Big East Football Week 13 Breakdown
The Big East still does not have a nationally ranked team, but with a victory, Rutgers, Cincinnati, or West Virginia could sneak back in. The Big East has two weeks left of conference play and four teams sitting at two conference losses with a BCS birth on the line.
Lock of the Week: Pittsburgh at West Virginia
The Mountaineers were off last week and know that they need to win out. They will be very excited to play Pittsburgh and be extremely prepared. West Virginia has an outstanding aerial assault which is very difficult to defend and leads to a flurry of points. Quarterback Geno Smith has thrown for 3,497 yards and 24 touchdowns on the year. He will look to build on his impressive season and he shreds Pittsburgh defense in a rout.
West Virginia 45 Pittsburgh 27
Upset Alert! Louisville at South Florida
South Florida suffered a tough loss last week, losing both their star quarterback B.J. Daniels and the game on a fourth quarter field goal. Daniels health at the moment is unclear, but I expect him to be able to go. He is the leader of this team, throwing 12 scores and rushing for five more. He poses a threat to a Louisville defense that only gives up 18.7 points per game. However, if he can shake loose and inspire the Bulls an upset could be brewing. South Florida is looking for only their second Big East win and with West Virginia looming the following week, it might be their best chance.
Game of the Week! Rutgers at Connecticut
Rutgers defense and passing attack has guided them to eight overall wins and getting their ninth will be huge. Their defense gives up a measly 16.8 points per game and their passing attack averages 227.4 yards per game. Connecticut, on the other hand, is at home but has really struggled this season. They have scored just 22.4 points per game while giving up 23.5. Besides a blowout loss at West Virginia, Connecticut has been in every game that they have played. Rutgers will hold the Connecticut offense down in their Big East season finale and notch their ninth win of the season.
Rutgers 27 Connecticut 17
Best of the Rest!
Cincinnati at Syracuse
The Orangemen have just one win in the Big East and are losers of three straight contests. However, they are looking to turn their season around against a tough Bearcats team. Syracuse has been living through the air, averaging 230.5 yards per game. This attack is led by Ryan Nassib, their senior signal caller. He has thrown 20 touchdowns and just six interceptions on the year. His ability to protect the football has been huge for Syracuse to win their five games and to be in just about every game that they play. Cincinnati on the other head, is 7-3 overall and 3-2 in the Big East. The Bearcats formula to success has been to run the ball and play great defense. Their rushing attack averages 180.9 points per game and their stingy defense only allows opponents to score 20 points per game. Isaiah Pead will continue to build on his great year, as he is averaging 5.7 yards per carry and has scored 10 times. He will carry the Bearcats to victory in this contest.
Cincinnati 31 Syracuse 23
Week 13 Breakdown Page
