Brian Bennett

  (4:00 PM)

Hello, everybody. I'm here to take your questions about Big East football. (An occasional Notre Dame question is welcome, too). We'll have actual football a week from tomorrow. Can't wait.

Travis (Louisville)

Hey Brian, What are the chances Louisville pulls an upset on in-state rival UK??

Brian Bennett

  (4:02 PM)

It's possible. I'm not sold on Kentucky's offense, so Louisville might not have to score a lot of points to win. I'd say Kentucky is still favored at home, however

Gavin (VA)

Can Paulus lead the 'Cuse to a bowl game?

Brian Bennett

  (4:02 PM)

Not unless he gets another year of eligibility. Seriously, Syracuse is at least a year away. Probably two.

Frank (WV)

I saw your choice for freshman of the year was Ray Graham of Pitt. Tavon Austin has been getting great reviews in camp. WVU has shown that it utilizes its speed with the best of them over the past few years. Do you think that if Austin can get enough touches (Receiving, Rushing, Kick returns) that he could provide a big spark to the WVU offense and get into the conversation for B.E. freshman of the year?

Brian Bennett

  (4:03 PM)

It's very possible, yes. I picked Graham (and it could easily be Lewis) because one of the Pitt freshmen is going to have a defined role and will get a lot of touches. Wannstedt loves to run the ball. Austin right now is behind Jock Sanders in the slot. But I think he's going to be a good one.

adam (ct)

when will uconn ever break into the bcs picture or will this program continue remain a perennial average team?

Brian Bennett

  (4:04 PM)

Sheesh. They've been playing at the FBS level for what, 8 years? They won a share of the Big East title in 2007. I would say that's a program on the rise.

Pavan Katepalli (East Brunswick, NJ)

Cincinnati has Demetrius Jones playing as line backer against Rutgers this September 7th. Jones used to be a QB for Notredame. Does this give Cincinnati an advantage over Rutgers?

Brian Bennett

  (4:04 PM)

Unless they let linebackers throw passes, I'm not sure how this gives anybody an advantage or disadvantage

John Drillock (Pueblo, colorado)

Do you think Savage will start after game 1 through the season for Ruters? Have you been able to observe Savage? What do you think of DC Jefferson at TE and Jabu Lovelace at WR?

Brian Bennett

  (4:06 PM)

Depends on how Natale plays in the opener. Without a lot of challenges on that schedule, they ease Savage in here and there. I like the move of Jefferson to tight end. He's huge -- 6-6, 240 -- and gives them another weapon. Lovelace I'm not sold on just yet.

Ryan (Maryland)

Is Jarrett Brown a little bit tougher than Pat White? Is that good or bad for the West Virginia?

Brian Bennett

  (4:07 PM)

Pat White wasn't tough? I beg to differ on that one, sir. Brown is bigger, but he's had some injury problems of his own in the past.

Zach (Cincinnati)

How do you feel about UC having to go into UT for 2011?

Brian Bennett

  (4:07 PM)

That's a great game. I'd like to see Cincinnati get a return game, but it will be good for exposure and I bet they're going to make some nice coin off it as well. Good trip for fans.

Mike (Storrs, CT)

You cannot talk about Big East freshmen of the year candidates without mentioning Dwayne Difton. He will start on day one in a new revamped offense that throws the ball as much as it runs it.

Brian Bennett

  (4:08 PM)

I agree that he will be used a lot. If he's as good as they say, he'll have a chance to win the award. I want to see that passing game in action first, though

Brian (Syracuse, NY)

Have you ever seen an easier OOC schedule than what Rutgers is playing this year? I think a few FCS teams play better scedules OOC.

Brian Bennett

  (4:09 PM)

Yes. Look at Penn State.

Stephen (Knoxville)

Brian what do you think if Kragthorpe has another bad year, and gets fired he will be replaced by Pillip Fulmer. Possible or think Louisville goes a different direction?

Brian Bennett

  (4:10 PM)

Wrote about this yesterday in the blog. I don't think Fulmer fits the pattern at all. And Kragthorpe may well return next year.

Jackie Moon (Flint, Mich.)

Matt Grothe will likely break Pat White's BIG EAST record for career yards of total offense. How come more isn't written (nationally) about him? Is it possible he's underrated?!!

Brian Bennett

  (4:11 PM)

I wrote about him and George Selvie today. The Bulls need to win more, and he needs to cut down on the INTs

BigK Cola (the heart of it all)

Pike looked great in several games last year, however, he looked awful in his last two games last season (and didnt look that great in the spring game). The Pike I saw in the last few games didnt look like the Pike that beat USF and Pitt. He couldnt throw the deep ball well and struggled when he was pressured. I know both you and BK are big on him, but what Pike will we see this year if our OL struggles after losing Canfield, and cant protect Pike or establish the running game?

Brian Bennett

  (4:12 PM)

I like what I've seen out of him in practice. Remember he wasn't really healthy most of last year. I think he's going to have a huge year. Look at what Mauk did two years ago as a baseline. Of course, he has to stay healthy

Kevin (East Hartford, CT)

The consensus seems to be that anyone of the supposed top 5 teams in the Big East (PITT, RU, UC, USF, and WVU) can win the league title this year, but can you please explain to me why UConn is the consensus pick for number 6? As you have stated before every team in the Big East has major flaws and I have seen at least one publication pick every one of those 5 teams to win the league but yet UConn is always 6th. Maybe I'm being bias because their my team but I personally think it has to do with the name on the front of our jersey's and the fact that college football is all about prestige (something we lack). Lets be honest, if UConn had lost 10 starters on defense, nationally we would be picked to finish behind Western Kentucky but since Cincinnati won the Big East last year their being picked to win it again by some people. Then you have Rutgers who is going to be starting a QB that has never taken a snap on Saturdays before and lost their best WR to the NFL draft, not to mention they return a running game that was about as impressive as our passing game last year. As far as UConn goes I know our entire season depends on our passing game but the way I look at it is last season we hit rock bottom. I mean it literally could not get any worse, we can only improve. This might come as a surprise to many but despite the loss of Brown the running game will be fine and the defense as always will be solid, so can you please remind me again why were the consensus number 6? Are our flaws that much bigger than the other Big East teams, or is it the C on our helmets thats holding us back?

Brian Bennett

  (4:14 PM)

Whew. That's a long question. I'll tell you why UConn is being picked sixth. They lost arguably their best four players to the NFL Draft, and they were only 7-5 last year to begin with. Doesn't mean it's right. The Huskies are continually underrated. The good news is, that means less pressure. Just win.

Mo (NYC)

Big SEC fan here. What does the Big East need to do to get more national recognition?

Brian Bennett

  (4:15 PM)

Win some key nonconference games. Weeks 3 and 4 are huge. In fact, I'm writing about that tomorrow. Thanks for letting me plug that, Mo.

Delone Carter (Syracuse, NY)

I can believe you ranked us so low on the RB rankings. I am going to show you and the country why I was Mr. Football in HS instead of Beanie Wells

Brian Bennett

  (4:16 PM)

I like the potential you guys have, but come on. You return 350 rushing yards. Show me.

Rom (DC)

Howdy Brian,I think the Big East did a good job securing a quality spot for its #2 team, without having to include ND too much. However, I think they should go back to the old package (ND option 2 years) for the 3 team. As much as the conference has progressed, it still has some work to do, and still need ND to get a quality bowl for the 3 team. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Brian Bennett

  (4:17 PM)

Well, it depends on what that No. 3 bowl is. There aren't a lot of high-quality games really up for grabs. If the Big East can get something like the Music City, EagleBank or Liberty, that would be good. But there's no reason to sell out two spots to Notre Dame for those games (and the Irish wouldn't want to go there anyway).

Craig G. (Fairfield, California)

Hey Brian, is Greg Schiano going to stay at Rutgers for his entire coaching career?

Brian Bennett

  (4:18 PM)

That's an easy one. No way. I mean, other than Joe Paterno, nobody does that any more.

sarge (Central NJ)

Thanks for hte State Penn comment. With respect to schedule at Rutgers. Do you think it is solely due to the issues surrounding Mulcahy, or is it opponents don't want to play an up and coming team in the NY metro area for fear of losing?

Brian Bennett

  (4:19 PM)

They had a team back out on them, and they needed an extra home game because of the stadium expansion. Ended up being a bad deal all around. But Pernetti has already worked to upgrade the schedule (Penn State, UCLA, Miami, etc), and it will be much better in the coming years.

Jose (Follansbee, W.Va.)

Brian, love your stuff - keep up the great work. What are your realistic expectations of WVU this season? Thanks.

Brian Bennett

  (4:21 PM)

I think around 9-3 is reasonable. If they can beat East Carollna, Auburn and Colorado in the nonconference, then it could end up a little better than that.

Steve (SU)

What is the takeaway from all the defections from the Orange? Is it dissention from the coach or pulling weeds?

Brian Bennett

  (4:22 PM)

It's just the kind of thing that always happens after big coaching transitions. Happened at Louisville. Happened at Tennessee. Nothing to worry about, except that it makes the roster thin this year.

Carson (PA)

Brian, from a person that knows what they're talking about Big East wise how can how have Rutgers to finish over WVU? They haven't beatin us in 15 years!! I know they have the best o-line but they aren't the playrs that score points...

Brian Bennett

  (4:22 PM)

Schedule, schedule, schedule.

Jon (Syracuse)

Have you developed a man-crush on Doug Marrone yet?

Brian Bennett

  (4:23 PM)

I save my man-crush status for Albert Pujols. Sorry.

GREG (NYC)

Do you think Bill Stewart is on the "hott seat" if he has around a .500 squad this year?

Brian Bennett

  (4:24 PM)

Unfortunately, I do think the heat would be on Stewart in that scenario. Not that he would be fired, but he'd be on the hot seat for sure going into 2010. It's hard not to root for a guy like him, though.

Greg (Storrs, CT)

I'm working here for UConn's Athletic Department, and one of my co-workers, a Bowling Green Alum, is looking at UConn's schedule and seeing 4-8, 5-7 at best. Give me some hope Brian, and what do think about us bringing down Notre Dame in South Bend?

Brian Bennett

  (4:25 PM)

I think UConn can be anywhere from 5-7 to 8-4. Those games against UNC and Baylor scare me. Going to Notre Dame won't be easy if the Irish are as improved as I think they will be. But of course, Syracuse won there last season

Brian Bennett

  (4:25 PM)

Where are all the Pitt fans?

Jay (New York)

Looking ahead, given the departure of such top flight talent last year to the NFL, do you think the Big East will be able to point to the draft again this year as a claim to stature? Other than Selvie, I can't imagine a lot of Big East players that will get a lot of 1st round buzz but will they have the depth in the draft that was shown last year?

Brian Bennett

  (4:27 PM)

Interesting question. I'm not Mel Kiper, but I don't see a ton of draft picks out of this year. Anthony Davis, if he goes early, for sure. Maybe Pike if he has a good year. Selvie, as you mentioned. Devine will draw some interest if he comes out. Arthur Jones from Syracuse. Greg Romeus if he comes out. Maybe Jarrett Brown. I'm sure I'm missing some obvious ones.

McLane (West By GOd)

Who do you think is the team most likely to go undefeated. Please don't say Rutgers, I know their schedule is easy . . . but I think they lost too much.

Brian Bennett

  (4:28 PM)

OK, then. I won't say Rutgers.

Zack (Louisville, KY)

Im a UofL fan, but is there any worrying in the WVU faithful that Brown could end up being the second coming of Hunter Cantwell. A backup lauded as pretty good, but ends up being a terrible QB?

Brian Bennett

  (4:30 PM)

No and no. Of course, I don't share the sentiment that Cantwell was horrible. He had no help around him. Ask the Carolina Panthers what they think of him. Jarrett Brown will be just fine.

Brian Bennett

  (4:30 PM)

No and no. Of course, I don't share the sentiment that Cantwell was horrible. He had no help around him. Ask the Carolina Panthers what they think of him. Jarrett Brown will be just fine.

Orf (New York)

How do you envision Pitt finishing this season? I thought they finished pretty strong and could possibly be a top 25 team this year?

Brian Bennett

  (4:31 PM)

Hey, welcome to the party. I really think the Panthers just need some competent quarterback play to be really good. Of course, that's a big if right now. If they figure that out, I like their chances of winning the Big East.

Tom (FL)

Great stuff Brian...Do you think USF has any chance of beating FSU or Miami?

Brian Bennett

  (4:31 PM)

I think they beat Miami at home but lose to FSU on the road. Tough atmosphere, and the Bulls will still be young and untested after three cupcakes.

Nathan (Santa Cruz CA)

Hi Brian,Is there some way I could go into suspended animation until next Thursday night? This is worse than waiting for Christmas morning when I was 5.

Brian Bennett

  (4:32 PM)

If so, I'll join you. Tired of writing about what might happen. Let's kick this sucker off.

Matt (Washington, DC)

The strength of Pitt is supposed to be our defense but as I think back to last season I remember the secondary being pretty shaky. Do you see the panthers being improved against the pass?

Brian Bennett

  (4:34 PM)

It was terrible against Rutgers, but the Scarlet Knights tore a lot of people up with the pass. Secondary got better as the year went along. They bring back a lot of experience, so there's plenty of reason for optimism.

Bryan (Charlotte)

Who is the next Big East assistant to get a head coaching job?

Brian Bennett

  (4:35 PM)

Good question, Bryan. Two names that stick out to me are Jeff Casteel, West Virginia's DC, and Cincinnati's Jeff Quinn, who's already won a bowl game as an interim coach.

clay (oakland, ca)

tell me more about the Pitt offense please...other than Jonathan Baldwin, are there any elite playmakers or intriguing prospects? Will Baldwin see a lot of double and triple teams this year?

Brian Bennett

  (4:36 PM)

Baldwin is a monster, but Pitt has a lot of playmakers. Oderick Turner and Ced McGee are back, Aundre Wright is very fast and can be used on screens, reverses, slants, etc.. They also have the best pair of tight ends in the league and some exciting young RBs.

Jon (NYC)

Wild question: Rutgers is 200/1 odds in Vegas to go to the 2010 BCS championship game...What odds would you give them?

Brian Bennett

  (4:38 PM)

Probably the same. Hey, even if they go 12-0, they're not sniffing the BCS title game with that schedule. I think voters would take a two-loss SEC team first. (I don't think Rutgers is going 12-0, just so we're clear).

Kevin (NYC)

So you mentioned you think ND with be improved this year (as most people do) the question is how improved do you think they will be?

Zack (Louisville, KY)

Quick question. UofL has almost always had its seasons determined by how good the defensive line is. Gator Bowl year we had Elvis Dumerville, Orange Bowl we had Amobi Okoye, along with some other pretty good guys. First year of Kragthorpe though there was a lot of injuries along with inexperience, with the same thing happening last year.Do you see any improvements along the line for UofL?

Brian Bennett

  (4:39 PM)

I think they'll win nine games. Are they a top 10 team? No. But clearly improved.

Brian Bennett

  (4:41 PM)

Zack, the defensive line has suffered a tremendous dropoff in the past few years. I was out at practice yesterday and only saw two guys who looked like legitimate defensive tackles, and the ends intimidate no one. The lack of depth and talent there is the No. 1 reason I think Louisville will struggle again

Jester (Arlington, VA)

How great of a game does ND v. Pitt on 11/14 look like? Can't wait!

Brian Bennett

  (4:41 PM)

If it's half as good as last year's four-OT one, then I'm totally on board. I think it will be a good one. Pitt matches up well.

Jake (CBG, PA)

Sorry but I just don't agree, when I think of a confrence winner I think of who has "the best team" look the Steelers won the Super Bowl last year playing THE hardest schedule.. I agree WVU will lose and I think it's going to be @ USF because they're the monkey on our back, but it's a stretch to say Rutgers has a better team than WVU (you've even said yourself Wes Lyons is going to be a breakout star) Brown, Devine, Sanders, Williams, Hogan, Sands, Berry... oh boy

Brian Bennett

  (4:42 PM)

You could be right. But didn't West Virginia have pretty much the same guys last year, plus Pat White? And they went 8-4. Who really knows. This league is very balanced on paper

Zach (Pittsburgh)

Over or under 4 games before Bill Stull loses the starting job for Pitt?

Brian Bennett

  (4:43 PM)

I hope for his sake he plays well and has a nice senior year. But I do see Sunseri getting a shot -- early.

Andy (DC)

I know that with all of the player graduations the Big East had no chance of getting any respect nationally, but what about next year? There seems to be some really good YOUNG players...right?

Brian Bennett

  (4:44 PM)

I really like the young talent coming in. Smith and Austin at WVU, Savage at Rutgers, Giddins and many others at USF ... This whole thing is cyclical, and the Big East will be stronger in a year or two.

Matt (middletown nj)

ND has an agreement with the BE to play 3 BE teams a year. What happens if they dont live up to that arrangement? Whats their upcoming schedule look like?

Brian Bennett

  (4:45 PM)

It's not a rock-solid agreement. More like a gentleman's agreement that they will try to schedule Big East teams. Irish played two last year and have two on the docket for '09.

Zach (Pittsburgh)

Is Jonathan Baldwin the second coming of Larry Fitzgerald? Heisman 2010?

Brian Bennett

  (4:46 PM)

That's rarefied air. But I'll say this: Baldwin has the talent to be as good as he wants to be. But no one as good as Fitzgerald's QB to get him the ball -- yet.

Adam (Madison,WI)

Break down a hypothetical for me. Assume at the end of the season, the preseason polls play out and the Big East places no teams in the Top 25 to the Mountain West's three and the WAC's one. The four-year BCS conference auto-bid window runs through 2011 and the Big East will be significantly behind the MWC at this point. What steps could the league take to make up the gap, like bringing in new teams to the conference as soon as possible (and would they do it)? If they lose their conference auto-bid, what is the Big East's future in football?

Brian Bennett

  (4:48 PM)

First of all, the Big East won't end the year with no teams in the Top 25. The league champ will be ranked, I'm sure of that. And probably one other. Could the Big East be behind the MWC in terms of BCS criteria? That's entirely possible. But over a 4-year span, these things tend to even out. And adding a team won't help much, because it would take at least a year to join the league, and unless they added a Top 25 caliber team it wouldn't matter anyway

Ryan (Charlotte)

If you believe that ND will win 9 games, than you also believe the Big East #2 is heading to Charlotte right?

Brian Bennett

  (4:48 PM)

I do, indeed. I'm predicting that the Irish go to the Gator Bowl.

Craig G. (Fairfield, California)

Best coach in the conference in your opinion?

Brian Bennett

  (4:49 PM)

Hard to go against Brian Kelly, who's only won the Coach of the Year award in both of his full seasons. Randy Edsall and Greg Schiano are right there at the top as well

UVAGina (Charlottesville)

Do you think the ACC is stronger than than the Big East this year?

Brian Bennett

  (4:50 PM)

Yes, I do. Deeper and better teams at the top. But we'll find out for sure in September. Lots of interconference matchups.

Brett (Austin, TX)

Victor Anderson (Louisville), Joe Martinek (Rutgers), Andre Dixon (UConn)You have to start one, cut one, and bench one.Whats your choice?

Brian Bennett

  (4:51 PM)

I love Victor Anderson and would take him first. I really have to cut one. Why?

JOhn (Morgantown, WV)

Which big east out of conference game matters the most for the league's image?

Brian Bennett

  (4:53 PM)

There are a lot of important ones. If I had to pick one, I'd say West Virginia going to Auburn early in the season. Sure, Auburn is down, but a win in SEC country still turns heads

Joe (NYC)

Regarding the big east vs. the mid majors, I think that the big east has an ace in the hole when it comes to retaining their automatic bid. If I'm the big east commissioner, I tell the NCAA that if you take our bid, i'm taking our powerhouse basketball conference out of the NCAA tournament. While that is extreme, I think they could leverage it in some modified manner.

Brian Bennett

  (4:54 PM)

Um, no. They would never sacrifice that money. The leverage the Big East has is that many of its teams are in big TV markets. Pure and simple.

OrangeForLife (Syracuse, NY)

Any thoughts on Syracuse offense?

Brian Bennett

  (4:54 PM)

I'm for it.

Shanny (New York NY)

Really like your work - I read your updates every day. I'm just ready for season to start though - like now! What are some of the BE conference games you are most looking forward to this season?

Brian Bennett

  (4:55 PM)

I'm ready too, Shanny. I really am looking forward to Rutgers-Cincinnati on Labor Day. I'll be there in person. After that, we've got to wait a month, and then we'll know which games are the most important. But in this league, this year, they're all going to be big.

Curtis (Pittsburgh)

Who will be Pitt's starting RB this season? Chris Burns and Ray Graham were both 4 star recruits, but Dion Lewis seems to have stole the number 1 spot. What does it look like from your point of View?I'd personally like to see all 3 get rotated in and out, they're all speedy and with fresh legs could really tear up some defenses.

Brian Bennett

  (4:56 PM)

I really think you will see a committee. Probably Lewis to start, Graham No. 2 and Burns as the third guy. All freshmen, by the way, though Burns is a redshirt

Pete (NYC)

After the Backyard Brawl, what is the best rivalry game in the conference?

Brian Bennett

  (4:58 PM)

That's a good question, Pete. South Florida-WVU has been pretty heated. Cincinnati-Louisville has some history. But there aren't a lot that really get the emotions boiling. I think Rutgers-Syracuse could pick up.

Brad (Denver, CO)

Who do you like in Colorado @ West Virginia? Colorado has improved and WVU lost Pat White...

Brian Bennett

  (4:59 PM)

At home, West Virginia needs to win that game. They should have won in Boulder but kept shooting themselves in the foot.

JOhn (Brian Bennett-Ville)

Craziest fan base you've seen in the Big East?

Brian Bennett

  (5:00 PM)

West Virginia. But crazy in a good way.

Dave (NJ)

Brian Kelly won the 2006 International Bowl, not Jeff Quinn.

Brian Bennett

  (5:00 PM)

Quinn led Central Michigan to a bowl victory after Kelly left for Cincinnati to coach in the International Bowl.

Curtis (Pittsburgh)

No question, biggest rivalry next to the Backyard Brawl is the Rivar City Rivalry, i've even got a picture with the trophy to prove it!

Brian Bennett

  (5:01 PM)

Nice try. That trophy is ugly.

Cheryl (Tampa)

What's the best Big East game that you have ever personally been to?

Brian Bennett

  (5:02 PM)

Two stick out: West Virginia-Louisville in 2006 and Rutgers-Louisville the following week. There was just so much on the line in both games, some great players and unbelievable atmosphere. I hope the Big East can get back to having teams in the Top 10 again very soon

Brian Bennett

  (5:02 PM)

Thanks for all the great questions, everybody. Next week is game week. Enjoy!