The Big East
The Big East has some really great contenders this season; however some of its members will be leaving the conference to the ACC. They will be getting a few new members in 2013 to make up for the leaving teams. The Big East conference was founded in 1979 and is part of the Division I FBS. From their University lineup, the deal mainly in the northern part of the country, but as they expand and welcome in new teams, they will be spread out all over the nation.
|
University |
Football Team Name |
| University of Cincinnati | Bearcats |
| University of Connecticut | Huskies |
| University of Louisville | Cardinals |
| Rutgers University | Scarlet Knights |
| University of South Florida | Bulls |
|
Leaving Members (2013) |
Football Team Name |
| University of Pittsburgh | Panthers |
| Syracuse University | Orange |
|
University (Join date: 2013) |
Football Team Name |
| University of Central Florida | Knights |
| University of Houston | Cougars |
| University of Memphis | Tigers |
| Southern Methodist University | Mustangs |
| Temple University | Owls |
University of Connecticut
The University of Connecticut has been showing a lot of promise as they completely blew out the Massachusetts Minutemen with a 37 – 0 final score.
|
University of Connecticut |
|||
|
Offensive |
Rank |
Defensive |
Rank |
| Average Score |
40 |
Average Score Against |
1 |
| Total Yards |
65 |
Total Yards |
1 |
| Rushing Yards |
72 |
Rushing Yards |
4 |
| Passing Yards |
57 |
Passing Yards |
4 |
Their offense is solid. They have Chandler Whitmer as starting QB, posting up a 117.6 rating; with 15 completed passes for a 60% completion rate, and getting 219 yards. RB Lyle McComb and QB Scott McCummings have been showing great prowess in running the ball, each getting a touchdown during their first game.
The Huskies defense is out of this world, being able to contain the opposing offense to a 0 score. They have eight returning players, along with Blidi Wreh-Wilson, a cornerback with exceptional skills. Defensive tackles, Shamar Stephen and Ryan Wirth are also key defensive players for the Huskies.
Temple University
Temple is still an associate partner in the Big East, but by 2013 they will become full members, and it is without a doubt that they will be adding a lot of skill and talent to the already powerful Big East lineup.
|
Temple University |
|||
|
Offensive |
Rank |
Defensive |
Rank |
| Average Score |
29 |
Average Score Against |
18 |
| Total Yards |
70 |
Total Yards |
64 |
| Rushing Yards |
12 |
Rushing Yards |
95 |
| Passing Yards |
114 |
Passing Yards |
28 |
They were able to defeat the Villanova Wildcats 41 – 10. Temple has a pretty good team overall, being able to rely on both the offense and the defense on equal terms. Their offense is somewhat skewed between rushing and passing, seeing as they do excel at running plays. Their starting QB is Chris Coyer, a junior, and has a 45.5% completion rate; he is better known for his rushing abilities. Matt Brown, senior RB, was able to post 145 running yards with one touchdown; his teammate Kenneth Harper was able to score a touchdown as well.
The Temple defense took a hard hit this season, with a lot of their previous starters having left. They do have Blaze Caponegro, a junior, which is the only linebacker that is a returning player. The good news is that they have a good lineup of returning letterwinners. One special team player, kicker Brandon McManus has also shown his true potential, scoring two field goals during the first matchup of the season.
Underdog Big East Teams
There are two teams in the Big East conference that have the potential to win, but are still deemed underdogs when it comes to playing higher ranked teams.
Syracuse University
Syracuse did end up losing their first match against Northwestern, but they only lost by one point; final score was 42 – 41. Even with the loss, Syracuse still managed to put up amazing stats. They are currently ranked 1st for passing yards, with a total of 470 yards; which was helpful when they scored the 41 points.
Their offense is headed up by Ryan Nassib, QB, having an amazing arm throwing for 44 completed passes with a 67.7% completion rate; he also threw for 4 touchdowns. They have an average running game, but they have an impressive receiving team. WR Marcus Sales managed to catch for more than 100 yards and getting a touchdown. WR Jeremiah Kobena managed to get two touchdowns, and WR Christopher Clark got one touchdown.
Their defense was horrible during the 2011 season, but they have a few linebackers returning with the added experience they got. They did lose three defensive ends, so they are trying to make up for it by placing Deon Goggins into that position. With the combination of returning and new players, the defense should be better.
Rutgers University
This team managed to defeat Tulane 24 – 12, but Rutgers still lacks a strong offensive area. What they do have is a very impressive defense, keeping the opposing team’s rushing to only 8 yards. This would be thanks to the three best players in the Big East, linebackers Khaseem Greene and Steve Beauharnais, and nose tackle Scott Valone.
The reason they are deemed an underdog is due to the lack of a good offense, and the uncertainty thanks to having a new coach. They do have the potential to win games, but there is just a lack of faith on behalf of the fans.
For more matchups and odds visit Bovava.lv
