WHAT TO DO NOW

Pitt and Syracuse are out the door, and TCU got as far as the front yard, but turned and ran before they even got on the porch. Here is what the rest of the Big East will do as their league crumbles around them.

UConn - With unstable ground beneath their feet, the Huskies want out. More specifically, they want to follow Pitt and Syracuse to the ACC. Think of the four team pod you could have with Pitt, Cuse, UConn and BC. Now that the other three there have moved, UConn fits nicely. The ACC won’t want an odd number of teams though. The SEC can say all they want about being content with 13 teams, they’re not. UConn will need a 16th team ready to join when they are. Rutgers wants to tag along, but the first thing the Huskies should do is call Notre Dame and let them know, “It’s now or never.” My guess is that ND stays put, but UConn moves on.

Rutgers - If the Scarlet Knights were smart, they would run national ads reminding everyone of the great independence of Notre Dame. For many years, the Irish and their fan base have been proud to remind everyone, they didn’t need a conference. The only shot RU has of getting into the ACC as team #16, is if ND clings to its football independence. I still don’t see a reason for ND to give that up, which is good news for the Scarlet Knights.

Louisville - The Cardinals have a solid all around sports program, but they are not considered a leading candidate for the ACC. The Big 12 is interested, but TCU has been chosen to replace Texas A&M. That brings them back to ten teams. If Missouri leaves, it sounds like BYU is the next choice. This all means that Louisville likely needs the Big 12 to return to being a twelve team league. Some schools already want to go back to twelve teams. Some prefer to stay at ten. I don’t think the money of a league title game will be the tipping point. I think going to 12 continues the push towards stability. Adding teams fleeing the Big East is the complete opposite from where we thought we were headed a month ago.

West Virginia - The Mountaineers are a fascinating case. They have a strong football program with great fan support and national respect. The basketball program is strong too and has a Final Four appearance in the last two years. The problem with WVU is academics. U.S. News and World Report rated West Virginia University 164th in the country (tied with Louisville). That is below every school in the SEC and way below ACC standards. The Big 12 has a few schools in their range (Texas Tech and Kansas State). I think due to geography, Louisville may be invited first. That means WVU would need Missouri to leave for the SEC (or the Big Ten, or anywhere really). Making BYU, Louisville and WVU necessities to get to twelve teams. If those dominos do not fall, a very successful, very supported football program will be without a home. Hello, Conference USA.

South Florida and Cincinnati - Speaking of Conference USA, make room for these two to return. Neither the ACC or the SEC want South Florida when they already have Miami, Florida State and Florida. The Bulls have no appeal to either conference. The same applies to the Bearcats. The only shot they have of avoiding a return to C-USA, is if WVU does somehow mange to get into the SEC. Cincy could be paired with Louisville then to enter the Big 12, but to me that is a long shot.

Games of the Week

Oklahoma vs. Texas - Only three of the last 13 meetings have been decided by less than double digits. Last year, OU jumped out to a 14-0 lead and was up 28-10 in the fourth quarter before UT scored late to make the final 28-20. OU’s offense is fourth in the nation in yards per game with an average of 555 per contest. Texas is 47th with 420.8 with sophomore QB Case McCoy leading the Longhorn attack. Texas has clearly improved from a year ago. They are just too inexperienced all around to keep up with the Sooners in this game. The 2011 edition of the Red River Rivalry goes to OU 31-17.

Florida @ LSU - I know. I know. Florida just got routed at home by Alabama. What makes me think they’ll do any better on the road at LSU with QB John Brantley injured? Honestly? Nothing. It’s two great programs that are both ranked at the moment. Les Miles may just take a gamble at the wrong time to let the Gators hang around. Considering, Florida entered last week with the top rushing offense in the SEC and ended the game with a measly 15 yards, I do not have any faith they can move the ball in this game. LSU should win no problem. I say 24-6.

Ohio State @ Nebraska - Big Red got embarrassed last week at Wisconsin in their Big Ten debut. You know they want to make a better statement with their first home game in league play. The thing is, Ohio State matches up well with the Huskers... sort of. OSU is struggling on offense, but this is not a great NU defense. The Buckeyes defense is still very strong and will keep them in this game, especially if Taylor Martinez is careless with the ball. I think Nebraska wins, but I do not expect a rout. Huskers win 19-10.