Big East and Pac-10 Steal Spotlight This Week
In August, it would have been a safe assumption that Florida State vs. Alabama and Auburn at Florida would be this weekend's two biggest games. But instead, early struggles by the Seminoles and Tigers have pushed those contests to the back burner, while important conference battles in the Big East and Pac-10 grab the national spotlight. Locally, Rutgers is a heavy favorite against its first major conference foe of the season.
No. 5 WEST VIRGINIA (4–0, 0–0 Big East) At NO. 18 SOUTH FLORIDA (3–0), 0–0
Friday, 8 p.m., ESPN2
Back-to-back losses by Louisville have damaged what had been a burgeoning reputation for the Big East. But the conference can gain a measure of redemption when fast-rising South Florida hosts presumptive league favorite West Virginia Friday night.
It's not an overstatement to say that this is the biggest game in the history of the USF program. Students camped out earlier this week for a chance at tickets to what likely will be the Bulls' first ever sellout at Raymond James Stadium. South Florida moved into the national rankings for the first time in its history a week after winning at Auburn. It now has the opportunity to prove it can do more than just pull the occasional upset, but can also compete for conference titles and BCS bids.
West Virginia, of course, is already at that level. Led by Heisman contenders Pat White at quarterback and Steve Slaton at tailback, the Mountaineers are legitimate national-title threats. West Virginia has been a bit ragged at times this year, but has not been seriously threatened in the second half of any of its games. It will be seeking payback for a loss to USF last season that ultimately kept it out of a BCS bowl.
White, Slaton, and explosive freshman tailback Noel Devine will be taking on the toughest defense they've seen thus far, and may be the best overall in the Big East. The Bulls have the speed and athleticism to run with West Virginia's skill players, and are ranked in the top-10 nationally in a number of categories, including total defense.
West Virginia also has a much improved defense this season, and it is on that side of the ball that the Mountaineers may have a distinct advantage. South Florida quarterback Matt Grothe doesn't do anything spectacular — but usually does enough to win. In order to pull off this upset, he may have to produce a big play or two in the passing game and hope his defense can hold off the West Virginia rushing attack.
MARYLAND (2–2)
At No. 10 RUTGERS (3–0)
3:30 p.m., ABC
Rutgers has steamrolled three overmatched opponents and is coming off a bye as it hosts Maryland in its fourth consecutive home game to start the season. Attrition at the top of the polls has moved the Scarlet Knights up to the no. 10 ranking. But they are in need of an impressive victory over a BCS-conference foe to overcome questions about their early soft schedule.
A fourth straight blowout victory would make Rutgers, at worst, the second choice in the Big East, depending on who wins the West Virginia-South Florida contest Friday night.
Offensive balance has made Rutgers a more-dangerous team than a year ago, when the Knights avoiding putting games on quarterback Mike Teel's shoulders. The presence of Ray Rice, one of the nation's best tailbacks, made that strategy easier, and Teel's development over the second half of the season made it unnecessary. Through four weeks this season, Teel leads the country in passing efficiency, and has developed an excellent chemistry with receiver Tiquan Underwood. For the year, Teel has completed 67% of his throws, with eight touchdowns against just one interception.
Maryland's stout pass defense — the Terrapins rank ninth nationally in the category — likely means a heavy workload for Rice, who is fifth in the nation with 144 rushing yards per game.
Rutgers's biggest edge in this contest is on defense, where its stunting, attacking front seven should be able to harass Terps quarterback Jordan Steffy into sacks and mistakes.
No. 6 CAL (4–0, 1–0 Pac-10)
At No. 11 OREGON (4–0, 1–0)
3:30 p.m., GamePlan
With both these teams set to host Pac-10 favorite USC later in the season, the winner here will emerge as the biggest potential roadbump standing between the Trojans and a berth in the national-championship game.
Oregon turned heads when it destroyed Michigan in Ann Arbor three weeks ago, a result that looks even better after the Wolverines beat Penn State. Quarterback Dennis Dixon — a mistake-prone passer his first three seasons — appears to have put it all together as a senior.
Oregon has used its version of the trendy spread offense to become a dominant running team, even from typical passing formations. The Ducks are averaging nearly 300 yards rushing per game, and Dixon has been a perfect dual-threat triggerman. He's run for 291 yards and thrown for 932 more, with 11 touchdown passes. More importantly, he has yet to throw an interception.
Cal has been less spectacular on offense, outside of receiver/punt returner DeSean Jackson. But the Bears have a physical rushing attack that should allow Justin Forsett to log plenty of yards against a soft Oregon front seven. Cal also has defensive issues and Oregon is by far the best offense it has faced. If the Bears cannot contain Jonathan Stewart and the Oregon run game, they'll be helpless to slow Dixon when he looks deep for the big play. It was a formula that worked to perfection against Michigan, a tape that Cal coach Jeff Tedford — a former Oregon assistant — no doubt has studied heavily in his preparations this week.
Mr. Levine is a writer for FootballOutsiders.com.
