Big East Football Week 9 Breakdown
Lock of the Week: Syracuse at Louisville
The Orangemen are riding high after ousting West Virginia. Now they take the road against a struggling Louisville team. Senior quarterback Ryan Nassib needs to continue to have a great season, he has thrown 15 touchdowns to only 4 interceptions. He is the key to the Syracuse offense and protecting the football. When Syracuse does not turn the ball over they are a tough team to beat, just ask West Virginia. Now they will go on the road and face a 3-4 Louisville team that is still trying to find themselves this season. But with Louisville’s win over Rutgers last week, maybe their season is finally starting to get on track. The Cardinals have been great on defense only giving up 17.1 points per game, good for 14th in the nation. If the Cardinals want to win this game they will have to do more than just slow down Syracuse’s offense, they will need to force mistakes and generate some offense.
Syracuse 24 Louisville 20
Game of the Week! West Virginia at Rutgers
West Virginia is coming off a devastating loss to Syracuse and cannot afford to lose again. Rutgers was upset by Louisville last week so this game features two teams hungry for victory. The Rutgers defense has been sensational this year giving up only 16 points per contest. West Virginia is an offensive dominated team, especially through the air, averaging over 370 yards per game, fifth in college football. This game will be a game of opposites, but West Virginia is the better team and will walk away with a win. Look out for Geno Smith, quarterback for the Moutaineers, as well as Mohamed Sanu, the junior wide out for Rutgers to shine in this game.
West Virginia 38 Rutgers 27
RECAP!! Connecticut at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh squashed Connecticut in a Wednesday night game, winning by a final of 35-20. The major story line however is Pittsburgh running back Ray Graham who went down with a knee injury. New information has revealed he will be out for the reminder of the year. Graham had rushed for 958 yards on just 164 carries so far. He was the catalyst of the Panthers offense and is a major loss for them. Finding out how they respond without him will be a key to the rest of their season.
Game of the Week: 5-3
Lock of the Week: 6-2
