Big East: Week 8 Breakdown

[E.T.]

Big East: Week 8 Breakdown

By David Fox, Rivals.com College Football Staff Writer

For the first time this season, each Big East team will play a conference game - and all but one will be on national television. We break down the everything you need to know as the Big East heads into week 8.

Big East = Big exposure: For the first time this season, each Big East team will play a conference game - and all but one will be on national television. Rutgers will face Pittsburgh on ESPN2 at 5:45 p.m. Saturday. We'll find out then which team will be the top challenger to West Virginia and Louisville. On Friday night, West Virginia at Connecticut will be on ESPN and Sunday's game between South Florida and Cincinnati will also be on ESPN.

[highlight]Best matchup:[/highlight] Pittsburgh running back LaRod Stephens-Howling vs. Rutgers run defense. In the last two games, the sophomore has run for 356 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 7.7 yards per carry. The Scarlet Knights are 10th in the country in rush defense, allowing 80.3 yards per game.

[highlight]Worst matchup:[/highlight] Connecticut's run defense against West Virginia. The Mountaineers rushing attack has been tough for nearly everyone over the last year and a half, but it could be especially troubling for the Huskies. UConn ranks second to last in the conference, allowing 177.2 yards on the ground. Pat White and Steve Slaton feasted on Syracuse last week for 410 rushing yards.

[highlight]The pressure is on:[/highlight] Louisville's run game. Running backs Kolby Smith and George Stripling have tapered off in recent weeks, rushing for 105 yards against Cincinnati. In his first start after his thumb injury, Brian Brohm looked rusty and will need some help from the run game if the Cardinals are to beat West Virginia on Nov. 2.

[highlight]Upset alert:[/highlight] Cincinnati is a slight favorite at home over South Florida. With Ricky Ponton back on the field, the Bulls should be able to pick up a win on the road. No. 19 Rutgers is also an underdog against Pittsburgh. A Scarlet Knights' win is a definite possibility.

[highlight]Most to gain:[/highlight] Rutgers quarterback Mike Teel. The Scarlet Knights sophomore set season highs for completions (15), attempts (26), yards (215) and touchdowns (three) against Navy last week. Rutgers needs another solid day from Teel this week against Pittsburgh to keep defenses honest.

[highlight]Most to lose:[/highlight] Cincinnati. No Big East team has had rougher luck the Bearcats. Cincinnati has faced Ohio State and Virginia Tech on the road this year and came within a last-minute possession of beating Louisville on the road. The Bearcats host South Florida this week with a chance to even their record at 4-4. A loss would likely end any bowl hopes.

[highlight]Who's hot:[/highlight] Connecticut linebacker Ryan Henegan. The junior has 19 tackles and 4.5 tackles for a loss in the last two games. He'll be tested against West Virginia's potent ground attack on Friday.

[highlight]Who's not:[/highlight] West Virginia's defense. The Mountaineers have been susceptible to the big play this season, allowing 20 plays of 20 or more yards on the year. West Virginia has also allowed opponents to convert 43 percent of third-down chances. Against Syracuse last week, Orange quarterback Perry Patterson was able to complete passes of 47 and 30 yards to set up touchdowns.

[highlight]Backup who could have an impact:[/highlight] Louisville redshirt freshman Michael Adams will step in for injured defensive end Zach Anderson. Adams has two pass break-ups and one sack in limited action.

[highlight]Key stat:[/highlight] 24-10. The Big East's combined record against Division I-A non-conference opponents.

[highlight]Key stat II:[/highlight] 84-109. The combined record of those Division I-A non-conference opponents. The main offender: South Florida, whose out-of-conference Division I-A opponents are 6-20.

[JoeB]

The main offender South Florida.  Yep, our OOC schedule sucked this year as far as wins and losses.  On paper with UCF and UNC it looked alot better.

[E.T.]

Yeah ... you never know how other teams will perform.

[Jihme]

We really need this win.

[E.T.]

Big East's Mid Week Report:

http://www.bigeast.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101806aaj.html

Nothing about USF