Big East: Week 6 Breakdown

[E.T.]

Big East: Week 6 Breakdown

By David Fox, Rivals.com College Football Staff Writer

 

Louisville gets another tune up against MTSU on Friday night but elsewhere in the Big East, USF and Syracuse head into matchups that could make or break their season. We break down week 6 in the Big East.

Making a statement: With West Virginia and Louisville off last week, Rutgers was left to carry the banner for the Big East. The Scarlet Knights earned a narrow win at South Florida on national television. This week offers another key game that may determine which team has improved the most since last season. Pittsburgh (4-1) will face Syracuse (3-2) in the Carrier Dome this weekend. The teams were a combined 6-16 in 2005. West Virginia faces one of the tougher non-conference tests on its schedule with a road trip to Mississippi State, whose defense is better than its 1-4 record indicates.

Best matchup: Syracuse's pass rush vs. Pittsburgh quarterback Tyler Palko. The Orange lead the country with five sacks per game, and they will need to keep up the pressure against Pittsburgh. The Panthers are doing a good job of protecting Palko, who is the national leader in passing efficiency. Pittsburgh is also starting a true freshman at right guard, which could spell trouble for Palko at the Carrier Dome.

Worst matchup: Louisville at Middle Tennessee State. In the Blue Raiders' two games against major conference opponents this season, they have been outscored 83-10. Expect more of the same in Louisville's last tuneup before entering the Big East schedule.

[highlight]The pressure is on: South Florida quarterback Matt Grothe. It's no secret the Bulls are putting a lot on the redshirt freshman's shoulders. He accounts for 75.7 percent of USF's total offense. Heading into a winnable home game against UConn, Grothe and the Bulls can't afford to dwell on their tough losses.[/highlight]

Upset alert: Syracuse has won three consecutive games and took Iowa to overtime in the game prior to the hot streak. The Orange could make it four wins a row with an upset of Pitt at home.

Most to gain: Syracuse. The Orange have already turned around a 1-10 season with three consecutive victories. But those wins have come against Illinois, Miami (Ohio) and Wyoming. A win over a conference foe would be a major boost to the program. It would also establish Syracuse's first four-game win streak since 2001.

[highlight]Most to lose: Connecticut. The Huskies are walking a tight rope for bowl eligibility after falling to Navy – their second loss of the season. Four more wins will be hard to come by with five of eight remaining games remaining against South Florida, West Virginia, Rutgers, Pittsburgh and Louisville. The Huskies will have to pull off a few upsets, starting this week against USF.[/highlight]

Who's hot: The Louisville defense. While the offense gets most of the attention for the Cardinals, it's easy to forget Louisville has allowed only 13 points in its last three games. Along the way, the Cardinals have forced six turnovers and piled up 11 sacks.

Who's not: Rutgers quarterback Mike Teel. Since a solid outing in the opener against North Carolina, Teel has taken a step back with six interceptions and two touchdowns in the last four games. When Rutgers trailed 14-10 with 2:37 left against USF in the first half, coach Greg Schiano elected to run out the clock rather than go for a score. Schiano insisted this had nothing to do with a lack of confidence in Teel.

Key stat: 4. Defensive touchdowns for Pittsburgh through five games. Defensive tackle Gus Mustakas returned a pick 9 yards for a TD. Cornerback Darelle Revis returned two interceptions, and linebacker Clint Session also returned one.

They said it: "We start the Big East and we call it the tour of revenge. We didn't win a game in the Big East last year and we definitely have something to prove."-Syracuse cornerback Tanard Jackson

[JoeB]

Who's Not could have been the USF Rushing Attack or Run Defense.  Glad they gave it to Mike Teel.  

[E.T.]

USF Rushing Attack = Injury & Suspension

Run Defense = Against #4 RN in the Nation

Would have been silly to put those.