Take Two

There will be a Big East football game played tonight between the Bulls of South Florida and Pittsburgh’s Panthers. USF quarterback, Matt Grothe, leads the conference with eight touchdown passes for one of college football’s most versatile offenses. The Bulls like to spread the ball and rely heavily on the pass. A grueling defense is one of the team’s finest features as well. Although the Bulls haven’t faced very competitive teams, their defense has limited opponents to few scoring opportunities.
The Pittsburgh Panthers have won three straight games, topped by last week’s smashing of Syracuse. (Well, they only won by ten points after a late great comeback.) Running back, LeSean McCoy was one of the nation’s best rushers in 2007. He’s yet to take off this season and will be tested against a tough South Florida team. However, the Bulls may be without a few of their key defensive stars due to injury. Leading tackle, George Selvie, was hurt in last week’s win over NC State. Dave Wannstedt’s Panther defense will need to control Grothe and company tonight. If the Pittsburgh defense can regulate the rush and keep the Bull offense off the field, this could be a close game. If USF dominates time of possession, the Panthers could be in for a long night. South Florida is the favorite, ranked number 10 in the country and expected to take the early Big East lead. As it stands today, Pittsburgh is number one in the Big East. Don’t underestimate this Panther team or count them out just yet.


Setting: Saturday, October 4, 2008
Camp Randall in Madison, Wisconsin at night

The setting says so much. One would think Badgers are nocturnal because the ones who play in Wisconsin thrive during night games. The team has won 21 of 22 night games in school history. They are expecting the 22nd win when Ohio State visits this Saturday evening. Both OSU and Wisconsin are ranked teams so I am looking forward to the game. Big Ten football is enticing enough, but when two defensively-minded teams converge, colossal entertainment ensues.
Last season Ohio State as the victor but that was without top Badger, P.J. Hill. The junior running back is a one man show. I think he will make an excellent NFL back if he can stay healthy. The Badgers are known for their strong defense and no one is better than defensive end, O’Brien Schofield. The OSU wide receiving core needs to find open routes. We all know Terrelle Pryor can run and now that Beanie Wells is back, I can’t wait to see them against a hard hitting Big Ten team. The Buckeyes are starting a freshmen at center in Michael Brewster. Brewster’s play during Saturday night could indicate what kind of ability he has. The pressure of playing on the road, at night during a nationally-televised game will be hard for this entire OSU team. But, Tressell will have them well-prepared.
The Badgers are coming off an ugly loss in Michigan. They only scored once during the second half. Quarterback, Allan Evridge, had trouble finding open men and playing in the Big House. I was surprised they looked so vulnerable against the Wolverines. The team also nearly lost to Fresno State, pulling out a three point win. Head coach, Bret Bielema, would probably like to forget that Michigan loss and start the winning against the Buckeyes. The Ohio State defensive line needs to pressure the run-oriented Badgers. Cameron Heyward can make an instant impact at tackle to slow the hungry Badger boys.
All in all, the game should be fun and intense. Personally, I prefer pulling for OSU but am holding out on a prediction.

Parting points: The Devils shut out the Islanders last night. I am convinced the Cubs are cursed after all. And, I actually think I would rather see Alan Houston than Stephon Marbury playing for the Knicks this year.