Mascot Proves More Exciting Than UC Game, Gets Benched

Cincinnati's Bearcat mascot was cited for disorderly conduct after a snowball-throwing incident in the stands during a game against Pittsburgh.

It's probably this one...
((HT: Youtube))


In what Brother Phil regarded as "Snowmageddon 2010," and Pitt's Dion Lewis scored the second of his three touchdowns in the first half, students threw snowballs at his person and were told to stop.

A UC spokesman says the mascot was told to stop throwing snowballs in the stands ((above)) and pushed a security guard ((not shown)), knocking both of them, apparently, to the ground.

The mascot was detained and cited ((below)). He was not identified. A backup mascot took his place at halftime.

What the folks at UC don't tell you was that had to have been the most offense shown by a Bearcat all day in the Pitt blowout...

Here's the arrest, the police actually took the guys head clean off...

TWTW: Why Did OU Travel To Cincinnati Again...?

((HT: Newsok.com))

Going in... the OSG North office ((and the other satellites, for that matter)) didn't give the Bearcats much of a puncher's chance against Oklahoma. But, the idea that the Sooners were looking ahead to their game with Texas may have crept into a few minds here...

It took the late recovery of an onside kick to seal a 31-29 win against Cincinnati.

OU's Landry Jones had 370 yards passing and 2TD's. But the visitors racked up 13 penalties for 113 yards, and they were outgained by the Bearcats 461-452. If you do some quick subtraction, it means they only ran for 82 yards on the road...

Yeah, they weren't thinking Red River at all...

FOSG Berry Tramel and Jake Trotter analyze the idea that OU should never take another roadie east of the Mississippi ever again...

Gilyard Robbed At Gunpoint

Police are looking for the suspect who robbed former University of Cincinnati football player Marty Gilyard and one other person in the Ohio town of Corryville Monday night.

The incident happened around 9:30 p.m., and police say Gilyard and 30-year-old Terry Hobbs were held up at gunpoint. A man took two necklaces valued at around $500 each and about $290 in cash.

The suspect is described as a black male, 5'7" tall and 185 pounds.

Lance Berry has the brief details, thanks to our friends at WCPO-TV...

TWTW: Bearcats Season Ends With Resounding Thud In New Orleans

((HT: WCPO-TV Cincinnati))

Brother Phil gets to see things from the Northern Bureau these days, so he gets the perspective on how teams are screwed in the BCS standings and should regularly get the chance to prove their worth against the beeg boys...

The Brian Kelly-less UC Bearcats got their chance in the Sugar Bowl against the University of Florida and Corch Urban Meyers...

Go Gator...

But the HQ hates to break it to the Big East Conference on a few different fronts:

1) The Mountain West should get your slot as an automatic qualifier...
2) Losing Kelly did more for your psyche than you'll ever care to admit...
3) Yes, you have some good players on your roster. That we'll allow... But Florida has more good players on your roster than you have as a roster.

The end result was that the Sugar Bowl was over when Pedro Cerrano flipped the coin at the beginning. We think that the Tebow's quarterback rating was 472.

WCPO-TV's Scott Kyser got to break the news on this one...


The HQ also thinks that incoming recruit RB Mack Brown ((Atlanta-ML King)) is, probably, right in his assessment as to when Corch Meyers is coming back. Meyers told Brown he'd be back in August, so Corch Meyers will be back in August.

The one event that would have made the whole night complete was if Cerrano addressed Tim Tebow like he recognized his presence once before ((at the 59 second mark)).

Because, as we all know, spending 15 minutes with Tim Tebow will make you a better person and make your life a better life...
((HT: Paramount Pictures))

Cincy Raids MAC Again For Head Coach

((HT: WCPO-TV))

For the second time in a row, Central Michigan University's head coach is going to the University of Cincinnati. This time Butch Jones gets to coach the UC Bearcats.

Brian Kelly, who coached Central Michigan from 2004-06 before being coming to the University of Cincinnati was Round One of that idea.

We know how that one turned out...

Bearcats offensive coordinator Jeff Quinn has been preparing the Bearcats for the Sugar Bowl -- and that Quinn, who served as an assistant at CMU with Kelly, had expressed interest in retaining the top position.

Apparently, Jones did better in the interview portion of the pageant.

Here's Dennis Janzen's coverage of said sequel...


Gee, how original... but those of us at the HQ wonder how well this will be received by the seniors- especially the ever-vocal Marty Gilyard...

Brian Kelly to Notre Dame

****BREAKING NEWS****

According to multiple media outlets, Notre Dame has hired Cincinnati Coach Brian Kelly to be their next coach. We also know according to Cincinnati TV Station WCPO that Kelly has already informed his assistant coaches and will be telling his team tonight at the teams season ending awards banquet.

The story from WNDU-TV RIGHT HERE

More from WCPO-TV RIGHT HERE

This isn't a total surprise, Kelly teased that it could happen sometime this week. The timing of the banquet just makes it fortuitous. From what it sounds like, Kelly will not coach the team in the Sugar Bowl, rather Assistant Jeff Quinn will handle that duty.

((Brian Kelly has his job//Courtesy: Boston Globe))

We think this whole thing stinks. Not that Kelly took the job, but rather the timing. Why does Notre Dame have to do this now? Why does the NCAA allow this stuff. Kelly isn't going to suffer from it and neither is Notre Dame, no, the ones who have to suffer for it are the kids at Cincinnati who get rewarded for there hard work by their coach bailing out on them before the biggest game in school history. Nice!

Video to come later this evening when the inevitable statement is released.

Brian Kelly will decide this week

Cincinnati's Brian Kelly, who apparently is the "Apple" of Notre Dame's eye, says that he "Will make a decision on his coaching status by Saturday". We are assuming that means will he or won't he go to Notre Dame. Oh...and this caveat...he won't guarantee that he will coach Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl versus Florida.

**Note. Kelly will according to reports, be meeting the folks from Notre Dame on Tuesday, somewhere in New York**

Check out what Mr. Kelly had to say on the Dan Patrick Show...RIGHT HERE.

((Brian Kelly is kinda loyal to his players//Courtesy: ESPN))

Kelly did also say that he was negotiating an extension with Cincinnati; which is all well and good, but do you have a problem with this like I do? It smells...really bad. I get the whole "Opportunity of a Lifetime" thing. I get that it's a chance to "Move Up the Coaching Ladder"...that part I get, nobody can begrudge that.

No, the problem is how Kelly is playing this. Why would you throw that out there today? Why would you talk about it at all. Lay low this week. If you want to say you are on vacation...hide. Don't come out and say that you may bail out on your CURRENT EMPLOYER...if you feel like it. That is one of the MANY big things wrong with College Football. If you are under contract and in the midst of a season, you shouldn't be allowed to leave...period. If you don't like it...don't sign a contract.

((Cincinnati Fans beg for their Coach today//Courtesy: Cincinnati Enquirer))

The other part I blame on the HIGHLY overrated clowns at Notre Dame...and other "Big Name" schools but mostly the ASS CLOWNS AT THE NCAA. There should be...UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES...coaches being allowed to negotiate out of a contract to go coach at another school until the season is OFFICIALLY OVER...FOR EVERYONE.

The NCAA can fix this all by themselves...IF THEY WANTED TO. It helps foster an atmosphere of TOTAL AND COMPLETE GREED on their part. What would it hurt for their members to wait 1 month...after the holiday's to do this stuff. It's not fair to the kids at the smaller schools. In this case CINCINNATI. They had the dream season of dream season's for the program and yet they may not even have a head coach for their BCS Game against Florida. Come on TELL ME....WHAT IS FAIR ABOUT THAT?

TWTW: Cincy Comes From 21 Down To Take Big East

Boy, did Sean McDonough know what he was talking about...

A mishandled PAT gave the Bearcats an opening, and Tony Pike took it...

96 seconds was entirely too much time for the visitors to get the game back from the Pitt Panthers. A TD pass to Armon Binns placed perfectly was good enough for 28 yards and the game-winning score for a 45-44 win at Heinz Field.

The drive only took them 1:03...

The winner of the game gets the Big East automatic berth, and will probably play the winner of the ACC title game.

This win also keeps Brian Kelly focused on his BCS bowl game and not the opening at Notre Dame that everyone says is his if he wants it...

Here's the insane ending of the game, thanks to our friends at ESPN/ABC/Big East

Zach Colleros Needs to follow the Rules too...

It appears as though University of Cincinnati Quarterback Zach Colleros has forgotten to take care of a little business. That business is with the Hamilton County Municipal Court.

Mr. Colleros had been arrested back in May for possesion of a Fake ID as he tried to enter a bar in an area near the UC Campus. He got his case continued...several times before he finally had to appear at an October 5th hearing, where he was ordered to attend a diversion program. Only one problem. He never went to said program.

More from the Cincinnati Enquirer RIGHT HERE.

((Zach Collaros is forgettful//Courtesy: Cincinnati Enquirer))

Apparently Bearcats coach Brian Kelly is aware of the issue and says that it has been taken care of. It remains to see exactly what discipline will be put upon Colleros who has played extremely well for Cincinnati, who is 10-0 and ranked #5 in the BCS Polls.

Today's lesson boys and girls...if you do something bad, take care of it; whether you are a star athlete or not...it will come back on you somehow, someway if you don't.

TWTW: Bearcats Crush Syracuse 28-7

((HT: WSYR-TV/Syracuse))

Cincy QB Zach Collaros threw four touchdown passes, three off broken plays, the Cincinnati defense forced two critical turnovers and the No. 5 Bearcats remained perfect with a 28-7 victory over Syracuse on Saturday.

"We do a scrambling drill every day," Collaros said after just his second start in place of injured quarterback Tony Pike. "We have good chemistry with the receivers. "All I know is I like to improvise a little bit."

To the dismay of the Orange (3-5, 0-3 Big East), who registered eight tackles for loss but only one sack.

"It's hard to run around and get someone open to make a big play," first-year Syracuse coach Doug Marrone said. "You have to have great vision. You have to keep the play going. We didn't finish."

Collaros was 22/28 for 295 yards and no turnovers. Always a threat to run, he managed just 22 yards on nine carries. Collaros is 47/63 (75 percent) for 749 yards, nine touchdowns and one interception this season and has rushed for 213 yards and two more scores.

Here's the postgame from our friends at WSYR-TV...

UC's Pike Has Surgery On Arm Again

University of Cincinnati Head Football Coach Brian Kelly confirmed Tuesday during his weekly news conference that starting quarterback Tony Pike had surgery earlier in the day to repair a broken left arm.

Kelly said the next 48 hours are crucial to whether or not Pike will be able to play Saturday against Louisville.

"It's going to depend on the next 48 hours," Kelly said. "He cannot go out there if he can't protect himself. We can't put him in a position where he can't feel comfortable in protecting himself. The last time (he had surgery), it took two weeks for us to feel he was ready to go. We're hoping that process is accelerated. That's why we're not going to rule him out for Saturday night now."

Here's coverage from WCPO-9 in Cincinnati


Pike's status is, officially, listed as day-to-day...
Aren't we all...

OSG College Football 2009 Predictions: Big East Conference

Pittsburgh: Last Year (9-4, 5-2 in the Big East). Losers in the Sun Bowl.

Offense: This is a senior laden experience crew that has high expectations for Coach Dave Wannstedt’s crew. Coming off of a 3-0 loss in the Sun Bowl last season, seniors Bill Stull and Pat Bostick are the guys to run the show at Quarterback. It’s rare for a team to have 2 seniors at QB, but the Panthers do. Receiver Jonathan Baldwin is expected to be a breakout star at Receiver as well.

Defense: The Defense loses Conference Player of the year Scott McKillop but, they will be led this season by Defensive End Greg Romeus and Cornerback Aaron Berry.

Strengths: They should be able to score in bunches, senior leadership is always a good thing and the Panthers are an experienced team.

Weaknesses: Some question marks on Defense, guys are going to have to step up. Some are still not convinced that Wannstedt is the guy to make them a consistent national power.

OSG’s Take:

Phil: The Panthers have been a decent team for the past couple of years but something seems to always hold them back. They haven’t come up big when necessary. Is that Coaching? You have to wonder a bit. They should be a good program and they have improved, but can they go further?

Wilkie: Pitt hired a new offensive coordinator (Frank Cignetti) to mix things up on offense. The key is QB Bill Stull to get the ball to the playmakers on the perimeter. If the Panthers can create some excitement on offense then I really like this Pitt team. The “Backyard Brawl” on Nov. 27th should be appointment viewing.

Jon: Look to November 27th for the game in Morgantown. That will determine the conference title.

West Virginia: Last Year (9-4, winner in the Meinke Car Care Bowl)

Offense: It all begins and ends with Noel Devine. The high flying running back was by far the best player on the team and he is back for another season. Jarrett Brown is prepared to step in for the departed Pat White and run the Mountaineer offense. Between the 2, expect these guys to score…a lot.

Defense: No real standouts here. The leader is probably Middle Linebacker Reed Williams, but much like Pitt, this is the unit that is going to have to improve for these guys to be a major factor in the conference.

Strengths: As always, offense. With Brown and Devine, scoring should not be an issue. They will score and sometimes very quickly.

Weaknesses: Defense and depth. With the quick strike offense, it is important the defense play well. Coach Bill Stewart just has to figure out if his guys are up to the task.

OSG’s Take:

Phil: Again, can they stop people? They should be decent, but just how decent? There are athletes here, but I just don’t know that they have enough to run the table. Upper part of the conference, but I don’t see a championship…this season.

Wilkie: If the offensive line performs up to expectations then the Mountaineers will return to the top of the Big East conference. West Virginia has the best athletes and speed in the league. With that said, we will know this year if Bill Stewart can keep the express rolling in Morgantown.

Jon: The schedule sets up nicely for the Mountaineers. They get East Carolina, Auburn and Colorado early. That should tell Coach Stewart just how ready they really are. Heading in to November, they should only have two losses- max- and the challenges of going to USF, Cincinnati, and Rutgers will determine who gets the title on the 27th.

Cincinnati: (Last Year: 10-3, Lost in the Orange Bowl)

Offense: Quarterback Tony Pike and Receiver Mardy Gilyard return to the Bearcats for another season. They should lead Cinci who is coming off of its first conference title last season. Coach Brian Kelly is known for having a prolific offense and these guys don’t…and won’t disappoint.

Defense: Coach Kelly, your mission is: Replace 10 starters from last year’s defense. Folks that is a tough one for anybody to make up for. Much like the other teams in the East, they’ve got work to do on Defense. We will see how much work they have done in just a few weeks.

Strengths: Like the other teams, it’s all about the “O”. They should not have much trouble scoring, but they may need it to outscore the other team. Look for both Gilyard and Pike to have big seasons this year.

Weakness: Look at the defensive section and that will explain it all.

OSG’s Take:

Phil: They won’t repeat, but they will be a decent team. They will compete for the title, but you just can’t replace 10 starters on one side of the ball in one season and expect miracles. Bowl game for sure though.

Wilkie: The good news is that Brian Kelly is still the head coach and plans to stay awhile. The bad news is the defense, 10 starters gone. No sense beating on a dead horse (or Bearcat). The offense will have to outscore opponents and they should. No repeat in Cincy but a bowl game.

Jon: Their out-of-conference schedule has Fresno, at Oregon State, and Illinois. Brian Kelly isn’t messing around. But because of everyone graduating on defense, it’ll be a year where Pike and Gilyard have to match and surpass the points given up every week. They won’t set another school record, but it’ll be another bowl game.

South Florida: (Last Year: 8-5, Winner Magic Jack St. Petersburg Bowl)

Offense: It all starts with Matt Grothe. Grothe seems to have been around forever and there is a reason for that. He played early and often and very well and he is the undisputed leader of the Bulls offense. He will need some help and there are several guys who will need to step up and take a significant role if the Bulls want to make in impact this year.

Defense: Much like on offense, it all starts with one guy: George Selvie. Selvie, a perennial All-American returns for one last season and will try and carry the defense on a team and in a conference lacking in defensive standouts.

Strengths: Leadership. Coaching. Star Players. All the things needed to be a successful team and now they can say that they have a track record to boot.

Weaknesses: Depth. Lack of experience or at least standout players. They have 2 very good players and a lot of other guys. At least a few of them are going to have to step up in order for the Bulls to be successful.

OSG’s Take:

Phil: While Grothe and Selvie are very good players and Jim Leavitt is a very good coach, I don’t think they currently have the horses to make a significant impact this year. They will be very similar to last year’s team. Middle of the pack, but a bowl game.

Wilkie: Ditto to Phil’s point. Middle of the pack and a bowl game.

Jon: South Florida made their run in the polls by upsetting some folks, but they faded down the stretch in 2008. I’m thinking there’s a repeat performance there. I think it’s another pre-Christmas bowl game for one of the true magician-coaches out there.

Rutgers: (Last Year 8-5, Winner PapaJohns.com Bowl)

Offense: 2 Words…rebuilding year. It will be hard to duplicate last years team that won its last 7 games in large part due to the roster turnover. The Scarlet Knights are very young at Quarterback and Wide Receiver and someone will need to separate from the pack. The “O” line however is in good shape; All-Conference Tackle Anthony Davis spearheads what should be this unit’s strength.

Defense: Well, there really isn’t much discussion, pretty much anywhere about this unit. That probably is not a good thing. If there are no standouts, don’t expect this to be the team’s strength.

Strengths: O-Line. Youth. Coaching. There really isn’t much else to say. Greg Schiano is a good enough coach that they will be competitive, but they don’t have the horses to run…even with the big guys in this conference.

Weaknesses: They are very young and very inexperienced. They will struggle early but hopefully will improve as the season goes.

OSG’s Take:

Phil: Expectations should be low for these guys. Hope is not gone, they should get better as the year goes, but don’t expect much in 2009.

Wilkie: I’m afraid it’s going to be a long year in Jersey. I don’t share the same optimism that my colleagues have. 6 wins will be the max for Rutgers, good enough for a bowl.

Jon: In the street fight that is the Big East, Schiano has shown he can take nothing and turn it into something. The out-of-conference games will boost the win total ((Howard, FIU, Texas Southern, Army)), but will it do their bottom line any good…? Another bowl… Another winning season… But they’ll get lost in the logjam…

Connecticut: (8-5 Last Season, Winners of the International Bowl)

Offense: They lost a lot when Donald Brown graduated to the NFL. Zach Frazier will be expected to take over the offense despite struggling mightily the last half of last season. Plus, the Line has to find someone to replace the massive William Beatty who also graduated to the NFL.

Defense: Darius Butler and Cody Brown have gone…who is going to step up. This unit was hit pretty hard too. They will be young and looking for leaders to emerge. Perhaps Defensive End Lindsey Witten?

Strengths: Coach Randy Edsall and his staff. This will be their best challenge yet; trying to get this bunch of young pups to succeed.

Weaknesses: Youth and inexperience pretty much everywhere. Frazier has some experience, but didn’t do much with it. Can he improve?

OSG’s Take:

Phil: Are we noticing a trend here with most of these teams? Most a rebuilding and most are really young; these guys are no exception to that. UConn fans like most Big East fans are going to need a lot of patience this year.

Wilkie: The Huskies have some doozy’s on their schedule, hosting North Carolina, travelling to South Bend to play Notre Dame (on NBC) and league road games at Pitt and at West Virginia doesn’t bode well for a team so inexperienced. Randy Edsall is the type of coach that can squeeze 6 wins out of a team like the 2009 UConn bunch. That alone is a big accomplishment.

Jon: Donald Brown’s loss is beyond-huge… and those of us here at OSG HQ have tremendous respect for what Randy Edsall has done in Storrs. But the losses on the field will add up to more losses on the field. They may be odd-man out for bowling in the East.

Louisville: (5-7 in 2008, no bowl game)

Offense: This was supposed to be Coach Steve Kragthorpe’s bread and butter; it was more butter than bread. Running Back Victor Anderson returns, so all is not lost, but there were indications last year that nobody either liked or understood the offense.

Defense: They didn’t exactly make their coaches look like geniuses either, giving up 39.5 points per game over the last 6. Something is going to have to give; it is just a question of what.

Strengths: Anderson for sure, nobody else knows for sure, this team pulled a Jekyll and Hyde routine, and they will have to play a few games for anyone to get a good read.

Weaknesses: Defense first and foremost; you aren’t going to survive in any major D-1 conference giving up points like that.

OSG’s Take:

Phil: Though Kragthorpe appeared to be the perfect fit for these guys, there were some cracks in the armor last season. There is some talent here and not a really good excuse for them to not at least be competitive in the conference.

Wilkie: Steve Kragthrope cleaned house of his offensive coaching staff and now he is the OC. His seat will be warm this year and Coach Krag knows it but he has an A.D. that will give Coach Krag some slack right now. 2009 will be a watershed year at Louisville but challenging for the Big East title just won’t be in the “Cards”. At least reaching a bowl might be.

Jon: Isn’t there a Brohm Coach Krag can find somewhere…??? Going to Utah and playing Southern Miss early may send the team into an early hole. The schedule softens late, but I don’t think it’ll be in time. Someone know what the patience level on Coach Krag is these days…??? It may be less after 2009.

Syracuse: (3-9 in 2008, no bowl game)

Offense: Improvement from the Gregg Williams regime, but there is still a long, long way to go. Give Coach Marrone some time and the Orange should be back.

Defense: 2 Words. Arthur Jones. Jones is one of the Beasts’ of the Big East and the undisputed leader of Syracuse’s defense. If he is fully recovered from his injury last year…look out.

Strengths: Continuity. Jones.

Weaknesses: Depth and the recovery from the previous regime.

OSG’s Take:

Phil: It is going to take awhile, but these guys are on the right track. They showed improvement last year and that should continue. They will be trouble later in the season.

Wilkie: A former Duke point guard (Greg Paulus) is in the mix for your starting QB position, head coach Doug Marrone has never run a college program, the offense, defense and special teams are works in progress and your fan base appears to be apathetic. Other than that Syracuse is fine. Good luck.

Jon: With Greg Paulus running the point, he should be good for 12 and 8 every game out. But the Orange will be lucky to repeat at 3 and 9.

Best of the Big East:

Winners: Phil - Pitt.
Wilkie- West Virginia
Jon- WBGV


Offensive MVP:
Phil: Noel Devine – West Virginia
Wilkie: Noel Devine
Jon: Noel Devine

Defensive MVP:
Phil: Arthur Jones - Syracuse
Wilkie: George Selvie – South Florida
Jon- George Selvie

Breaking News: Your Robert Marve Update

From this evening's Orange Bowl...

Jack Arute over at the four-letter has spoken to University of Cincinnati Head Coach Brian Kelly. Kelly has informed Arute that he has asked for and received permission to talk to Marve about transferring to UC. Marve announced earlier this week that he intends to leave the University of Miami. Head Coach Randy Shannon divulged this week that Marve would not be the starting quarterback for the 2009 season.

Marve, if he accepts, would have to sit out a year before playing for Kelly and in the Big East Conference.

More information as it becomes available...

I Mauk You A Second Time...Or A Fourth... Or A Fifth...

Quarterback Ben Mauk ((pictured, thanks Cincinnati Enquirer and Cincinnati.com)) has one last chance to retain his position with the University of Cincinnati for the 2008 season. It's an appointment with the NCAA Reinstatement Committee under the format of a direct appeal.

Mauk's legal machinations have been reported before here at OSG HQ, and he will talk to the committee Thursday afternoon in the hopes of a decision before the Bearcats' season opener against Eastern Kentucky that night. A decision is hoped for either late Thursday or Friday.

“We were hoping they would find in our favor, but I think it’s the reinstatement committee that we really need to talk to,” said Kevin Murphy, who is Mauk’s lawyer. “The staff pretty much did what it has done in the past in this case, but the reinstatement committee has the authority to make its own decision. So that’s where our hope lies.”

Mauk had been turned down on three previous attempts, but filed suit in an Ohio court for a temporary restraining order. The NCAA decided to think it over- again. They still came up with the same answer.

Bill Koch's blog on the Bearcats for the Cincinnati Enquirer lies within

College Football: My Big East Predictions

Big East Conference

West Virginia

2007 record 11-2 (Defeated Oklahoma 48-28 in the Fiesta Bowl)

Had West Virginia defeated hated rival Pittsburgh in the season finale, the Mountaineers would have played in the BCS Championship Game.

Things To Like About West Virginia:

Pat White: He’s the greatest Mountaineer to wear the WV on the side of his helmet. A great player who will have a great season and be in the thick of the Heisman race.

Offensive Line: 5 starters return and will be one of the best O-Lines in the country.

Things Not To Like About West Virginia:

Defense: Only 4 starters return from 2007 so it’s a rebuilding year in Morgantown. It may put pressure on the offense to out score opponents.

Take Me Home Country Roads: Bill Stewart takes the reigns at West Virginia and he wants to prove that the win over Oklahoma wasn’t a one hit wonder. Stewart has pressure to keep the momentum going as West Virginia that has been on the brink of a national title the last few years. There is still lots of talent for the Mountaineers and the recruiting class remained intact. West Virginia should win the Big East title.

South Florida Bulls

2007 record 9-4 (Lost to Oregon 56-21 in the Sun Bowl)

At mid-season, South Florida was the #2 team in the country but the Bulls had peaked too soon and lost 3 straight. It was still a milestone year for the Bulls.

Things To Like About South Florida:

Matt Grothe: He is a dynamic talent who lead the Bulls in rushing last year. If it wasn’t for Tim Tebow playing in the same state, Grothe would get more attention as a dual threat. Grothe has become the identity of the South Florida football program.

Defensive Line: They are underappreciated and have been the cornerstone of the rise of the Bulls program. Quarterbacks beware with All-American George Selvie coming off the end. Selvie is a great talent.

Things Not To Like About South Florida:

Secondary: Big losses at cornerback where Mike Jenkins and Trea Williams have moved on. They could cover any one and that aspect will be missed.

Find a running back: Matt Grothe can’t keep leading the team in rushing or he might end up in the hospital. Mike Ford emerged at the end of the season and will need to shoulder the rushing load.

Know Bull: One thing about South Florida, their defense will be fast and fundamentally sound. USF will challenge for the Big East title but to win it, they will have to beat West Virginia in Morgantown on December 6th. A Florida team playing up north in December is never a good thing. A BCS bowl is possible for the Bulls.

Pittsburgh Panthers

2007 record 5-7

Pitt’s win over West Virginia at the end of the 2007 season provided to perfect momentum heading into 2008.

Things To Like About Pitt:

Running game: LaSean McCoy and LaRod Stephens – Howling are La Good. They provide a nice 1-2 punch for the Panthers.

Defensive Line: Active group that will create havoc in the opponents backfield. Might become the best in the Big East

Things Not To Like About Pitt:

Offensive Line: Pitt lost its starting offensive tackles from 2007. This group must develop to protect the quarterback and open holes for Pitt’s talented running backs.

Quarterback: Pitt must decide on 3 QB’s, Bill Stull, Pat Bostick or JUCO transfer Greg Cross. That decision will determine what kind of season Pitt will have.

Pitt Stop: It’s up to the offense as to if Pitt turns the corner this year. The defense is damn good. Dave Wannstedt has had 2 great recruiting classes and has Pitt poised to becoming the class of the Big East.

Cincinnati Bearcats

2007 record 10-3 (Defeated Southern Miss 31-21 in the Papa John’s.com Bowl)

First 10 win season for Cincinnati since 1951.

Things To Like About Cincinnati:

Shutdown corners on defense: Cornerbacks Mike Mickens and DeAngelo Smith are that good. This pair can be left on an island in one-on-one coverage while the rest of the Cincinnati defense pressures the QB. Mickens and Smith combined for 14 interceptions last year.

Marcus Bennett: The type of stretch the field wide receiver that can bring the opposition to its knees.

Things Not To Like About Cincinnati:

Quarterbacks: Ben Mauk lost his appeal on a 6th year from the NCAA but received a temporary injunction from an Ohio judge. Mauk could suit up and practice with the Bearcats while his lawsuit is being heard but should he lose in court, in might cost Cincinnati the season and revenue. Therefore UC will have to rely on inexperience QB’s. One is Demetrius Jones who started in the season opener last year for Notre Dame against Georgia Tech, then transferred to Cincinnati.

Running Backs: Cincinnati did not have much of a ground attack last season. The backs they had last year are gone. Junior Jacob Ramsey will have the pressure to produce out of the backfield.

It Ain’t the Bengals, It’s the Bearcats: Brian Kelly is a winner and he’s working his magic in the Queen City. Cincinnati might take some steps back this year with the uncertainty of the offense but in the big picture, Coach Kelly has this program moving forward.

Louisville Cardinals

2007 record 6-6

Louisville thought the had the horses for a national title but then lost to Kentucky then SYRACUSE in September of 07 killing any hopes. Then the Cardinals flew in the wrong direction and didn’t go bowling.

Things To Like About Louisville:

Offense: Hunter Cantwell takes over at quarterback for the departed Brian Brohm and the production won’t fall off that much. He’s got some receivers to throw to, in particular Scott Long. Brock Bolen and Bilal Powell will handle things running the ball. The offense should be fine.

Schedule: It sets up perfect for a program looking to bounce back. The Cardinals only have 4 games on the road this season and 2 are at Memphis and at Syracuse. There are some tough road games but Louisville should thank their schedule maker for a job well done.

Things Not To Like About Louisville:

Defense: To quote Bill Walton, they were horrible. Louisville ranked near the bottom of every defensive category last season. After that performance the defensive coaching staff was shown the door. Enter new defensive coordinator Ron English who built defenses at Michigan. English has his work cut out for him with this unit.

Redbird Report: Steve Kragthrope had a miserable debut season at Louisville. His honeymoon ended when Louisville lost to Syracuse in September. If the defense stops somebody, Louisville might win some games and go to a good bowl. It will be a tough year but not an embarrassment this year.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

2007 8-5 (Defeated Ball State 52-30 in the International Bowl)

Things To Like About Rutgers:

Defense Attack!!!: Rutgers’ defense could be downright scary this season. They might be young up front but they will attack and attack and attack and will be creating chaos in the opposition’s backfield.

Great defensive backfield: Last season the Scarlet Knights were the nation’s 5th best pass defense and were lead by the McCourty twins, Jason and Devin, who are great playing the corner. The star of the Rutgers “D” is safety Courtney Green, who led Rutgers with 101 tackles last season. He can intimidate receivers, cover the pass, fill lanes and deliver the wood on run defense. Green could have gone to the NFL but instead returned to New Jersey to scare the hell out of the Big East.

Things Not To Like About Rutgers:

Who can replace Ray Rice: Rutgers can’t, Rice carried the offense last year. Not QB Mike Teel will be asked to serve that role. Kordell Young will be carrying the rock out of the backfield for the Scarlet Knights.

Offensive Line: Rutgers lost 3 starters from the O-line.

Knight Side: Greg Schiano has raised expectations at Rutgers that an 8 win season is considered a disappointment. Rutgers might not flirt with a BCS bowl this year but look out on down the line. Remember, Coach Schiano is stockpiling talent in New Jersey plus, he won’t let this team take steps back, or you’re going for a ride.

Connecticut Huskies

2007 record 9-4 (Lost to Wake Forest 24-10 in the Meineke Car Care Bowl)

Things To Like About Connecticut:

Great Running Backs: Andre Dixon and Donald Brown are the best running back duo in the Big East. Last year each gained over 800 yards and should improve on those numbers this year.

A Husky Defense: They are fundamentally sound. Head Coach Randy Edsell is obsessed with making his defense faster. Some moves this year may have accomplished that.

Things Not To Like About Connecticut:

Offensive Firepower: Can the offense make a big play when needed. Connecticut’s receivers are just OK and has no one that can stretch the defense. Thus UConn might be facing a lot of 8 man fronts.

Huskie Hotline: The Defense looks solid and can make plays. While the offense has a great running game, unless Tyler Lorenzen and his receiving corps can hook up on some big plays, Dixon and Brown might be running into walls. Getting to a bowl game will be a great accomplishment this year at UConn.

Syracuse Orange

2007 record 2-10

Things To Like About Syracuse:

Running Backs: If Curtis Brinkley and Delonte Carter can stay off of crutches and stay on their 2 legs this year, then the Orange have a pair of backs that will elevate the offense. Brinkley and Carter must carry the ‘Cuse offense.

Things Not To Like About Syracuse:

In the trenches: The offensive line lacks talent and depth and so does the defensive line.

Losing Mike Williams: He was a stud receiver but he didn’t go to class which is a requirement in school so his tardiness has cost the team his talents. The Orange receiver corps will struggle plus loses a big weapon.

Orange Crushed: It will be a long year again at Syracuse. Greg Robinson might want to update his resume.

I Mauk The NCAA

University of Cincinnati quarterback Ben Mauk is throwing a hail mary for one more year of eligibility. Mauk, who had multiple injury issues when he quarterbacked at Wake Forest, is trying to get a 6th year of eligibility with the Bearcats. The NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee denied Mauk’s final appeal last Friday.

Now Mauk has taken the next step, the legal process. Mauk has sued the NCAA and Judge William D. Hart in Hardin County (Ohio) Common Pleas court granted a restraining order saying the NCAA cannot prevent Mauk from practicing with the University of Cincinnati.

There is a catch though. Should Mauk play and the NCAA prevails in court, then the Bearcats would forfeit games and have to return bowl money should Cincinnati go to the post season.

You can read more from the Cincinnati Enquirer here

(Photo Courtesy: US Presswire)