Tasser: Big East teams hoping to improve on slow starts

Well, it was another rough one for the Big East — two arrests, serious injuries and a level of… Well, it was another rough one for the Big East — two arrests, serious injuries and a level of play that is closer to dreadful than not. Seriously, the “Big Least” is 3-6 against FBS opponents — wins against cupcakes Akron, Florida International and Marshall — and every marquee game has failed to live up to its expectations. This week has a couple pivotal games scheduled, especially in the race between the Big East and ACC over which is the worst of the BCS conferences.

To start my pessimistic column, we shall review the power rankings.

West Virginia — WVU, and especially quarterback Geno Smith, showed grit and poise in its comeback win over Marshall in the Friends of Coal Bowl — but what on earth were they doing losing the whole game to Marshall? Top cornerback Brandon Hogan was suspended after getting arrested for a DUI, weakening the team’s secondary and providing more distractions. WVU retains the top spot, but barely. Saturday will give us a better handle on exactly how good this Mountaineer team is.

Pittsburgh — The Panthers played impressively against a tough FCS opponent in New Hampshire. But, alas, they were only an FCS team, which means this win holds virtually no weight. On top of that, running back Jason Douglas was arrested, linebacker Dan Mason was demoted to second string and star defensive end Greg Romeus is having back surgery that will put him out for at least six weeks. The team needs to focus in its off week before “the U” comes to town next Thursday night.

Connecticut — A week after being slashed and dashed by Denard Robinson and Michigan, the Huskies took out their frustrations on poor little FCS Texas Southern with a 62-3 romp. Now UConn gets to play an actual FBS team. They line up against Temple this weekend.

Cincinnati — The Cincinnati offense just has not clicked as a unit. The Bearcats won soundly over their FCS opponent, but led only 12-7 at halftime and boos were heard at Nippert Stadium. This team better get it together fast because its ship is about to sink.

Rutgers — It is the only undefeated Big East team other than WVU, but after only two weeks. The Scarlet Knights did not look good in their victory over Florida International, winning only 19-14. Their defense and special teams — led by Joe Lefeged — played great, but quarterback Tom Savage has got to get his act together.

South Florida — The Bulls played a very competitive game against Florida and the final score of 38-14 was somewhat misleading. But I specifically wrote in my column last week that South Florida could not try and gun-it-out with the Gators. The team had to play patiently and conservatively and frustrate the Gators’ stout defense with dual-threat quarterback B.J. Daniels. Well, maybe Bulls coach Skip Holtz should have read my column, because they didn’t, and Daniels threw four picks in the loss.

Syracuse — The Orange jumped out to a 10-0 lead over Jake Locker and the Washington Huskies, but then played embarrassingly the rest of the way, losing 41-20. On top of that, starting receiver Aaron Weaver was injured in practice this week and will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. At least the team gets to play two straight FCS opponents.

Louisville — The Cardinals registered their first win in a sloppy performance over Eastern Kentucky, but now have to take on the Oregon State Beavers this week. If they couldn’t score in the second half against EKU, how on earth are they going to score on Oregon State?

With three Big East teams on a bye week and a game played during the week, we’re a little low on action tomorrow. Here are the previews for the weekend.

Cincinnati at NC State — Because the game was last night, I won’t say much about it, other than Zach Collaros and Co. better pick up the pace if they expect to win in Raleigh — remember Pitt last year? The Bearcats face an aggressive Wolfpack defense and a team that is good at home. Now close your eyes and just imagine that I picked this game right and typed the final score here.

Maryland at West Virginia — The Mountaineers will test their mettle against a tough Terps team in a fun rivalry game. Maryland comes into the game having already matched their season win total from a year ago and WVU comes in fresh off a comeback win over Marshall. These first two games are big ones in the debate over whether the ACC or Big East is the worst of the BCS conferences.

Connecticut at Temple — Will the real UConn please stand up? I know the Huskies have played two teams at opposite ends of the spectrum — one good and one bad — but consistency has always been a problem. If they want to be a Big East contender, they have to have a lights-out performance. I think they’ll win, but it might be closer than you think. Huskies running back Jordan Todman will face a good test in an Owl’s defensive unit that has allowed just 91 yards rushing.

Louisville at Oregon State — The Cards have to travel across the country just to get burned by the Rogers brothers, James and Jacquizz. They play wide receiver and running back, respectively, and lead a high-powered Beavers offense. The Cards can play with all the heart in the world, but I see Oregon State putting up almost 40 and winning comfortably.

Maine at Syracuse — Just what the Orange need right now, a cupcake. They will win this week and next, entering conference play with a 3-1 record, but that might be the last win they get this season.

Like I said, this is a make-or-break week for the Big East. If they get through this week 4-1 with big wins over Maryland and NC State, then the conference is in much better shape than this pessimistic column argues.

Now, what you all have been waiting for, the weekly awards to be handed out by yours truly.

Offensive Player of the Week: Geno Smith, WVU quarterback. Smith played with great poise and confidence against Marshall and looked very impressive engineering two 90-yard scoring drives in the fourth quarter. He finished 32 for 45 for 316 yards and a touchdown and threw the tying two-point conversion with 12 seconds left.

Defensive Player of the Week: Joe Lefeged, Rutgers safety. Lefeged was a turnover machine against FIU, registering six total tackles, forcing two fumbles, intercepting a pass and blocking two punts. Now that’s just all-around great play. He earned Big East Player of the Week defensive and special teams awards, to go along with my prestigious recognition.

Play of the Week: Will Johnson’s 5-yard touchdown reception from Geno Smith. Smith completed this beauty — followed by the two-point conversion — to force overtime against the Thundering Herd.

This is a big weekend for the Big East. The warm-up games are finally drawing to a close and real football is about to begin.

Amidst all the bad, there is still hope. These next two weeks might make or break the conference and let’s be honest, if the Big East plays as bad as it has been — well, I’m not quite sure, but it won’t be good. I’ll have to start beating inanimate objects to make myself feel better.