you always get Notre Lame questions? Can't they stay over a NBC and let the men talk football. Obvious question for me is, has Rutgers turned the corner two years in a row with a narrow win against UConn? Tell me this is the year they beat WVU. Thanks.

Brian Bennett

  (4:12 PM)

I cover Notre Dame as well, Bob, so Irish questions are welcome here. As for Rutgers, that was a good win, but I'm not sold they've turned the corner. Still young in a lot of spots, and the offense still has many problems. This is more of a 2010 contender.

tony (louisville)

double question. will jurich pull the trigger on kragthorpe and if so, who do you think will be the next coach at UL?

Brian Bennett

  (4:13 PM)

I do think it will happen at the end of the season, barring some miraculous turnaround. I don't know who the new coach will be, but I'm betting it's not one of the names Louisville fans are tossing around right now (Gruden, Tuberville, et al)

Jim (Storrs, CT)

With UConn coming so close taking defeat from the jaws of victory, do you think this can be the major upset this year in the Big East this Saturday on the big stage? I think its about time they need/deserve it!

Brian Bennett

  (4:15 PM)

I know that Cincinnati better not take the Huskies lightly, and I doubt they will since UConn won 40-16 last year in East Hartford. I don't really like the matchup for UConn, though, especially with Frazer at QB. He's too inaccurate for my tastes.

Skyline Chili (Cincinnati)

Im a bit shocked that ABC chose to pick up the UC v. UCONN game. Do you think if UC remains undefeated, they will begin to get more nationally brodcast games?Which game you going to this weekend?

Brian Bennett

  (4:16 PM)

Well, Cincinnati will be on ESPN for West Virginia the following Friday and the Dec. 5 game against Pitt is sure to get picked up. So there you go. I'll be in Nippert Stadium this weekend.

Tom (Chicago)

Assuming Jimmy Clausen goes pro after this year, how bad does the Dayne Crist injury hurt his and the teams offseason development since they wouldn't have a scholarship QB for spring practice.

Brian Bennett

  (4:18 PM)

The prognosis for Dayne Crist is 4-6 months, which would means he could get some work in during spring. Charlie Weis said he'd be cautious with Crist, though. Sure, you'd like to have him go through a full spring ball, but considering he's already played some and will be around all year to watch film and learn, I think Crist could get up to speed by August.

Joe (FL)

If Cincy was to go 12-0 and actually make it to the title game and USF went 10-2, do you think that the Orange or Sugar Bowls would have interest in the Bulls? (close geography/1st BCS game in school history=$$$)

Brian Bennett

  (4:18 PM)

Absolutely not.

MIke (storrs)

would it help or hurt the big east if uconn beat cincinatti this weekend? It could show that our conference is better than the nation things. but it could also make the pundits say the big east isn't good at all

Brian Bennett

  (4:19 PM)

I think Cincinnati has to win for the Big East. The league needs a legit national title contender to generate interest and respect. An upset would not be a good thing for the league, but would be a great story for UConn

mason (boston)

when Pike gets healthy, will Cincy consider using Collaros in some situations, the kid is exciting

Brian Bennett

  (4:20 PM)

Brian Kelly was asked about this a little while ago and said he'd rather have the continuity between one quarterback and the receivers. I think Collaros could maybe come in for a Wildcat type package or two, but it would mostly be Pike's show.

Joe (WV)

Brain, what do you think about Jeff Mullen's offensive play calling? It seems to me that the first series always goes well and then the same play gets called over and over and it doesn't work (see underhand shovel pass vs. Auburn). Do you think these are growing pains with the system or just bad calls?

Brian Bennett

  (4:20 PM)

I think it's been good most of the year and they've done some creative stuff. It seemed too conservative against South Florida, but the Bulls had the speed to shut down a lot of what the Mountaineers like to do.

Brian (Suffern, NY)

Whats the deal with Anthony Davis? From what I have seen Haslam has passed him as the best lineman on the team, should Davis even leave for the NFL anymore?

Brian Bennett

  (4:21 PM)

He's got great physical talent but for some reason is not consistent. The NFL would probably still draft him highly because of his potential and tools

Lee (Texas)

Hi Brian, any idea how Cinci managed to jump from 8 to 5 in the BCS by beathing syracuse?? Interesting that the 2 teams they jumped are both NON-AQ teams.. hmmm

Brian Bennett

  (4:22 PM)

Schedule strength. I don't know how all the computers do it, but Syracuse's opponents have been strong, which probably helps. Boise State and TCU are not going to be helped in this area down the stretch

greg (fort worth)

come on brian, dont dodge the big east hater question... tell me your honest opinion of where it stands amongst the others, would it be a BCS AQ today, does cinci REALLY want a shot at UT or UF...

Brian Bennett

  (4:24 PM)

I think the Big East is as good at the top right now as the ACC and Big Ten. Really. Who would have a better chance against Texas or Florida? Cincinnati, Iowa or Georgia Tech? I'd say they're all about the same.

Smitty (BE Fan in CO)

What's going on at 'Cuse? Yesterday WR Williams quits suddenly today they announced a bunch of suspensions. Are these guys jumping ship so they mustn't face the Mighty Pitt Panthers this weekend?

Brian Bennett

  (4:26 PM)

Four players -- including Williams -- were in a car accident around 5:30 am on Sunday about 30 miles from campus. They were on a highway about six miles from a casino. Williams quit, and the other three were suspended.

Jake (Cincinnati)

Do you think Brian Kelly will leave UC after this year and if so, who do you suppose will take over the head coaching role? In addition, do you think BK has instilled enough wisdom for a new coach to be able to propel the Bearcats into the top 5 in the years to come?

Brian Bennett

  (4:28 PM)

He's not going to leave for just any job, and what we know will be open right now doesn't look appealing. I'd keep an eye on that Michigan situation,though. Kelly is a special guy who will be hard to replace or replicate

steve (harrisburg)

If Pitt wins out what bowl would you project them going to?

Brian Bennett

  (4:28 PM)

Sugar Bowl

joe (theres still hope)

brian do you think wvu will be ranked if they soundly defeat u of l this weekend?

Brian Bennett

  (4:29 PM)

Doubtful, unless a bunch of teams ahead of them lose. Beating Louisville isn't much of an accomplishment these days

Brad (PITT)

Isn't it about time people stop talking about PITT's defense? ever since the NCSt debacle it has been great, and the pass defense has been lightyears improved, and regardless of what you say, as far as "getting beat deep" thats still only happened 1 time this entire year, and that was against UConn, all the big plays in the passing game before then game via screens and slant routes in which missed tackles opened up big games. Isn't it time to stop crapping on them?

Brian Bennett

  (4:30 PM)

Brad, did you watch the Buffalo game? The pass defense has improved, but strangely, South Florida seemed completely unwilling to throw it deep, which is B.J. Daniels' strength. So i'm reserving judgment until the Notre Dame game.

matt (ohio)

You don't think Jurich will hire one of the people being tossed around...because he can't or he has something better in mind?

Brian Bennett

  (4:31 PM)

Because I think Gruden is a pipe dream, and because Tuberville is not a great fit.

George (Morgantown, WV)

How crazy is Stewart for punting on the SF 33?

Brian Bennett

  (4:31 PM)

I didn't like the call at the time, and obviously, it didn't work out.

Will (Morgantown)

It looks like Charlie Weis will make it to another year at this rate, but what do you think has to happen before he can be off the hot seat? Is it even possible to be off the hot seat when Notre Dame football is involved?

Brian Bennett

  (4:33 PM)

Unless you win a national title or are competing for it every year, you're always going to be under pressure in South Bend. Though to be fair, Weis hasn't had a signature win yet to alleviate that pressure

Larry (Glendale, CA)

Do you think it is possible for each BCS Bowl to feature an undefeated team(s) this season?

Brian Bennett

  (4:34 PM)

No, because I don't believe both the AQ's will get bids, Oregon is going to the Rose Bowl, the Alabama-Florida loser will go to the Sugar and somebody will probably take a 1- or 2-loss Big Ten team as an at-large

Jim Kelly (Buffalo, NY)

Are Chip Kelly and Brian Kelly related?

Brian Bennett

  (4:34 PM)

Not that I know of, but they do have a lot of similarities. It's interesting.

Mike (Pitt)

Brian, the problem with trying to throw it deep is that the QB needs to stay on his feet long enough to let the receiver get down field. Pitt's Dline is so quick, it forces the QB to throw under the coverage

Larry (Arvada CO)

Do you think Terry Bowden will be coming in if Stewart continues to be just a loveable guy and WVU continues to be mediocore at best... this is from a WVU fan...

Brian Bennett

  (4:36 PM)

Sorry for the double posting. Having a few technical issues today

Brian Bennett

  (4:37 PM)

Mike: You're right in that Pitt's D-line is terrific and gets a ton of pressure. But BJ Daniels is a guy who can scramble away from that pressure and buy time. Jim Leavitt even said he made a mistake by not letting Daniels do his thing in that game

Brian Bennett

  (4:37 PM)

Larry, I see no way Terry Bowden coaches the Mountaineers anytime soon

Will (Morgantown)

Which injury loss do you think has had a bigger impact on West Virginia University's defense? Scooter Berry or Reed Williams? (Worth noting that Scooter is now suspended).

Brian Bennett

  (4:38 PM)

Actually, the run defense has been pretty good. A healthier Reed Williams would have helped. I think West Virginia needs one more standout defensive back more than anything

Jester (DC)

Does Pitt have the best Oline in the league? Teh.

Brian Bennett

  (4:38 PM)

Yes

Dave (Columbus Oh)

Brian, why is the Big East seemingly slated for the Sugar Bowl? Traditionally wouldn't the conference winner head to the Orange?

Brian Bennett

  (4:39 PM)

Not really, Dave. Remember West Virginia went to the Fiesta two years ago and the Sugar after 2005 season. It comes down to selection order more than anything else.

Cookie Gilchrist (HOF)

If Clausen leaves early, do Tate and Floyd stick around at ND?

Brian Bennett

  (4:41 PM)

Floyd is a sophomore, so he's not going anywhere. Tate has made himself into an NFL prospect, but I could see him staying. He's still a bit raw as a receiver but improving every day

frank (Tampa)

if Pitt beats ND how much will it help the BE? Or will it be assumed ND was overrated?

Brian Bennett

  (4:42 PM)

I think it would help a lot, and possibly set up a major showdown Dec. 5 against Cincinnati. That could be the second best game of the day, behind a possible Florida-Alabama matchup

Kevin (Pittsburgh)

Brian, I gotta bet going with a friend that I cant get a question posted, help me out and we can split the 5 bucks in half Early favorite for the BE title NEXT season? Cincy per usual? Pitt if they can find a replacement for Billy the Great? maybe Rutgers with their young team?

Brian Bennett

  (4:44 PM)

Send me my check for $2.50. Boy, you're asking the guy who picked Rutgers to win it this year. I'd say South Florida and Pitt will be up there, along with West Virginia and Cincinnati. And yes, maybe Rutgers. Of course, I just named five of the eight teams, didn't I?

Toby (Pittsburgh)

Is it possible for oregon and pitt to play in a bowl game against each other I think LaMichael james vs Dion Lewis would be a dream matchup

Brian Bennett

  (4:44 PM)

Oregon's going to the Rose Bowl. Pitt is not.

Mike (NC)

With all the upheavel at the Cuse, where would you set the over-under on wins for the rest of the season? Even with the issues, a win over 'Ville should be given, and I could see upsets over UConn and Rutgers.

Brian Bennett

  (4:45 PM)

I'm not sure anything is a given any more. Losing Williams is a big, big blow to that offense. I say one more win, but I'm not even sure about that.

Patrick (Iraq (Pittsburgh at heart))

Brian, first thanks for your great coverage of BE ball. A lot has been made in local Pitt papers about lack of attendance at home games. Is this a conference wide problem? Do you think this adds to the perception of it being a weak conference?

Brian Bennett

  (4:46 PM)

It sure was a problem at Syracuse and Louisville last week. Big East attendances for the most part are nowhere near the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, etc. 60,000 is a giant crowd in the Big East, whereas some schools get that for spring practice.P.S. stay safe over there, Patrick

Bob (Pittsburgh)

Do WVU fans have unrealistic expectations about their program? Stewart has won back to back bowl games and will have a pretty respectable regular season record after this season and after major offensive changes. Kinda nutty calling for a successful coaches head aint it?

Brian Bennett

  (4:47 PM)

I couldn't put it any better myself, Bob. Some WVU fans think a Big East title is their birthright. It ain't that easy.

Filip (Cincinnati)

Wait... Pitt's OLine is better than Cincinnati? Based on what?

Brian Bennett

  (4:48 PM)

Cincinnati's is good, too, but they run the spread and get rid of the ball more quickly. Pitt's is more physical and can pound the ball on the ground.

Joseph (Camp Lejeune, NC)

Pitts O-Line gets a lot of well deserved credit, but how about some love for Nate Byahm and how well of a blocker he is? He has blocked for the very successful McCoy and Lewis yet gets no love from Stull in the passing game.

Brian Bennett

  (4:49 PM)

Byham is a terrific blocker, you're right. Very underrated key to their success

Saam (Los Angeles, CA)

Do you think USF and UCF can join the "Big 3" of Florida during our lifetime? Both USF and UCF are FBS schools and USF is in a BCS Conference, but yet they are not included in the Florida Cup. They are the red-headed stepbrothers of Florida, FSU, and Miami. How long would it take for USF and UCF to become like their elite brethren?

Brian Bennett

  (4:50 PM)

South Florida has a much better chance than UCF, but both of them aren't really in the same ballpark resource-wise as the Big Three, especially not in Florida's league.

Chris (CT)

Interesting stat - UConn's passing game (253 yds per/ranked 40th) is actually rated higher than their running game (163 yds per/ranked 46th). Who would've thunk that possible a month ago? Bottom line, this is a young team that is a play here and there from an outstanding year. Look out in 2010, where their schedule is more favorable.

Brian Bennett

  (4:51 PM)

That passing game has really come on and put up some big numbers in the last couple of games, though interceptions are still a problem. Lot of youngsters in that two deep. Future looks bright.

Conner (Louisville, Ky)

Assuming that Kragthorpe is done at the end of the year, and Jurich gets a decent coach in here for next year, what type of season do you see Louisville having next year?

Brian Bennett

  (4:52 PM)

The next coach isn't going to turn this thing around overnight. There are still serious talent issues.

Tammy (WV)

So, you think the BE champ will play either Florida or Ala? Brutal. If it is UC- what do you think of that match-up?

Brian Bennett

  (4:54 PM)

At this point, yeah, I'd project an undefeated Cincinnati and probably an 11-1 Pitt to play the Florida-Alabama loser in the Sugar Bowl. Would be a tough, tough matchup, but Utah pulled it off last year.

Eric (Washington, PA)

Who are your offensive and defensive rookies of the year thus far (Big East)?

Brian Bennett

  (4:56 PM)

Dion Lewis on offense, easily. Does Jason Pierre-Paul count as a rookie? If not, maybe Walter Stewart of Cincinnati. I'm probably forgetting someone, though.

Tran (Providence, RI)

If 8 of the 16 non-football Big East schools developed legitimate football programs, would the conference keep all 16 schools or would some of them be dropped? Does the Big East have any intention of expanding to make their football more legitimate and worthy of a BCS distinction?

Brian Bennett

  (4:57 PM)

There's no chance that schools like St. John's, Seton Hall, Marquette, DePaul, Providence develop big-time football programs. The Big East needs a ninth team and eventually will get one. There just isn't a school that makes great sense right now.

HawkeyeNation (Iowa)

National Championship, Cincy vs. Iowa. Who wins? I dare you to take Cincy...

Brian Bennett

  (4:58 PM)

That matchup will never happen, but I'll take Cincinnati all day long against Iowa

Eric (CincinnaTi)

Could Louisville go after Brian Kelly

Brian Bennett

  (4:58 PM)

They'd be crazy not to at least give him a call. He'd be crazier to take it.

Brian (LA)

Brian to Brian. Will Notre Dame ever join a conference? Perhaps the Big East?

Brian Bennett

  (5:00 PM)

Not as long as NBC keeps underwriting their athletic department

Brian Bennett

  (5:00 PM)

OK, folks. My time is up. Thanks for all the questions today. Good luck to your favorite team this weekend