Big East Week 11 Breakdown
There has been a shift of power in the Big East as West Virginia, the Big East’s only nationally ranked team, fell again and is now unranked. However, as Cincinnati won again, they climbed their way up to #23 in the rankings and are now the sole ranked team in the conference.
Lock of the Week: Rutgers versus Army (Game played on neutral field)
The Scarlet Knights ousted South Florida in overtime last week and are looking to pick up their second straight victory. They did not score until the second half, but were still able to put up 20 points (17 in regulation). This team has proven you can keep your offense down, but not out. Their passing attack is just too explosive. Junior receiver Mohamed Sanu had his way with the South Florida defense, reeling in 11 balls and totaling 113 yards. Army will have their hands full trying to stop him. Look for Sanu to have another big day, as Rutgers rolls over Army in this contest. An interesting thing to watch for is to see how much Rutgers runs the ball. Their rushing attack was non-existent against South Florida and I am sure they will try to reestablish their ground game in this contest.
Rutgers 31 Army 10
Upset Alert! South Florida at Syracuse
South Florida was edged by Rutgers in overtime a week ago and will certainly be angry and come prepared for this match up. Syracuse is at home and holds a better record at 5-4, than the 4-5 Bulls. Syracuse has collected one win in the Big East, whereas South Florida is still winless on the year. They know this is unacceptable and will be looking to pick up their first victory. Syracuse is on a bit of a slide, losing two straight games and will want to put their losing streak to a halt.
South Florida’s defense has struggled this year, allowing 23.1 points per game. They will be tested against a Syracuse team that scores 26.7 points per contest. On the other side of the ball, Syracuse has struggled as well. Their defense has giving up 26.9 points per game. This unit will be challenged by a South Florida offensive unit that scores 32.5 points a game. This game looks to be a shootout, and although Syracuse has a better record, South Florida has a great chance to win this game. This game will be very entertaining to watch.
Game of the Week: West Virginia at Cincinnati
The Mountaineers have lost two of their last three contests. The Bearcats have not lost since an early season defeat to Tennessee. When Cincinnati hosts West Virginia, they are the ranked team, not West Virginia. That will certainly eat at them and feed their hunger to beat them. The West Virginia defense has struggled as of late, but their offense has been outstanding. The Bearcats defense has been outstanding this year, giving up only 19.5 points per game. They will be tested by a Mountaineers offense that passes for an average of 361 yards per game and scores at a clip of 38.2 points per contest. Geno Smith has been brilliant this season and will light up the Bearcats in this contest. The Bearcats offense has been excellent as well, averaging 39.1 points per game. They have been led by a dual rushing attack of quarterback Zach Collaros and senior running back Isiah Pead. Each have eight rushing touchdowns. The Bearcats offense will be too much for West Virginia’s defense to handle. They will control the clock and score in bunches, winning this game in a shootout. The Cincinnati defense will struggle, but will make enough plays when it matters to beat West Virginia in this track meet.
Cincinnati 45 West Virginia 38
Best of the Rest:
Pittsburgh at Louisville
Louisville has turned their season around and has won three straight games. Pittsburgh has been a tough out for teams, so this will not be an easy matchup for either team. Pittsburgh was defeated by Cincinnati last week 26-23 and Louisville trumped West Virginia 38-35. Louisville has been led by their outstanding defense, which is only giving up 18.3 points per game. This unit will look to shut down a Pittsburgh team that scores over 26 points a game. Louisville is the home team, the hotter team, and the better team and will come away victorious in this game. The Pittsburgh defense has struggled this year and their struggles will continue as freshman signal caller Teddy Bridgewater has a great game and carves them up.
Louisville 27 Pittsburgh 17
Lock of the Week: 6-4
Game of the Week: 6-4
Week 11 Football Breakdown Page
