Michael Pina
BIG EAST MONDAY MORNING QB: WEEK #3
September 21, 2009 by nbesports · Leave a Comment
by Michael Pina
It’s already week three and things are starting to shape up just a little bit. Breakout performances, like Syracuse wide receiver Mike Williams, who statistically doubled what he’d accomplished through the first two games, materialized. Legitimate non-conference opponents like Auburn and Oregon State flexed their muscles and the most dreaded phrase that can be placed next to a starting quarterback’s name, torn ACL, has already cropped up with South Florida’s Matt Grothe.
Now onto the weeks results. As always I will designate two top performers at the bottom of the column.
South Florida (3-0) vs. Charleston Southern (59-0 win)
The toughest team to gauge through three weeks, the Bulls have yet to play a worthy opponent that can give them a legitimate test.
Even after losing Mr. Do-It-All quarterback Matt Grothe to a torn ACL in the second quarter, South Florida still rolled to 31 more unanswered points in an absolute routing. The Bulls totally dominated in all three phases of the game, including special teams where towards the end of the first quarter they blocked a field goal, taking it all the way for a 21-0 lead.
Jim Leavitt’s squad is in huge trouble now that they’ve lost Grothe for the rest of the season. He’s one of the conference’s biggest offensive weapons and to lose him so early in the season could be an insurmountable situation. South Florida could be competitive as they move on, but expect them to finish with a losing record.
BIG EAST MONDAY MORNING QB: WEEK #2
September 13, 2009 by nbesports · Leave a Comment
by Michael Pina
Syracuse (0-2) vs. Penn State (28-7 loss)
Going up against a national title contender in their house was probably the last thing Syracuse could have wanted. While they weren’t routed to the point of embarrassment, they played well throughout the first half; forcing turnovers and moving the ball effectively, they just simply could not put points on the board.
A microcosmic example came towards the end of the third quarter with Syracuse driving in Penn State’s red zone. Facing a third and goal, quarterback Greg Paulus had a clear path to the end zone, but hesitated and ended up getting tackled before he could correct his mistake. Then on 4th down, Paulus delivered a perfect pass to his number one receiver Mike Williams who promptly dropped it. Two touchdown chances that this football team has to convert on if they want to be a competitive group.
Syracuse looks improved from last year, but currently sit right where they were projected to be in the preseason, at the bottom of the Big East.
BIG EAST MONDAY MORNING QB: WEEK 1
by Michael Pina
As exciting as the opening Saturday of college football is for much of the American public, it isn’t too revealing. There are very few big time match-ups nationally, and the schools that have winning traditions usually don’t want to bring in anybody too tough as to get the season started on the wrong note. After all, in the current bowl system, one loss and there’s a good chance your national title hopes are over. This is why South Florida toyed with Wofford, Pittsburgh stomped Youngstown State and Louisville easily handled an Indiana State team that has precisely one victory in their last 29 games. With that being said, I’d like to think some impressions can still be made, especially from the schools looking to prove something in the 2010 season.
Syracuse (0-1) vs. Minnesota (23-20 OT loss)
2009 BIG EAST PREVIEW: SOUTH FLORIDA
August 31, 2009 by nbesports · Leave a Comment
Bulls set goal on first Big East conference title and BCS bid in 2009
by Michael Pina
Two years ago, the University of South Florida Bulls were easily the most surprising team in the nation. Now firmly established as a Big East force, the days of South Florida as a perennial pushover are long gone.
Behind quarterback Matt Grothe and defensive end George Selvie, the 2009 Bulls look to accomplish something never before done in school history. Win a Big East Title.
Mired in the recruiting hotbed that is southern Florida, Head Coach Jim Leavitt has finally been able to mold a contending, talented football team. While they may not get the type of talent Florida and Miami traditionally sign, the Bulls continue to grow as serious players on the recruiting trail. All of their verbal commitments for the 2010 season so far are from Florida which certainly bodes well for any team trying to build around athleticism.
