What'd I Miss?

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Posted by DCS

Guilty as charged. I've been AWOL for a few days, but I gotta tell you; it's tough holdin' down a full time job and sneaking in time to feed my passion.

Apparently I've missed out on all the latest Big East coaching staff movement. Jim Leavitt at USF is out another coordinator now that long time assistant Wally Burnham is moving on to Iowa State. Star Bull d-lineman George Selvie is beside himself following Burnham's decision to bolt for Aimes. To make matters worse, it looks like yet another defensive assistant in Troy Douglas, will be moving on to coach defensive backs at UNC with Butch Davis.

In regards to above, I can't say that I'm all that surprised that this is occurring. Part of the draw for Burnham to join Paul Rhoads at Iowa State, is to have the opportunity to coach alongside his son, who currently coaches at Elon, but will now coach the Cyclones' D-line. That being said, if Douglas announced his departure first, it might have opened a spot for Burnham's son to join Leavitt's staff in Tampa, thus keeping Burnham around for a while longer. That didn't happen though, so Leavitt is left to fill vacancies for his two coordinators and a defensive backs coaching positions. The good news? USF's schedule is complete with a second D-1AA team on the docket for 2009.

What else?:

• The folks at Bleed Scarlet are not fans of the idea of Rutgers playing two D-1AA opponents in 2009
• Chas at Pitt Blather opines on the O-Coordinator opening at Pitt
• Chuck Bednar thinks LeSean McCoy may be helping Brian Westbrook out in the Eagles' backfield next year
• Rutgers O-Coordinator John McNulty is apparently being looked at to join the Arizona Cardinals' staff (Tom Luicci / Newark Star-Ledger)
• Brian Bennett of ESPN's Big East Blog discusses the conference's under-the-radar successes
• Doug Marrone rounds out his staff with long-time NFL assistant Bob Casullo ...
• ...meanwhile, he hasn't heard from hot prospect David Oku yet

Five, Count Em', Five New Offensive Coordinators in the Big East

Monday, February 9, 2009

Posted by DCS

With the high turnover rate in college football coaching, it's no surprise to see several new faces stalking the sidelines on an annual basis. This coming season, the offensive play calling will have a decidedly different look when five new offensive coordinators take the helm of Big East offenses. Syracuse brought in Rob Spence under new head coach Doug Marrone; UCONN replaced Rob Ambrose who left to coach Towson state, with Joe Moorhead; Jim Leavitt relieved Greg Gregory of his play calling duties at USF; Pitt's Matt Cavanagh is moving on to the New York Jets as of today, and finally, Louisville head coach Steve Kragthorpe will be calling the plays for the Cardinals now that Jeff Brohm is off to Florida Atlantic University.

There is nothing inherently wrong with the change that is occurring on the offensive side of the ball in the Big East. In fact, many could argue that Syracuse, UCONN, and Pitt will get a definite upgrade with these switches. It will be critical to see how the new play callers respond to the uncertain quarterback situations at all of these schools (with the exception of USF), making for interesting story lines going into the 2009 season.

What else is up?:

• Donnie Webb of the Syracuse Post-Standard reports that Maine may fill a void on Syracuse's 2009 schedule...
• ...Speaking of which, Brian Bennett says that 2009 scheduling has been a tricky proposition for many Big East schools
• Cincy fans submitted their Orange Bowl photos, so here they are
• Tyler Dunne of the Daily Orange Football Blog got a hold of David Oku's HS coach and reports that Oku is still undecided on his fate

Monday Links

Posted by DCS

Still haven't finalized my recruiting analysis for posting yet, but I should have it done later today or early tomorrow. In the meantime, here's what's going on:

• Brian Bennett of ESPN's Big East Blog gives you his pre-spring power rankings
• USF defensive end coach Kevin Patrick is named one of Rivals.com's top 25 recruiters
• Big East recruiting breakdown by Scout.com
• Info on the much-discussed coin flip decision by Ka'Lial Glaud (Scarlet Scuttlebutt)
• Scarlet Scuttlebutt's Keith Sargeant discusses the lack of Florida presence in Greg Schiano's 2009 recruiting class
• Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says that the Pitt offense falls squarely on the shoulders of their next starting QB, not Matt Cavanaugh or his replacement at OC
• Rutgers quarterback Jabu Lovelace will not practice in the spring (door is open for Natale, Jefferson, and Savage)
• The last two schedule analyses by Brian Bennett: Louisville and Syracuse
• NFL coaching veteran Bob Casullo looks to be the man to fill the special teams/tight ends coaching duties for Syracuse (Donnie Webb / Syracuse Post-Standard)

Signing Day: The Aftermath

Friday, February 6, 2009

Posted by DCS

Apologies for being M.I.A. yesterday. I'm back, and I have plenty O' links to throw your way (although I'm sure you've seen all or most of these already). FYI - I plan to have my own rankings/breakdown of each recruiting class posted this weekend. Until then, enjoy these:

First: The "all-important" ESPN recruiting grades for Big East schools

• Pitt kicker Conor Lee heads the Big East's 2009 All-Academic Team
• Greg Auman says to expect a smaller USF recruiting class in 2010...
• ...he's also got plenty of post-signing day notes for you...
• ...and a little more info on the Kayvon Webster signing...
• ...not to mention the signing of JUCO product Kevin Williams
• Kevin Gorman of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review seems to think that Pitt will be looking for a new offensive coordinator soon...
• ...Chas at Pitt Blather doesn't seem to think Walt Harris will be that replacement
• The Hartford Courant's Desmond Conner on UCONN's recruiting haul...
• ...and nixes the idea of wide receiver Ellis Gaulden coming back in 2010
• Connor Barwin is on many NFL scouts' radars
• Syracuse recruit Brandon Sharpe is psyched and ready to play (D.O. Football Blog)
• Sean at TNIAAM breaks down the optimism of Doug Marrone and his new recruiting class
• Brian Bennett breaks down Cincy's 2009 schedule...
• ...and Rutgers'...and USF
• If you can throw a ball, Rutgers likes you
• More from Syracuse FB Tony Fiammetta's diary
• Brian Bennett on Louisville's recruiting class
• Keith Sargeant of Scarlet Scuttlebutt discusses Rutgers' success in South Jersey this off-season
• Brent Axe interviews Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone
• West Virginia sets up camp in Florida
• Bleed Scarlet answers the all-important questions
• Mountaineer fans will get to see their showdown with Colorado on ESPN

NLI Day....Signing Day....Whatever...It's Here

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Posted by DCS

The day most or all of you have been waiting for is finally here. There will undoubtedly be some heartbreak as I predict that at least two or three major recruits from the conference decide to fax their national letter of intent to another major college program (in another conference), even though they were verbally committed to a Big East school for some time. There may even be some surprise commits that fall into the Big East's lap at the last second as well. That's the beauty of signing day. Whatever the case, I have links coming out of all of my orifices right now, so please indulge:

Big East overall:

• Brian Bennett has you covered on all the signing day pressers and covered events
• B-Squared goes over the best selling points of Big East Conference schools

Connecticut (someone needs to wake Desmond Conner up from his slumber):

• Brian Bennett's analysis on UCONN's 2009 schedule

Pitt:

• Pitt nabs OL who previously committed to Maryland (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Rutgers:

• PA defensive back Abdul Smith will be a Scarlet Knight
• Tom Luicci of the Newark Star-Ledger talks about RU commit De'Antwan Williams playing "big"
• RU recruiting class evaluation on Scarlet Scuttlebutt
• More on Rutgers' recruiting class from SS
• SS again with comments from Greg Schiano
• Last Scuttlebutt link, I promise

USF (all from Greg Auman of the USF Sports Bulletin):

• Bulls pick up a last second recruit in LB Barrington
• USF gets another wide receiver before signing day
• USF dips deeply into JUCO territory
• Bulls lose WR Theliar

Syracuse:

• Notes and quotes from the Daily Orange Football Blog
• Donnie Webb on Syracuse's class

West Virginia:

• Mike Casazza of the Charleston Daily Mail discusses the commitment of Eugene Smith after the departure of Tahj Boyd
• WVU -- Best recruiting class in the Big East?
• Dave Hickman of the Charleston Gazette discusses the optimism behind WVU's class
• A 2009 schedule analysis by Brian Bennett

Signing Day: T-Minus One Day

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Posted by DCS

With signing day literally breathing down our necks, there's no shortage of information as it relates to the recruiting scene in the Big East. Here's what I have for you this morning:

• It was supposed to be "Boyd to Heastie" at WVU. Now it's just Heastie, and that's just fine
• Cincy's signing day event is sold out
• Heartbroken in Hoboken no longer; four star DT Isaac Holmes turns heel and commits to Rutgers -- Rivals.com profile
• Brian Bennett of ESPN's Big East Blog breaks down Pitt's '09 schedule
• Syracuse DB recruit Dale Peterman is well thought of at his high school and by DC Scott Shafer (Daily Orange football blog)
• Andre Civil is already in the door at Rutgers (Newark Star Ledger)
• A nice piece by Scarlet Scuttlebutt's Keith Sargeant on Rutgers recruit Mohamed Sanu
• Joseph Goodman of the Miami Herald gives props to USF's 2009 recruiting class
• Greg Auman of the USF Sports Bulletin discusses LB recruit Tyrone Williams bolting for South Alabama and other USF recruiting odds and ends
• Dave Hickman of the Charleston Gazette notes the academic prowess of WVU's incoming recruiting class

I haven't thrown any videos your way in a while, so here are a couple from the Newark Star Ledger on 1.) Some of Rutgers' incoming recruits and 2.) the battle between RU and Penn State over Justin Brown:

Luicci breaks down six solid Rutgers recruits

Latest on WR Justin Brown's decision between Rutgers and Penn

Pre-Superbowl Links

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Posted by DCS

As you all sit there on your couches, perusing various other t.v. channells, ordering food, waiting patiently for the big game to start, you may also be cruising the net looking for info on any range of subjects. I'll meet you halfway with these links:

• Pitt alum Russ Grimm (coaching in today's Superbowl for the Cardinals) is snubbed from HOF consideration yet again (Scout.com)
• USF alum Anthony Henry donates $100k to the Bulls football program
• Current Scarlet Knight Desmond Stapleton will be watching brother and former Scarlet Knight Darnell in this evening's Superbowl (Scarlet Scuttlebutt)
• Surprise Surprise, Pat White wins yet another award (The Charleston Gazette)
• Greg Auman of the USF Sports Bulletin speculates that the Bulls may see JUCO tackle Jamar Bass back in the recruiting picture

Who's Getting Bush(whacked)?

Friday, January 30, 2009

Posted by DCS

The recruiting Odyssey of New Jersey tight end Malcolm Bush is a bit odd to say the least. After committing to Rutgers last year, Bush reversed course and de-committed shortly thereafter, citing a desire to possibly look into going to Pitt or North Carolina. UNC notified Bush that it had no room for Bush unless he wanted to Greyshirt for a year and wait for a scholarship to open up. That was until today, when scout.com reported that UNC does in fact have room for Bush.

The problem here is, that Bush never really closed the door on Rutgers (visiting on today) or Pitt (visited in Dec.), and he opened the door for Syracuse (visited on Jan. 23). As mentioned above, UNC is back in the mix, so it begs the question: who's getting this kid?

Based on past statements, I'd have to say that UNC is the favorite here, but he may be disenchanted with the idea that they originally didn't want to make room for him. Syracuse has a new staff that has been on a tear recruiting-wise, and Pitt and Rutgers are on fairly solid ground as far as their programs are concerned. My gut tells me this will be a signing day announcement.

Two other tidbits on recruiting:

• Syracuse will try to steal another recruit from Louisville when DE/LB Brandon Sharpe visits this weekend (Donnie Webb / Syracuse Post-Standard)
• Lot's on Rutgers' recruiting effort from the Scarlet Knights Newzer -- Tom Savage is trying to lure Justin Brown to RU, while Andrew Tiller (offer from Syracuse as well) and Ka'lil Glaud will be supposedly visiting RU this weekend

Larry Fitzgerald and Pitt: A Matter of Fate

Posted by DCS

I'm sure avid fans of Pitt football already know about this, but I think this story posted by Michael David Smith on Fanhouse.com about Larry Fitzgerald, is very eye-opening. The gist? Growing up in Minnesota, Fitzgerald was a huge Penn State fan and admits,

"...I always liked LaVar Arrington and Brandon Short and I always wanted to be a Penn State linebacker."

Fair enough; Penn State was/is a great program, especially if you want to play linebacker. Something got in the way of Larry making it all the way to State College, PA though. That something, was the weather:

"On our way driving to visit Penn State it was raining really hard and the visibility wasn't good enough so we spent the night in Pittsburgh. My high school coach told me that Tony Dorsett and Dan Marino and Mike Ditka went there and that there were a lot of great players who went there. So we went over to their facility and the coaches didn't know we were coming. I met the coaches and we gave them my tape and that was how the relationship started."

Wow, to think that the Fitzgeralds weren't even planning a stop in Pittsburgh, and that the Pitt coaching staff knew practically nothing about Larry, really speaks volumes about how circumstantial this chance meeting actually was. Of course, you know the rest of the story, so I won't bore you with the details, but it's truly fascinating how these things end up sometimes. I know Pitt and the Big East for that matter, is proud to have Larry representing them in the NFL (and Superbowl!). Best of luck to him and all Big East alums on Sunday.

uRi?

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Posted by DCS

The mighty University of Rhode Island football team will apparently see an influx of transfers from Rutgers this coming season. According to Kyle Town of the Good Five Cent Cigar (URI student newspaper), backup quarterback Chris Paul-Etienne, tight end Tom Lang, wide receiver Robenson Alexis, and defensive back Rob Cervini are all coming to the Football Championship Subdivision program.

URI head coach Darren Rizzi was an associate head coach under Greg Schiano at Rutgers from 2006-07, so this pipeline is not all that much of surprise. Of the transfers, Paul-Etienne and Cervini stick out the most in my mind. Paul-Etienne was the primary backup to Mike Teel at one point this season, but eventually fell out of favor with Schiano when Dom Natale replaced him in the pecking order. That being said, I would think that Paul-Etienne would have had a solid opportunity to compete for the starting job this season along with Natale and incoming freshman phenom Tom Savage, now that Teel is graduating. Cervini, who was a program walk-on, gained some notoriety in this year's Papajohns.com Bowl when he scored Rutgers' first points of the game on a fake field goal play.

It's significant that Darren Rizzi managed to poach four players from his former employer in the first year he was able to do so. It will be interesting to see if this becomes an annual right of passage for disgruntled Scarlet Knight footballers in years to come.

What else is going on?:

• Tom Dienhart never fails to post an informative column on Rivals.com -- There's a mention of former Syracuse offensive coordinator Mitch Browning possibly going to Boston College as an offensive line coach and a later blurb on Steve Kragthorpe potentially calling the offensive plays for Louisville and the fate of Jeff Brohm
• Former Syracuse fullback Tony Fiammetta is a hot NFL prospect and he's keeping a diary of his experiences leading up to the draft on the Daily Orange Football Blog
• Florida three star (rivals) linebacker Shane Weston gave a (soft) verbal to Pitt

I'm Back, and So Is the Big East Apparently

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Posted by DCS

I have to apologize folks, yet again, for being M.I.A. for about 24 hours. I'm but one man with a full time job that doesn't always allow me to post copious amounts of comments/information on Big East football. But alas, I'm back and I promise to try to continue posting consistently. And speaking of being back, how about all these Big East schools setting the recruiting trail ablaze? I have to say, I'm impressed with the quality of student athlete that some of our schools our pulling in. Even a school like Syracuse is managing to get back on the horse by having the number one rated overall running back in the country (rivals.com) visit them this weekend. Best of luck to the Orange in trying to lock up his commitment. For now, catch up on all the action going on behind the scenes in the Big East since I last left you:

Big East Overall:

• Brian Bennett's Friday mailbag (I know you can't live without it)
• B-Squared reviews the Big East recruiting classes thus far
• An analysis by Andy Staples of SI.com about how far recruits will come from their homes to attend a D-1a program (USF has the most "localized" recruiting class in the country)

Cincinnati:

• Connor Barwin is enticing NFL scouts at Senior Bowl practices (scout.com)
• ESPN's Brian Bennett on Cincy's recruiting needs

Connecticut:

• The Hartford Courant's Desmond Conner discusses UCONN's recruit visits
• Kevin at the UCONN Blog is jacked up about four star (rivals) wide receiver Dwayne Difton (out of Florida) becoming a Husky
• Donald Brown is reportedly sweating the NFL combine
• UCONN's recruiting needs according to Brian Bennett

Louisville:

• B-Squared's report on Louisville's recruiting needs

Pittsburgh:

• LeSean McCoy's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, wants Shady to be the first 'back taken overall
• Chas at Pitt Blather opines on Pitt football
• Another Pitt Blather link. This time on the recruitment of PA linebacker Dan Mason
• Sergey Zikov on the Bleacher Report gives us a breakdown of the Panthers' offense
• Another "recruiting needs" report by Brian Bennett -- this time about Pitt

Rutgers:

• Brian Bennett -- Rutgers' recruiting needs

South Florida:

• LB Tyrone McKenzie is eager to impress NFL scouts at the Senior Bowl
• Bull commit Ryne Giddins is named a Parade All-American (scout.com)
• Greg Auman on how Jim Leavitt has not yet made a decision on his offensive coordinator
• You know the drill -- Bennett's recruiting needs report for USF
• Brian Landman of the St. Petersburg Times reports on the financial implications of a home-and-home with FSU
• The Bulls nab another wideout - Derrick Hopkins

Syracuse:

• DB Rishard Anderson, out of Florida, commits to the 'Cuse -- rivals.com profile
• Syracuse's recruiting needs as pointed out by ESPN's Brian Bennett
• More on Orange recruiting by the Syracuse Post-Standard's Donnie Webb

West Virginia:

• According to B-Squared, Bill Stewart knows how to recruit...
• ...but they still have needs

Greg Gregory: That whole thing about me going to coach with Urban Meyer...that was a joke. Can I have my job back?

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Posted by DCS

Sorry folks, for not being around for the better part of yesterday. I'll really briefly mention that Greg Gregory was not hired to coach tight ends at the University of Florida, as was speculated. Now, Gregory is sitting around as an idle staff member of the USF Bulls, but remember, he is no longer the offensive coordinator (he was stripped of those duties by head coach Jim Leavitt when Leavitt learned that he would be pursuing the UF opening). No update on what will happen with Gregory at this point, but one interesting tidbit to note is that the coach that Urban Meyer decided to hire is Brian White, who not all that long ago, was the offensive coordinator for the Syracuse Orange.

And with that, I give you a plethora of Big East football related information:

• Donnie Webb of the Syracuse Post-Standard discusses the outside possibility that UNC backup QB Mike Paulus (bro of Greg) may want to come home to Syracuse
• Frank Ahrens doesn't hold back on his feelings for Todd McShay and his assessment of Pat White on the Bleacher Report
• Cincy's Mike Mickens is going to sit out the Senior Bowl
• Brian Bennett of ESPN ponders whether or not Larry Fitzgerald is the greatest receiver ever to grace the Big East
• Paul Zeise of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Pitt has snared a new DE recruit
• Rutgers Spring practice begins March 10 and their Spring game is on April 18 (Scarlet Scuttlebutt) -- scroll down
• Greg Auman of the USF Sports Bulletin reports that the Bulls have nabbed another big time recruit

Randy's On a Roll

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Posted by DCS

Randy Edsall and the UCONN Huskies are on something of a roll as of this weekend. You first heard about running back Martin Hyppolite ending his recruitment by giving his verbal commitment to Edsall. After being radio-silent for several weeks following the departure of offensive coordinator Rob Ambrose to Towson State, we now know that Edsall went out and hired Akron Zips offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Joe Moorhead (pictured left; courtesy of Gozips.com).

Here's Moorhead's official bio from the Akron athletics website, but the following is the skinny on him:

• Started at quarterback for three years at his alma mater, Fordham
• Had a stint as a graduate assistant under Walt Harris at Pitt
• Spent time as an offensive coordinator, among other things, at Georgetown
• Has been a quarterback and receivers coach, as well as offensive coordinator at Akron for the past five years
• The Zips were 40th in total offense this season, with a 5-7 record
• Two notable players that Moorehead had a hand in developing: New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon and Cleveland Browns quarterback Charlie Frye

The above sounds like a nice, albeit less than overwhelming resume. That being said, it's not as if Rob Ambrose's reputation preceded him prior to him coming on board at UCONN. If Randy Edsall trusts Moorhead, and if Moorhead can continue the development of the UCONN offense along with quarterbacks Cody Endres and Zach Frazier, then this could be a very fruitful partnership.

Randy also managed to nab two more recruits whilst hiring his new OC:

1. Kevin "will you be my?" Friend
2. Nick Williams

Finally, here are a couple of more unrelated links for your reading pleasure:

• A breakdown of Pitt's representation in the Super Bowl (scout.com)
• Jacob Messer of the Charleston Daily Mail has a write-up on former WVU assistant coach Rick Trickett's (now with Florida State) recollection of recruiting Pat White

MLK Day Links

Monday, January 19, 2009

Posted by DCS

Happy MLK Day everybody. I hope those who have a day off from work are enjoying themselves, and those that don't....well, that sucks. Anyway, here's all the news that's fit to print in the world of Big East football:

• ESPN's Brian Bennett talks about how the Big East fared in the East-West Shrine Game
• Vidal Hazelton makes it official -- He's a Bearcat
• Chas at Pitt Blather sings the praises of former Pitt wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald
• West Virginia nabs a huge (6'3-4") safety from Florida -- Rivals.com profile
• Ron Zook steals Assistant Head Coach/D-Line coach Keith Gilmore from Brian Kelly

Evening Links

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Posted by DCS

Four for your enjoyment:

• QB recruit Clayton Moore gets the cold shoulder from Pitt, Louisville, and Syracuse -- will enroll at Ole Miss
• Doug Marrone will address the Syracuse faithful this weekend at the SU vs. Notre Dame basketball game
• WR commit Logan Heastie enrolls at West Virginia
• Brian Bennett of ESPN's Big East Blog gives us his Top 10 Big East stars of 2009

One In, One Out

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Posted by DCS

We learned of two very significant news items having to do with Big East teams today:

1. As surmised, Pittsburgh's LeSean McCoy is on his way out and headed to the NFL
2. Surprisingly, former USC wide receiver Vidal Hazelton will be transferring to Cincinnati

Number one is a surprise to nobody, given the significant amount of chatter from all ends of the media spectrum, that "Shady" McCoy would pack it in and accept his fate at the NFL draft. It was only a matter of time before an official announcement was made, and today was the day for that.

Hazelton's case is a little more surprising. It's widely known that the former high school all-American wanted to return to the East coast (he's a native of Long Island), and mentioned a few Big East schools as potential landing spots. Rutgers, Pitt, and Syracuse all came up as possibilities for Hazelton. I suppose Hazelton evaluated the situation at Cincinnati and felt as though it represented the best opportunity to maximize his abilities with one year of eligibility remaining in his college career.

Best of luck to both LeSean and Vidal in their future endeavors!

Shady Business

Posted by DCS

When will LeSean "Shady" McCoy make a final decision on whether or not to enter the NFL draft? We thought we might have heard a firm answer by now, but that is apparently not the case. The Pitt community is on pins and needles waiting for this all-impactful choice. It's understandable considering the fact that the running game really buoyed the offense. Any alteration to the status of running backs on the team could have huge ramifications on how the offense performs next season. Then again, the Panthers do have an incredible stable of running backs to rely on that go well beyond McCoy; not to mention a top-flight running backs coach in David Walker. Should be interesting to see what develops today or in the next couple of days. Here are Pitt Blather's thoughts on the situation.

Also:

• Rutgers is ahead of the game: they offer a 2010 recruit...
• ...they're also looking for a new athletic director. Tom Luicci updates us on that

Brian Bennett is Light on Links Too

Monday, January 12, 2009

Posted by DCS

See, I'm not the only guy in the Big East blogosphere that doesn't have a ton to talk about today. Brian Bennett of ESPN's Big East Blog threw out a couple of posts, namely this one that gives props to the conference's big-time performers in this season's bowls.

I think B-Squared is on the mark for the most part here, but I'd add one more "helmet sticker" for Pitt's entire defense. Sure, Wanny's squad was atrocious in trying to move the football against Oregon State in the Brut Sun Bowl, but you've got to give credit to a defense that shut down a team who had averaged 34 points per game during the regular season. It's unfortunate that the lonely field goal that Pitt's defense let up was enough to sink the Panthers. Good thing Dave Wannstedt is going a different direction with his offensive coordinator....oh wait.

LeSean McCoy is Hearing Jeopardy Music In His Head

Posted by DCS

As basketball season picks up in the in Big East, the football news cycle gets slower and slower. Here's some info to tie you over for now:

• Former Penn State star Justin King weighs in on how Pitt's LeSean McCoy should view entering the NFL draft and leaving school early
• A look at some Cincinnati products making an impact in the NFL playoffs (Scout.com)
• Pitt nabs a Rivals 2-star DB from New Jersey
• UCONN may have itself a fine QB in Cody Embres (Washington Observer Reporter (PA))

Recruiting Continues at a Brisk Pace for Big East Schools

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Posted by DCS

A few links to fill you in on more recruiting info:

• Brett McMurphy of the Bulls Report discusses the commitment of two future Bulls from Florida -- Rivals profiles: Steven Jacques and Isaac Virgin
• Michael Carvelli on the Bleacher Report talks about the West Virginia Mountaineer's 2009 recruiting class
• Pittsburgh nabs their only quarterback recruit of 2009 -- Kolby Gray of Texas