THE 2012 ROAD TRIP - BIG EAST

August 29, 2012

Here is part five of my ultimate road trip for the 2012 college football season. Since the Big East only has eight teams, I decided to include the four independents. Enjoy.

9/1 - Notre Dame vs. Navy (bonus game) - I don’t need much of an excuse to head over to Ireland. In your down time, may I recommend a tour of the Guinness Storehouse, the Wicklow Mountains and Temple Bar. Oh, as for the game, the Irish lost three of their last five to Navy. A loss here will make for a long season in South Bend.

9/8 - Syracuse vs. USC (bonus game) -In addition to their trips to South Bend, Indiana every other year, USC has visited Columbus, Ohio and Charlottesville, Virginia. This game is at MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands. When was the last time USC played in or around NYC?

9/15 - Virginia Tech @ Pitt -Once upon a time, this was a league game. Ironically, it will be again when Pitt joins the ACC. The Panthers won the last three meetings with the Hokies. This is a good early season test for both teams. If you can manage to stow away in Heinz Field, the Steelers host the Jets the next day.

9/22 - Michigan @ Notre Dame -Lots of teams will call ND their rival. The Wolverines get a reciprocal hatred from the Irish. Michigan has pulled out three straight against ND by scoring a TD in the final minute each time. This one is under the lights. It is a can’t miss game this season.

9/29 - Florida State @ South Florida - Over the last three years, the Bulls have defeated FSU and Miami. This will be the first time they have hosted the Noles. Skip Holtz returns 15 starters including QB BJ Daniels. With USF eyeing a BCS bid, and FSU dreaming of a national title, this  is actually a bigger game than FSU-Miami this season.

10/5 (Fri) - Pitt @ Syracuse - First, Panther fans lost their annual game with Penn State. Now, the Backyard Brawl with WVU is no more. With the Orange moving with Pitt to the ACC, this is the next big gridiron rivalry for both schools. Maybe when they move to the ACC, they can play their big games on Saturday with the rest of the big boys.

10/13 - Oregon State @ BYU - Don’t forget, the Cougars are an independent. Their home schedule doesn’t have many exciting options. In fact, after opening with Washington State, their other home games outside of this one are against Weber State, Hawaii, Utah State and Idaho. This is also Homecoming in Provo.

10/20 - Rutgers @ Temple - I think the best thing I can say here is that the Eagles are off on Sunday, and the Phillies are unlikely to be playing anymore. This will be the biggest sporting event in the city this weekend. Seriously.

10/26 (Fri) - Cincinnati @ Louisville -This isn’t a nationally known rivalry (except in basketball), but they do play for one of the cooler trophies in college football. The winner of this game is awarded the Keg of Nails. The winning team is believed to be “tough as nails.”

11/3 - Air Force at Army - Air Force would have a chance to win the Commander and Chiefs Trophy if they have already beaten Navy on October 6. Enjoy a great atmosphere in a gorgeous setting and visit Michie Stadium on the Hudson.

11/9 (Fri) -Pitt @ UConn  - This conference is so up for grabs, this game may have huge implications... or none. Either way, it should be a competitive game and maybe you can catch a basketball game.

11/17 - Texas State @ Navy - I’d apologize for such a lousy match-up in your trip to Annapolis, but you would have already seen Navy in Ireland. Does it really matter who they play here?

11/23 (Fri) - South Florida @ Cincinnati - The Bulls may be looking to wrap up their first Big East title and BCS bid. The home team is 1-4 in the last four meetings. Pack some turkey sandwiches and enjoy what could be a crucial game in the Big East.

11/29 (Thr) - Louisville @ Rutgers - Tony Soprano will be disappointed in you if you skip a trip to Piscataway. Do you honestly want him mad at you?

12/8 - Army vs. Navy (bonus game) - If you live in the northeast region of the United States and call yourself a college football fan, you must experience this game at least once in your life. Nothing compares to it.

I think this is finally the year that South Florida lives up to its expectations. They return 15 starters including experienced QB B.J. Daniels. They play only three conference road games (Temple, Louisville and Cincinnati). I see the Bulls in the BCS.